Sunday arrived, filling the house with the warm scent of freshly baked bread and the hum of quiet activity. Samantha bounced around the living room, her excitement bubbling over. "Is Liam coming soon, Mommy?" she asked, for what felt like the hundredth time, her eyes sparkling with joy. Evelyn smiled at her daughter's enthusiasm. "Yes, sweetheart. He'll be here any minute."

"And he'll bring my doll?" Samantha asked.

"For your sake, I hope he remembers," Evelyn said, and Samantha grinned.

"Liam never forgets," Samantha said confidently, rushing to the window to peer out. She couldn't wait to see Liam. He was one of her favorite people. He always brought her something small—sometimes a toy, sometimes just a funny story—but his visits always made her happy.

Maya, carrying a basket of laundry, noticed Samantha's excitement. "Looks like someone's really looking forward to seeing Liam today," she teased softly. Samantha giggled and nodded, her face glowing with happiness. "I'm gonna show him my new dolls and tell him about my daddy."

Maya chuckled. "I'm sure he'll love that, dear." She winked at Samantha before continuing to the laundry room.

Just then, the sound of a car pulling up made Samantha squeal. "He's here! He's here!" Evelyn wiped her hands on a towel and followed her daughter to the door. Before she reached it, Liam stepped onto the porch, a friendly grin on his face. He held a small bag, clearly for Samantha. Samantha flung open the door and jumped into his arms.

Liam laughed, lifting her easily. "I missed you. How's my favorite girl?"

Samantha beamed, squeezing him tight. "I missed you too!" She held up the little bag. "Did you bring my doll?"

Liam, with excited eyes, handed it to her. "You bet."

"Thank you, Liam!" Samantha said, her excitement bubbling over. She wiggled out of his arms and ran inside to examine her new doll. Liam stepped inside, greeting Evelyn with a warm smile. "Hey, you."

"Hey, yourself," she replied, a soft smile playing on her lips. "It's good to see you again, Liam." As Liam entered, Maya appeared with a welcoming smile.

"Good to see you too, Maya. How's everything?" Liam asked.

Maya smiled softly. "Busy, but good. Samantha's keeping me on my toes as usual."

Liam grinned and gave a mock sigh. "I like her."

"Come to the kitchen, Liam. I'm still busy in here," Evelyn said, and Liam followed her. Evelyn glanced over her shoulder at the vegetables on the counter. "Need any help with lunch?"

Liam shook his head. "Nah, I've got it under control. You can just keep me company and tell me how you've been."

Liam leaned casually against the counter, watching her work. It felt comfortable and natural to be there with her. "Well, I've missed you and Sammy. My life has been all about work, as usual. Nothing fun," Liam said, and Evelyn raised an eyebrow. "So, what conference brought you to Ludus?"

"Just work," Liam said, unwilling to reveal he was considering moving to Ludus. "So, what about you? How has everything been since we last talked? Settling in okay?"

Evelyn paused, her smile faltering slightly. "Yeah, everything's been perfect for the most part. But I had a little problem at work."

"I don't work with Empowered anymore," Evelyn admitted, her voice calm but carrying a hint of something more profound. Liam frowned with concern. "What happened? I thought you loved it there."

Evelyn shrugged, continuing to chop vegetables. "It just didn't work out. There were some…complications. But it's fine. I'm moving on."

"Well, as long as you're okay," Liam said, watching her closely. "If you ever need anything, you know I'm here, right?"

Evelyn smiled, grateful for his support. "I know. Thanks, Liam. I really appreciate it."

Before they could continue, the doorbell rang. "Are you expecting someone else?" Liam asked.

"That must be the delivery," Evelyn said, glancing at the clock. "I ordered a few things for dessert."

Liam pushed himself off the counter. "I'll get it. You're busy, and Maya's still working on the laundry."

"Thanks," Evelyn said with a smile.

Michael stood at the door, his thoughts swirling with questions about Evelyn's daughter possibly being his. He needed to know. His stomach was tight with anticipation. When the door opened, it wasn't Evelyn who answered, but Liam.

"Are you the delivery guy?" Liam asked, looking Michael over and noting the lack of a package.

Michael's brow furrowed. "Who are you?" he asked, unwilling to believe Evelyn had another man in her life.

Liam cocked an eyebrow. "I take it you're not the delivery guy, then."

Before Michael could answer, Evelyn appeared, her eyes narrowing when she saw him. "What do you want here, Michael?" she asked coldly.

Michael's gaze shifted from Liam to Evelyn. "Who is he?"

Evelyn resisted the urge to laugh. "Like you have a right to ask. Liam, let's go inside." Liam looked at Michael with curiosity.

"I need to talk to you, Evie. Let me come in," Michael said, stopping Evelyn before she could close the door.

Evelyn scoffed. "Someone like you isn't welcome in my home. If you have something to say, say it here."

Michael clenched his jaw. "Fine. Who's this guy?" He nodded toward Liam, who watched their exchange with mild curiosity.

"That's none of your business," Evelyn replied sharply. "What do you want here, Michael?"

"First, I want to know what happened between you and Sandra at the club and why you took pictures of us," Michael said.

Evelyn's lips curled into an unkind smile. "Why are you asking me that? Weren't you both in on the plan together? You both tried to drug me and take pictures of us together, didn't you?"

Michael frowned. "Why would I want to do something like that?"

"Beats me. I've been wondering the same thing. Unless you're telling me you're not aware that Sandra tried to drug me and take me to your hotel suite. I took those pictures because I needed something to protect myself," Evelyn said. Michael blinked, confused.

"What are you talking about?"

Evelyn crossed her arms, her eyes glinting. "In simple terms, I switched Sandra's drink. She tried to drug me. From the way you were passed out, I'm guessing her plan was to set me up with you in bed and take pictures. But I turned the tables on her." Michael's mouth fell open. "Sandra tried to drug you?" He could hardly believe it.

"Yes," Evelyn said, her voice flat. "Now, if that's all you came for, I think it's time for you to leave."

"No. That's not all. I have another question," he said, but he heard a soft giggle from inside.

Michael's head snapped toward the sound. "Who's that? Is that…a kid?"

Evelyn's face hardened. "That's none of your concern, Michael."

Michael, needing to know the truth, pushed past Liam and barged into the house.

"Michael, stop!" Evelyn shouted, but he ignored her.

Samantha sat on the floor, playing with a doll. When she saw Michael, her eyes blinked in surprise. Michael froze. This was Evelyn's daughter. Was it possible she was his?

Evelyn stormed over, her face red with anger. "I want you to leave now." Samantha quickly hid behind Evelyn.

Before Michael could respond, Liam stepped in front of him. "You heard her. It's time for you to go." Michael looked from Samantha to Liam and back to Evelyn, anger flaring.

"Is she mine?" Michael asked Evelyn.

"I have nothing that belongs to you, and you, of all people, should know that there's no possibility of me having your child, so get lost!" Evelyn snapped.

Michael's face reddened. "So, this is the guy, huh? He is her father, isn't he? I can't believe you, Evelyn. You've been acting like you're so innocent, but you're nothing but—"

Liam didn't wait for him to finish. He shoved Michael out the door, and Michael stumbled back, his head reeling.

"The next time you show your face around here, I'm going to call the police," Evelyn promised before slamming the door.