Derek drove away from his parents' house, heading toward the venue where he would meet the hitman. His mind raced, replaying his conversation with Michael. Derek had been curious about Michael's affair with Sandra, a woman so unlike Evelyn. Michael's confession had shocked everyone.

"I knew Sandra before Evelyn," Michael had explained. "We met in our first year of school. I fell in love with her and wanted her to be my girlfriend."

"So, how did you end up with Evelyn?" Rebecca had asked, frowning.

"Sandra said I wasn't ambitious enough," Michael had replied. "She wanted an ambitious man, someone driven to succeed, like her. I told her I was ambitious, and she asked me to prove it by seducing her half-sister, Evelyn." He detailed how Sandra had manipulated him, guiding him into marrying Evelyn for her inheritance. "And when that didn't work," Derek's father had added disgustedly, "you both decided to aim higher—at Derek."

Every cruel detail replayed in Derek's mind, suffocating him. The whole thing was appalling.

He sighed, thinking of Evelyn. How devastated would she be to discover her entire relationship with Michael was orchestrated by Sandra's jealousy and greed? How hurt would she be to realize it was built on deception, that Michael had never loved her? It wasn't just infidelity; she had been lucky to catch them.

The thought clenched his heart. He exhaled sharply, refocusing on the road.

Just as his mind cleared, his phone rang, jolting him. Evelyn's name flashed on the screen.

"Hey," he answered, trying for calm, though his voice was tense.

"What's going on? Are you still with Michael?" Her voice was soft, laced with worry.

"No. I just left them. I'm on my way to meet Sandra's man," he replied steadily.

"Why didn't you call? How did it go with Michael? Did he agree?" Her anxiety was clear.

"I'm sorry. I was lost in thought about the meeting, and calling slipped my mind. Yes, it went smoothly. Michael agreed." Derek's eyes flickered over the road, still preparing for the meeting. Evelyn sighed in relief; he could almost see her nod. "Thank goodness. I've been on edge all day. I couldn't focus, I haven't even eaten."

"Babe, you should eat something," he chided gently. "Take care of yourself. I'll handle this."

"I know," she murmured. "But I can't stay still or focus. I'm anxious, and I can't stomach anything. Maybe I'll feel better after tonight." Derek sensed her restlessness. He understood; it wasn't every day one learned their stepsister was plotting their death.

"You need a distraction. Want to hang out with Rayna?" Evelyn glanced at Samantha, who was drawing at her table.

"I don't want to go out now. I'm home alone with Sam, but Rayna's coming over."

Derek smiled faintly. "That's good. How's Maya? Gone to the hospital?"

"Yes," Evelyn replied, relief laced with exhaustion. "After much prodding. This is all so overwhelming. I can't wait for it to be over." Derek's heart ached for her. "I understand. Let me order you something to eat. Anything you'd like?"

"No," Evelyn replied, more alert. "I'll find something. It's okay."

A chime sounded. "Rayna's here. I should go. Let me know how things go, okay? And tell me all the details when you get home."

"Of course. Don't worry," Derek assured her. They said goodbye, and the call ended.

Just as he was refocusing on the road, his phone rang again. He scowled; it was Sandra. He guessed she was reminding him of the reunion. Taking a deep breath, he answered. "Hello, Derek!" she greeted pleasantly.

A chill ran down his spine; hearing his name from the lips that had so casually ordered the murder of two people.

"Hey! How are you doing?" Derek asked, sounding normal.

"I'm alright. You know what today is, right? I hope you haven't forgotten you're accompanying me to my class reunion?"

"How could I forget? You made it clear tonight's important," Derek said. Sandra smiled.

"Have you picked an outfit? I'm wearing a red dress," she said. Derek raised an eyebrow.

"I'll figure it out," he said. Sandra rolled her eyes.

"It's a clue! Wear something red, to look like a real couple, a united front," she said. Derek shook his head. "Alright, if that's what you want." She giggled.

"Thanks, baby. I can't wait. Don't forget to pick me up at seven," she said, and Derek scowled at the "baby."

"Sure. See you then," he said, hanging up.

Approaching the meeting point, Derek called one of the undercover detectives stationed nearby to confirm they were ready. Once confirmed, he took a deep breath and silently prayed everything would go as planned, and no one would get hurt.