The Billionaire’s Unexpected Proposal (Evelyn and Derek)

Eric's gaze flickered to Sandra, who was now visibly struggling to maintain her composure. "What do you think, Sandra? Should I let your return?" he asked, his voice holding a challenge.

Sandra forced a tight smile, though it was clear she was struggling shaking slightly

sister

g to contain her anger. I don't think Evelyn should return yet," she said, her voice

"Weren't we just asking your father to let her return to the magazine?" Claire asked, reminding Sandra of the conversation they were having before Evelyn showed up.

"Yes, Mor. But at the moment, she has a bad reputation, which could reflect poorly on the company. If we have to give her a job, it should be a lower-ranking job. That way, she can prove herself" Evelyn remained kneeling, her expression unbothered by Sandra's words. "Before I lost my job, I was able to secure an interview with Mr Derek Stone. My first project will be to interview Derek," she said confidently, her eyes still locked on her father's. "It will be a major story for the family magazine."

Eric nodded slowly, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Isn't that the young man you just mentioned?" Eric asked Sandra curiously.

"Yes. Dad. But..

"Why is he granting Evelyn an

interview

ew instead of you!" Eric asked, and Sandra forced a smile.

"My Derek likes to keep his personal and professional life separate, Sandra said, and her father nodded.

"I see. Well then, I forgive you. Evelyn. You can rise. You're welcome to resume at the office on Monday. Evelyn," he said, his tone final.

Sandra lilinked, surprised that their father had forgiven Evelyn so easily. She couldn't have that, She couldn't let Evelyn come back here like this.

No wayNôvelD(ram)a.ôrg owns this content.

Sandra watched with anger as Evelyn rove, and Claire smiled at her. "Evie, why don't you join us for breakfast?" she suggested, rising from her seal. "The missed having you here this way. I'll get you an extra cup"

Ene stood as well, smoothing his tie as he glanced at his watch, "I need leave to make a call," he said, his voice businesslike. He exited the room at the same time as his wife, leaving the two sisters alone As soon as their parents were out of earshot, Sandra leaned forward, her eyes flashing with fury. "What do you think you're doing? Do you really! think you still have a place in this family or at the magazine?" the hissed, her voice low and venomous.

Evelyn laughed softly, the sound filled with a confidence that rattled Sandra. She leaned back in her seat, her eyes glinting with amusement. "I'll always luve a place in this family and at the magazine, Sandra. It belongs to MY father, after all," Evelyn said, knowing their parents were spying on

them

Sandra's eyes narrowed, her hand

nd itching to lash out, "Not if I have anything to say about it. Do you really think I'm going to let you crawl back here? You have no place here, not in this family, not at the magazine, and definitely not at this table. I'll make sure of it," Sandra said with a venomous smile as she rose..

"Unfortunately, that's not up to you," Evelyn said, keeping her calm.

While Evelyn was still talking, Sandra drew closer to her and knelt down in front of her. "Watch and see, Sandra said. Before Evelyn could process what she was up to, Sandra slapped herself hand across the face and let out a piercing scream, her voice echoing through the dining room.

"Ow! Evelyn, how could you?" she cried, her voice filled with exaggerated pain and shock as she walled loud enough for their parents to hear. Evelyn didn't flinch, her gaze steady as she watched Sandra's performance with a mixture of pity and disdain. As Eric and Claire rushed back into the room, concern enched on their faces, Sandra began to sob, clutching her cheek as if in pain.

Eric's eyes immediately darkened at the sight of Sandra clutching her cheek, her eyes brimming with tears.

"Sandra, what happened?" Claire asked, rushing to her side.

"What happened?" Eric demanded, his eyes narrowing as he took in the scene before him.

"She slapped me!" Sandra cried, pointing a trembling finger at Evelyn, "I was asking her to please leave Derek alone now that she is back as a part of this family, and she asked me to kneel and beg. I did as she said, and then she hit me," Sandra cried as she rose from the floor.

Evelyn didn't rise from her seat, her expression serene as she looked up at her father. "She is putting up a show, Dad. I didn't touch her," she said

12

calmly, her voice ummavering. "She's lying."

Sandra's tears flowed freely now, her expression one of hurt innocence. "She's lying, Dad! She's always been jealous of me, and now she's trying to make me look bad!"

Claire glanced between her daughters, her expression tom as if she was trying to make sense of the situation even though she had seen everything that had happened.

Before Claire could speak, Eric's jaw tightened. his eyes narrowing as he turned to Evelyn. "You came here asking for forgiveness only to cause more trouble!" Erie asked, and tears sprang to Evelyn's eyes while Sandra watched with satisfaction.

Evelyn turned to Sandra, "Sandra, you can play this game all you want, but it's not going to work this time. I know you're trying to turn Dad against me, but it's not going to happen. You know I didn't slap you." Sandra's expression hardened, the mask of tears slipping as anger flashed in her eyes. "What did I ever do to you? Why are you doing this to me? First, you embarrass me at the party, and then you try to seduce my boyfriend. Now this? Why?"

Evelyn sighed inwardly. She was grateful that she had come clean with her parents and had arranged for them to see firsthand what a talented actress Sandra was. "Dad. I didn't."

"How

ow do you expect me to believe you when you're always causing trouble?" he asked Evelyn sharply, causing her to flinch. "Darling."

"Answer me" Eric roared at Evelyn, cutting off whatever his wife had to say.

Evelyn hesitated, her eyes darting between her father's stern gaze and Sandra's teary eyes. "I have evidence. My phone's recorder is on," Evelyn said, and Sandra's eyes widened in surprise. She had not expected that. Why would Evelyn's recorder be on? Had Evelyn come here planning for this to happen!

"You do? Then go ahead and play it," Claire encouraged Evelyn.

"Should I?" Evelyn asked Sandra as she rose gracefully to her feet.

"Why are you asking her that? You should play it if you have it," their father said, and Evelyn opened her handbag and took out her phone from Inside.

Sandra's heart raced as Evelyn played the recording true to her words. She knew she was trapped, and the realization sent a wave of panic through her

"You lied against your sister!" Claire asked in a disbelieving tone.

"I... I didn't mean any of that, Dad. I was just upset because of what she did to me at the anniversary," she stammered, her earlier bravado crumbling. "Mom, I didn't mean to...

Eric's expression hardened as he stared down at her, disappointment etched in every line of his face. "Enough," he said firmly. "I'm not interested in any of this nonsense drama. Eric growled. "We'll discuss this later. For now, both of you will sit down and finish breakfast without any more drama," Claire instructed firmly.

Sandra's face crumpled as she sat back down, her hands trembling slightly as she reached for her coffee

cup.

As Claire served Evelyn's breakfast, the room fell into an uneasy silence. Evelyn remained where she stood for a moment longer, her gaze unwavering as she met her father's eyes. There was a silent understanding between them, one that Sandra was not a part of. Finally, Evelyn took her seat at the table, her movements unhurried and dignified. Sandra seethed in her seat as she w

watched Evelyn eat at the table. Evelyn had won this round, but she was not going to let her win the next round.