Evelyn settled back, her heart pounding as she prepared to reveal the final pieces of the puzzle to her parents. Eric and Claire, still reeling from previous revelations, looked at her with a mixture of concern and anticipation.

"Mom, Dad," Evelyn began, her voice trembling slightly, "there's more you need to know. Michael and Sandra—they're not just close. They're working together, and it's more than an affair. They planted a bug in Derek's office." Her words hung heavy with accusation.

Eric frowned deeply, his confusion evident. "A bug? You mean… they were spying on Derek?" he asked, glancing at Derek, who remained silent. Derek, having seen Evelyn's composure, had withdrawn to the background. His role was to offer moral support and defend her.

Derek nodded. "Yes, they were listening to our conversations."

"They were trying to sabotage me," Evelyn continued. "And they succeeded. They leaked the news about Derek last weekend—private information he'd confided in me. It caused problems between us and almost cost me my job."

Claire gasped, her hand flying to her mouth, tears welling in her eyes. "They did what? But why? What could Sandra possibly gain from being so cruel? Why is she still after you?"

Evelyn hesitated, her gaze shifting between her parents. "I think they wanted me out of Derek's life and to prevent the interview from happening. I believe Sandra is trying to manipulate her way into Derek's life, just as Michael did with me. She wants to marry Derek for his wealth, and Michael is complicit."

Claire's face paled, her shoulders slumping. "Sandra… my Sandra… would do something like this?" she whispered, her voice thick with sorrow.

Evelyn's heart ached. "I'm sorry, Mom. I know this is hard to hear."

Eric put an arm around Claire. "Calm down, darling."

"How can I be calm? I always suspected she was up to no good, but this… this is evil! I can't believe that girl is my daughter!" Claire sobbed.

A tense silence filled the room, broken only by Claire's sobs. Eric, his expression sorrowful, took his wife's hand. "Claire, this isn't your fault. You did everything you could as a mother. You've been there for Evelyn, and that's what matters."

Evelyn, fighting back tears, nodded. "Dad's right, Mom. You've always been good to me, and I don't want you to blame yourself for what Sandra has become."

Claire shook her head, her eyes glistening. "But I should have seen it. I should have known…"

"No," Eric interjected firmly. "You're not a fortune teller. You couldn't have known. You can't hold yourself responsible for Sandra's choices. You've been a wonderful mother, and you've done your best. That's all any of us can do."

Evelyn leaned forward, her voice softer. "Dad's right. None of this is your fault. I'm telling you this because I've made up my mind—I'm not going to let her get away with this anymore. I'm done ignoring her actions. I won't consider her my sister. I'm going to fight back."

Eric nodded resolutely. "We'll support you, Evelyn. You have our full backing."

Claire, finally nodding, agreed. "Yes, Evelyn. We'll support you. You're not alone."

"I'm going back to the family company, but I need your help. I don't want Sandra to know about this. I'll ask for forgiveness and a job—in front of her. She can't suspect anything," Evelyn explained. Her parents nodded.

"We'll keep this between us," Eric assured her. Despite the reassurance, the weight of his past mistakes burdened him.

The difficult conversation over, Evelyn stood, wiping her eyes. "Thank you. Now, I'm going to heat up dinner."

Claire quickly rose. "I'll help you, dear."

Eric remained seated, his gaze on Derek. The silence was heavy until Eric spoke. "Derek… I owe you an apology. I was rude and didn't give you or my daughter the benefit of the doubt. I'm sorry. And thank you for standing by Evelyn."

Derek met Eric's gaze sincerely. "All is forgiven. All that matters is that everything's resolved. I want Evelyn to be happy."

"When did you find out about all this?" Eric asked.

Derek sighed. "Yesterday. She told me about Michael and Sandra. I also found out about Samantha yesterday. With your permission, I'd like to marry her once this is over."

Eric smiled. "If she's willing, you have my support. Evelyn makes her own decisions."

"Yes, she does," Derek chuckled. "I plan to move Evelyn and Samantha somewhere more secure. I don't trust Michael and Sandra."

Eric nodded. "You're right. We should do whatever it takes to keep them safe."

In the kitchen, Claire watched Evelyn, her heart heavy with the knowledge of her stepdaughter's suffering. She embraced Evelyn tightly. "Thank you, Evelyn, for finally opening up. I'm so sorry. I understand now, and I wish I had sooner."

Evelyn leaned into Claire's embrace. "Thank you, Mom. I was worried you might take Sandra's side."

Claire pulled back, her hands on Evelyn's shoulders. "Evelyn, you're as much my daughter as Sandra. I could never choose one over the other, especially not in a situation like this. You're my daughter, and I'll always stand by you."

Tears welled in Evelyn's eyes, tears of relief this time. "I'm so glad to hear that. I've been carrying this for so long."

Claire smiled sadly. "You don't have to carry it alone anymore. We're here for you." She glanced toward the doorway. "I should go check on my granddaughter."

As Claire left, Evelyn stood alone, the weight of her secrets lifted. She breathed deeply, feeling a sense of peace. For the first time in a long while, she didn't feel like she was hiding anymore.