The next morning, Claire went to the Stone's Palace Hotel to visit Evelyn, determined to mend their relationship. Upon arriving at the reception desk, she explained she was there to see her daughter. The receptionist called Evelyn to get her permission. As Claire ascended in the elevator to Evelyn's suite, she reflected on Evelyn and how much she missed her.

Reaching Evelyn's door, she knocked. A moment later, Evelyn opened it, looking surprised but happy. "Evelyn? It's really you," Claire exclaimed, embracing her daughter.

"I couldn't believe it when the receptionist said my mom was here," Evelyn said, relaxing in Claire's arms. Although Sandra had betrayed her and Evelyn harbored resentment, Claire had always been a good stepmother, and Evelyn loved her.

After they separated, Claire examined Evelyn. "You've changed a lot, Evie," she said, stepping inside as Evelyn held the door open.

Evelyn grinned. "It's been six years, after all," she replied as they settled into the living area.

"How did you know I was here?" Evelyn asked curiously, suspecting Michael's involvement.

"Good news travels fast," Claire said, then added with interest, "Don't tell me you didn't want us to know you were in the country, and weren't planning on coming home?" Evelyn quickly shook her head.

"It's not that. It's just" Her words trailed off as Samantha and Maya entered from Maya's room.

Samantha, who had been pleading with Maya to let her go to the playground (Evelyn had given strict instructions to Maya not to let her leave the suite), paused upon seeing their visitor.

Claire smiled warmly at Samantha. Although she initially wondered who the child was, seeing her with Maya, Claire assumed she was Maya's daughter. "Hello, cutie pie! Has anyone told you you're beautiful?" Claire asked, smiling warmly. Samantha blushed and returned the smile.

"Yes, thank you, ma'am. My mommy tells me that every day. You look pretty too, don't you think, Mommy?" Samantha asked, looking at Evelyn. Claire then realized who the child belonged to. Evelyn smiled fondly. While she'd preferred to keep Samantha's existence from her family a little longer, it was no longer possible. "Yes, she does, sweetie, and guess what? This beautiful lady is your grandmother," Evelyn said, confirming Claire's suspicion.

Claire's eyes widened. "Evie? Is she your daughter?" she asked. Evelyn nodded.

"Yes, her name is Samantha. Sam, say hello to your grandmother," Evelyn said. Claire concealed her surprise as she offered her hand to Samantha.

"Hello, Sam. It's wonderful to meet you," she said. Samantha beamed and approached her, peppering Claire with questions about her grandfather and when she'd see him.

Claire answered Samantha's questions, then asked about her age, favorite colors, and food. Evelyn watched nervously.

Now that Claire had met Samantha, she knew the upcoming conversation would be difficult, but appreciated the warm start. Dismissing Maya and Samantha, Claire turned to Evelyn.

"She's five? Evelyn, why didn't you tell us?" Claire asked, her disappointment clear.

"What happened six years ago? Why didn't you tell us about Sam? Did you call off the wedding because of the pregnancy? Or did you find out later? Is she Michael's?" Claire asked gently. Evelyn shook her head.

"No, she isn't. And I only found out about the pregnancy after I left the country," she said. Claire nodded.

"Then why did you call off the wedding? And who is her father?" Claire pressed. Evelyn's expression grew somber.

"Mom, some things are better left in the past. I don't want to dredge up old memories," Evelyn said, and Claire sighed.

"Can't you share your reasons with me?" Claire pleaded. Evelyn shook her head. She couldn't reveal Sandra or Michael's actions; it would devastate Claire.

"I'm sorry. I can't," she said.

"Then can you at least tell me who Sam's father is? Are you married now?" Claire asked, glancing at Evelyn's ring finger.

"No. And I'm sorry, I can't tell you who he is. Does Dad know you're here?" Evelyn asked, changing the subject.

"Yes. I'm sorry he reacted that way; he was too disappointed to think straight. We miss you, Eve, we all do, especially Sandra. She felt bad you were back but didn't contact you. Why don't you come home?" Claire asked. Evelyn shook her head.

"Thanks, Mom, but I don't think that's a good idea—"

"Why not? We're your family, Evie. We need to spend time with Sam. I know she'd want that too. Please come home?"

Knowing she couldn't tolerate Sandra, Evelyn sighed. "I'll think about it," she said. Claire nodded. "And what's this I hear about you working at Empowered? Are you doing it to spite your father?" Claire asked. Evelyn smiled.

"I guess Michael told you. No, I'm not doing it to spite him. I'm supporting myself and my daughter after my father cut me off," Evelyn explained. Claire sighed. "I hope you both settle your differences, Evie," she said.

"I'm sure we will, in time. Don't worry too much about us," Evelyn replied. After catching up, Claire decided to leave.

As Evelyn walked Claire to her car, Claire remembered something. "Oh, and we're having a party for our twenty-third wedding anniversary in two weeks. It would mean a lot if you could attend, regardless of whether you've decided to move back home," Claire said. Evelyn nodded.

"I'll keep it in mind," she said, embracing Claire.

Watching Claire drive away, Evelyn's mind raced. She'd kept Samantha a secret for so long, but Claire's visit and the upcoming family gathering threatened to expose everything. She considered her job, the fact that Derek (Samantha's father) was Michael's cousin, and felt everything was falling apart. Almost marrying Michael had been a mistake, but sleeping with a stranger had been an even bigger one, and the thought made her regret having Samantha. Perhaps she shouldn't have returned. Coming back had been a huge mistake.