Derek walked into the hotel, a spring in his step, still exhilarated from the day's events. He entered the lounge, scanning the room before spotting Michael seated at the bar, swirling a glass of dark liquor.

Michael looked up, his eyes narrowing at Derek's cheerful demeanor. He wondered what could have caused such a good mood, considering recent events involving Sandra and his mother.

"What's up, Mike?" Derek asked, sliding into the seat beside him.

"I should be asking you. You look remarkably cheerful," Michael replied, taking a slow sip. His suspicion was palpable.

Derek chuckled. "What can I say? Life's good today," he said, waving the bartender over. "The usual, please."

Derek was too happy to be bothered by Michael's usual schemes. He could resume his wariness tomorrow; for now, he basked in his euphoria.

Michael cocked his head, scrutinizing his friend. "Really?"

"Yeah. And I'm happy to see you," Derek said easily, eliciting a chuckle from Michael. However, Michael's cautious expression remained. "Well, I'm glad you're happy. I thought you'd be upset, considering everything." Derek raised an eyebrow. "Why should I be upset?" he asked as the bartender placed his drink before him.

Michael, still suspicious, replied, "Well, Evelyn losing her job because of you might bother you. I know you care about her. And, you know, the whole situation with my mom and Sandra." Derek laughed lightly, leaning back. "Oh, that. Well, I guess it was bound to happen. I try not to stress over things I can't control. Everything happens for a reason, after all," he said dismissively, taking a long sip of his Negroni.

Michael nodded, relieved by Derek's nonchalance. "So, did Evelyn tell you anything else?" he asked.

"Anything? Like what?" Derek's voice was casual, but his eyes gleamed with amusement.

Michael hesitated, then lowered his voice. "Well, she told Sandra she'd make sure things didn't work out between you two, and that she'd even tell you Sandra and I are lovers." He watched Derek carefully. He wanted to know if Evelyn had recorded her conversation with Sandra or spoken to Derek.

Derek chuckled. "The Evelyn I know doesn't make idle threats or reveal her hand too soon. She's smarter than that." Michael stiffened, unprepared for Derek's unconcerned response.

Michael shifted uncomfortably, his grip tightening on his glass. "The Evelyn you know?"

"Yes. Aside from any personal relationship between you two, she's very smart and calculated. By the way, what did you mention earlier on the phone about Evelyn saying she wants me?" Derek asked, suppressing a grin.

"She told Sandra she wants you and she'd get you no matter what. She even said she chose to interview you to seduce you, and that neither Sandra nor I could stop her," Michael said.

"That also doesn't sound like Evelyn," Derek said, deepening Michael's frown. He was now irritated.

"What do you mean? Do you think I'm making this up?"

Derek laughed softly, enjoying Michael's growing unease. "I don't know. Are you?" He leaned back, crossing his arms, his expression unreadable. "I'm not making this up. Evelyn told Sandra"

"I'm just saying it doesn't sound like Evelyn. Maybe Sandra's twisting the truth. Were you there? Did you hear any of this yourself? Or is it hearsay from Sandra?" Derek asked.

"Why are you asking me that?" Michael asked, confused by Derek's tone.

"You haven't answered my question," Derek insisted.

Michael's lips tightened. "No, but"

"Then it's all secondhand, isn't it?" Derek interrupted. "Did you ever wonder why I asked Evelyn to work with me for a month before the interview? Didn't you think it was unconventional?" Derek knew Michael would eventually hear from his mother about his feelings for Evelyn. Michael blinked, surprised. "What are you talking about?"

"I wanted her close, and not just for business. I asked her to work with me because I'm really into her. I fell in love with her at first sight. That's why I shared personal things and took her on that trip. I wanted to get to know her; I wanted her close enough to seduce her."

Michael scowled. "You're in love with her? After everything she did to me?"

"That was before I knew about your history with her. I had to let her go because you're like my brother, and I care about you," Derek said, slapping Michael's back. "Do you see now why I don't believe Sandra's story? Evelyn didn't need to try to seduce me. She could have had me easily, and she knows it," Derek said, planting a seed of doubt about Sandra in Michael's mind.

"Maybe she was taking her time. Maybe she wants you now because"

Derek shook his head, grinning. "I'm over her. I don't care about her anymore. It's Sandra I'm interested in now."

Michael's eyes lit up. "Sandra, huh? Good taste. I just thought I should warn you."

"So, you should tell Sandra to forget about her sister and focus on me," Derek teased.

Michael laughed, relieved. "I trust you. We're family; what affects one affects all."

"Yeah," Derek agreed, taking a sip. He knew the seed of doubt he'd planted would fester.

The conversation turned to lighter topics—sports, politics, and work. For a moment, everything felt normal. But Derek knew better than to trust the peace. There was always something brewing with Michael, but tonight, he chose not to worry.

After a while, Derek yawned. "I'm exhausted. I'm heading up."

Michael nodded, also rising. "Yeah, see you tomorrow."

As Michael left the hotel, he bumped into a young woman entering. Both their phones fell. She picked them up and handed one to Michael.

"I'm so sorry! I wasn't paying attention," she said, smiling.

"No worries," Michael muttered, pocketing the phone without checking. He nodded and left, unaware he had the wrong phone.

The woman hurried away, a determined glint in her eyes, Michael's phone safely in her hand. She had what she needed. It was just a matter of time before she cloned his SIM card.