Derek went to answer the door as Claire wiped away her tears, composing herself while Eric squeezed her hand. He opened the door to find his parents standing there, their expressions calm but concerned. The moment they entered, Rebecca frowned at Claire's tear-streaked face and Eric's consoling arm around her. "What's wrong?" she asked softly, her voice laced with worry. "Is everything okay?"

Derek's father followed his wife's gaze, his brows furrowing as he turned to Derek. "Are Evelyn and Samantha alright? And why the impromptu invitation?" His tone was a mix of concern and curiosity.

Derek forced a reassuring smile, though it barely masked his tension. "Everyone is fine, Dad. I need to talk to you both about something important." Rebecca nodded, her eyes softening. "I'd like to see Samantha first," she said, her motherly instinct surfacing.

Derek shook his head gently. "Let's talk first. You can see Samantha afterward. This is important." His voice was calm, but he saw the shift in his mother's expression. She knew something serious was happening. As they moved into the living room, Derek's parents exchanged polite greetings with Claire and Eric, sensing the gravity of the situation but refraining from pressing.

Upstairs, Evelyn, having heard the doorbell, quickly came down. She entered the living room, dressed comfortably but neatly, her hair tied back. Her gaze fell on Derek's parents, and she took a deep breath.

Derek's face lit up as he moved to her side. "Mom, Dad, this is Evelyn," he said warmly and proudly. "She's Samantha's mother, and the woman I plan to marry." Rebecca raised an eyebrow, exchanging a look with Derek's father.

"We already knew that," his father chuckled. "No need for the introduction." His expression softened as he turned to Evelyn. "You're as beautiful as Derek said." He extended his hand. "I'm sorry for the trouble we've caused, and I want to thank you for raising Samantha so well."

Evelyn smiled shyly, shaking his hand, warmed by his words. "Thank you, sir. It's nice to meet you," she said gently. "And there's no need to apologize. It's all in the past." She glanced at her parents; seeing her mother's sadness, she moved closer to find out what was wrong. "Is there a problem?" she asked, her brows furrowing.

"Yes, Derek, what is all this about?" his father asked as they sat down, his curiosity sharpening. Derek took out his phone, his hand steady as he tapped the screen. A moment of tense silence settled over the room. He pressed play, and Sandra's cold, calculated voice filled the space, telling Michael she wanted Evelyn eliminated.

"I want you all to hear this," Derek said. The room froze. Evelyn's parents sat stiffly, their faces paling. Rebecca clutched her chest, and Derek's father leaned forward, his jaw tight. Evelyn stared at the phone, her breath catching in her throat. Even though she'd heard it before, the recording still had the same impact. Before anyone could react, Derek played a second recording of Sandra speaking to a hitman, planning Evelyn's murder for the next day.

Evelyn gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. Rebecca shuddered, and Derek's father clenched his fists.

"I called you all here so we can decide what to do. I believe it's time to take action," Derek said. Evelyn's heart pounded.

"When when was that recorded?" she stammered. "I saw Sandra at the store today."

Derek's eyes sharpened. "Did you argue? Did anything provoke her?"

Evelyn shook her head, still processing everything. "No, we ignored each other but she spoke to Rayna."

Derek watched her, seeing the cogs turning in her mind. Before he could speak, his mother said, her voice laced with disbelief, "I can't believe I misjudged her. How did I think this…this animal was a decent person?" Her voice was quiet, as if speaking louder would shatter reality. Her husband placed a hand on her arm, urging her to be cautious, given Sandra's parents were present.

Ignoring him, Derek's mother huffed. "Michael is a fool for being involved with her." She shook her head. "I wish he could hear this. I wish he'd see her for what she is." Derek's father sat up straighter. "What if we let Michael know what Sandra is up to? Show him these recordings," he suggested firmly.

"I have a suggestion," his father said, his voice cutting through the tension. Everyone turned to him.

Derek frowned. "I don't want Michael to escape or cover his tracks. Besides, he could kill her, too," he replied.

Derek's attention shifted to Evelyn. "Why are you so quiet, Eve?" he asked softly.

Evelyn swallowed, her gaze distant. "I'm trying to figure out what to do with Sandra. I can't let this continue," she said coldly. "I have a plan, but I think we should involve the police." Her voice was calm but determined.

Everyone looked at her, puzzled. "What do you mean? I thought we agreed the evidence was inadmissible because it was obtained illegally," Derek asked, confused. Evelyn exhaled, ready to explain, but Claire interrupted.

Claire took a deep breath, and apologized. "I have no idea why Sandra is doing this."

"She told me," Evelyn said, explaining what Sandra had revealed. Claire and Evelyn exchanged a look. Claire sighed, "So, it's our fault"

"No, it's not. It's not anyone's fault. She chose this path. Don't blame yourselves," Claire said. Derek looked at Claire. "Earlier, you were saying something about Sandra's father," he reminded her.

"There's nothing there," Eric said, wanting to prevent Claire from discussing her past further.

"Evelyn, what is your plan?" Derek's father asked.

Evelyn took a deep breath and met Derek's gaze. "The best way to catch Sandra is to let her proceed with her plan. We need to let her think she's winning. I want to be kidnapped and killed, just as Sandra wants…" Derek's eyes widened. "There's no way I'm risking your life," he protested, his voice rising.

Evelyn took his hand, her eyes calm. "Relax, Derek. The only way to protect Samantha and me is to let Sandra believe she's succeeding. Trust me, this is the only way to catch her red-handed." The room fell silent as Derek stared at her, torn between fear and trust. Finally, he nodded. "Alright," he said softly. "What's your plan?"