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

ready to arrest him on the spot. This way, we have solid proof

if he is loyal to her?" Eric asked,

way. He's just a hitman. Besides, he will know the police are involved, so he

good and the best way they could get rid of Sandra

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 as

she would want Michael punished, she couldn't watch her nephew die at the hands of a cunning person

to you," Evelyn said, and Derek's father

him over tomorrow and tell

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

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

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

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

it worth the effort," Derek

her life 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

delivered. When Evelyn noticed the worried frown on her father's face and how

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

she knew 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 she were in Claire's

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

smiled softly and gave her a nod. "Go on, sweetheart. I'll

mother a reassuring look, understanding her need for a moment

downstairs, Samantha skipped alongside

and Evelyn's father welcomed Samantha warmly. She

Samantha?" Derek's mother asked,

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

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

father leaned over, examining the book