Billionaire’s

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Evelyn’s heart pounded in her chest as the cab sped toward the office. She clasped her trembling hands together as if it would help her hold herself together.

The confrontation with Derek’s mother replayed in her mind, each scornful word ringing in her ears like a bell she couldn’t silence.

Her stomach knotted as she remembered the fury in his mother’s e

eyes, the venom in her words.

Why had she thought this was a good idea? The chill of doubt settled deep within her, mingling with the heat of regret.

Had she just made things worse! The question gnawed at her. Did she just complicate things further by throwing caution to the wind and acting so recklessly?

The last thing Evelyn wanted was to drive a wedge between Derek and his parents, and it seemed like she had done just that. She sighed deeply, trying to still the storm of emotions inside her

Maybe she shouldn’t have listened to Rayna Opening up like that was a terrible idea. But it was too late to undo it now.

She was started out of her thoughts when her phone buzzed from inside her bag. Quickly, she fished it out, her heart fluttering with a fleeting hope that maybe it was Derek calling to say that everything was fine and that he had resolved things with his mother. But her face fell when she saw Rayna’s name flashing on the screen.

Evelyn answered with a soft sigh, trying to keep her voice steady

“Hey! Are you there yet? I hope you haven’t chickened our Rayna’s voice, always so full of energy, crackled through the line.

Evelyn bit her lip. “I don’t know why I let you talk me into this, I shouldn’t have.”

Rayna cut her off concern lacing her tone. “Did something happen? What happened? Is he mad at you for keeping Samantha from him?”

Evelyn could picture Rayna on the other end of the line, probably pacing in that no–nonsense way she did when she was worried. Evelyn swallowed, closing her eyes as she relived the scene. “I didn’t get to that part before his mother showed up. She was furious. She called me a a good–for–nothing slut. She said she would never let someone like me be involved with her son. Rayna, I was scared I don’t think I’m ready for all of thi Evelyn’s voice faltered.

There was a long pause on the other end of the line, then Rayna’s voice hardened. “What did Derek do? Did he take your side, or did he just stand there and let his mom talk to you like that?” Rayna asked since Derek’s reaction was more important to her.

If Derek had stood there and watched his Mom say all of that without defending Evelyn, then as far as she was concerned. Evelyn would have no more business with him.

“He tried to defend me. He

“Good” Rayna said, the relief in her voice unmistakeable. “That’s all that matters, Evie. Forget whatever his mother said and focus on what he said.” Evelyn leaned back in the cab seat, staring blankly out the window, “I wish I could, but I can’t. His Mom seems like she’s going to be trouble. You know me. Ray. I can’t stand confrontations…”

“Well, you have to learn to, Evelyn, Rayna’s voice softened but remained firm. “You can’t run from confrontations all your life. You have a daughter to look out for. You ran away six years ago, but I’m not going to let you run away again, do you hear me?”

Tears welled up in Evelyn’s eyes, her chest tightening with the pressure of Rayna’s words. She brushed them away quickly, trying to stay composed “What am I supposed to do now?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Rayns was quiet for a moment, then asked, “How did Derek’s mom know you were with him? Did she just randomly show up, or do you think someone tipped her off? Rayna asked thoughtfully.

Evelyn bit her lip. “It’s my fault. Sandra called Derek while I was with him, and I. I picked up the phone. I think she told Derek’s mom.” Rayna burst into laughter, catching Evelyn off guard. “What’s Guy” Evelyn asked, still feeling the weight of her mistake.

“You.. you answered Sandra’s call” Rayna managed through her laughter. “That’s brilliant!”

A small smile inged at the corner of Evelyn’s lips despite herself. “Tin not sure it was

such a

La good idea.”

“Oh, on the contrary. I think it was perfect What did you say to the snake?” Rayna’s one lightened considerably, the earlier tension between them cvaporating in her amaisement,

Evelyn recounted the conversation, feeling a little lighter as she heard Bayna’s delighted giggles on the other end.

“You’ve drown the battle be. Evie You’ve already leclared war on the snake, and I love at There’s no backing out now.”

A knor of anxiety twisted in Evelyn’s stomach at Kayna’s words. “Do you really think I should tell Derek about Samantha now? I don’t want to cause trouble

Kami’s tone tumed serious agam. “It Sandra and Michael can cause trouble, why shouldn’t you Especially seeing as everyone already thinks the worst about you! Bring back that bitch in you that poured wine on Sandra at the anniversary party to live up to the image she was creating of you. Stop trying to be the peacekeeper. Derek won’t thank you for it when he finds out you kept his daughter from him just to keep peace with his parcurs. And while we’re at it, I think it’s time you talk to your parents 100.”

Evelyn’s heart skipped a beat at the mention of her parents. “I was thinking about that earlier, but now I’m not so sure.”

“You don’t have to be sure,” Rayna replied softly, “I’m sure enough for both of us. Do not let Sandra keep you apart from your father. I get that he hart your feelings, and you’re mad at him for not handling things as you would have preferred, but it’s time you extended a line grace. If you don’t tell him what happened, he will never know the truth, and the misunderstanding will dragon endlessly. Think about it: if your father had died while you were gone, wouldn’t you have been heartbroken at the state you left things!

Evelyn’s throat tightened her eyes stinging with unshed tears “What if he doesn’t believe me?”

“You will never know if you don’t tell him,” Rayna said gently. “He deserves to know why you ended things like you did. And after your explain, then you can tell him how hurt you were by the way he acted

Evelyn let out a long, deep sigh. “When did you become so wise?”

Rayna giggled. I was just wondering the same thing.”

Evelyn couldn’t help but laugh, the tension in her shoulders easing just a bit. “Alright, I tell him. Maybe I’ll invite my parents over this weekend and explain everything”

“That’s my girl.” Rayna said, pride in her voice. “And don’t forget to tell Derek about Sammy the next time you see him. The longer you wait, the more upset he’ll be. A man who defends you against his mother is worth holding on to.”

Evelyn smiled, the warmth of Rayna’s words wrapping around her like a hug. “Thanks, Ray, I feel better now. And to make sure I don’t back out. I’m sending my mom a text as soon as we hang up, inviting her and Dad over for dinner this weekend, Evelyn said as the cab driver pulled up in front of her office.

“Good. By the way. I called to ask if you knew anything about the anonymous relationship ad that was put up on the Empowered Instagram Page this morning” Bayu asked

“An anonymous relationship ad! I haven’t seen it yet, but if it’s in the relationship column, then it’s legit. Empowered always runs the background check on people before putting out such ads, Evelyn said as she dug into her wallet for money and paid the cab driver before getting out.

“Great then, ‘cause I

I’m signing up for it,” Rayn said, and Evelyn raised a brow ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

“Weren’t you singing about how Ethan is your destiny yesterday? You’re already moving on from your soul mate?” Evelyn asked dryly

Rayna laughed, “Well, I’m not putting all my eggs in one basket. I just want to see how this goes. Besides, I’m sure so many ladies would reach out to him, too.

“Well I wish you good luck with that. I got to go now. And thank you, Ray. I do not deserve you or our friendship, but”

“Bitch Bye!” Rayna said and hung up, making Evelyn laugh softly as she continued inside

The moment she

got into her office and sat down, she dialed her stepmom’s number. It connected almost immediately it connected. “Hello, Evie. I was just thinking about Sammy. How is she doing? Did she resume at the school today!” Claire asked, and Evelyn smiled.

“She has, Mo. How are you doing? And how is Dad?”

“We are both alright, but it would be better if you resolved things with your Dad and called him directly instead of.”

That’s the reason I called. I want you both to come over for dinner,” Evelyn eut in.

“Your father and Claire asked her voice rising with excitement, and Evelyn smiled.

“Yes, Men, I think it’s high time he meets his granddaughter. And I’m ready to tell you everything now. I’d rather talk to you both together.” Evelyn said, and Claire smiled happily.

“Ols, my God! You Iave no idea how happy I am

to hear this When do you want us over! Tonight or tomorrow?” she asked, and Evelyn giggled.

Although Evelyn had planned to invite them over during the Weekend, she decided to just push it forward so she would be done with it. “Let’s

“You can’t change your mind, okay? Tomorrow, we will be there,” Claire said, and then Evelyn hesitated for a moment.

“Mom, if you don’t mind, can you not let Sandra know about this?” She asked, and Claire sighed.

“Don’t worry. I’ll tell her we are going on a date if she asks. I hope you plan to tell us what’s going on between you both as well.” Claire asked hopefully.

“Sure. I’ll tell you everything tomorrow.” Evelyn promised.

“Alright then. See you tomorrow,” Claire said.

Just as they hung up, the door to Evelyn’s office was pushed open, and Sandra walked in.