Michael's mind was in turmoil as he drove to the Stone Mansion for dinner. The towering trees lining the route offered no comfort as he replayed Evelyn's betrayal. That was the only thought that had occupied his mind all day. His grip tightened on the steering wheel as Evelyn's face flashed before him. The thought that she had cheated on him six years ago stung his pride, bruising his ego anew. He couldn't believe she had dared to betray him and then act as if he was the villain.

Did their relationship mean nothing to her? He understood his relationship with Sandra, but Evelyn's betrayal felt incomprehensible. Hadn't she loved him? Had she been toying with him? Worse, she had a daughter with the man she'd cheated with—a child that could have been his. This thought ignited fresh rage, but he suppressed it as the Stone Mansion came into view.

He'd been pleasantly surprised when his uncle called the previous day, inviting him to dinner. It had been a while since they'd seen each other. But after Evelyn's revelation, his day was ruined, and he doubted he could enjoy his meal. He knew he was late, but he was sure they would understand.

Pulling up, he saw Derek's car. Still fuming, he straightened his jacket and approached the front door. The familiar warmth of the mansion greeted him. He was about to go to the dining room when he spotted Sandra, chatting with his aunt on a grand sofa. His stomach dropped. She hadn't mentioned coming to dinner; what was she doing here? He hadn't seen her car.

Her presence brought back Evelyn's explanation, which made more sense than Sandra's story. It explained why Sandra had asked them not to make a big deal of the pictures Evelyn had taken. He couldn't believe Sandra had tried to set him up with Evelyn. What was she up to? Did she want Derek for herself, discarding him now that she thought she was close to her goal? The betrayal of both women he'd trusted enraged him.

"Michael, I was beginning to wonder if you'd make it," Derek's mother said with a smile, gesturing for him to join them.

Sandra glanced up, their eyes meeting. They hadn't seen each other since her visit to his apartment the previous evening. A tense silence hung between them.

"I'm sorry I'm late," Michael said, shifting his gaze to his aunt.

Sandra smiled, a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Hello, Mike. I didn't expect to see you here."

"I could say the same for you. This is my home; I can visit whenever I want," he said, his voice colder than intended.

"Derek thought it would be nice for me to join his parents for dinner. I didn't think you were invited."

Ignoring Sandra, Michael turned to his aunt. "I saw Derek's car. Is he in the study with Uncle?"

"Yes. Those two always lock themselves away to discuss business at the slightest opportunity. I'm glad I'll soon have a daughter-in-law. Now that you're here, why don't you get them and join us at the dining table?" Mrs. Stone suggested. Michael nodded and left.

His thoughts continued to swirl as he went to the study. He needed to keep an eye on Sandra. Something felt wrong, and it might be time to end their mission. He couldn't trust her enough to let her marry Derek anymore, not after what he'd learned.

He knocked, and Derek and his father greeted him with happy smiles. After pleasantries, they joined Mrs. Stone and Sandra in the dining room.

Sandra presented Mr. Stone with a gift—a tie and cufflinks—which he accepted graciously. Conversation turned to lighter topics, but Michael remained quiet, prompting Derek to raise an eyebrow.

"You seem in a foul mood, Mike. What's wrong?" Derek asked, knowing Michael would mention Evelyn.

Derek's mother nodded. "I noticed, too. Did something happen, dear?" she asked with concern.

"Can you believe Evelyn not only cheated on me but had a child with that bastard? I guess she called off the wedding because she found out she was pregnant. This whole time she made me feel like it was my fault," he said, unable to contain himself any longer.

Sandra raised an eyebrow at the mention of Evelyn's child. After yesterday's confrontation, she'd hoped the child was Michael's, to use against him. Now, she was disappointed. Mrs. Stone looked shocked. "What? A daughter?"

"Yes," Michael said evenly. "If I hadn't seen the kid and the jerk myself, I wouldn't have believed it. I saw them together."

"You saw him? Even though she's my sister, Evelyn is unbelievable. I can't believe she's been trying to get Derek when she has a man and a child," Sandra said, frowning.

"Isn't she your sister? Didn't you know about the child?" Mr. Stone asked Sandra.

"I only found out yesterday. I told Michael because I thought the girl was his, considering her age," Sandra said. Derek smirked. So, Sandra had told Michael about Samantha, prompting his visit to Evelyn. Interesting. But how did Sandra find out about Samantha? Derek wondered.

Mrs. Stone furrowed her brow. "Why would you think the child is Michael's? How old is she?"

"She'll be six soon," Sandra replied. Derek exchanged a look with his father; his mother was piecing things together.

"Six?" Mrs. Stone asked, remembering Samantha's age. "What's the child's name?"

"Samantha," Sandra answered.

Mrs. Stone's face paled. It couldn't be a coincidence. The little girl Derek had brought home was Evelyn's daughter. If Samantha was almost six, that meant… Derek was the father. She recalled Derek mentioning being with Evelyn the night before the cancelled wedding, and the striking resemblance between the child and a younger Derek.

Evelyn was the mother of that little girl? She looked at Derek, who raised an eyebrow, seemingly asking what she planned to do. She looked back at Michael. "So, the man you met at her house… are you sure he's the father?" she asked Michael.

"Yes, definitely," Michael said. Derek resisted the urge to snort.