Surprised gasps and murmurs followed Evelyn's accusation; even Sandra froze. She'd intended to rattle Evelyn, but now all eyes were on her, judging.

Sandra cast an innocent glance at Derek, ensuring he wasn't believing Evelyn. But Derek maintained a neutral expression as he met her gaze. He knew that if the situation were reversed, he would defend Evelyn, but he wasn't interested in doing so for Sandra to maintain the charade.

His phone buzzed in his pocket, and he looked away from Sandra. He checked the message: Sandra's last text to the hitman, sent while in the car with him. He shook his head.

Sandra quickly recovered, smiling coldly at Evelyn. "Do you have another stepsister I don't know about, or were you referring to me?" she asked, feigning ignorance.

Evelyn's smile and gaze remained unwavering. She merely raised an eyebrow. "Yeah. I have come to realize I have two stepsisters. I realized that from the moment I found out what a two-faced bitch you are—smiling and being nice and friendly with me while plotting and stabbing me in the back with Michael. Do you know why you're so scared of me being close to Derek? You think I'm like you. But guess what? Unlike you, I only touch what's mine," Evelyn said with a grin. The others at the table watched silently, enjoying the unexpected spectacle.

Derek felt a surge of pride as Evelyn held her own; his hand tightened around hers in silent support under the table.

Sandra scoffed. "Are you trying to make me look bad to justify your actions? We both know Michael is obsessed with you; he'd never hurt you. It's been six years, and he hasn't even looked at another woman. If he and I were as close as you claim, why aren't we in a serious relationship or married? Why am I dating his cousin? I don't know why you're trying to paint us as the bad guys, Evie, but trust me, all Michael thinks and talks about is you. It's not fair what you did to him, and what you're saying now is even more unfair," Sandra said. Evelyn giggled.

"You're full of bullshit, Sandra. I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it myself"

"Do you have proof? You're so full of accusations tonight, Evelyn. Are you saying this because Derek is here, and you're trying to cause problems between us?"

"Proof? Are you really eager for me to air your dirty laundry? Because I will. Don't tempt me," Evelyn threatened with an amused smile.

Evelyn's calm expression and composed tone left Sandra speechless. She wasn't sure what proof Evelyn had, and something about her demeanor told Sandra she wasn't bluffing. Deciding not to provoke her further, especially in Derek's presence, Sandra seethed silently, her plans crumbling and backfiring.

"What? No more bullshit to say? Don't tell me you've run out of clever retorts?" Evelyn asked with a sweet smile. Rayna chuckled.

"We can all agree Evelyn won this verbal sparring match," Rayna announced with an enthusiastic clap. Everyone laughed except Sandra and Derek, who tried to stifle his laughter. Sandra glared at Rayna, but before anyone could speak, Evelyn's phone buzzed—a call from her purse.

She took it out and frowned. The number was familiar but unplaceable. Before she could excuse herself, Derek, from the corner of his eye, recognized the last four digits as Michael's. The show, he realized, was about to begin.

"Don't answer it. It's Michael," he muttered, only Evelyn hearing it; to others, it sounded like a curse.

Unable to speak to Derek in front of Sandra, Evelyn showed Rayna the caller ID. She didn't understand why Michael was calling.

Derek excused himself, stepping out of the bakery to call the detectives.

"I guess the show's over," someone said, and laughter resumed.

Seeing Evelyn distracted, Sandra narrowed her eyes, wondering if Michael had been kidnapped. She hoped so, that the mission was proceeding as planned, and that Evelyn would soon be dead for the humiliation she'd just inflicted.

No longer enjoying herself, Sandra grabbed her purse to join Derek outside.

"Are you leaving already? We haven't even started the party yet," Rayna asked sweetly. Sandra eyed her with disdain and walked away, dialing the hitman. The call connected quickly. "I hope you're on it. I want that bitch dead. Nothing can go wrong tonight," Sandra hissed. "I've got Michael. My men are at the reunion, waiting for her," he assured her.

"Good. Let me know the moment you get her. Make sure you don't kill her immediately. I want her to suffer," Sandra said, hanging up as she approached Derek by the car.

Just as she reached him, Derek hung up with the detective. "Why did you come out?" he asked, expressionless.

"I didn't want to stay in there. Let's leave," she said. Derek raised an eyebrow.

"Leave? We just got here. We haven't even had a drink"

"We can get a drink elsewhere. You saw how they were all picking on me," Sandra protested.

"I don't think anyone picked on you. And even if they did, you wouldn't have been picked on if you hadn't said what you said about Evelyn. You started it, she retaliated, and everyone else enjoyed the show," Derek said. Sandra frowned. "Are you taking Evelyn's side?" she asked, displeased.

"I'm stating a fact. You shouldn't have done that in public. You embarrassed me. And honestly, I regret coming here with you," he said, eyeing her with disapproval. Realizing Derek was angry, she offered an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to do that. Evelyn just got on my nerves, and I was only trying to defend Michael"

"That's no excuse for the spectacle you created," Derek insisted. "I'm sure this is what Evelyn wanted. She said all of that to make us fight"

"You're obsessed with Evelyn, aren't you? Is it that you can't have a conversation without bringing her up? I'm done with this. You can find your own way home," Derek said irritably, unlocking his car. Sandra's eyes widened; she grabbed his arm. "I'm sorry. I promise never to bring her up again. I'm sorry. Please don't leave me," she begged, tears welling.

Derek sighed. "Get in the car, and I'll take you home," he said, getting in without assisting her as before. Sandra quickly got in, wondering about her plan to get Derek drunk and have sex with him.

"You must think I'm terrible, right? I'm sorry," she said after a silent drive. Derek said nothing. He'd acted angry to get her home and avoid spending more time with her. He planned to return to watch Evelyn's 'abduction' to ensure nothing went wrong.

"I'm not as bad as you think, Derek. I'm sorry. How about I buy you a drink? Let's not waste the night or our outfits," she suggested.

"I'm not in the mood for your company or a drink. Let's call it a night," he said. She pouted.

"De"

"It's been a long week, Sandra, and I don't need this. I'm only taking you home because I told your parents I would. Don't make me drop you off by the roadside," Derek warned harshly. Getting Derek to forgive her was more important than getting him drunk. He was going to propose soon anyway. With Evelyn and Michael out of the picture, she wouldn't have anything to fear, she told herself.

Driving, Derek thought about Sandra's call with the hitman—she'd called while he was on the phone with the detective, and the hitman had put the call on speaker. What did Sandra mean by wanting Evelyn to suffer? Did she want the hitman to inflict the pain, or did she want to do it herself? If Sandra intended to inflict the pain herself, they'd have to change plans and not wait until his mother's birthday to arrest her, as Evelyn wanted.

Meanwhile, inside Rayna's bakery, Evelyn and Rayna went into Rayna's office.

"You did well, Evie. I'm proud of you," Rayna said. Evelyn smiled.

"It felt good," Evelyn admitted. "Thank you for the seating arrangement," she added. Rayna giggled.

"I did it for myself. I can't stand seeing Sandra near Derek," Rayna said. Evelyn laughed softly.

"I wonder why Michael keeps calling," Evelyn said, glancing at her vibrating phone.

"Derek probably knows," Rayna said. Evelyn nodded; it seemed likely.

"Seeing Sandra leave defeated, I'm sure she wants your head now," Rayna said, walking to the bar in her office.

"Yeah. I'm a little anxious," Evelyn confessed, sighing deeply.

"That's why you need a drink to relax," Rayna said, but Evelyn shook her head.

"I can't drink alcohol," she said, stopping Rayna.

"Why not? Don't worry, you won't get drunk…"

"It's not that. I'm pregnant," she said quietly.

Rayna's eyes widened. "What?" she screeched with a happy laugh. Evelyn smiled, grateful for her friend's excitement.

"Why didn't you say so? Oh, Evie! I'm so happy for you. Congratulations," Rayna said, embracing Evelyn.

"Derek must be over the moon," Rayna said, pausing. "If you're pregnant, why put yourself through this stress with Sandra?" Evelyn sighed. "I only found out before coming here," she said. Rayna frowned. "Does Derek know?" she asked. Evelyn nodded.

"I plan to tell him after all this is over…"

"After what? The reunion? I sure hope that's what you mean," Rayna said, unwilling to believe Evelyn would hide the pregnancy for weeks.

Evelyn looked at Rayna. "You think I should tell him immediately, not wait until after Sandra's arrest?" she asked. Rayna smiled.

"You can only tell him after her arrest if it happens tonight. Otherwise, tell him tonight. Derek should know at once. You kept his daughter from him for six years, and you want to keep this pregnancy from him for weeks, too?" Rayna asked. Evelyn rolled her eyes.

"Stop being dramatic. I didn't keep Sam from him; I didn't even know who he was," she said defensively.

"We're saying the same thing. Tell him tonight, Evie. He should know," Rayna said. Evelyn sighed.

"Alright. I'll take your advice," she said. Rayna smiled. "Good. Now, I'll find you something safe to drink, and we'll celebrate."