The Billionaire’s Unexpected Proposal (Evelyn and Derek)

Chapter 220

Although Claire's heart ached, she kept her back straight and her chin up as she followed the guard who was leading her through the halls of the correctional facility where Sandra was being kept with a visitor's pass in hand.

All her life, she never thought that she would come to a place like this for any reason, but here she was.

Eric had wanted to come in with her, but she had refused. She had only let him drive her to the place and asked him to wait outside until she was done. Maybe another time, they could come in together to see Sandra. But for now, she wanted to see Sandra alone. "This way, ma'am," the guard said gruffly, opening a heavy door that groaned on its hinges.

Claire swallowed hard and nodded, stepping inside. Inside was a small room with a table and two chairs bolted to the floor.

"She'll be here shortly," the guard said before stepping out and locking the door behind him.

Claire sat down, her hands folded tightly in her lap. She had rehearsed this moment in her head a hundred times, but now that she was here, every word seemed to escape her.

The door opened again, and Claire's breath caught as Sandra shuffled in, her head bowed and hands cuffed in front of her.

Claire's chest tightened as tears welled in her eyes at the sight of her beautiful daughter looking so thin and pale.

When Sandra finally looked up and met her mother's gaze, her face crumpled. "Mom.." Her voice broke as a sob tore from her throat, and the sound of her mother's palm connecting with her cheeks echoed through the room.

"How could you do this to me?" Claire asked as her tears spilled over. "How could you make me come to see you in a place like this?"

"Sit down"" the guard ordered them.

"I'm so sorry! I'm so sorry for everything I've done... for hurting you.

I didn't mean to. I didn't mean to push you!" Sandra cried, tears streaming down her cheeks as they both sat down.

Claire reached across the table, her hands shaking as she gently touched Sandra's face, "No contact," the guard warned Claire harshly, but Claire didn't pull away as she brushed off Sandra's tears.

"I never blamed you for it," Claire said softly, her voice trembling.

"I've forgiven you already."

Sandra shook her head, her sobs making her words barely audible.

"I didn't push you on purpose... I swear. I-"

"I know. I know it was an accident," Claire interrupted gently. Her voice cracked, but she forced herself to keep speaking. "I know you didn't mean to hurt me. And I thank God every day that it happened because it stopped you from doing something far worse. You didn't hurt Evelyn."

Sandra's tear-streaked face was a mask of anguish. "If you had died, Mom, I wouldn't have been able to live with myself. I wouldn't have been able to forgive myself!"

"But I didn't die, Sandra." Claire's voice was firm, though her own tears betrayed her. "I'm here. And I came to tell you that it isn't too late for you to change now and retrace your steps."

Sandra's gaze dropped to the table. She sniffled and wiped her face with her cuffed hands. "What's the point, Mom? Even if I change... my life is over."

"No, Sandra. Your life isn't over," Claire said, leaning closer. Her voice softened but held a note of steel. "You pleaded guilty, and tomorrow, we will find out the duration of your sentence. If you show good behavior, you could get out early."

Sandra let out a shaky breath and looked up at her mother. "And then what? What's waiting for me out there?"

Claire smiled through her tears. "And then, Sandra, you'll earn your place back in our lives. And I will be waiting for you out there.

You'll show everyone the wonderful woman I know you can be.

You'll show yourself."

Sandra hesitated, her lips trembling. "I don't think so. I don't think I have it in me to be good. Evelyn... Evelyn told me about my father,"

she said quietly. "And about Derek's biological parents."

Claire nodded slowly. "You are not your father, Sandra. Your father was responsible for his choices, and you are responsible for your choices, too. And even if his evil blood runs through your veins, my good blood runs through your veins, too." She reached out again, her fingers brushing against Sandra's hands. "And goodwill always overcome evil. Always. But only if you let it. Let the good in you show, Sandra. Let it shine. Let go of everything else."

Tears welled up in Sandra's eyes again, but there was something else there this time- the faintest glimmer of determination. "And Dad?" Sandra asked without meeting her mother's eyes.

She knew just how disappointed her stepfather must be, and she wouldn't blame him if he didn't want to set eyes on her again.

"He will be waiting, too. He wanted to come see you, but I asked him to let me meet you alone..."

"Isn't he mad?" Sandra asked, looking up at her mother.

"He is disappointed, but like me, he's hoping you change. We will be waiting to get our daughter back," Claire said, and Sandra nodded slowly, her lips pressing into a thin line as she fought back another wave of tears.

"I won't disappoint you again, Mom. I promise," she said quietly.

Claire smiled, her heart aching but full of love. "I hope so, my dear.

I truly do."

"What about Michael?" Sandra asked hesitantly.

"He was sentenced to five years imprisonment for embezzlement,"

Claire said, and Sandra sighed sadly.

She had thought a lot about Michael, and she knew that she owed him an apology for ruining his life. She was responsible for everything.

"Tell everyone that I'm sorry," she said, and Claire nodded.

"I have to leave now. We have some shopping to do for Evie's wedding," Claire said, wanting to see Sandra's reaction and be sure that she had changed Thankfully, Sandra's expression didn't change. "Wil. will you come to the court tomorrow?" "Yes. We all will be there," Claire assured her since they had missed the first hearing because she had been in the hospital.

"Will you visit me in here?" Sandra asked, and Claire nodded.

"Every chance I get," Claire promised. "And I'll wait for you.

Patiently. I'll be here when you come home."

As Claire walked outside after they were done, she let out a soft sigh. No matter how pitiful Sandra's state was, she would rather see her behind bars than let her continue on the path she had been headed.

For now she would focus on Evelyn and her grandchildren while she waited patiently for Sandra to do her time and come back home.

The following day, the courtroom buzzed with low murmurs as people filled the wooden benches.

Claire sat with Eric by her side, her hands clasped tightly in her lap.

Evelyn was next to her, her hands entwined with Derek's. Rayna and Ethan were seated behind them.

They all watched as Sandra was led in by two guards, dressed in a plain gray jumpsuit, her wrists shackled.

She kept her head down, avoiding the stares of the onlookers.

Claire's heart twisted at the sight of her daughter, whose head hung really low, but she sat tall, determined to be strong for Sandra. The judge entered, and the room fell silent. "All rise," the bailiff called, and everyone stood until the judge took her seat.

"This court is now in session"" the

judge declared. "We are here to determine the sentencing of Sandra Quinn, who has been convicted of three counts of attempted murder. Two charges of first-degree

attempted murder and a

nove

second-degree attempted murder."

Sandra was instructed to stand. Her face was pale, and her eyes were red-rimmed from the tears she had shed all night in her cell.

Claire watched her daughter closely, willing her to stay strong. She wished she could shield her daughter from the weight of her choices, but this was Sandra's burden to bear.

They all listened with bated breath as the prosecutor and defense attorney gave their final arguments and statements.

"While we do not excuse her actions, Your Honor, we ask for leniency, acknowledging her remorse and willingness to change,"

the defense attorney concluded.

The judge listened carefully, her face unreadable. Then, it was Sandra's turn to speak.

Sandra stepped forward, her

shackles clinking. She raised her head, her voice trembling but clear. "I am so sorry for what I did. I hurt everyone, and I almost destroyed my family. I can't take back what i've done, but I promise to spend every day making amends."

Claire wiped a tear from her cheek, pride swelling in her chest despite the ache.

The judge leaned forward, her expression stern but not unkind.

"Sandra Quinn, your actions were deliberate and caused significant harm. You endangered lives and betrayed the trust of those closest to you. However, I acknowledge your remorse and your plea for a chance to change." Sandra held her breath, her fingers gripping the edges of the table.

"It is, therefore, the judgment of this court that you shall be committed to the custody of the Department of Corrections for 20 years to life. You shall receive credit for time served and shall be eligible for parole after fifteen years for good behavior. The court further orders you to undergo counseling and treatment as directed by the probation? department. Let this serve as a reminder of the gravity of your actions and as an opportunity for you to rebuild your life."

The gavel struck, and the sound echoed through the courtroom. Sandra's knees buckled slightly, but the guard held her steady.

Claire stood, her hands over her mouth as tears spilled down her face. Eric and Evelyn placed comforting hands on her shoulder.

Sandra was led out of the courtroom, her steps slow, her head turning briefly to meet her mother's gaze. Claire mouthed, "I love you," and Sandra nodded, her lips trembling as her gaze shifted to Evelyn.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, and tears dropped from Evelyn's eyes as she acknowledged her apology with a nod.

Sandra might have been terrible to her, but she was still her sister and Evelyn's heart felt heavy at the thought of Sandra being locked away for so many years.