Michael, who had been thinking all morning about how to get more information on Evelyn and Derek's interview arrangement, decided to speak with Derek's secretary. He believed she would know about their appointments. If he could find out when Evelyn would next be meeting with Derek, he could easily arrange to follow her.

He frowned upon arriving at Derek's office lobby; his secretary was not at her desk. She was inside the office with Derek. Unwilling to leave without the information, he decided to enter Derek's office.

He knocked once, then, without waiting for a response, opened the door and entered. He stopped short when he saw Evelyn seated with Derek. Although her presence sparked his anger, he maintained a polite smile. Derek and Evelyn, mid-conversation, looked up as Michael entered; Evelyn suppressed a scowl.

"I wasn't expecting you this morning," Derek said as Michael closed the door behind him.

"I'm sorry to barge in"

"You don't have to apologize," Derek said, turning to Evelyn, who he assumed didn't know Michael. "Eve, this is Michael, my cousin. Michael, this"

"There's no need for introductions. We've already met," Michael said, smiling at Evelyn, who wished she could wipe the smile off his face.

"Really?" Derek asked, looking questioningly at Evelyn. She offered a polite nod.

"Yes, we've met. I'll be waiting outside, as you have company," she said, rising.

Derek nodded, and she left gracefully.

As the door closed, Michael turned to Derek, who gestured for him to sit. "Are you having the interview already?" Michael asked, sitting down.

Derek shook his head. "No, not yet. Evelyn is working closely with me to gain a better understanding of me. I want her to be as objective as possible in her writing. At the end of the month, she'll have all the answers to her questions, and the interview will be a mere formality," Derek said. Michael nodded, suppressing a delighted smile.

He was pleased; he and Sandra had ample time to put their plan into motion. "That sounds thorough. I guess this is your way of controlling what's put out about you," he said. Derek nodded.

"Exactly. I'd hate for false news to be spread," Derek said. Michael nodded.

"That makes sense. Anyway, I stopped by to thank you for agreeing to attend the anniversary party with me. It means a lot," Michael said. Derek waved it off.

"It's the least I could do," Derek said.

"Thanks again. I'll get going and leave you to your work," Michael said, rising.

"Did you really come all this way just to thank me?" Derek asked. Michael chuckled.

"Of course. I wanted to tell you how much it means to me that you honored my request. It's not easy getting the elusive Derek Stone to attend a party. And it's even more satisfying knowing you'll be there before the interview," Michael said. Derek chuckled.

"As long as there are no cameras or interviews at the party, we're good," Derek said. Michael nodded.

"Nothing of the sort. Only premium entertainment," Michael assured him before leaving. Things were falling into place perfectly, he thought with a satisfied smile.

He saw Evelyn in the waiting area, busy with her phone. He approached her, his expression neutral. "Hello, Eve," he said. Evelyn looked up, her face unreadable.

"I thought I asked you not to talk to me when you see me?" she asked irritably.

"Why are you so mean to me, Eve? Shouldn't I be behaving this way? You're the one who broke things off, not me. We don't have to be enemies. Whatever I did to make you change your mind about marrying me, I'm sorry. And I didn't tell Derek about our past, so you can relax. I don't mean you any harm. I still want what's best for you," he said. Evelyn offered a mirthless smile.

It was obvious he was playing the victim. She needed to be cautious. "Am I supposed to thank you for doing me a favor?" she asked. Michael shook his head.

"I didn't say that. I'm just saying we should forget the past. Why don't we catch a drink sometime? Clear the air," he suggested. Evelyn's smile faded, replaced by a steely look.

"I don't know what you're thinking, but that will never happen. If I planned to ever have a drink with you, I wouldn't have called off our wedding. I do not want anything to do with you, not now, not ever," she warned, her voice slightly raised. Michael raised his hands in surrender.

"Okay, okay. No need to raise your voice. Point taken," Michael said, turning and walking away, already planning the next steps.

Evelyn watched him leave, suspicion clouding her thoughts. What was Michael really up to? Why wasn't he telling Derek about their past? Why was he trying to act nice? Should she tell Derek?