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.

intentions, we can involve the

the spot.

he is loyal

her head, "The conversation between them didn't sound that way. He's just a hitman. Besides, he will know the police are involved, so he won't mess

way they could get rid of Sandra for good, he couldn't help being worried. One

see what I can do about it. If possible, we can have the hitman arrested, and a police officer can pretend to be him and tan

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 at the hands of a cunning

think that's up to you," Evelyn said, and

invite him over tomorrow and tell him about Sandra's

be sure he won't decide to go after Sandra himself for some petty revenge," Derek's

and the last thing we want is to involve him

sure he won't interfere with our 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 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

for the birthday are off?" Derek's mother

Since she's planning a grand party, it's only right we make it worth the effort,"

the shock of her life if she sees me there, totally alive and fine. And then the police

delivered. When

book. Claire's face softened, the stress from earlier seeming to melt away as she watched her granddaughter's innocent joy. Despite that, Evelyn could still see the sadness in her eyes and how hard she was trying

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

when Claire noticed her presence and met her gaze. "I'll take Samantha down to join

sweetheart. I'll be down in a bit

look, understanding her need for a moment alone, and then guided Samantha out of

way downstairs, Samantha skipped alongside her, clutching her picture

and Evelyn's father welcomed Samantha warmly. She slid into her chair, chattering

you have there, Samantha?" Derek's mother asked, her eyes sparkling as she

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

cheek. "Just

the book