Evelyn smirked as she pulled into the parking lot of The People's Times building. Six years had passed since her last visit to the family's magazine company, and she was ready to reclaim her place.

The magnificent, glass-covered building loomed, a symbol of the changes in the past six years. She wasn't the same person who had left all those years ago, and she doubted the company was either. Taking a deep breath, she stepped out of the car, straightened her blazer, and walked toward the entrance. As she pushed open the doors, the familiar scent of fresh paper and ink brought back memories. But the layout had changed. The once warm, cozy reception area was now a modern space with metallic finishes and glass partitions. Magazine covers adorned the walls—The People's Times had clearly kept up with the times.

Evelyn approached the front desk, where a young receptionist looked up and smiled. "Good morning. How may I help you?"

"I'm Evelyn Quinn," she said, offering a small smile. "I'm resuming work today."

The receptionist's eyes widened. "Oh! Welcome back, Miss Quinn. Let me notify HR."

While waiting, Evelyn scanned the room, noticing a few familiar faces. Some of the long-term staff smiled warmly at her. Mr. Jenkins, the graying man who had headed the finance department for as long as she could remember, waved from across the lobby.

"Good to see you, Evelyn!" he called. "Welcome back!"

"Good to see you too, Mr. Jenkins," Evelyn replied, waving back.

"HR will be with you shortly," the receptionist said. A moment later, a woman from HR appeared, clipboard in hand.

"Miss Quinn, please follow me."

Evelyn nodded and followed her through the glass-walled corridors, unease settling in her stomach. It wasn't the work—she could handle that. It was Sandra she worried about. Sandra had made it clear she didn't want her back, and although Evelyn was prepared for a confrontation, she felt wary.

After a brief office tour, HR led her to an office near the corner. "This is where you'll be working," the HR representative said, smiling as she ushered Evelyn into Sandra's office. Evelyn anticipated Sandra's reaction.

Sandra sat behind a large desk. Her expression froze upon seeing Evelyn; her eyes widened in disbelief.

"Sandra here will be your direct supervisor, as you both know. Ordinarily, I'd introduce you, but since you're sisters…" the HR rep trailed off.

"You've got to be kidding me," Sandra muttered, remembering their company's presence.

Before Sandra could fake a smile, Evelyn forced a bright one, stepping forward. "Hey, sis, I'm really excited to be working with you. I look forward to learning from your experience," she said. Sandra blinked, clearly taken aback by Evelyn's overly cheerful tone.

"Why are you an associate editor when you should be a senior editor?" Sandra asked incredulously.

"Because I want to work with you, Sandy," Evelyn said, her voice sickeningly sweet.

Sandra stood up, her shock barely concealed. "Dad allowed this?"

"Of course. I might be a senior editor at Empowered, but I'm new here. I should learn from you." Evelyn maintained her innocent expression. "I'm sure we'll work well together," she added lightly.

The tension was palpable as they exchanged fake smiles. Evelyn knew Sandra was fuming, but powerless.

"Sandra, you can handle the rest. Please inform her of expectations," the HR lady said, excusing herself.

As the lady left, Sandra subtly activated her phone's recorder.

The door clicked shut. Sandra's smile vanished. "What the hell are you doing here?" she hissed, crossing her arms.

Evelyn leaned against the desk. "Oh, Sandra, don't pretend you're not thrilled. You look so happy." Her voice dripped with sarcasm.

Sandra's eyes narrowed. "Cut the act, Evelyn. We can't work together. I don't want that, and I'm sure you don't either."

"And yet, here I am," Evelyn said, her tone turning icy, "working right under you. Isn't it perfect?"

Sandra glared. "You're a fool if you think I'll make this easy."

Evelyn's smile sharpened. "And why do you think I'll make it easy? I know you're uncomfortable. But guess what? I'm only getting started. If I were you, I'd quit and save myself the trouble. A snake like you doesn't belong in this family or company. You've slithered your way through everything for too long."

Sandra reached for her phone. "You realize I'm recording this, right?" she asked with a smirk.

Evelyn chuckled. "Oh, sweetheart, I'm recording too. So go ahead."

Sandra's face paled. "What game are you playing? Why are you doing this?"

"You know exactly what game I'm playing, and why," Evelyn said, her voice soft but firm.

Sandra snorted. "No matter how hard I try, I can't understand why you act all innocent and self-righteous when you're nothing but a dirty slut. You cheated on Michael and had a child, yet you act like the victim. Well, guess what? Your secret is out now. Derek and his family know exactly what kind of slut you are. Don't even think of seducing Derek again. His family will never let him marry a single mother, especially not you," she said, and Evelyn smirked.

"It's good to see you still care so much, but your concern isn't welcome. And just so you know, I will seduce Derek, and I will marry him. Want to bet?" she asked. Unease settled over Sandra. Evelyn wasn't the same girl she remembered.

"I don't want any more trouble, Evelyn. Let's leave the past behind."

"Says the one who tried to drug me after using similar lines," Evelyn retorted. "Guess what? You might not want trouble, but I do. I warned you before, remember? Now, the first rule of our new arrangement: I'm not your lackey. I'm preparing for my interview with Derek, so you'll handle your work yourself. I've heard how you order everyone around but do nothing. That changes now. You need to start earning your salary. This isn't a charity organization for lowlife bitches like you."

Sandra stood seething as Evelyn calmly walked toward the door. "I'm here to stay, Sandy." Evelyn left, her heart pounding but her face composed.

As soon as Evelyn was gone, Sandra called Michael.

"She's here," Sandra hissed. "And you won't believe her nerve. She thinks she can walk in here and—"

"Calm down," Michael interrupted. "We knew this was coming. Don't let her get to you."

"Calm down?" Sandra spat. "She's going to ruin everything! She's already threatening me!"

"Focus," Michael said steadily. "Remember, we're not worrying about Evelyn anymore. You have to choose—Derek or the family magazine. Focus on what's more important and profitable. Find a way to get her phone and get rid of that video from the club—if she still has it, you're done for."

Sandra clenched her jaw. "I am done for?"

"Of course. That's all on you. Have you gotten someone to steal her phone?" Michael asked.

Sandra took a deep breath. "It's easier now that she's working with me. I'll find a way," she said, staring at the door, her mind racing.

Michael said calmly, "Good. Figure it out. And do it quickly."