Evelyn sat at her desk, engrossed in her work, her fingers tapping lightly on the keyboard as she compiled interview questions for Derek. Her desk phone buzzed softly, and she glanced at the screen. A smile spread across her face as she saw Derek's name.
Without hesitation, she answered. "Hey, D!" she greeted warmly, leaning back in her chair, her eyes twinkling.
"Hey, baby! How's your day going?" Derek's voice, laced with a smile, filled the line.
"Going smoothly so far," Evelyn replied, glancing at her computer clock. "What about you?"
Derek chuckled. "Busy, as usual, but everything's on track. I wanted to check if the movers have arrived. Have you heard from Maya?" Evelyn's eyes brightened. "Not yet."
They'd arranged for the move that day while she worked, keeping an eye on Sandra; Michael was also expected to be in his office. Maya was to coordinate the movers and take them to the new house; after school, she'd pick up Samantha and take her there. Evelyn would join them after work.
"I assume they'll arrive soon. Last I spoke with them, they were on their way," Derek confirmed. "Also, I need to warn you—Sandra's planning to steal your phone to delete that video. Be careful."
Evelyn laughed. "Oh, she can try, but I won't make it easy for her."
"I trust you. So, when are we inviting Rayna and Ethan?" Derek asked, and Evelyn grinned.
"Wednesday would be good. Or Friday?" she asked, considering unpacking time.
"Depends on you. But don't forget your parents want to come by the weekend, and my dad too," he said.
"Let's do Wednesday then," Evelyn said. Before Derek could reply, his office door opened and his mother entered.
"Sorry, babe, I have to call you back. My mom just walked in," he said quietly.
"Oh, okay," she said softly, slightly surprised but anticipating a serious conversation, knowing he'd mentioned the previous night's dinner. "Talk to you later."
Derek hung up and turned to greet his mother. She stood stiffly, pale and uncertain. They stared at each other in silence.
"Mom," Derek greeted quietly, nodding. "I heard from Dad. Did you confirm things at the hotel?"
She stepped closer, avoiding his eyes before nodding. "I did," she whispered. "I've seen everything, Derek. I don't know how to face you."
Derek sighed, standing. "It's not your fault. Michael and Sandra fooled everyone." He gestured to a chair. "Please, sit. Coffee? Anything to drink?"
His mother shook her head, sitting slowly. "No, thank you. I'm not here for that." She swallowed, finally meeting his gaze. "I came to apologize, Derek. I've been so blind I didn't listen to you and forced my decisions on you. I see how wrong I was."
Derek's expression softened as he sat across from her. "I love you, Mom. The only thing that matters is that you know the truth now."
She sighed, her hands clasped. "I was so cruel to Evelyn I judged her based on lies. I need to meet her and apologize."
Derek raised an eyebrow. "Do you mean it? Or are you just saying that?"
"I mean it," she insisted, her voice trembling. "I'm truly sorry for everything. I haven't stopped thinking about the incident in your suite. I said harsh words to her and caused her to lose her job. I'm so ashamed."
"Yes, you should be embarrassed. Your behavior embarrassed me too. But don't worry. Evelyn is forgiving and sweet. I'm sure she won't hold it against you."
"I have no doubt. Anyone who raised Samantha is wonderful," she said softly.
"I'm surprised you're not asking for a DNA test," he said. She shook her head.
"I suspected from the moment I saw her that she was your daughter. The resemblance was too strong to ignore. I just didn't want to believe it. I even I even had a DNA test done" she trailed off as Derek's eyes widened. "You did what? When? How?"
His mother nodded, shame evident as she explained. "I just wanted to know for sure, and now I want to make things right."
Derek leaned back, processing her words. "Like I told you, I plan to marry Evelyn, Mom. I hope you're okay with that."
She nodded tentatively. "I don't mind. I never had anything against Evelyn, personally. I just I listened to Michael too much. This has taught me to always hear both sides of the story."
Derek studied her, then sighed. "I'll arrange for you to meet Evelyn. Maybe you and Dad can come to the house. We can all talk."
She quickly shook her head. "No, I want to meet her privately. I need to apologize and make amends before coming to her home."
Derek nodded. "Alright, if that's what you prefer. Should I bring her to you?"
"No," his mother said firmly. "All I need is her phone number. I'll reach out and arrange a meeting." Derek reluctantly gave her Evelyn's number. As they put their phones away, her expression shifted to annoyance.
"I was going to confront Michael, but your father asked me not to. What are we going to do about those two?" she asked.
Derek smirked. "I have a plan," he said, his voice steady. "And now that you're on our side, I need your help executing it."
"Whatever you need, Derek. I'll do anything to fix the mess I've caused," she said, her eyes resolute. Derek nodded. "First, you have to keep acting like you don't know a thing. I'd like us to reveal everything at your upcoming birthday party. I want you to make sure they plan it themselves. I will make Michael believe I plan to propose to Sandra that night."
His mother frowned. "I like the idea, but don't forget Michael is family. I have to think about my sister and relatives before doing something like that in public. Besides, it would ruin my party," she reminded him.
"That doesn't have to be the real party. We could do that at home with only family, then move to the real venue. How about that?" he asked. She considered it before nodding. "That sounds good. Will Sandra's parents be present too?" she asked. Derek nodded.
"Yes. They have to be there. I plan to propose to Evelyn that night after I've cleared up everything," he said. She nodded.
"Alright. If that's what you want, you have my support," she assured him. Derek smiled, happy to have his mother's support. With both their parents' blessing, he could proceed with his plans to marry Evelyn.