After Claire left, Evelyn sat by her bedroom window, a cup of coffee in hand, contemplating the best course of action. Samantha played quietly with her toys on the bed, her laughter a comforting counterpoint to Evelyn's scattered thoughts.

As she sipped her coffee, lost in thought, her phone buzzed, jolting her from her reverie. The caller ID showed Susan, and Evelyn's heart skipped a beat. She took a deep breath before answering.

"Good morning, ma'am," she greeted, trying to sound composed, though she was far from it.

Evelyn frowned at Susan's happy laugh.

"Good morning, Evelyn! How are you? I knew you were the best person for this task!" Susan's voice was brimming with joy.

Confused, Evelyn asked, "Is everything okay? Did something happen?"

"Of course, something happened, and it's thanks to you," Susan replied. Evelyn's frown deepened.

"Me?"

"Yes! You got Derek Stone to agree to the interview. Isn't that amazing? So many others failed, but you succeeded! I'm so proud of you, Evelyn!" Susan's triumphant tone made Evelyn's heart skip a beat.

"What? He agreed? How?" Evelyn asked, though she suspected their history played a part.

"I should be asking you that! What did you do? What did you say?" Susan's excitement continued.

"What did he say?" Evelyn asked, trying to understand the situation and Derek's motivations.

"He agreed, but with a condition—a simple one, I think," Susan said. Evelyn frowned.

"A condition? What kind?"

"He wants you to work with him for a month before the interview—understudy him, basically. That wouldn't be a problem, right?" Susan's question tightened Evelyn's grip on her phone.

"Work with him? For a month? Why? That's too much! Maybe Wes should handle this—I already got Stone to agree"

"That's not possible," Susan interrupted, her tone serious. "Mr. Stone specifically requested you. He said no interview if you refuse." A heavy silence followed.

Evelyn felt a mix of dread and frustration. Could she work closely with him for a month without him discovering Samantha was his child? His child?

Sensing Evelyn's reluctance, Susan's voice softened, but remained firm. "Evelyn, you know what's at stake. I recommended you, and I won't be happy if you back out. Management wouldn't be happy either if we lose this opportunity because of you. Remember, if you succeed, the promotion is yours, as promised." Evelyn closed her eyes, her mind racing.

She'd worked too hard to let this opportunity slip away because of fear. It was only a month. As long as they kept things professional, he wouldn't find out about Samantha. No one would know.

"Alright. I'll do it," she said. After ending the call, Evelyn decided to visit Derek's office. Even though she'd agreed, she wanted to understand his condition.

She got dressed, her mind racing, and headed to Stone Corp. Minutes later, she stood before Derek's secretary, who ushered her in immediately, saying Derek was expecting her.

Derek looked up from his desk, a smug expression on his face. "Welcome back. I've been expecting you," he said, leaning back in his chair.

Evelyn forced a calm exterior, though inside she was seething. "Why did you attach that condition if you were going to agree to the interview?" she asked. Derek chuckled, amused by her reaction.

"Isn't it obvious?"

"No, it's not. Please tell me," she insisted. He grinned.

"Two reasons. First, to punish you for forgetting me and not recognizing me," he said. She scoffed.

"Things happen. It's been over six years"

"Yet I recognized you instantly," he pointed out.

"I wasn't in a clear state of mind when we met"

"But you were when we made love," he said, making her heart skip a beat.

"You're being petty, Mr. Stone, admit it," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady.

"I don't care," he said indifferently. "Besides, petty works."

"And your second reason?" she asked.

"I want to get to know you—I plan to be your man," he said. She rolled her eyes. "That's not happening."

"It is," he said confidently, making her doubt herself. "And there's a third reason: I want to reward you"

"You can't punish and reward simultaneously," she interrupted.

"Without this condition, someone else would replace you. But now, you'll have exclusive access to me. Everyone will wonder what you did to convince me. So, what's it going to be? Accept my condition or risk losing your promotion—or even your job?" he asked. Evelyn's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "And how do you know about my promotion?" she asked. Derek's smile widened.

"I have my sources, Eve," he said. Evelyn glared.

"Don't call me that."

"Alright, baby," he said, grinning.

Silence fell as Evelyn considered her options. She hated being at his mercy, but couldn't jeopardize her career. She'd already agreed with Susan and was here only for answers.

"So, what's your choice, Evelyn? Are you doing it or not?" Derek asked, his gaze unwavering.

As if she had a choice. She took a deep breath. "I have my own condition," she said. He raised an eyebrow.

"Let's hear it."

"I'll work with you for a month, as long as you keep things professional and don't cross the line," she stated. Derek's eyes gleamed with amusement.

"I can't promise I won't cross any lines, Evelyn. In fact, I intend to cross every single one you draw. You crossed mine six years ago, remember?" His amusement deepened as she blushed.

"Can't we forget the past?" she asked quietly.

"No. The past led us here, and I've thought about it a lot. You can't expect me not to cross lines," he said. She drew a deep breath.

"But don't worry, I won't force myself on you. As long as you resist my advances this month, I won't force myself on you," he promised. That was good enough. She nodded. "Fine. Deal," she said, extending her hand.

Derek rose, but instead of shaking her hand, he went around the table, took her hand, raised it to his lips, and kissed her palm. "Deal," he said with a roguish smile that made her heart skip a beat. Evelyn knew the next month would test her resolve, balancing professional duty and personal history. But she would stand her ground. As she left his office, Evelyn was determined to see this through, for her career and to make a name for herself.