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.

we've confirmed his intentions, we can

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

if he doesn't go along with the plan? What if he is loyal to her?" Eric asked,

"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

and the best way they could get rid of Sandra for good, he couldn't help being worried. One wrong

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

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

you," Evelyn said,

invite him over tomorrow and tell

to go after Sandra himself for some

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

make it clear that we're one step ahead and that he can either join us to take down Sandra or we can take

this mean our plans for the

she's planning a grand party, it's only right we make it worth the effort," Derek said,

expose it all at the party. I'm sure 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 said, and everyone nodded in agreement with the plan. There was a sense of resolve in the room

at his watch when the doorbell rang. "Dinner is here; he announced as he rose to answer the door, knowing it was dinner being delivered. When Evelyn noticed the

earlier seeming to melt away as she watched

plans or having Sandra arrested, she knew Claire was definitely having a hard time accepting the truth

said gently when Claire noticed her presence

sweetheart. I'll be down

mother a reassuring look, understanding her need for a moment alone,

way downstairs, Samantha skipped alongside her, clutching her picture book

She slid into her chair,

there, Samantha?" Derek's mother asked,

book!" Samantha declared proudly, opening it to show her grandmother a picture of a fairy princess. "Look, Grandma,

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

leaned over, examining the