Sandra freshened up and prepared to join her parents for dinner after work, reflecting on her meeting with Evelyn. Seeing Evelyn again stirred a mix of emotions: old memories, resentment, and the thrill of manipulation. She was determined to uncover Evelyn's secrets and force her back into whatever hole she'd crawled out of.

As she entered the dining room, the familiar scent of her mother's cooking greeted her. "What's for dinner?" she asked, approaching the kitchen.

Claire emerged, wiping her hands on a dish towel. "I didn't hear you come in. Dinner's ready. Help me set the table," she ordered. After Sandra and her mother finished, Eric joined them. "You're right on time, honey," Claire said with a smile.

"The delicious aroma of your cooking drew me in," Eric replied, and Claire laughed softly as they settled at the table.

While Claire served roast chicken, mashed potatoes, and vegetables, Sandra and Eric discussed work. As they began to eat, Sandra decided to mention her visit to Stone Corp.

"I visited Evelyn at Stone Corp today," Sandra began, watching Eric's reaction.

Eric paused, his fork halfway to his mouth. Claire's eyes widened. "Oh? You did? How is she?" Claire asked, curious.

Sandra smiled. "She seemed fine, though not very receptive. She was cold."

"Cold? Why? Did something happen between you two?" Claire asked, a question she'd been pondering.

Evelyn's estrangement from her parents was one thing, but Sandra was her best friend. Sandra couldn't imagine how Evelyn could have done that.

"I have no idea. I suppose she's upset I remained friends with Michael," Sandra said, shrugging and pouting sadly.

"Does she have any right to be upset when she ended things with the poor young man?" Eric asked, scowling.

"Did she tell you that?" Claire asked. Sandra shook her head.

"Not exactly. But she hinted at it when she asked if I was still friends with him. I told her Michael told me she worked there," Sandra explained. Eric said nothing, his jaw tight.

"Anyway, I told her about the anniversary party and invited her. I hope you don't mind," she said, looking at Eric. Claire raised an eyebrow. "Why would we mind? Evelyn is part of the family."

Eric frowned, his fork clattering onto his plate. "You shouldn't have invited her. She's been distant, acting like an outsider. I see no reason for her to be here."

Claire gave him a reproachful look. "Eric, don't talk like that. She's still our daughter."

"When was the last time she acted like it?" Eric retorted, annoyed.

Pleased with his reaction, Sandra pressed further. "I also heard from a friend at Empowered that Evelyn returned as editor-in-chief. I asked her when she planned to return home and to the company, but she seemed hesitant."

Claire's glare was sharp. "Sandra, be quiet! If you're not going to help, don't make things worse with your tactless words," she scolded, aware of the state of Evelyn and Eric's relationship.

Eric's expression darkened. "Why are you scolding her? She's done nothing wrong. And Evelyn can do whatever she wants. She can stay at Empowered forever, for all I care."

The tension was thick, and Sandra reveled in it. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to worsen things," she said, pressing her lips together.

"Don't be. You did nothing wrong, dear," Eric assured her.

They ate in silence until Sandra's phone beeped. She smiled at a text from Michael:

11:26 AM [Hey, sexy, I think we've got something. If you can, come spend the night so you can listen to it too]

"See you soon!" she mused excitedly, knowing he had a recording of Evelyn and Derek.

[I'll be there in thirty minutes.] she texted back.

"Oh, I forgot my plans. I'm having a sleepover. I'll go to the office from there tomorrow," she said, pushing away from the table. "I can't do the dishes tonight, Mom. I have to leave now." Claire nodded.

"Alright, dear. Be careful."

Sandra kissed her mother and briefly hugged Eric before changing and leaving.

As she drove to Michael's, anticipation buzzed in her mind. She was certain Michael's discovery would be interesting.

Michael greeted her with a kiss. "You won't believe it. We've got something HUGE," he said excitedly, leading her to his laptop.

Sandra sat down, barely containing her excitement. "What did you find?"

Michael played the recording. Sandra's eyes widened, then a wicked smile spread across her face as she met Michael's gaze.

"Did you know about him being a replacement for her dead cousin?" Sandra asked. Michael shook his head.

"I knew he was adopted, but I didn't know he was a replacement, and I definitely didn't know he felt this way, or that this was why he wouldn't appear in public," Michael said, chuckling. "I'm glad he knows he's a nobody and knows his place," he smirked.

"This is perfect," Sandra said, her eyes gleaming. "We've got her right where we want her."

Michael nodded, mirroring her expression. "Now we just need to figure out how to proceed and make sure it's never traced back to us."

"I wonder why he chose Evelyn. Do you think maybe he likes her?" Sandra mused.

"Does that matter? It won't matter by the time we're done," Michael said. Sandra grinned. "You're right," she said, leaning back, feeling triumphant. She was well on her way to getting what she wanted. By the time they were finished with Evelyn, even Empowered Magazine wouldn't want her.