Before Evelyn could answer Derek's question and share her idea, Claire stood up, her expression somber. "I think I should excuse myself," she whispered. "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 spend some time with Samantha upstairs." A sad smile touched her lips.

Eric sighed, knowing this was too much for Claire. He patted her hand gently. "Of course," he murmured, understanding her burden. They watched as Claire quietly left. "Please give me a minute," Evelyn said, hurrying after her mother.

"Mom," Evelyn called, catching up at the foot of the stairs.

Claire turned, forcing a smile, fighting back tears.

"Mom, I understand how you feel, but I have to do this," Evelyn said apologetically. Claire nodded.

"Of course. I'm totally with you. Sandra deserves this, especially after everything. But I just don't want to be there when you make the plans," Claire said. Evelyn nodded. "Thank you for understanding, Mom," she said. Claire nodded before going upstairs.

As Evelyn rejoined the group, Rebecca sighed. "Poor woman. I can't imagine what she's going through." Her expression was filled with sympathy.

"As a mother, it's hard to accept that your own child is capable of such things."

Silence fell. After a moment, Derek turned to Evelyn, his gaze determined. "Go on, babe. Tell us what you're thinking."

Evelyn took a deep breath. "As I said, I want to be 'kidnapped and killed,' just as Sandra wants…"

"But not literally killed, right? How do you mean it?" Derek asked, eager to hear her plan.

"I think we should meet the hitman Sandra hired. Once we've confirmed his intentions, we can involve the police. Both families have connections—we can pull some strings and ensure they're ready to arrest him on the spot. This way, we have solid proof. Then we can ask him to pretend he's done the job…"

"What if he doesn't cooperate? What if he's loyal to her?" Eric asked, concerned for his daughter's safety.

Evelyn shook her head. "Their conversation didn't sound that way. He's just a hitman. Besides, he'll know the police are involved, so he won't mess up." Derek sighed, considering her proposal.

He knew her plan was good, the best way to get rid of Sandra, but he worried. One wrong move, and everything could fall apart.

"As much as I don't like it, it could work. I'll see what I can do. If possible, we can have the hitman arrested, and a police officer pose as him and meet with Sandra. We have to move fast; tomorrow's the reunion. And we must be careful not to alert Sandra," Derek said. His mother's brow furrowed.

"What about Michael? What do we do about him?" Rebecca asked. She wanted Michael punished, but couldn't bear to watch her nephew die at Sandra's hands.

"I think that's up to you," Evelyn said. Derek's father nodded.

"I think we should invite him over tomorrow and tell him about Sandra's plan," Derek's mother suggested.

"But we have to be sure he won't go after Sandra himself," Derek's father said. They all nodded.

"True. This plan is risky enough, and we don't want him to ruin everything," Evelyn's father said. Derek sighed deeply.

"Mom, you can invite him for breakfast tomorrow. I'll make the necessary preparations and take precautions to ensure he doesn't interfere. We'll let him know we're aware of his actions. We'll make it clear we're one step ahead, and he can either join us to take down Sandra or we take them both down. I'm sure he'll cooperate to protect himself and destroy Sandra," Derek said, already strategizing.

"With this change, are our birthday plans off?" Derek's mother asked. Derek shook his head.

"No. Since she's planning a grand party, it's only right we make it worth the effort," he said. Evelyn smiled, nodding in agreement.

"Yeah. Let's expose it all at the party. She'll be shocked to see me there, alive and well. Then the police can arrest her," Evelyn said. Everyone agreed. Resolve filled the room as they finalized their strategy.

The doorbell rang. Derek glanced at his watch. "Dinner's here," he announced, rising to answer the door. Noticing his father's worried frown and his glances toward where Claire had gone, Evelyn excused herself to go upstairs.

She found her mother and Samantha in Samantha's room. Claire sat in a cozy chair while Samantha showed her a picture book. Claire's face softened as she watched her granddaughter's innocent joy, but Evelyn still saw the sadness in her eyes, the effort to hold back tears.

Evelyn knew her stepmother didn't oppose their plans, but she was struggling to accept the truth about her daughter. Evelyn understood.

"Mom, dinner's here," Evelyn said gently. "I'll take Samantha down to join Derek's parents."

Claire smiled softly. "Go on, sweetheart. I'll be down in a bit."

Evelyn gave her mother a reassuring look and guided Samantha out of the room. Samantha skipped alongside her, clutching her picture book.

At the dining table, Derek's parents and Evelyn's father welcomed Samantha warmly. She chattered happily as her grandparents doted on her.

"What's that you have there, Samantha?" Derek's mother asked.

"It's my favorite book!" Samantha declared, showing her grandmother a picture of a fairy princess. "Look, Grandma, this princess has a magic wand and can make wishes come true!"

Rebecca chuckled, touching Samantha's cheek. "Just like you, sweetheart. You're our little princess, too."

Derek's father examined the book with a gentle smile. "She sure is. And a very smart princess at that."

Samantha giggled. "I want to be smart and brave, just like Mommy."

Evelyn's father beamed. "You already are, dear. And we're all here to make sure you grow up with everything you need."

While the others conversed with Samantha, Claire stood at the washbasin in the guest bathroom, tears flowing freely. She couldn't believe things had to go this far, but what could she do? Sandra had brought it upon herself. Or maybe it was her fault. She hoped Sandra would come to her senses in prison. She splashed water on her face, composed herself, and stepped out, surprised to see Evelyn.

Evelyn had come to comfort her.

"I'm so sorry all this is happening," Evelyn said softly. Claire shook her head.

"I've told you, Evie. None of this is your fault. And I know you tried to avoid this. I just wish Sandra didn't have to go this far," Claire said, tears welling up. Evelyn embraced her. Claire pulled away, not wanting Evelyn to feel bad.

"We should join the others. I don't want Rebecca stealing my spot in Samantha's heart," Claire joked, walking ahead.

Evelyn followed, feeling bad for Claire. While she wished Sandra could change, she knew forgiveness wouldn't be easy, if possible at all. This was the only way.

During dinner, Samantha basked in the love and warmth. Each grandparent showered her with attention, making her feel cherished. For a brief moment, Evelyn forgot about Sandra and everything else. They were simply a family united by love and hope.