Sandra leaned her head against the cool cab window, her thoughts drifting back to her shopping trip with Derek's mother. She'd fit in seamlessly, she mused. Remembering Derek's mother's comments about her parents attending his birthday party—a "significant night," his mother had called it—Sandra glanced at her finger, a smile playing on her lips as she imagined a diamond ring.

The image of Derek proposing that night sparked a new thought. Even though Derek's mother had requested an intimate affair, Sandra decided a magazine cover story wouldn't hurt. Publicity would expedite the announcement of her engagement.

She sighed dreamily, envisioning herself as Mrs. Stone. Nothing—not Evelyn, and certainly not Michael—could stop her now. She would take care of them.

Evelyn posed a constant threat as long as she knew about Sandra and Michael's affair. That couldn't be allowed. And Michael, after his last attempt, was a threat as well. He'd always hold something over her; she couldn't tolerate blackmail. She'd failed with the drugging incident, but she wouldn't fail again. She couldn't afford to. This time, she was planning something bigger, better—a permanent solution. One stone, two birds.

Dismissing those thoughts, Sandra pulled out her phone and dialed Derek. He answered on the second ring.

Meanwhile, Derek sat at the dinner table with Evelyn and Samantha. Samantha regaled them with school stories. Derek's phone vibrated; he glanced at the screen.

"It's Sandra," he muttered, trying to conceal his irritation.

"Shouldn't she be with Michael already? You should answer it," Evelyn said, her voice gentle but firm.

Derek hesitated, glancing at Samantha, who happily munched on her pasta, oblivious to the tension. Evelyn chuckled, understanding his reluctance. "Go on. I don't mind," she said, waving him off. "Just don't take too long."

Sighing, Derek rose, shaking his head as he looked at Samantha. Evelyn's soft laughter followed him as he excused himself and walked into the hallway for privacy.

"Hello, Sandra," he answered.

Sandra's pout was almost audible. "I always have to call you, Derek. Do you ever miss me?"

Derek rubbed his forehead, his patience wearing thin. "We've discussed this, Sandra. I'm busy. Are you sure you want to be with someone always tied up with work? You might be lonely. Maybe we should end things if you can't cope." A brief silence followed before Sandra's voice, suddenly soft and eager, reassured him. "I don't mind, as long as you come home to me every night. That's all that matters."

Derek leaned against the wall, staring at the ceiling. "If that's enough for you" he trailed off, sensing Sandra's ambition pulling at their fragile relationship.

Undeterred, Sandra chirped, "I went shopping with your mother today! It was so much fun! We picked out things for you, too."

Derek raised an eyebrow. "That's nice. I'm glad you're getting along with her. She's important to me."

Sandra giggled, clearly maneuvering the conversation. "Oh, and her birthday's in three weeks. Guess who's planning it?"

Derek chuckled, seeing through her subtle ploy. "Let me guess—you?"

"Mmm-hmm!" Sandra's voice was light. "She said it's a significant night, and my family's invited. I want it special, Derek. Maybe I could invite reporters and have my magazine cover it. Glamorous! What do you think?"

Derek smiled knowingly. "If that's what you want, Sandra, go ahead. I don't mind."

Sandra practically glowed. "You don't mind? Really?"

Derek laughed softly. "Sure, I have a big announcement that night, so it's probably a good idea to have them there."

A gasp. "A big announcement? What is it?" she asked eagerly.

He shook his head, amusement in his voice. "If I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise, would it? Don't ruin it."

A breathless giggle. She was right; he planned to propose. "I'll have to wear something spectacular then. You'll love it, I promise."

Derek sighed, weary of the charade. "I'm sure you'll look great. Now, I really have to get back to work."

"Alright, alright," Sandra said, still giddy. "I'll let you go. Just don't forget our weekend plans, okay? You have to pick me up."

"Sure. I haven't forgotten," Derek replied, ending the call.

He turned to return to the dining room, stopping when he saw Evelyn in the doorway, arms crossed, a curious smile on her face.

"So," she said, raising an eyebrow. "What was that about?"

Derek chuckled, rubbing his neck. "She thinks I'm proposing at my mother's birthday party. She's planning on reporters covering it. She's in for a surprise, just not the one she's expecting." Evelyn shook her head, her smile fading. "I don't think that's a good idea, Derek. It will be a public disgrace for both of you and our parents."

Derek shrugged. "It's her idea. If she wants to expose herself, that's on her. Besides, your parents did nothing wrong." Evelyn sighed.

"Come on. Let's get back to Samantha," he said softly, touching her arm. She followed, a flicker of worry in her eyes.

Outside Michael's house, Sandra stepped out of the cab, taking a deep breath. She had to stay in control. Michael was a means to an end. This would soon be over, and she'd have everything she wanted: Derek, his family's wealth, and the respect she craved.

Tension rose as she approached the door and rang the bell. She glanced around, hoping no one was watching.

Michael opened the door, wine glass in hand, a smirk on his lips. "Well, well, I was beginning to think you wouldn't show up," he said, stepping aside.

Sandra entered, her heels clicking softly. "Why wouldn't I? We've resolved our differences." Her voice was calm, but she glanced around, half-expecting hidden cameras.

Michael's eyes followed her gaze. He chuckled. "Looking for something?" he asked, taking a sip of wine.

Sandra turned, a half-smile playing on her lips. "Just making sure you didn't set up any secret cameras," she said, her tone light but cautious.

Michael raised his glass in a mock toast. "I have no reason to do that, Sandy. You don't need to worry."

She shrugged, dismissing the thought, but a part of her still couldn't fully trust him. "Good," she said, sitting on the sofa.

"Would you like a drink?" Michael asked. She shook her head.

"Thanks, but I'm not in the mood."

Michael sat opposite her, his expression playful yet intense. "Fine," he said, setting down his glass.

Sandra leaned forward. "So, I have a suggestion"

"Let's talk after" Michael interrupted. "I didn't invite you to talk."

Sandra knew what he meant. Though she hated it, she forced a smile. "Alright," she murmured, rising and walking toward the bedroom. There was no point in resisting. She still needed him—for now.

After their encounter, as Michael caught his breath, Sandra went to the bathroom to clean up, irritated. Returning, Michael glanced at her. "You weren't as responsive tonight," he said, his voice low and disapproving.

Sandra sighed. "I have a lot on my mind," she admitted, turning to face him. "Why don't you freshen up so we can talk?"

Michael raised an eyebrow. "Whatever you have to say must be pretty important," he said. He rose and went to the bathroom.

As he left, Sandra picked up his phone, checking for recording devices. Evelyn had taught her a valuable lesson. She couldn't take chances.

She returned to the living room with both phones and waited.

"So, what's on your mind?" Michael asked upon his return.

Sandra crossed her arms, her expression serious. "I think we should get rid of Evelyn."

Michael paused, sighing in exasperation. "Sandra, we've been over this. You said you didn't want to deal with Evelyn anymore. Why are you still stuck on her?" Sandra leaned closer. "Because as long as she knows about our affair, she's a threat to both of us. Don't you see that?"

Michael shook his head, looking tired. "She's not going to do anything. She hasn't done anything since the hotel incident. She's keeping her distance, and you should, too. Stop being paranoid."

Sandra's voice turned cold. "No, Michael. I'm not paranoid. I'm practical. Her silence is what worries me. What if she's waiting for the perfect moment? Evelyn could ruin everything. We can't afford to let her walk around knowing what she knows."

Michael's expression shifted from confusion to shock. "You're talking about killing her," he said, his voice low. Sandra didn't flinch. "Yes, I am."

Michael's eyes widened. He leaned back, shaking his head. "Sandra, that's that's insane. Why would you go that far?"

She gave him a stern look. "Because I'm tired of Evelyn. I want her gone, permanently. And by doing this, we both have something on each other. Neither of us can betray the other without going down with them."

Michael stared, trying to process this. He'd always known Sandra was ambitious, but this was a new level. "I'll think about it," he said finally. Sandra's gaze was unrelenting. "Don't take too long. I want it done before Derek's proposal at your aunt's birthday. I can't have Evelyn hovering over us."

"Derek told you he's going to propose?" Michael asked. She smiled.

"He and his mother hinted at it. Why else would they want my parents at the party?" Michael nodded.

"That's good," Michael said, and Sandra smiled.

"Good? It's more than good. It's wonderful! Amazing! We're almost there. All that's left is to remove the obstacle," Sandra said, but Michael didn't respond. He stared at her, uncertainty clouding his mind. He agreed about eliminating Evelyn if she threatened their plans, but he wasn't sure he could trust Sandra anymore.