After work, Evelyn returned to the hotel, her mind racing with the day's events. Despite her initial fear, the day hadn't been so bad. Derek had been surprisingly professional and largely ignored her, engrossed in his work. She was grateful for this and hoped it would continue, as it allowed her to observe him discreetly, taking notes for her article without the intense scrutiny she'd anticipated. She was also relieved to have avoided Michael and hoped to continue avoiding him until their arrangement concluded, especially since he worked on a different floor.

As she entered their suite, Samantha, who had been quietly playing, happily greeted her. "Welcome, Mommy!" she exclaimed, throwing herself into her mother's embrace. Evelyn, however, couldn't manage her usual warm smile; she knew she was about to break her daughter's heart.

"How are you, baby?" Evelyn asked, managing a grin.

"I'm fine," Samantha replied, launching into a detailed account of her day.

Evelyn listened patiently, waiting for her daughter to exhaust her stories before taking a deep breath. "Sweetheart, remember what we talked about yesterday? We have to move," she said gently, watching Samantha's face.

Although she'd prepared Samantha for the move, Evelyn knew her daughter would react poorly. Samantha's face fell. "Why? Can't we stay here a little longer? I like it here, and I like the playground and Rek," she complained, her shoulders slumping.

"I know, baby, but we need to move closer to Mommy's work. Don't you want to be able to see where Mommy works from your room?" Samantha nodded, tears welling in her eyes. "Okay, Mommy," she whispered.

Evelyn had hoped to stay until securing a new apartment, but Derek's unannounced visit and its implications changed that. She couldn't risk him showing up again, claiming work-related reasons, and inadvertently seeing Samantha. While Maya packed their belongings, Evelyn waited. An hour later, they checked into a different hotel. It wasn't as luxurious as The Stone's Palace, but Evelyn felt safer; at least here, they'd be less likely to be disturbed.

After settling in, Evelyn noticed Samantha sitting on the bed, arms crossed, clearly sulking. "Darling, I know you liked the other hotel, but we had to move," Evelyn said gently. Samantha looked up, tears in her eyes.

"I didn't get to say goodbye to Rek," she said.

"I'm sorry, pumpkin. Who knows? You might see him again someday," Evelyn said, forcing cheer. "How about an amusement park this weekend? That cheer you up?" she asked, brushing Samantha's hair.

"Really?" Samantha asked.

"Of course," Evelyn said, hoping Derek wouldn't interfere. "And if I'm too busy, Maya will take you." Samantha brightened.

"So, does Mommy get a hug?" Evelyn asked, opening her arms. Samantha embraced her.

"Thank you, darling," Evelyn said, kissing Samantha's forehead.

Just as they prepared for bed, Evelyn's phone rang. She feared it was Derek, but relieved sighed when she saw it was her stepmother. "Hello, Mom."

"Hello, Evie. How are you and Sam?"

"We're okay. Just settling into a new hotel," Evelyn replied, glancing at Samantha.

Claire's brow furrowed. "You moved? Why? Shouldn't you be coming home?"

"I'm considering it, but I wanted to move Sam elsewhere since Michael knows where we were. I don't want him or anyone else unexpectedly finding out about Sam until I tell Dad myself," Evelyn explained.

"That makes sense. I was thinking of bringing food. Can you tell me where you are?"

Evelyn hesitated, wanting to keep their location from Sandra. "You don't have to bother"

"It's been so long At least let Sam taste my cooking," Claire insisted.

Evelyn sighed. "Fine. But please don't tell Dad or Sandra." Claire agreed.

"Thanks, Mom. And I'm sorry for putting you in a difficult position," Evelyn said before Claire hung up.

Claire abruptly turned at Sandra's voice. "Who was that, Mom?" Sandra asked, having overheard her mention an address.

"A friend. Going somewhere?" Claire asked, noticing Sandra's attire.

"I was hoping to see Evelyn today," Sandra replied, unaware of Claire's call.

"I can't come. I have to see a friend. You can go alone," Claire said. Sandra left for The Stone's Palace.

Thirty minutes later, Sandra stood before the hotel, frowning after learning Evelyn had checked out. As she drove away, she wondered about Evelyn's hasty move, her new location, and whether she knew Michael had followed her. Something felt wrong, and she was determined to find out what.