The next day, Derek remained professional, but Evelyn couldn't shake the feeling that he was watching her, waiting for a misstep. She remained vigilant. At the close of work, relief washed over her as she left his office and headed for the elevator.

She was relieved Derek had behaved himself. All she had to do was maintain the status quo for twenty-two more days. Her thoughts were interrupted by a familiar, unpleasant voice.

"Evelyn! Evelyn!"

Evelyn took a deep breath and turned to face Michael, praying for patience.

"It's really you. What are you back for?" he asked, striding toward her, his expression a mix of surprise and annoyance. When Sandra had told him Evelyn checked out of the hotel, they'd assumed she'd left and they were rid of her. Seeing her now, on his way to remind Derek of the upcoming anniversary (the following weekend), annoyed him.

"Why do you concern yourself with my business, Michael?" Evelyn asked, trying to keep her irritation from her voice.

"This is Stone Corp. I work here, and it's family property. Your presence is my business. What are you doing here?" Michael demanded, his tone sharp and condescending.

Taking a deep breath, Evelyn decided on a final warning. "You don't own the place, Michael. Stay out of my—"

"Didn't Derek make it clear he wouldn't grant your magazine an interview? Why are you still here? Or do you plan to seduce him like you did me—only to break my heart and embarrass me?" he asked bitterly.

Evelyn scoffed. "I don't have time for this nonsense," she said, ignoring him as her temper flared.

As she turned to leave, Michael grabbed her hand. "Hey, I'm still talking to you," he said, pulling her back. He wasn't letting her ignore him again. Evelyn jerked her hand free and smiled sardonically. "Don't tell me you're not over me yet, Michael. That would be pathetic, wouldn't it? I haven't even thought about you," she said, aiming for his ego.

Michael blinked, surprised by her demeanor. "I don't have any feelings for you either"

"Good. Then stay out of my way. We're strangers."

"I won't let a bitch like you near my cousin," Michael spat.

"What if he wants to be near me?" she asked with a sardonic smile.

"What do you mean?" he asked, confused.

"What will you do if I seduce him? Stop me?" she smirked. Michael's frown deepened. "What are you up to? Are you really trying to seduce Derek?"

"Here's some advice, Michael," Evelyn said, stepping closer and adjusting his tie. "Tell your cousin who I am. Do me a favor and tell him. I'd like to see his reaction," she said challengingly.

"What's wrong with you, Evie? You've changed so much," Michael said, disturbed by her behavior.

Her smile vanished as she dropped her hands. "This is the last time I'll be cordial, Michael Hills. Stay away from me. If you see me, act like you don't know me, or I will make things unpleasant for you." She turned and walked away.

She had no intention of letting Michael or Sandra know she knew their machinations. That would make her the pathetic one. She had run because of them, and she wouldn't let them see her as a victim. She knew she couldn't stay hidden forever, but for now, she'd keep silent. When the time was right, she would expose them if they didn't leave her alone.

She was curious to see if he would tell Derek about her, and even more curious to see Derek's reaction. What would he do if he found out he'd slept with his cousin's fiancée the day before their wedding? What would he think of her? Would he still want her? Would he still do the interview?

She didn't care if he wanted her or what he thought. All that mattered was that he kept his word about the interview. Afterward, she would gladly disappear from his life; she wanted nothing to do with anyone related to Michael.