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.

confirmed his intentions, we can involve the

can pull some strings and make sure they re ready to arrest him on the spot. This way, we have solid proof against him.

with the plan? What if he is loyal to her?"

will know the police are involved, so he

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

can have the hitman arrested, and a police 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 so

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

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

should invite him over tomorrow and

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

to involve him and have him ruin everything," Evelyn's father said, and Derek

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

the birthday

Since she's planning a grand party, it's only right we make it worth the effort," Derek said, and Evelyn's lips twitched in amusement as she nodded in

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

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

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

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

Claire noticed her presence and

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

need for a moment alone, and then guided

made their way downstairs, Samantha skipped alongside her,

dining table, Derek's parents and Evelyn's father welcomed Samantha warmly. She slid

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

my favorite 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

chuckled, reaching out to gently touch Samantha's cheek. "Just like you, sweetheart. You're

leaned over, examining the book with a