Evelyn sighed as she entered the house and found Samantha already asleep. Wanting to comfort her daughter after the evening's events, Evelyn went to Samantha's room and sat on the edge of the bed, gazing at her sleeping form. Although her eyes were on Samantha, her mind was consumed by Derek's earlier expression when he'd said he couldn't bear to see her treated that way.

She cringed, remembering that he'd witnessed the entire altercation between her and her father. Who was he to criticize her father's behavior when he'd done the same? A thought struck her, and she narrowed her eyes. When had he arrived at the party? Why was he there, especially since he disliked public appearances? Had he grown close to her family in her absence? Had Michael and Sandra invited him? Was that why Sandra had asked her to attend?

Had Sandra created that scene because Derek was there? Had Michael kept their relationship from Derek all this time as part of a plan to embarrass her?

She sighed, remembering Derek's attempt to ask about her relationship with Michael. She'd been too angry and embarrassed to speak to him. Evelyn didn't doubt Sandra's actions were premeditated; Michael must have been involved. Why were they doing this when she hadn't bothered them? Were they trying to sabotage her interview with Derek? Or was Sandra threatened by her presence in Derek's life and trying to eliminate her?

Could Michael have leaked the news about Derek? she mused, narrowing her eyes. It couldn't be a coincidence that Derek told her about it the same day Sandra visited the company, could it? But how could Michael have known what she'd discussed with Derek? Evelyn massaged her throbbing temple.

Her phone rang, jolting her from her thoughts. She silenced it and left the room to avoid disturbing Samantha. By the time she reached her bedroom, the call had disconnected. Before she could check the caller ID or call back, her phone rang again. She sighed, seeing it was her stepmother, Claire.

If only her father were more attentive and caring like Claire, things would be different, she thought as she answered.

"Hello, Mom," she said softly.

"Are you home now?" Claire asked, sounding exhausted.

"Yes, Mom. I'm sorry I caused such a ruckus at your party. I shouldn't have come," Evelyn sighed.

"What's really going on between you and Sandra?" Claire asked. "I understand the problem with your father, but not with Sandra."

"It was just a misunderstanding—"

"It wasn't just a misunderstanding, Evie. I know you. I saw how you looked at her. I never understood why you didn't reach out to her when you returned. And now this. What's really going on? Did Sandra do something to you?" Claire pressed, clearly worried.

"Mom, I can't tell you. Maybe it's best you believe Sandra's version," Evelyn said, still unwilling to reveal Sandra's actions.

"I can't do that, Evie. Please talk to me," Claire pleaded.

Evelyn wondered how someone as kind as Claire could have given birth to someone as malicious as Sandra.

"If you want me to talk, you'll have to wait until I'm ready. I can't do it now. Please, don't worry," Evelyn pleaded.

"Why can't you tell me now?" Claire asked. Evelyn sighed.

"I promise I will, when the time is right. For now, I don't want to dwell on it," Evelyn said, and Claire sighed.

"I'm sorry your father treated you that way"

"Don't apologize for him, Mom. I'm okay. Thank you," Evelyn said. Claire sighed again.

"Alright. I'll stop by soon. Take care of yourself and Sam," Claire said before hanging up.

"Really, Mom!" Sandra, eavesdropping, startled Claire.

"Really what?" Claire asked, turning.

"I can't believe you're talking to Evelyn," Sandra said. Claire raised an eyebrow.

"Why not?" she asked, noticing Sandra's accusatory tone.

"You saw what Evelyn did to me. You saw how she humiliated me, but you didn't take my side. Yet you're apologizing to her because Dad scolded her. Am I your daughter, or is Evelyn?" Sandra demanded. Claire looked at her silently.

"I know you both. I raised you. You are both my daughters, and I won't take sides. I don't believe your explanation of Evelyn's actions—"

"Mom!" Sandra exclaimed, incredulous.

"I don't know what happened, but don't expect me to take sides. And I've noticed how you subtly incite conversations about Evelyn around Dad. I don't know what you're up to, but stop it, or I will deal with you myself," Claire warned, walking away.

Sandra scowled, tapping her fingers on the kitchen island. Her mother had known Evelyn's whereabouts and kept it from her. She turned as Michael approached. "Where's Derek?" she asked; she'd left the party earlier to change after Derek left with Evelyn.

"The idiot left," Michael said cautiously.

"With her?" Sandra asked, refusing to believe their plan had failed.

"No. They left separately," Michael said, reluctant to admit Evelyn had left before Derek arrived.

"What?" Sandra pressed, noticing his hesitation. He explained that Evelyn had left before Derek arrived and detailed his conversation with Derek.

"Are you saying our plan failed?" she frowned. Michael sighed.

"I wouldn't say so. His parents want him with you. We just need to keep Evelyn away from him. By the way, why did you create that scene? The plan was for you to introduce Evelyn as your sister and let Derek figure it out himself," Michael said. Sandra scowled.

"That bitch knew about us all along! She knew about both of us. I got so mad, I couldn't control myself," she said. Michael frowned.

"She told you she knew?" he asked. She nodded.

"Yeah. It's so annoying! I hate her so much," she said, deepening Michael's frown.

"When did she find out?" he asked.

"No. But she probably knew all along and waited to call things off on the wedding morning. Spiteful bitch," Sandra hissed.

"That means we need to be more careful. What if she tells Derek or your parents?" Michael asked. Sandra smirked.

"After tonight's performance, do you think anyone will believe her? She doesn't have any leverage. If she did, she would have exposed us already. Don't worry about her," Sandra said. Michael shook his head.

"That's more reason to be careful. Let's not give her any evidence, okay?" Michael said. Sandra shrugged.

"Alright then. Let's get back to the party," Sandra said, and they rejoined the others.