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

on the spot. This way, we have solid proof against him. And then we can ask him to act like he

the plan? What if he is loyal to her?" Eric asked, concerned for his daughter's

know the police are involved, so he won't mess up," she said, and Derek sighed as he thought about

knew her plan was good and the best way they could get rid of Sandra for good, he couldn't help being

as I don't like 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 have to move fast since tomorrow is the reunion. And we also have to be careful so as not

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 cunning person like

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

invite him over tomorrow and tell him about Sandra's

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

and the last thing we want is to involve him and have him ruin

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

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

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

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

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, she excused herself to go

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 time accepting the truth about the sort of monster her daughter was. If

dinner is here," Evelyn said gently when Claire noticed her presence and met her gaze. "I'll take

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

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

made their way downstairs, Samantha skipped

She slid into her chair, chattering happily as

Samantha?" Derek's mother asked, her eyes sparkling as she leaned

of a fairy

out to gently touch Samantha's cheek. "Just

over, examining the book with a gentle