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

we can pull some strings and make sure they re ready to arrest him on the

if he doesn't go along with the plan? What if he is loyal to her?" Eric asked, concerned for his daughter's

didn't sound that way. He's just a hitman. Besides, he will know the police are involved, so he won't mess up," she said, and

best way they could get rid of Sandra

officer can pretend to be him and tan with Sandra. We have to move fast since tomorrow is the reunion. And we also have to be careful

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

that's up to you,"

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

to go after Sandra himself for some petty revenge," Derek's father

last thing we want is to involve him and have him ruin everything," Evelyn's father said,

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 to cooperate in order to protect himself and destroy Sandra," Derek said, his mind already racing with different thoughts of how to make their

this change in plans, does this mean our plans 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," Derek said, and Evelyn's lips twitched

And then the police can take her," Evelyn said, and everyone nodded in agreement with the plan.

as he rose to answer the door, knowing it was dinner being delivered. When Evelyn noticed

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. Despite that, Evelyn could still see

her stepmom didn't have a problem with their plans or having Sandra arrested, she knew Claire was definitely having a hard time accepting the truth about the sort of monster her daughter was. If

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

sweetheart. I'll be down in a bit

her need for

Samantha skipped alongside her, clutching her picture book

table, Derek's parents and Evelyn's father welcomed Samantha warmly. She slid into her chair,

Derek's mother asked, her eyes sparkling as

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

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

father leaned over, examining the book with a