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 the

can pull some strings and make sure they re ready to arrest him on the spot. This

the plan? What if he is loyal to her?" Eric asked,

a hitman. Besides, he will know the police are involved,

way they could get rid of Sandra for good,

to be him and tan with Sandra. We have to move fast since tomorrow is the reunion. And we also have to be careful so as not

even though she would want Michael punished, she couldn't

up to you,"

and

to go after Sandra himself for some petty

plan is risky enough, and the last thing we want is to involve him and have him ruin everything," Evelyn's father said, and Derek

his intentions and actions thus far. We'll make it clear that we're one step ahead and that he can either join us to take down Sandra or we can take them both down. I'm sure he would be willing to cooperate in order to protect himself and destroy Sandra," Derek said, his mind already racing with different thoughts of

change in plans, does this mean our plans for the birthday are off?" Derek's

it worth the effort," Derek said, and Evelyn's lips

if she sees me there, totally alive and fine. And then the police can take her," Evelyn said, and everyone nodded in agreement with the plan. There was a sense of resolve in

it was dinner being delivered. When Evelyn noticed the worried frown on her father's face and how he kept

stress from earlier seeming to

hard time accepting the truth about

Claire noticed her presence

on, sweetheart. I'll be down in a bit after using

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

downstairs, Samantha skipped alongside her, clutching her

Samantha warmly. She slid

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

book!" Samantha declared proudly, opening it to show her grandmother a picture of a fairy princess. "Look, Grandma, this princess has a magic wand and can make wishes

touch Samantha's cheek. "Just like you, sweetheart. You're our little

leaned over, examining the book with a gentle