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 can

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

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

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,"

best way they could get rid of Sandra for

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

Michael? What do we do about him?" Rebecca said, since even though she would want Michael punished, she couldn't watch

up to you,"

him over tomorrow and tell

Sandra himself for some petty revenge," Derek's father said, and they all

thing we want is to involve him and have him ruin everything," Evelyn's

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

for the birthday are off?"

we make it worth the effort," Derek said, and Evelyn's lips twitched

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

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

enthusiastically showed her a picture book. Claire's face softened, the stress from earlier seeming to melt away as she

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

Evelyn said gently when Claire noticed her presence and met her gaze. "I'll take Samantha down to

on, sweetheart. I'll be down in a bit

look, understanding her need for a moment

downstairs, Samantha skipped alongside her, clutching

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

mother asked, her eyes sparkling as she

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

cheek. "Just like you, sweetheart. You're

leaned over, examining the book with a