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

and make sure they re ready to arrest him on the spot.

he is

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

rid of Sandra for good, he couldn't help being worried. One wrong move and everything could fall

police officer can pretend to be

said, since even though she would want Michael punished, she

think that's up to you,"

invite him over tomorrow and tell him about

have to be sure he won't decide to go after Sandra himself for some petty revenge," Derek's father

enough, and the last thing we want is to

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

the birthday are off?" Derek's mother asked curiously, but Derek shook

right we make it worth the effort," Derek said, and

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

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

seeming to melt away

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

said gently when Claire noticed her presence and met

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

a reassuring look, understanding her need for a moment

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

and Evelyn's father welcomed Samantha warmly. She

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

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

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

father leaned over, examining the book with