The Billionaire's Unexpected Proposal by Samantha

Chapter

160

Before Evelyn could answer Derek's question and share her idea with them, Claire stood up, her expression somber. " think I should excuse myself," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't want to know the details or be part of the planning. I just... I can't. If you'll excuse me, I'll go spend some time with Samantha upstairs." She swallowed, a sad smile crossing her face.

Eric sighed, knowing the whole thing was probably too much for Claire to bear. He reached out and patted her hand gently. "Of course," he murmured, understanding the burden she was carrying. They all nodded and watched as Claire quietly exited the room. "Please give me a minute," Evelyn said as she hurried after her mother.

"Mom""" Evelyn called as she caught up with her at the foot of the stairs.

Claire turned, forcing a smile as she fought to hold back her tears.

"Mom, I understand how you feel, but you know I have to do this" she said apologetically, and Claire nodded.

"Of course, I understand. I'm totally with you on whatever you choose to do. Sandra deserves it, especially after everything she's done. But I just don't want to be there when you make the plans"" Claire said, and Evelyn nodded. "Thank you for understanding, Mom," Evelyn said, and Claire nodded before taking the stairs.

As Evelyn joined them again, Rebecca let out a soft sigh. "Poor woman. I can't imagine what she must be going through." She looked around at the others, her expression filled with sympathy.

"As a mother, it's hard to come to terms with something like this.

Knowing your own child is... capable of such things."

The room fell into silence, and after a moment, Derek turned to Evelyn, his gaze filled with determination. "Go on, babe. Tell us what you're thinking."

Evelyn took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. "As I said earlier, I want to be kidnapped and killed just as Sandra wants..."

"But you don't mean killed literally, right? So, how do you mean it?"

Derek asked since that was what he wanted to hear.

"I think we should arrange a meeting with the hitman Sandra hired.

his intentions, we can involve

on the spot. This way, we have solid proof against him. And then we can ask him to

What if he is loyal to her?" Eric asked, concerned for

that way. He's just a hitman. Besides, he will know the police are involved, so he won't mess up," she said, and Derek sighed as he thought about what

best way they could get rid of Sandra for good, he

be him and tan with Sandra. We have to

about Michael? What do we do about him?" Rebecca said, since even though she would want Michael punished, she couldn't watch her nephew die

up to you," Evelyn said, and Derek's

we should invite him over tomorrow and

he won't decide to go after Sandra himself for some petty revenge," Derek's father said, and

enough, and the last thing we want is to involve him and have him ruin everything,"

plans. Besides, I don't think we have anything to worry about. We let him know that we are aware of his intentions and actions thus far. We'll make it clear that

for the birthday are off?" Derek's mother

grand party, it's only right we make it worth the effort," Derek said, and

And then the police can take her," Evelyn said, and

watch when the doorbell rang. "Dinner is here; he announced as he rose to answer the door, knowing it was dinner being delivered. When Evelyn noticed the worried

earlier seeming to melt away as she watched her granddaughter's innocent joy. Despite that, Evelyn could still see the sadness

her stepmom didn't have a problem with their plans or having Sandra arrested, she knew Claire was definitely having a hard time

presence

a nod. "Go on, sweetheart. I'll be down in a bit after

reassuring look, understanding her need for a moment alone, and

they made their way downstairs, Samantha skipped alongside her, clutching her picture book

and Evelyn's father welcomed Samantha warmly. She

that you have there, Samantha?" Derek's mother

show her grandmother a picture of a fairy princess. "Look, Grandma, this princess has

cheek. "Just like you, sweetheart.

leaned over, examining the