Derek rubbed the bridge of his nose, unable to believe what was happening. His biggest concern was his parents and their feelings. He couldn't imagine facing them.

All his adult life, he'd striven to avoid disappointing them, and now, because of one lapse in judgment, he'd deeply hurt them. He couldn't fathom their feelings.

"That's not important right now," Evelyn said, frowning thoughtfully.

Three main questions demanded answers: Who, how, and why? Who released the news? How did they obtain those details? And most importantly, why was it released?

She remembered discussing the matter in his office. Could someone have overheard them? she mused. That had to be it.

"You don't get to tell me what's important…"

Before Derek could finish, Evelyn interjected, "I think someone might have overheard us."

Derek scoffed. "That's impossible. It's nonsensical. Save your excuses. If you were going to reveal such private details, you shouldn't have pretended to be asking for yourself. I trusted you, and you made me regret it," he said in a resigned tone.

Evelyn felt her heart break. She wanted to explain, to make him understand she would never betray him, but she saw that he wouldn't listen.

While she understood his hurt over the article about him and his family, she couldn't excuse his reaction. He was behaving exactly like her father had six years ago—refusing to give her the benefit of the doubt. She needed to leave.

What was the point of studying him and working closely with him if he didn't trust her? She knew he'd likely cancel the interview after this.

"I'm sorry about the news, and even though I know you won't believe me, I didn't release that news or tell anyone to. I never would. And if you trusted me as much as you led me to believe, you'd know that," she said firmly.

Seeing Derek's silence, she nodded. "I think we should leave now."

"We should," Derek agreed. "Pack your things. We're leaving." He headed to the bathroom to freshen up.

He'd hoped that after last night, they could build something, but now it was clear it had all been a figment of his imagination.

Neither spoke as they left the resort and throughout their flight home. Evelyn's mind was consumed by how Derek's adoption news had gotten out. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't figure out how Empowered had released it, making her the only suspect. Was it a setup? Who was behind it? Michael?

Was that why he'd pretended to be friendly? But even if it were Michael, how had he guessed Derek had told her about the adoption?

She reviewed the day's events, but nothing was unusual except Sandra's visit. However, Sandra had visited before her conversation with Derek. What exactly happened?

These thoughts preoccupied Evelyn throughout the flight. Upon arrival, Derek offered to drop her off, but she declined, taking a cab instead; she couldn't bear his presence.

Evelyn sighed, remembering Derek's quiet, withdrawn demeanor. She rested her head and closed her eyes.

Somehow, in the last few days, she'd begun to consider him a friend, and his reaction deeply hurt her. Why had he told her his secret if he trusted her so little? she mused sadly.

She had to find out who released the news and clear her name. She needed to prove he'd misjudged her, not for his sake, but because she hated the injustice.

A short while later, as she entered her apartment, Samantha's embrace brought an involuntary smile.

"Mommy!" Samantha screamed, throwing herself at her mother.

Evelyn knelt to hug her daughter, feeling relieved. Even though they'd only been apart for two days, it was their longest separation.

"Hey, sweetheart," Evelyn said softly, holding Samantha tightly, pushing other thoughts aside.

"I missed you so much," Evelyn said, burying her face in Samantha's hair.

Samantha pulled back, her blue eyes wide. "Did you bring me something, Mommy?" she asked. Evelyn chuckled, the tension easing. Her daughter was a comfort.

"Do you want something, or do you want your Mommy?" Evelyn asked dryly.

"I want my mommy," Samantha said, smiling, grabbing her mother's hand and leading her into the living room, chattering excitedly about her weekend.

Evelyn listened, nodding and smiling, trying to focus on her daughter and avoid thinking about Derek. She had to figure out what happened, and fast. Samantha plopped onto the couch. "Are you back from the party?"

"Not yet, darling. I need to get ready," she said. Samantha's face fell.

"You're leaving again?" she asked. Evelyn nodded.

"Can I come? Pretty please?" she pleaded. Evelyn sighed, shaking her head.

"No, darling, not this time," she said. Samantha frowned.

"Why not?" she asked. Evelyn took her hand.

"Because I have to go alone for now," Evelyn explained, brushing a strand of hair from Samantha's face. "But soon, I promise I'll take you everywhere. Okay?" Samantha's expression softened. "Okay, Mommy." Evelyn hugged her tightly.

"I promise. Now, tell me about your weekend while I get ready!" Evelyn said, trying to distract herself. Samantha's eyes lit up.

Evelyn regretted promising her stepmother she'd attend the anniversary party. She'd rather stay home after the Derek episode, but unfortunately, she couldn't.