Eric's gaze flickered to Sandra, who was visibly struggling to maintain her composure. "What do you think, Sandra? Should I let Evelyn return?" he asked, his voice challenging.

Sandra forced a tight smile, though her slight trembling betrayed her anger. "I don't think Evelyn should return yet," she said.

"Weren't we just asking your father to let her return to the magazine?" Claire asked, reminding Sandra of their earlier conversation.

"Yes, but at the moment, she has a bad reputation, which could reflect poorly on the company. If we give her a job, it should be a lower-ranking one. That way, she can prove herself," Sandra said. Evelyn, still kneeling, remained unbothered. "Before I lost my job, I secured an interview with Mr. Derek Stone. My first project will be interviewing him—a major story for the family magazine," she said confidently, her eyes fixed on her father's.

Eric nodded slowly, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Isn't that the young man you just mentioned?" he asked Sandra curiously.

"Yes, Dad. But…"

"Why is he granting her an interview instead of you?" Eric asked, and Sandra forced another smile.

"My Derek likes to keep his personal and professional life separate," Sandra said, and her father nodded.

"I see. Well then, Evelyn, I forgive you. You can rise. You're welcome to resume at the office on Monday," he said, his tone final.

Sandra flinched, surprised by her father's easy forgiveness. She couldn't let Evelyn return so easily.

Sandra watched angrily as Evelyn rose. Claire smiled. "Evie, why don't you join us for breakfast? We've missed you. I'll get you an extra cup," she said, rising from her seat.

Eric also stood, smoothing his tie and glancing at his watch. "I need to make a call," he said, his voice businesslike. He and Claire left, leaving the sisters alone.

As soon as their parents were out of earshot, Sandra leaned forward, her eyes flashing with fury. "What do you think you're doing? Do you really think you still have a place in this family or at the magazine?" she hissed, her voice low and venomous.

Evelyn laughed softly, her confidence rattling Sandra. Leaning back, her eyes glinted with amusement. "I'll always have a place in this family and at the magazine, Sandra. It belongs to my father, after all," Evelyn said, knowing their parents were likely watching.

Sandra's eyes narrowed, her hand itching to strike. "Not if I have anything to say about it. Do you really think I'm going to let you crawl back here? You have no place here—not in this family, not at the magazine, and definitely not at this table. I'll make sure of it," Sandra said with a venomous smile, rising.

"Unfortunately, that's not up to you," Evelyn said calmly.

While Evelyn spoke, Sandra approached and knelt before her. "Watch and see," Sandra said. Before Evelyn could react, Sandra slapped herself across the face and let out a piercing scream, her voice echoing.

"Ow! Evelyn, how could you?" she cried, her voice filled with exaggerated pain and shock, loud enough for their parents to hear. Evelyn didn't flinch, her gaze steady. As Eric and Claire rushed back in, concern etched on their faces, Sandra sobbed, clutching her cheek.

Eric's eyes darkened. "Sandra, what happened?" Claire asked, rushing to her side.

"What happened?" Eric demanded.

"She slapped me!" Sandra cried, pointing a trembling finger at Evelyn. "I was asking her to leave Derek alone, and she made me kneel and beg. Then she hit me!" she cried, rising.

Evelyn remained seated, her expression serene. "She's putting on a show, Dad. I didn't touch her," she said calmly. "She's lying."

Sandra's tears flowed freely. "She's lying, Dad! She's always been jealous of me, and now she's trying to make me look bad!"

Claire glanced between her daughters, her expression torn.

Before Claire could speak, Eric's jaw tightened. "You came here asking for forgiveness only to cause more trouble!" he said, and tears sprang to Evelyn's eyes as Sandra watched with satisfaction.

Evelyn turned to Sandra. "Sandra, you can play this game, but it's not going to work. You're trying to turn Dad against me, but it won't happen. You know I didn't slap you." Sandra's mask of tears slipped, revealing anger. "What did I ever do to you? Why are you doing this? First, the party, then my boyfriend, and now this? Why?"

Evelyn sighed inwardly. She was glad her parents had witnessed Sandra's performance. "Dad, I didn't."

"How do you expect me to believe you when you're always causing trouble?" he asked Evelyn sharply. "Answer me!" Eric roared, cutting off Claire.

Evelyn hesitated. "I have evidence. My phone's recorder was on," she said, and Sandra's eyes widened.

"You do? Then play it," Claire encouraged.

"Should I?" Evelyn asked Sandra, rising gracefully.

"Why are you asking her? Play it if you have it," their father said. Evelyn opened her handbag and retrieved her phone.

Sandra's heart raced as Evelyn played the recording. She was trapped.

"You lied against your sister!" Claire said disbelievingly.

"I I didn't mean any of that, Dad. I was just upset because of what she did to me at the anniversary," Sandra stammered, her bravado crumbling.

Eric's expression hardened. "Enough," he said firmly. "I'm not interested in this nonsense drama," he growled. "We'll discuss this later. For now, both of you will finish breakfast without any more drama," Claire instructed firmly.

Sandra's face crumpled as she sat, her hands trembling slightly as she reached for her coffee cup.

As Claire served Evelyn's breakfast, an uneasy silence fell. Evelyn held her father's gaze; there was a silent understanding between them. Finally, Evelyn took her seat. Sandra seethed, knowing Evelyn had won this round, but vowing to win the next.