Michael’s jaw clenched in anger as he watched Evelyn’s retreating figure; his eyes were dull with confusion. He wondered what had happened to Evelyn six years ago and why she’d changed so drastically from the sweet girl she used to be. What was she up to? He mused as he turned and headed for Derek’s office, his barely contained anger fueling a torrent of questions. Why was Evelyn still involved with the company and with Derek? What was Derek thinking? Why did she sound like she had personal business with him?

Derek looked up from his desk as Michael barged in without knocking.

“Did something happen? Why do you look like that?” Derek asked, his expression calm and unbothered.

“I should be asking you if something happened. Why did I just see that woman here? I thought you said you wouldn’t do the interview. So, why did she come back?” Michael asked heatedly. Derek’s expression remained neutral, but a hint of amusement flickered in his eyes; he couldn't help being amused by Michael's irritation.

“Is that why you’re so agitated? I’m considering granting her the interview,” Derek said. Michael’s eyes widened in disbelief.

“You’re doing what? Why are you suddenly considering this after all this time? Why Empowered Magazine? Why not the People’s Times? You know how close I am to the Quinns, yet you turned them down—why now? Why her?” Michael asked, infuriated.

Derek raised an eyebrow. “Since when do I answer to you?” he asked, his tone cool and authoritative.

Michael hesitated, realizing he might have overstepped. “Look, Derek, all I’m saying is, if anyone deserves to interview you, it should be the People’s Times. They have wider reach, a better reputation, and they’re good people,” Michael said. Derek’s eyes flashed with irritation.

“I think you’re forgetting this is about me, not you. It’s my choice who I work with, Michael, not yours. I’ve chosen Empowered Magazine, and that’s the end of it,” Derek said definitively.

Michael’s face tightened with frustration, but he knew better than to push further. Derek was stubborn; his decisions were final, and challenging him would only lead to conflict.

He sighed and nodded. “Fine,” Michael said, his voice strained. “I’m sorry I overstepped. I was only looking out for you because I trust the People’s Times more.” Derek nodded. “I understand. But I’m curious—do you know the woman from Empowered personally?” he asked, recalling Michael’s interest in her last time and wondering why he seemed so agitated.

Michael opened his mouth to tell Derek who she was, hoping he might change his mind, but he hesitated, remembering Evelyn asking him to keep quiet. He had no idea what she planned, but he wouldn’t play into it. He needed to talk to Sandra first.

Before he could respond, Derek’s phone rang. “I’ll be on my way out,” Michael said, leaving without answering the question.

He stood outside Derek’s office, anger and confusion swirling, before heading out. In the elevator, he wondered what Evelyn had said or done to persuade Derek. With a sigh, he called Sandra.

“Hey boo, what’s up?” Sandra asked.

“Are you out of the office? Can we meet now?” Michael asked, exiting the elevator and heading for his car.

“What’s wrong? Did something happen?” she asked, sensing this wasn’t a romantic rendezvous.

“I ran into Evelyn again,” Michael said. Sandra raised an eyebrow.

“At Stone Corp? Or where?” she asked curiously.

“This isn’t something for the phone. Meet me at my place. I’m headed home now,” Michael said.

“Fine. I’ll be there in ten minutes,” Sandra said before hanging up.

Michael sighed as he drove home, his mind churning with anger at being dismissed by Evelyn and Derek. He’d teach them a lesson, he thought.

Only later did he remember forgetting to talk to Derek about the anniversary party—the reason he’d gone to the office. His phone rang; he scowled at seeing Derek’s name.

“Yeah?”

“I understand you’re close to the Quinns and disappointed I’m letting another magazine do the exclusive. So, how about I grant your favor instead? Would that appease you?” Derek asked.

“What favor?” Michael asked grudgingly.

“The anniversary party. I’ll honor their invitation and attend for your sake. That should be enough, right?” Derek asked. Though still unhappy about Evelyn, Michael agreed this was better than nothing.

“Yes, it is. Thanks, Derek,” Michael said, deciding to settle for this until he figured out what was happening between Derek and Evelyn, and found a way to make Derek change his mind about the interview.