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

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

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

didn't sound that way. He's just a hitman. Besides, he will know the police are involved, so

he knew her plan was good and the best way they could get rid of Sandra for good, he couldn't help being worried. One wrong move and everything could fall

arrested, and a police officer can pretend to be him and

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

you," Evelyn said, and Derek's father

over tomorrow and tell him about

have to be sure he won't decide to go after Sandra himself for some

to involve him and have him

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

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

party, it's only right we make it worth the effort," Derek said,

she will get the shock of her life if she sees me there, totally alive and fine. And then the police can take her," Evelyn

he announced as he rose to answer the door, knowing it was dinner being delivered. When Evelyn noticed the worried frown on her father's face and how he kept glancing in the direction Claire had gone,

mother and Samantha in Samantha's room. 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 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

Evelyn said gently when Claire noticed her presence

on, sweetheart. I'll be down

reassuring look, understanding her need for a moment alone, and then guided Samantha out of the

skipped

warmly. She slid into

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

to show her grandmother a picture of a fairy princess. "Look, Grandma, this princess has

cheek. "Just like you,

over, examining the book with a gentle