Evelyn sat in the back of the cab, a wide smile spreading across her face as she gazed out the window, replaying the previous night's events. After leaving Sandra passed out with Michael, Derek had whisked her and Rayna away to another lounge for drinks. The memory brought a sense of satisfaction. They had outsmarted Michael and Sandra, and now possessed enough evidence to expose their schemes.

She chuckled softly, remembering Sandra's shocked expression when Evelyn revealed she'd switched their drinks before Sandra passed out.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a buzzing phone. Seeing Derek's name, she answered immediately, still smiling. "Hey," she greeted cheerfully, despite having spoken earlier that morning when he'd called to greet Samantha.

"How's the most beautiful woman in the world doing?" Derek asked, eliciting a giggle from Evelyn.

"That's quite a stretch, don't you think?" she asked, laughing.

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and if I say you're the most beautiful woman in the world, then you are, to me. I don't care what anyone else thinks—not even you," he said. His words warmed her, despite her laughter.

"Noted. What are you up to? At the office yet?" she asked.

"Yeah. Just arrived. What about you?"

"Just dropped Samantha off at school. Heading home now. I'll wait for the realtor's call before I go house hunting," she said. Derek responded with a calm but focused, "Good. If I have time, I'll join you. Also, I got an interesting call from the hotel receptionist."

Evelyn's eyebrows shot up. "Why?"

Derek chuckled lightly. "Last night, I had a quick chat with him while you dropped Sandra off. Since you were being careful and didn't want us to enter the suite with you, I figured we should cover all bases. So, I asked him not to mention seeing Rayna and me if anyone inquired, and to let me know if they did." Evelyn grinned, impressed by his foresight. "Wow! You think ahead! Why didn't you tell me?"

"I didn't want to overwhelm you, and I wasn't sure they'd ask." His tone was casual, but amused.

"I'm guessing he called because they did ask?" Evelyn inquired.

"Yes. Michael and Sandra asked this morning if he'd seen the woman who brought Sandra to the suite, and if she was alone."

Evelyn laughed softly. "So they're covering their tracks, huh? What did he say?"

Derek's voice turned sly. "He told them you escorted Sandra in because she was drunk, and you asked him for directions to the suite." Evelyn laughed softly.

"I'm guessing you told him that?"

She might have taken the photos, but Derek's behind-the-scenes orchestration was the true masterstroke.

"Yeah. But that's not all. Michael tried to bribe him to change the reservation from his name to yours," Derek said, and Evelyn smirked.

"They must have seen me taking pictures and figured I'm onto them. They're trying to shift the blame. But it doesn't explain Michael being knocked out on the bed," Evelyn said thoughtfully, wondering if that was part of their plan.

"I think it's good you didn't let Rayna and me go in with you. They're doing this because they think you were alone, and can tamper with things," Derek said, and Evelyn's laughter bubbled up.

"They probably think pinning it all on me is easier than getting the pictures back. What now?" Evelyn asked.

"I told the receptionist to take the money and play along. Let them think they're winning. I want to see what they try next," Derek said, and Evelyn giggled.

Just as Evelyn was about to respond, her phone buzzed—a call from Sandra. She smirked, glancing at the screen. "Speak of the devil. Sandra's calling."

Derek chuckled. "Don't admit to anything. And don't say you took her to the suite."

"But the receptionist already—"

"Yes, that's what he told them, but that won't be his story if someone like my mother asks. Don't worry," Derek said, and Evelyn giggled.

"You've got this all figured out, don't you?"

"Yeah. Let's let them make a spectacle of themselves. Let me know how it goes. I'll catch up after my meeting." As soon as Derek hung up, Evelyn answered, her voice light and teasing. "Morning, Sandy! How was your night? Sleep well?"

A pause, then Sandra's sharp tone cut through. "Why did you put me in bed with Michael and take pictures of us?"

Evelyn grinned, maintaining her innocent tone. "What are you talking about, Sandy?"

"Don't act cute! I know you set me up. You put me in that bed with Michael and took pictures to make it look like something happened. How could you? I apologized last night! I tried to make peace, and you you're blackmailing me?" Evelyn rolled her eyes, though she found the situation entertaining. "Sandra, I have no idea what you're talking about. I remember accepting your apology and having drinks; we both got pretty wasted, and that's it. The rest is a blur," Evelyn said, wanting to see if Sandra would mention the switched drink.

"Don't lie! I know you drugged me and took me to the hotel. I have evidence! I know what you did. Was it because you want Derek for yourself? Is that why you're doing this?" Sandra asked, oblivious to their web.

Evelyn burst out laughing. "Sandra, you're unbelievably delusional," she said, incredulous that Sandra was portraying herself as the victim.

"Did you ask Rayna to set up a meeting with me just so you can accuse me of something so vile?" Evelyn's disbelief was evident.

"Just tell me why!" Sandra's voice rose. "Why would you put me in such a position?" She was glad Michael couldn't hear her admitting she'd asked Rayna to arrange a meeting with Evelyn.

Evelyn's laughter faded, replaced by a calm, calculated tone. "Sandra, I don't know what you think you saw, but I don't have any pictures of you with Michael. I left before you. I don't know how you got to your suite or wherever. And if you have evidence to prove I did whatever you're accusing me of, feel free to show it. I'm curious." Silence. Evelyn smirked, knowing Michael and Sandra wouldn't dare produce any video evidence, especially when trying to blame her.

With a final satisfied sigh, Evelyn added, "I guess there's nothing. With this stunt, I guess you didn't mean anything you said, and we're back to normal. Good luck pinning this on me, Sandy," before hanging up.

She leaned back as the cab glided through the city. They had Michael and Sandra exactly where they wanted them. The next move was theirs, and she couldn't wait. Evelyn felt confident they would stumble right into their trap. Now, she was enjoying the show.