Michael waited for Evelyn outside the bakery, deciding to call Sandra to pass the time. He knew she'd be thrilled to hear about Derek's arrangement with Evelyn. Smiling, he dialed Sandra's number; she answered quickly.

"Hey, boo," Sandra greeted in a sultry voice, making him grin.

"What?" he asked.

"Evelyn got hit by a car and she's dead?" Sandra asked, and Michael chuckled.

"You'd like that, wouldn't you?" he said.

"You know that would take care of ALL my problems," Sandra said, and Michael chuckled again.

"Well, she isn't dead. I'm watching her right now. She's with Rayna," he said, and Sandra frowned.

"Evelyn is with Rayna? That stupid bitch is hanging out with Rayna when she hasn't even contacted me!" Sandra exclaimed incredulously.

"I told you she's changed," Michael said. Sandra sighed.

"Do you think she found out about us?" she asked, frowning.

"No way. We've been careful. She doesn't even know her," Michael said, and Sandra nodded.

"You're right. I just don't understand why she's acting this way," Sandra said. Seeing her upset, Michael changed the subject. "Well, how about some good news? I found out about her arrangement with Derek," he said, and Sandra perked up.

"You did? What about it?" she asked excitedly.

"That's awesome!" she shrieked when Michael told her about the meeting in Derek's office and what Derek had said.

Michael chuckled. "Yeah. The universe is on our side. Everything's going perfectly."

"Yeah. Are you still watching her?"

"Yes. I think this might take a while," Michael said, dreading the wait for Evelyn.

"Don't bother. Go home. I'll contact Rayna and find out what's going on with Evelyn. Now that I know Evelyn will be at Stone Corp, I'll visit her at the office. If she won't come to me, I'll go to her," Sandra said thoughtfully.

Michael's phone buzzed with a call notification. "Yeah. You should do that. I have to go. My mom's calling," he said, ending the call to answer his mother. He then drove away.

After her call with Michael, Sandra waited two hours before calling Rayna, wanting to ensure Evelyn would have left. "Hello, Ray! How are you?" Sandra asked warmly, as she had been in contact with Rayna all along.

"Sandy? What a pleasant surprise!" Rayna replied; she usually initiated their calls.

Sandra rolled her eyes. "I'm sorry I haven't called. I've been really busy with work," she said apologetically.

"It's fine. Funny, Evelyn just left, and you're calling now," Rayna said, and Sandra smiled at her perfect timing.

"Oh, she did? We haven't met yet because of our busy schedules," Sandra said, keeping her tone light.

"Oh, really! I guess I'm lucky to have seen her first, then," Rayna said with a giggle.

"I can't believe you met without me! Why do I feel left out?" Sandra said, feigning hurt.

"Blame your busy schedule. I hope you're not too busy for the reunion, though. It'll be so much fun, and Evelyn's attending this year!" Rayna said excitedly.

Sandra raised an eyebrow. "Evelyn's attending the reunion?"

"Yes. You're coming, right?" Rayna asked, and Sandra smirked.

"I wouldn't miss it for anything. Especially not with Evie there after all these years. Keep me updated on the details," Sandra said before hanging up.

Evelyn was going to be at the reunion. Sandra vowed to teach her a lesson.

Meanwhile, Evelyn felt lighter as she entered her apartment. The hum of conversation from the living room brought a smile to her lips as she recognized the voices. She found Samantha and Claire on the couch, engaged in animated discussion.

Samantha's face lit up. "Mommy! Look who's here!" she exclaimed, running to Evelyn. Evelyn scooped her up, hugging her tightly, and smiled at Claire.

"Hi, Mom. It's so good to see you," Evelyn said warmly.

Claire stood, smiling gently. "Hello, Evelyn. Sorry I stopped by unannounced. I wanted to see Sam and drop off some things." Evelyn waved off the apology. "You don't have to apologize. You're always welcome." Samantha grabbed Evelyn's hand, pulling her toward the couch.

"Mom, you have to see the dolls Grandma bought me! They're amazing!" she said excitedly.

Evelyn, her curiosity piqued, examined the dolls. "These these were mine when I was your age," she said softly, touching one. Samantha beamed. "Really? What are their names?"

Evelyn settled beside her daughter. "This is Lily. She was my favorite," she said, brushing the doll's hair. She continued, naming Dora and Sophie.

Samantha's eyes widened. "Wow, Mom! They're so pretty. Thank you, Grandma," she said, looking at Claire. Claire smiled warmly. "You're welcome, sweetheart."

Evelyn thanked Claire. "I totally forgot about them," she said, genuinely happy.

After a few more minutes, Evelyn called Maya. "Maya, could you take Sam to bed? I need to talk to Mom."

Maya nodded, taking Samantha's hand. "Come on, Sam. Let's get you into your pajamas."

Samantha pouted briefly but then smiled and left, clutching Lily.

Alone, Evelyn turned to Claire, her expression sincere. "Thank you for coming and spending time with Samantha. It means a lot to me."

Claire covered Evelyn's hand. "It's my pleasure, Evelyn. Samantha is my grandchild, and I cherish every moment with her."

Evelyn nodded gratefully. "I'm glad. I know she loves having you here."

Claire rose. "I have to leave now. I waited to see you before I left," she said, and Evelyn rose to see her off.

Outside, they made small talk until they reached Claire's car. Claire's expression turned serious.

"I wanted to remind you about the anniversary party on Sunday. You haven't forgotten, have you?" Claire asked, unlocking her car.

Evelyn shook her head. "No, I remember. I'll be there. I'm traveling this weekend, but I'll be back in time for the party." Claire raised an eyebrow. "Are you taking Samantha with you?"

"No," Evelyn replied. "The trip is work-related. Sam will be home with Maya."

"Well," Claire said thoughtfully, "I could stop by and keep an eye on her while you're away, if that's alright with you."

Evelyn's face lit up with relief. "That would be wonderful. Thank you, Mom."

Claire nodded. "Of course. Anything for my girls."

After a brief silence, Claire's expression grew serious. "Evelyn, have you contacted Sandy yet?"

Evelyn shifted uncomfortably. "No, I haven't."

"Why not?" Claire asked gently. "Did she do something to upset you?"

Evelyn shook her head, avoiding her mother's gaze. "No, she didn't. I'm just not ready to see anyone yet. I'm still trying to settle in."

Claire mused, "Since when did Sandy become 'anyone'?" Although skeptical, she nodded. "I see. I just hope you come around soon. Sandra misses you," she said as she got into her car.

Evelyn nodded slowly. "I'm sure she does. I'll see her at the party," she said, waving as Claire drove off.

Evelyn took a deep breath, wondering how she would react when she saw Sandra again. Would she be able to pretend she knew nothing?