As upset as Derek was about Evelyn's breach of trust, he didn't want to expose her to his parents in this way. He knew his parents well enough to understand they wouldn't let it slide if he told them exactly what happened. They would have been merciless, and he couldn't allow that.

"Are you going to deny that you didn't tell her about this, and that it's a coincidence Empowered found out and released the news?" Michael asked before Derek could defend Evelyn. "All these years you refused cameras and interviews. Why the sudden change of heart? What does this woman have on you?" His mother asked, frowning with concern. Derek shook his head, looking down. "I don't know what I was thinking," he said, wondering why he'd ever considered Evelyn the right woman for him, based solely on a night they spent together six years prior.

"What I want to know is why you told her at all," his father said. "It was supposed to be a family matter." Derek took a deep breath.

Seeing Derek protect Evelyn, Michael became even more determined to escalate the situation. "Uncle, Derek trusted her. I warned him, but you know how trusting he can be…"

"And you traveled with this girl?" his mother asked, remembering Michael's earlier comment.

Derek looked at his mother in surprise, then at Michael, knowing only he could have told his parents.

"You shouldn't cover for her, Derek. Uncle and Aunt need to know the truth. They need to know she released confidential information you entrusted to her," Michael said. Derek frowned.

"How did you know that?" Derek asked. Michael's heart skipped a beat; he'd slipped.

"Isn't it obvious? You wouldn't have asked her to publish something like this," Michael said. Derek sighed.

"So, she released news you told her in confidence?" his mother asked. Derek had to admit it.

"I wanted her to understand why I always refused interviews. I didn't expect this. I'm sorry," Derek said, and his mother sighed.

Michael leaned forward. "It's not your fault, Rek. You just trusted the wrong person. You wouldn't have told her if you'd known her intentions," he said. Derek's parents exchanged a glance, then looked back at Derek.

Derek sighed. "I'm truly sorry about this mess," he repeated sincerely.

"You need to end whatever arrangement you have with Evelyn. Cancel it and stay away from her. People like her can't be trusted," his father said firmly.

His mother nodded. "You should cut her off. If you'd interviewed with People's Times magazine, this wouldn't have happened," she said, referencing Michael's mention of Sandra's interest in interviewing Derek.

"If you want to do the interview, do it with People's Times. They're reputable, and the Quinns are family friends," his mother said. Michael nodded in agreement but remained silent.

"You're not interested in this Evelyn girl, are you? Is that why you agreed to the interview with her?" his mother asked when he didn't respond about cutting Evelyn off. She'd suspected his interest in Evelyn since Michael mentioned their business trip together.

"Even if he was, he's learned his lesson. And while we're on the subject, it's high time you settled down," his father said. His mother agreed.

"Yes. I'll arrange a date between you and Sandra Quinn. We've heard she's a good girl," his mother said. Though frustrated, Derek remained outwardly calm. He knew arguing would only worsen things. He just wanted to appease his parents.

"I'll think about it," he said. Both parents nodded.

"Good," his mother said. Derek sighed inwardly. "I'm sorry I made you cry and disappointed you…"

"Don't say that. Everyone makes mistakes. You made yours trusting that woman. Now that we understand, we'll deal with it. Don't worry," his mother said, taking his hands and squeezing them.

Although Michael disliked the ease with which Derek's parents forgave him, he was glad they'd brought up Sandra.

"I'm sure you must be tired. Let's talk another time," his father said. Derek nodded.

"You should get some rest," his father continued. After thanking them, Derek and Michael went outside.

"I'm glad Uncle and Aunt understand. And I'm not sorry I told them. I just didn't want them to be hard on you. Covering for her would have made things worse," Michael said before Derek could scold him.

Derek sighed but said nothing. He wasn't pleased with Michael's actions, but he wasn't in the mood to discuss it.

"Now, you should listen to your parents and stay away from her. If you want the interview, do it with People's Times," Michael suggested. Again, Derek remained silent.

Something nagged at him, something he couldn't quite place. He felt he was overlooking something important.

Seeing Derek's silence, Michael changed the subject. "I should go. It's almost time for the anniversary party. I'll explain the situation. They'll be disappointed, but understand you're not in the mood to be seen after the news," Michael said sadly.

"I gave my word. I'll be there," Derek said. Michael shook his head.

"No, Derek. You don't have to."

"You know I hate going back on my word. You go ahead. I'll freshen up at the hotel and meet you there," Derek said. Michael shook his head.

"I'll go with you to the hotel, keep you company. We should go together," Michael said. Derek shrugged.

"Alright then, let's go."