Back at the hotel, Evelyn stumbled into her suite, dazed. Relieved to find Maya and Samantha absent—likely at the playground—she wrestled with a cascade of questions. How had the stranger from six years ago become Derek Stone? What unbelievable coincidence was this? And what about her assignment? She couldn't stay; she couldn't live in his hotel.
What if he saw her, saw Samantha, and realized she was his daughter? No. Panic rising, she grabbed her phone and called Maya.
"Return to the suite with Samantha immediately," she ordered, harsher than intended.
Pacing, she considered calling her boss, Susan, to relinquish the assignment. Then, she recalled their last conversation before Evelyn's departure for Ludus.
"Management decided on you and Wes," Susan had said. "Honestly, most favor Wes. But I think you deserve this. I've seen your work, your passion, your resilience. I want you to prove yourself."
"How?" Evelyn had asked, unsure what more she could do after four years.
"You'll go to Ludus on probation," Susan explained. "One major task determines your promotion to editor-in-chief."
"What's the task?" Evelyn asked, her enthusiasm waning.
"Secure an interview with Derek Stone, the elusive billionaire CEO, for our next cover story. Land it, and the position is yours," Susan had stated.
Evelyn sighed. Susan would be devastated. She wanted—needed—the promotion, but at what cost? Could she risk staying, knowing Derek could discover Samantha? Could she even convince him to be interviewed?
The door opened, and Samantha rushed in. "Mommy! You're back early!" she exclaimed, embracing Evelyn. Looking at her daughter, Evelyn saw a faint resemblance to Derek. What was she going to do?
Meanwhile, after leaving Derek's office, Michael entered his own and called Sandra.
She answered on the second ring, her voice curious. "What's up? Did she leave? Did you find out why she's here? Did you follow her?" Sandra had been anxious since Michael told her Evelyn had returned. While she hadn't planned the events of six years ago, she'd been happy when Evelyn left, hoping she'd never return. That way, everything belonging to Evelyn—especially the family magazine, Evelyn's birthright—would remain hers.
"Slow down," Michael said. "Yes, to all your questions. I followed her, learned where she's staying, and what she's doing at Stone Corp." He then recounted his findings: Evelyn's stay at The Stone's Palace Hotel and her work for a rival magazine.
This news didn't reassure Sandra. Evelyn's return fueled her insecurity; she feared losing her position if Evelyn reconciled with her father. She had to ensure Evelyn never gained control of the magazine.
"Alright. Let's talk later," Sandra said distractedly.
"I also spoke to Derek about the anniversary party—invited him," Michael added. Sandra smiled.
"You've done well, Mike. Meet me after work; tell me everything," she said suggestively.
"Of course," Michael replied before hanging up. He leaned back, a blend of anticipation and satisfaction. Their meeting would allow him to detail his conversation with Derek and plan their next steps. He looked forward to it, knowing they could manage Evelyn's challenge and advance their plan for Derek.
Sandra put down her phone, considering her next move. First, she'd try to secure an exclusive interview with Derek, knowing Evelyn wanted it. Then, she'd portray Evelyn negatively, emphasizing her rebelliousness to their parents. That should be easy, considering Evelyn worked for a competitor. She lamented her stepmother's "goody-two-shoes" nature, hindering her access to Evelyn's inheritance.