The Billionaire’s Unexpected Proposal (Evelyn and Derek)

After Claire had left, Evelyn sat by her bedroom window, a cup of coffee in hand, still contemplating the best possible course of action for her situation. Samantha played quietly with her toys on the bed, her laughter a comforting background melody to Evelyn's scattered thoughts.

As she sipped from her coffee, lost in thoughts, her phone buzzed, jolting her from her reverie.

She checked the caller ID and her heart skipped a beat when she saw it was Susan. Evelyn took a deep breath before receiving the call.

"Good morning, Ma'am," she greeted trying to sound composed even though she was far from it.

Evelyn's brows drew together in a frown when she heard Susan's happy laugh on the other end of the phone.

"Good morning, Evelyn! How are you? I knew you were indeed the best person for this task," Susan said, her voice resonating with joy.

Confused, Evelyn frowned and asked, "Is everything okay? Did something happen?"

"Of course, something happened and it's thanks to you," Susan said again and Evelyn's frown deepened.

"Me?"

"Yes. In just a day you got Derek Stone to agree to the interview. Isn't that worth celebrating? A feat that so many others couldn't accomplish, yet you did it! I'm so proud of you, Evelyn," Susan said triumphantly and Evelyn's heart skipped a beat.

"What? He agreed? How?" Evelyn asked even though a part of her already knew it was because of their history.

"I should be asking you that. What did you do? What did you say to him?" Susan asked, still sounding very excited.

"What did he say?" Evelyn asked, trying to figure out what was going on and what Derek was thinking.

"Well, he said he would do it, but he gave a condition.

Something pretty simple if you ask me," Susan said, and Evelyn frowned.

"A condition? What kind of condition?"

"He requested that you work with him for a month before the interview. He wants you to understudy him sort of. That wouldn't be a problem for you, right?" Susan asked and Evelyn's grip tightened on her phone.

"Work with him? For a month? Why? Isn't that too much? Maybe Wes should handle this project since I already got him to agree..."

"That's not possible," Susan cut in, her tone turning serious. "Mr Stone specifically requested that it's you who should do it. He said there would be no interview if you don't do it," Susan said and a heavy silence settled between them.

Evelyn felt a mix of dread and frustration building within her. Was it possible for her to work so closely with him for a month without having him learn about her child? His child?

Sensing her reluctance, Susan's voice softened but remained firm. "Evelyn, you know what is at stake, here. I personally recommended you and I won't be happy if you don't go through with this. And you should know that even the management wouldn't be happy with you if we lost this opportunity because you refused to follow through. Remember, if you succeed, the promotion is yours, as promised," Susan reminded her and Evelyn closed her eyes, her mind racing.

She had worked too hard to let this opportunity slip away because of her fear. It was just for a month and as long as they kept things professional, he wouldn't find out about Samantha being his child. No one would know about it as long as she kept it to herself.

"Alright. I will do it," she said and after ending the call,

Evelyn decided to go see Derek in his office.

Even though she had agreed to it, she wanted to know why he would attach such a condition to the interview.

Having decided that she got dressed, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts as she made her way to Stone Corp.

A few minutes later, she was standing in front of Derek's secretary who ushered her in immediately she saw her, saying Derek had been expecting her.

The moment Evelyn stepped inside the office, Derek looked up from his desk, a smug expression on his face.

"Welcome back. I've been expecting you," he said, leaning back in his chair.

Evelyn forced a calm exterior, though inside she was seething. "Why did you attach that condition if you were going to agree to do the interview?" she asked and Derek chuckled as he looked at her, clearly amused by her reaction.

"Isn't it obvious?"

"No, it's not. Please tell me," she said and he grinned.

"For two reasons. First to punish you for forgetting all about me and not even recognizing me," he said and she scoffed.

"Things like that happen. It's been over six years..."

"Yet I took one look at you and I remembered you," he pointed out.

"In case you have forgotten, I wasn't in a clear state of mind when we met..."

"But you were when I made love to you," he said, and her heart skipped a beat.

"You're only being petty, Mr Stone, admit it," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

"I don't care," he said, his tone indifferent. "Besides, being petty is not so bad if it gets you here."

"And what's your second reason?" she asked, since he had said he had two reasons.

"I want us to get to know each other since I plan to be your man," he said and she rolled her eyes. "That's not going to happen."

"It is going to happen," he said with confidence that made her doubt herself.

"And now that I think about it, I think there is a third reason. I want to also reward you..."

"Oh, please. You can't say you're doing something to punish me and reward me at the same time," she said, cutting him off.

"If I don't attach this condition anyone else from your company would be asked to take your place. But now, you will be the only one with access to me. Everyone will wonder what you said and what you did to convince me. So, what is it going to be? Are you going to accept my condition or reject it and risk not getting promoted or even losing your job?" he asked and Evelyn's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "And how do you know my promotion is tied to this assignment?" she asked and Derek's smile widened.

"I have my sources, Eve," he said and Evelyn eyed him with displeasure.

"Don't call me that."

"Alright, baby," he said and Evelyn scowled at him while he grinned back at her.

Neither of them said a word as Evelyn considered her options. She hated the idea of being at his mercy this way but she couldn't afford to jeopardize her career.

She had given her consent to Susan and was only here to get her answers so she would know how to better handle him.

"So, what's your choice, Evelyn? Are you doing it or not?" Derek asked curiously, his gaze unwavering.

As if she had a choice. She mused as she took a deep breath. "I have my own condition," she said and he raised a brow.

"Let's hear it."

"I will work with you for a month as long as you keep things professional and you don't cross the line," she stated and Derek's eyes gleamed with amusement.

"I can't promise you that I won't cross any lines, Evelyn. As a matter of fact, I intend to cross every single line you draw. You crossed mine six years, remember?" His eyes gleamed with amusement as he watched her blush.

"Can't we forget the past?" She asked quietly.

"No. I can't. The past is what led us here, and I've spent all this time thinking about that past. You can't expect me not to cross lines," he said and she drew a deep breath.

"But you don't have to worry. I won't force myself on you. As long as you are able to resist my advances in this one month, I won't force myself on you," he promised. That was good enough for her, Evelyn thought with a nod. "Fine. Deal," she said extending her hand for a handshake.

Derek rose, and instead of taking her hand, he went around the table to meet her.

He took her hand and then he raised it to his lips and kissed her palm, "Deal." He said with a roguish smile that caused her heart skip a beat and she swallowed hard. Evelyn knew the next month would be a test of her resolve, a balancing act between professional duty and personal history but she would have to stand her ground. As she left his office, Evelyn was determined to see their arrangement through, for her career and for the chance to make a name for herself.