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

they re ready to arrest him on the spot. This way, we

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

way. He's just a hitman. Besides, he will know the police are involved, so

knew her plan was good and the best way they could get rid of

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

even though she would want Michael punished,

to you," Evelyn

tomorrow and tell him about Sandra's plan,"

decide to go after Sandra himself for some

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

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

our plans for the birthday

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

she sees me there, totally alive and fine. And then the

to answer the door, knowing it was dinner being delivered. When Evelyn noticed the worried frown on her father's face

her a picture book. Claire's face softened, the stress from earlier seeming to

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

presence and met her gaze.

softly and gave her a nod. "Go on, sweetheart. I'll be down in a bit after using the

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

they made their way downstairs, Samantha skipped alongside her, clutching her picture

warmly. She slid into her chair, chattering happily as her

there, Samantha?" Derek's mother asked,

grandmother a picture of a fairy princess. "Look, Grandma, this princess has a magic

reaching out to gently touch Samantha's cheek. "Just like you,

leaned over, examining the book with a