Derek held Evelyn's gaze, contemplating how to reveal his suspicions. It was shameful to admit a family member had caused him so much trouble, but he knew Evelyn deserved to know. He also wanted answers about her relationship with Michael and why she'd called off her wedding six years ago.

"Before I tell you anything, I need to know why you didn't tell me about your relationship with Michael."

"My past relationship with Michael. I have no relationship with him now," she corrected, wanting to distance herself from him.

Derek nodded. "Yes, your past relationship. Why didn't you tell me about it?"

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you. I know I should have. I thought Michael would tell you"

"I'm not talking about Michael, Eve. Why didn't you tell me? I'd much rather have heard it from you than find out the way I did," he said. She nodded.

"I promise I had no idea who you were when we met six years ago…"

"I know you didn't. You'd have to be a witch to have arranged our meeting so perfectly," Derek said. She nodded, relieved by his belief.

"And when I was sent to interview you, I knew you were Michael's cousin. When I realized you didn't know about me and Michael, I couldn't tell you because I didn't know how you'd react. I feared you'd cancel the interview, and it meant so much to me at the time," she admitted. Derek nodded, hearing the sincerity in her voice. He'd figured it out, but he'd wanted to hear it from her.

"If you don't mind me asking, what exactly happened six years ago? I saw Michael—how hurt he was—but I also saw you that day. There's a story behind your actions. What is it?" Derek asked, hoping she'd confide in him.

Evelyn shook her head. "I don't want to talk about it," she said, narrowing her eyes.

"You're suspecting Michael, aren't you?" she asked. Derek raised an eyebrow.

"Why are you asking me that? Am I supposed to suspect him?" he asked, wanting to hear her reasoning.

Evelyn shrugged. "I wouldn't put it past him. I believe he did it, but I don't have the evidence to prove it." Derek sighed.

"Actually, I found something under my desk—a listening device," Derek said. Evelyn looked shocked.

"You mean your office was bugged!" she asked. He nodded. She shook her head. "That explains it. Now it all makes perfect sense." Derek nodded.

"Yes. I won't let this slide. I'm going to expose him."

"Don't. At least not yet," Evelyn said. Derek narrowed his eyes.

"Why? Is there a reason you don't want me to?" he asked. She nodded.

"Yes. I believe Michael and Sandra are up to something. It's best not to let them know you're onto them until you find out what they're up to," she said. Derek looked surprised. "Sandra—your sister?" he asked. She nodded.

"You think she's working with Michael?" he asked, wondering what they were planning.

"I don't think they're working together. I know it," she said. Derek sat up, eager to know more.

"What exactly is going on, Eve?" he asked. She shook her head.

"I don't know exactly. All I know is, you need to be careful, very careful. If they can bug your office, who knows what else they'll do?" she asked. He nodded, his mind racing.

It made sense that Michael was working with Sandra, given his mother's attempts to marry them. His hands clenched. "So we play along and act oblivious?" he asked. She nodded.

"I can do that, but I won't let it slide if they pull a stunt like this and try to harm you again," Derek said, deciding to play along.

Silence fell between them as they considered the situation and Michael and Sandra's possible plans. After a while, Evelyn looked at him. "What if you hadn't found the bug? Would you be here if you didn't have tangible proof of my innocence?"

"If I didn't believe you were innocent, I wouldn't have searched for proof in the first place," he said. She sighed.

"I messed up. I know I did, Eve. And I'm deeply sorry. Can you give me another chance?" he said. After a moment, she shook her head.

"I forgive you, but I don't know what you mean by another chance," she said. Derek raised an eyebrow.

"Don't worry about that. For now, let's talk about how to proceed with the interview," he said, deciding not to press for another chance with her. He couldn't actively pursue her because of an agreement with his mother, which he wasn't ready to reveal.

Evelyn shook her head. "I don't think you should do the interview anymore, considering all this mess."

"I have to. In fact, this is more reason to proceed. First, because we had an agreement, and I need to honor it, as you have. Second, now that everything's out, there's no reason to hide. I want to help put out something positive about my adoption to correct their lies. And lastly, your promotion is attached to it. After all this trouble, you deserve it," Derek said. Evelyn sighed.

"I guess you have a point…"

"But you won't have to come to my office anymore. Let's just set a date for the interview," Derek said. Evelyn nodded, relieved.

"Thank you, Eve. I want you to know I'm sorry for everything—not just for doubting you, but for how I handled things that day, especially after that night," Derek said, holding her gaze. Evelyn's heart ached at his words, but she pushed aside the memories.

"It's okay. All that's in the past now," she said, standing and brushing off her clothes. "I should get back. It's getting late." Derek rose as well.

"I'll drop you off," he offered. Evelyn shook her head.

"It's okay. I'll walk. I need some air." Seeing her determination, he nodded. "If you insist. Thank you for meeting with me." She offered a small smile.

"It's nothing. I hope you don't show up at my place again like this," Evelyn said and turned to leave.

"Eve," Derek called, stopping her.

Evelyn turned. "Yeah?"

Derek considered telling her about his parents' wishes for him to date Sandra, but shook his head. "Never mind."

Evelyn nodded and walked away. As she walked home, she worried about keeping Samantha a secret from Derek, since he knew where she lived. He could show up anytime. While concerned about Michael and Sandra's plans, she was more worried about Derek discovering Samantha and her paternity. She needed to do something, but she didn't know what. Moving wasn't an option.