Sandra's mind raced as she drove to Michael's. Since their phone call, she'd been consumed by questions: Why hadn't Evelyn contacted her since arriving in Ludus? Why had Evelyn left the hotel? Where was she staying? Why had she returned after six years? What did she want? And why was the Derek Stone interview so important to her?

Arriving at Michael's, she entered using the passcode; he was expecting her, and formalities were unnecessary.

In the living room, she found Michael lounging on the sofa, a whiskey glass in hand. He was still in his work clothes, though his jacket was off and his tie loosened.

"What's going on, Mike? Why the urgency on the phone? Did Evelyn say anything? What happened?" Sandra demanded, joining him on the couch.

"Before I tell you, I have news—good and bad. Which first?" He raised his glass.

"The bad one," Sandra replied after a pause.

"Derek's agreed to the exclusive interview with Evelyn," Michael said flatly. Sandra stared, disbelieving.

"He did what? Why? Didn't you say he refused?" Sandra exclaimed, rising.

"He did. I have no idea what that bitch did or said. I'm furious," Michael said bitterly.

Taking a deep breath, Sandra sat back down. "Calm down. How did you find out? Did Derek tell you, or Evelyn?"

"Derek, that fool, told me himself. He said he's considering granting her the interview…"

"There's hope then. 'Considering' is key. We can change his mind," Sandra interjected, relieved.

"I know Derek. He wouldn't say that unless he'd already decided," Michael countered, and Sandra frowned.

"Why Evelyn? Why her? Didn't you tell him who she is?" Sandra asked, confused.

"No. Not yet…"

"Why not? You should have! He wouldn't be so willing if he knew she's the bitch who broke your heart. And who knows? If he cancels, he might consider me now that he seems ready to reveal himself," Sandra mused.

"I was going to, but I changed my mind after remembering what Evelyn said," Michael replied. Sandra raised an eyebrow.

"What did she say?" Sandra asked. Michael recounted his encounter with Evelyn.

"That bitch! I'm sure she's bluffing. What makes her think she can seduce Derek?" Sandra seethed.

"She seemed different, Sandy. I can't explain it, but she was like a different person," Michael said. Sandra snorted.

"How different? She's still Evelyn. I just need to meet her to find out what she's up to," Sandra said confidently.

Michael shook his head. "She's not the same Evelyn. Why hasn't she contacted you since she got back? You were her best friend."

Sandra sighed. "I've wondered that too, but since she hasn't contacted our parents, I guess it's nothing personal."

"I still can't understand how she could change so much overnight. Six years ago, everything was perfect. I gave her no reason to doubt me. You even talked about how ecstatic she was trying on the wedding dress. We talked, everything was fine. How could she change so drastically…" Michael's words were cut short by Sandra's slap. Some whiskey spilled from his glass.

"What was that for?" Michael asked, eyes burning with anger.

"Is that irrelevant rant important now? Who cares why she called off the wedding? We're talking about now—the present, not the damn past," Sandra hissed.

"If you were smart, you'd know we need to understand why she changed to know why she's back and what she's up to. What if she broke up with me because she wanted to marry Derek, the Stone Corp heir? What if that's why she's approaching him now?" Michael snapped.

Sandra's brows furrowed. "You think so? She's interested in Derek?" She shook her head. "That doesn't sound like Evelyn. She's naive and gullible. She's not the plotting type…"

"Neither was she the type to call off a dream wedding and abandon her family!" Michael cut in harshly.

Sandra took a deep breath. "You might have a point," she said, feeling a surge of fury. "Whatever her plan, this isn't good. She can't do the interview or get close to Derek. You need to find out why Derek agreed."

"I tried! The arrogant fool wouldn't answer," Michael cut in.

"Evelyn should have stayed away. Six years ago, she ruined our plans, and now, six years later, she's about to do it again. I hate that bitch!" Sandra hissed. Michael's expression darkened. "This time, I won't let her get in my way. I'll kill her if I have to," he said, his determination hardening.

"What was the good news?" Sandra suddenly remembered.

"Derek felt guilty. He called to say he'd attend the anniversary to make up for the interview," Michael explained.

Sandra's eyes narrowed. She snapped her fingers. "That's it! I've got it!" Michael raised an eyebrow.

"Got what?"

Sandra sat beside him. "When you next see her, follow her. We need to find out where she lives. Then I can befriend her… just listen," she said, cutting him off before he could interrupt. "I'm going to get Evelyn to the anniversary party. There, we'll make Derek discover who she is naturally. You can act like the scarred ex who didn't want to reveal the ex who hurt you to your beloved cousin. He'll cut her off after that," she said. Michael nodded slowly, anger giving way to cold resolve.

"But what if they do the interview before then?" Michael asked.

"Not at all. The interview was never the end goal. The goal is for me to marry Derek, get rid of him and his parents, and take over Stone Corp. Exposing Evelyn ensures Derek wants nothing romantic with her if she plans to seduce him. We can stop the interview too; we just need to discredit her. Let's drive a wedge between them now," Sandra said. Michael nodded thoughtfully.

"We need to make her seem untrustworthy and unprofessional in Derek's eyes. If we plant doubts about her work ethic, he might reconsider," Michael said, his eyes gleaming. "You're an evil genius, Sandy," he said, grinning as he cupped her face and kissed her.

Sandra giggled. "When there's a will, there's a way. We can take care of Evelyn," she said confidently.

"I know what to do," Michael said with a smile.

Sandra raised an eyebrow. "Tell me."

"I'll need your help," he said. Sandra smirked.

"You know I will, as long as it gets her out of the way," she said. Michael nodded. "Good," he said, and he proceeded to explain his plans.

When he finished, Sandra was giggling. "And you said I was the evil genius. This is going to work. Evelyn won't know what hit her," she said. Michael smiled smugly. "C'mon, tell me how much of a genius I am in bed?" he said suggestively. Sandra grinned.

"Of course, boo," she said, leading him to the bedroom.