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.

his intentions, we

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

if he doesn't go along with the plan? What if he is loyal to

Besides, he will know the police are

rid of

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 as not

about him?" Rebecca said, since even though she would want Michael punished, she

you," Evelyn said, and

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

Sandra himself for some petty revenge,"

plan is risky enough, and the last thing we want is to

you can invite him over for 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 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

plans for the

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

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

"Dinner is here; he announced as he rose to answer the door, knowing it was dinner being delivered. When Evelyn noticed the worried

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

knew Claire was definitely having a hard time accepting the truth about the sort of monster her daughter

Claire noticed her presence and met her gaze.

a nod. "Go on, sweetheart.

look, understanding her need for a moment alone,

made their way downstairs, Samantha skipped alongside her, clutching

and Evelyn's father welcomed Samantha warmly. She slid into her chair, chattering happily as

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

Samantha declared proudly, opening it to show her grandmother a picture of a

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

the book with a