The next day, Derek arrived at his office earlier than usual, his mind focused on installing a security camera. Michael's intense interest in Evelyn's innocence had made Derek suspect that Michael hadn't yet discovered the bug Derek had planted. He feared that once Michael had succeeded in separating him from Evelyn, he would return to remove the bug and destroy the evidence of his wrongdoing. Derek needed definitive proof of Michael's culpability—proof he could present to his parents without further explanation. His conversation with Michael the previous night had convinced him, along with Evelyn, that Michael and Sandra were involved in something sinister. If he could show his parents proof of Michael's treachery, they would understand the whole situation.

Immediately upon arriving, he temporarily deactivated the bug and, shortly after settling down, the technician he'd hired arrived. They installed the camera, ensuring it was hidden and perfectly angled to capture the office. After connecting it to his phone and testing the live feed, Derek dismissed the technician.

As he sat at his desk, a sense of accomplishment gave way to thoughts of Evelyn. He rubbed his nose, remembering her presence over the past few weeks: her scowls and glares at his inappropriate comments; her hidden smiles at his humor; the sound of her voice; her intense green eyes; her attempts to keep him at arm's length. He missed her terribly and was determined to deal with Michael quickly so he could have Evelyn back. He wondered if she was at the office, if she was thinking of him, and if she missed working with him.

He needed to talk to someone. His best friend, Ethan, a sailor, was at sea, and he had no idea when he'd return. Taking a deep breath, Derek tried to focus on work, but his office door burst open. He glared at the intruder, but his scowl turned to a smile when he saw it was Ethan.

"Well, be damned if it isn't the Pirate himself!" Derek exclaimed, rising to greet his friend.

Ethan, looking rugged from three months at sea, grinned. "Hey, buddy! Why do you look like you're about to cry with joy?" Derek laughed as they shook hands and clapped each other on the back.

"You won't believe this, but I was just thinking of you," Derek said. Ethan chuckled and sat opposite him.

"What exactly were you thinking?" he asked.

"I was wishing you were here. I really needed someone to talk to," Derek replied. Ethan shook his head.

"You know, that's why you need a woman in your life. We should get you a wife soon. It's high time you stopped pining for your mystery woman from six years ago," Ethan said. Derek smiled. "What if I told you I've found her?"

"You're kidding, right?"

"I'm not. Let me tell my secretary to reschedule my appointments, and I'll fill you in." Derek called his secretary. "Do you want coffee, Ethan?"

"Yes, please."

After instructing his secretary to bring coffee and reschedule his appointments, Derek turned back to Ethan.

"So, how are you doing? How's work?"

"We can talk about that later. I'm more interested in your news," Ethan interrupted, referring to Evelyn.

"Her name is Evelyn."

"No, not that. I got in last night and came to see you this early because my brother told me about your adoption being made public. What's up with that?"

Derek rubbed his eyes. "Well, it's all related. It's connected to Evelyn." He paused as his secretary arrived with the coffee.

After she left, Derek explained the situation: Evelyn, Michael, his parents' desire for him to marry Sandra, and the newly installed security camera. Ethan listened intently, his eyes narrowing.

"Wow! This is like something out of a movie," he said. Derek nodded.

"Yeah. I'm glad you're here. How long will you be staying?"

"A month, hopefully."

"That's a relief." Ethan met his gaze. "I've got your back, mate. Don't worry. We'll get to the bottom of this and expose Michael's scheme."

"Thanks, man. I'm so glad you're here!"

"You've said that already," Ethan chuckled. "Anyway, I'm glad you finally met your mystery lady. Tell me more about her."

Derek's face warmed. "She's… different. Smart, feisty, and beautiful. I miss her. I need to get her back."

Ethan nodded knowingly. "I'm sure she'll come back after everything's resolved. She's probably staying away because you're Michael's cousin. I have a feeling Michael did something to call off the wedding, and maybe her stepsister is involved too," Ethan said thoughtfully, sipping his coffee.

Derek nodded. "Yeah, I think so too."