The elevator doors closed behind Derek and Sandra. Derek casually leaned against the wall, his mind already strategizing. He slipped his phone from his pocket and quickly texted Evelyn: "Taking Sandra to lunch. I just sent you something important. Check it out when you can." He swiftly forwarded the recorded conversation, ensuring she had all the evidence. Returning his phone to his pocket, he turned to Sandra. "Did you drive?" he asked, his tone light.

"Yes," she replied with a cheerful smile. "Why?"

Although the day had started badly, she was happy to be with Derek.

"I thought it might be easier if we took separate cars," he explained, though he didn't want to endure her company on the drive. "You wouldn't have to return to pick up yours; you could go straight to your office."

Sandra's expression faltered momentarily, but she quickly recovered. "Oh, Derek, you're such a gentleman," she said playfully. "But I don't mind. I enjoy spending time with you. We can go together, and I'll come back with you."

Derek's polite smile hid his irritation. Before he could respond, the elevator dinged, signaling their arrival.

The doors opened onto the busy lobby. As they stepped out, they saw Michael approaching the elevator. His surprised expression was almost comical as he saw Sandra with Derek. "Sandra," he greeted, confused. "What are you doing here?"

Sandra's heart skipped a beat. She hadn't told Michael. "I just came to make sure Derek wasn't mad at me anymore. You know how I hate it when we're not on good terms." Michael glanced at Derek, who watched with a neutral expression. "My feelings are hurt," Michael said. "You cared about Derek so much and didn't even say hello?"

Sandra shook her head, her hair bouncing. "I planned to say hello when we returned from lunch," she assured him with a sweet smile.

Derek intervened before the tension escalated. "We're going to lunch, Mike. Care to join us?" He wanted to see Michael's reaction. Michael shook his head, a tight smile on his lips. "Thanks, but I have plans. Enjoy yourselves."

Derek nodded, watching Michael walk away stiffly. As soon as he was out of sight, Derek turned to Sandra. "Shall we?"

Sandra beamed. "Let's go." She wouldn't worry about Michael. If Derek loved her, that was all that mattered. She knew Michael wouldn't expose her—not when it would expose him as well, since they were partners in crime.

They left the building, the sun shining brightly. The drive to the restaurant was filled with small talk—Sandra prattling on about work while Derek responded with polite, distant interest. Now that he was with Evelyn, he found it harder to pretend to like Sandra. He wasn't even in the mood to listen.

They arrived at a chic restaurant Sandra had suggested and were seated at a secluded table. Sandra immediately adopted a slightly accusatory tone. "Why did you let Evelyn answer your call the other day?"

Derek raised an eyebrow. "I was driving," he explained calmly. "I don't take calls while driving, so I asked her to answer. I didn't know it was you."

Sandra pouted. "You could have called me back."

Derek suppressed a sigh. "I didn't think it was a big deal. But if it upset you, I apologize."

Sandra seemed to accept his apology, but her expression remained wary. "Is it true you're still doing the interview? Why Evelyn? I could easily handle it."

Derek leaned back. "Evelyn and I had an agreement. Besides, I prefer to keep my private and work lives separate."

Sandra's pout deepened. "I'm worried she'll try to seduce you under the guise of the interview."

Derek remained neutral. "Didn't Michael tell you what I told him?"

Sandra frowned, confused. "What did you tell Michael?"

Derek leaned forward, lowering his voice. "I told him I was in love with Evelyn and wanted her to do the interview because I wanted to get to know her better. But after seeing how she treated you and how she's been acting, I realized she's not suitable. I've moved on, Sandra. That's why I'm interested in you now."

Sandra's eyes widened. "Is that true?" she asked breathlessly.

Derek nodded sincerely. "Yes. So, there's no need to worry about Evelyn anymore. She's not a threat."

Sandra seemed mollified, but a hint of bitterness remained. She pulled out her phone. "Can we take a picture?" she asked coaxingly.

Derek smiled tightly. "You know I don't like taking pictures."

Sandra pouted but shrugged. "Okay, I understand."

The waiter arrived, taking their orders. Once he left, Sandra leaned forward, scowling. "I came to see you because I'm upset. Evelyn came to the house this morning. She caused problems," Sandra said. Derek's eyebrows lifted. "What kind of problems?"

Sandra sighed dramatically, feigning innocence. "She lied about me and tried to turn our parents against me. She's always been jealous, but it's worse now that you're involved. I'm worried she'll seduce you. She even said she'd get you at all costs because you're wealthy."

Derek's eyes narrowed, but his tone remained calm. "I find that hard to believe, Sandra. If Evelyn wanted me for my money, she would have had me a long time ago. And you should stop talking about Evelyn—it's unattractive."

Surprise flickered in her eyes, but she quickly smiled sweetly. "You're right, Derek. I shouldn't let her get to me."

"Yeah, you shouldn't. Focus on talking about yourself," Derek said. She nodded.

"Will you attend my class reunion with me next weekend?" she asked, changing the subject.

Derek hesitated, then nodded, remembering the recording he'd sent Evelyn. "With you? Of course." He needed to ensure Evelyn's safety. He had no intention of letting Sandra get away with whatever she was planning. Sandra's eyes lit up. "I'm so happy you're coming, Derek. It's going to be a wonderful night."

As lunch progressed, she chattered about the reunion. Derek played his part perfectly, but his mind raced, strategizing his next move. He needed to be ready for Sandra's plans—he knew she intended to claim she was pregnant after sleeping with him. But for now, he'd let her believe she was winning. The best way to defeat an opponent was to make them think they were in control, and he was a master at that.

Sandra, blissfully unaware, was lost in fantasies of winning Derek over. She had no idea he was only playing along to protect Evelyn.