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,

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

What if he is loyal to her?"

didn't sound that way. He's just a hitman. Besides, he will know the police are involved, so he

was good and the best way they could get rid of Sandra

it. If possible, we can have the hitman arrested, and a police officer can pretend to be him and tan with Sandra. We have to move fast

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

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

should invite him over tomorrow and tell him about Sandra's plan," Derek's mother

decide to go after Sandra himself for some petty revenge," Derek's father said, and they all

to involve him and have him ruin everything,"

him know that we are aware of his intentions and actions thus far. We'll make it clear that we're one step

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

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

will get the shock of her life if she sees me there, totally alive and fine. And then the police can take her,"

his 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 frown on her father's face and how he kept

and Samantha in Samantha's room. Claire had settled into a cozy chair while Samantha enthusiastically showed her a picture book. Claire's face softened, the stress from earlier seeming to melt away as she watched her granddaughter's innocent joy.

was definitely having a hard time accepting the truth about the sort of monster her daughter was. If she were in Claire's shoes, she would have a

here," Evelyn said gently when Claire noticed her presence and met her gaze. "I'll take Samantha down to join

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

her mother a reassuring look, understanding her need for a

downstairs, Samantha skipped alongside

welcomed Samantha warmly. She slid into her chair, chattering happily as her grandparents doted

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

my favorite book!" Samantha declared proudly, opening it to show her grandmother a picture of a fairy princess.

Samantha's cheek. "Just like you, sweetheart.

examining the book with