Billionaire’s

As the clock ticked closer to 7 PM, Evelyn felt the weight of the impending evening.

gartling heavily in her chest

Her mind raced, unable to settle on any single thought for more than a few seconds. She kept wondering what kind of trap she was about to walk

It didn’t help that her stomach churned with anxiety, the kind that crept up on her as soon as the allowed herself a quiet moment. She glanced at her reflection in her bedroom mirror.

The fited black jumpsuit she had chosen thing to her curves, making her feel confident on the outude, even as her incides were a whirlwind of

Rayna was supposed to pick her up, and they would lead to the club together. But the uncertainty of what lay abrad still grawed at her. Despite Derek’s assurance that she’d be safe, she had been overthinking everything

He’d even promised to wait outside the club in case things went south. The thought of him parked nearby, ready to intervene, did bring a small measure of comfort. But it didn’t erase the knot of fear tightening in her gut. What was Sandra and Michael up to? And why now!

At exactly 6:30 PM, the doorbell rang. The sharp sound strifed her, and she instinctively reached for her purse, quickly gathering herself as moved toward the door. Evelyn braced herself, expecting to see layna’s cheerful face, but when she opened the door, she blinked in surprise.

There, standing casually with his hands tucked in his jacket pockets, was Derek. His familiar grin stretched across his face. “Hey, gorgeous, he greeted.

“You didn’t say you were coming,” she said, her tone shifting from anxious to pleasantly surprised as she opened the door wider to let him in,

“I didn’t want to spoil the surprise,” he replied with a teasing wink, stepping inside with an easy confidence.

He closed the door behind him, his eyes sweeping over her, lingering appreciatively. “You look absolutely stunning

Evelyn’s lips parted into a soft smile, and a blush warmed her checks under his gaze. “Thanks,” she murmured, the comfort of his presente already helping to ease some of her jitters.

Derek stepped closer, placing his hands firmly on her shoulders. “Anxious?” he asked, his voice low and has touch calming

ery anxious, she admitted

She exhaled a shaky breath. “Very

Without another word, he leaned in and kissed her deeply, his lips soft yet firm against hers. The kiss was slow, intentional, and filled with an emotion that seemed to melt away the anxiety clawing at her.

Evelyn responded immediately, her hands coming up to his chest as she sank into the moment.

When he finally pulled away, Evelyn felt her heart racing for an entirely different reason. What was that for?” she asked, her voice breathy with a

hint of amusement.

That, Derek said, his lips still close to hers, “was to make your stomach flutter for something other dun anxiety.”

She chuckled, the sound light and almost relieved. “Mission accomplished, she teased back, feeling a little more at ease.

“Now I can tell you

that I’m jealous. I can’t believe you’re dressed this way for Sandra when you’ve never dressed this way for me,” he said, and Evelyn laughed softly.

“Tr’s not my fault. It’s the circumstance behind our relationship,” she pointed out

*Screw those circumstances. I don’t care about them. Let’s go on a date some time soon,” he said, and Evelyn noidest

“Alright. Let’s do that,” Evelyn said with a nod

Derek smiled wannly before asking, “Where’s my baby?”

Evelyn jerked her head in the direction of her daughter’s bedroom “She’s working on her assignments. She should be done soon

Derek nodded and took her hand, guiding her toward the living room, where they both cat down on the couch. The soft cushions seemed to embrace her, but the meeting with Sandra will weighed heavily on her mind.

“I looked into Club kdge” Derk began his one becoming more serious. “It’s part of the Diamond Edge Hotel and has a reputation. Not a bad one.

D ReelShort

Evelyn nodded, already knowing this, but she appreciated that Derek had done his homework. “Yeah, I know. We used to hang out there a lot in the past” she said, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the edge of her purse.

Derek leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees as he continued. “Michael booked one of the suites there a little while ago

She frowned at that. “A suite! What for?”

He shrugged, though his expression was taut with thought. “Tin not sure yet. But I think whatever Sandra’s planning involves that suite. If I had to guess, they’re probably trying to set you up with Michael sonschow, but I can’t figure out why Michael would do that. It doesn’t make any Evelyn’s mind raced, trying to make sense of it. Do you think maybe this is all Sandra’s idea, and Michael doesn’t know what she’s up to!” “It’s possible,” Derek admitted, leaning back slightly. “But why do you think so?” He asked curiously.

“Because if Michael had a bad plan, he wouldn’t reserve a suite in his name, would he?” She asked, and Derek sighed.

“But then again, why would Sandra go against Michael’s interests? They’ve been working together all these years, Evelyn said thoughtfully.

“There’s something more to this. Whatever it is, you need to be extra careful tonight. No drinking unless you’ve seen it poured yourself, and not accepting drinks from anyone, especially Sandra, Derek said. She sighed deeply, already exhausted by the thought of navigating the minefield she was about to walk into

“I just want this whole thing to be over soon.”

Before Derek could respond, a high–pitched squeal of delight cut through the room. “Daddy!” © 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

Samantha came bounding out of her room, her excitement bursting like sunlight into the tense atmosphere. Derek turned just in time to catch her mid–jump, sweeping her up into his arms. He immediately started peppering her face with playful kisses, making her squeal and squirm in his arms as she giggled uncontrollably.

Watching them. Evelyn felt her heart soften, the tension in her chest loosening just a little. For a brief moment, she allowed herself to just enjoy the sight of Derek with Samantha, the easy love between them.

Then the doorbell rang again.

Her stomach flipped, and her pulse quickened, anxiety rushing back in a torrent. Rayna was here.

As if sensing her sudden shift, Derek’s hand found hers. He squeezed it firmly, his gaze steady as he met her eyes. “Hey, don’t worry. I’ll be right there if anything goes wrong. No harm will come to you,” he said softly, his voice full of conviction.

Evelyn offered him a shaky smile, nodding, “I know.” But even as she said it, her heart raced at the thought of walking into the unknown.

“I should get going,” she said, rising to her feet.

Derek stood with her, his protective presence calming her nerves as he walked her to the door, where Rayna’s cheerful voice could already be heard from the other side.

Evelyn took a deep breath before she reached for the handle. It was time.

With Derek’s promise echoing in her mind, she opened the door and stepped out, ready to face whatever Sandra had in store.