Long after Evelyn and Sandra parted ways, Evelyn continued to dwell on their meeting and Sandra's hypocrisy. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't believe Sandra could be so two-faced. If she hadn't witnessed Sandra and Michael together six years prior, she wouldn't have believed it, even from a fortune teller.

The thought of seeing Sandra at the anniversary party and pretending everything was fine churned her stomach. She planned to avoid Sandra entirely, fearing she'd lose control and confront her.

She narrowed her eyes, recalling Sandra's expressed interest in Derek. Did Michael know about this? Was that why he'd seemed worried about her closeness to Derek? It didn't make sense. Why would Michael accept his lover's interest in his cousin? Shouldn't they be planning their wedding instead of Sandra dreaming of Derek? Or were they planning to deceive Derek, just as they'd deceived her? She shook her head, hoping that wasn't their plan; otherwise, she'd expose them. She wouldn't let anyone else be fooled as she had been.

A finger snap brought her back to the present. Derek had entered her office, interrupting her thoughts.

"You're back? How was your meeting?" she asked. Derek raised an eyebrow.

"It went well. What were you thinking about?" he asked curiously.

"Nothing. Just sorting things out," she replied. Though unconvinced, Derek nodded and sat down at his desk.

"I see. Have you had lunch? Should we grab some?" he offered.

"I've had lunch, thanks," she said. He nodded and ordered takeout. While he waited, he worked, and Evelyn was grateful for his presence.

The secretary arrived with Derek's lunch. "I'll excuse myself while you eat," Evelyn offered, but Derek shook his head.

"No need. Sit down," he said, wanting to keep her in sight, especially given her distracted demeanor. He wondered if this was connected to her worry the previous day and wished she'd confide in him.

"Sit down. Maybe you can ask me some interview questions while I eat," he suggested, knowing she'd welcome the opportunity. He hoped it would distract her.

"Really? Let's do that," Evelyn said eagerly, sitting down. Derek hid a smile.

"So, what's your first question?" he asked as Evelyn retrieved her journal and pen.

Her eyes gleaming with curiosity, she said, "We've discussed work, but you've never mentioned your family. I'd like to know more about your relationship with them." Derek raised an eyebrow as he chewed thoughtfully.

"Hmm. Is this for yourself, or the magazine? I don't want anything about my family published," he said, swallowing his food.

Evelyn considered his question. Was she asking for herself or the magazine? A part of her was definitely curious about him, especially knowing Sandra's interest.

"For myself, then," she said, closing her journal.

Derek smiled, pleased. It felt good that Evelyn was curious about his life. "Why do you want to know?" he asked. She shrugged.

"You said you wanted the interview to be objective. To balance my perspective, I think it's fair to learn about your personal life, don't you think?"

"Personal life, huh? Does that mean you'll ask about my past and present relationships, too?" he teased.

"No, I don't think that's necessary," Evelyn said dismissively. "I'd also like to know why you dislike interviews and social functions." Derek chuckled.

"You seem quite curious about me, Eve," he commented.

"Many people are curious about you, Mr. Stone. It's nothing personal," Evelyn replied politely.

"It's off the record, right?" Derek confirmed.

"You have my word," Evelyn assured him.

"I love my parents. They're the best thing that ever happened to me. They are the most amazing parents anyone could ask for," Derek said.

Evelyn smiled. "I'm sure they're proud of you." He nodded.

"Yeah. They never stop telling me that," he said, a thoughtful smile on his face.

"Why do you sound like you don't believe them?" Evelyn asked, noticing a subtle change in his eyes. He shook his head.

"It's not that I don't believe them. I do. It's just that sometimes I wonder if I'm the person they see when they look at me," he said. Evelyn frowned. "What do you mean?"

Derek held her gaze. "I'm not their real son. I was adopted," he said quietly.