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

our families have the connections- we can pull some strings and make sure they re ready to arrest him on the spot. This way,

go along with the plan? What if he is loyal to her?" Eric asked,

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 up," she said, and Derek sighed as he thought about what she

could get rid of Sandra

it, that could work. I will 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 with Sandra. We

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

that's up to you,"

and tell him

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

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

breakfast tomorrow. I will make the necessary preparations and take every precaution to make 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

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

right we make it worth the

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

was dinner being delivered. When Evelyn noticed the worried frown

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

when Claire noticed her presence and met her gaze. "I'll take

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

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

downstairs, Samantha skipped alongside her, clutching her

warmly. She slid

that you have there, Samantha?" Derek's mother

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

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

the book with