Sandra wore a satisfied smile as she drove toward the Golden Lotus Restaurant, where she was meeting Derek's mother for lunch. Michael had arranged the meeting now that Mrs. Stone had decided to accept Sandra as her daughter-in-law. She still couldn't believe their plan was finally coming together. Soon, she would be marrying Derek Stone, exactly as she and Michael had planned.
However, as thoughts of their plan crossed her mind, Sandra's smile faltered, replaced by a scowl. Michael had informed her that their attempt to have Evelyn fired had failed. Derek, it seemed, trusted Evelyn more than they anticipated and was actively seeking ways to prove her innocence.
The idea that Evelyn was still in the picture, aware of her and Michael's relationship, left Sandra uneasy. Although they had agreed not to meet at Michael's place anymore and to keep their communications to the phone, Sandra knew they had to eliminate Evelyn as a threat. Otherwise, Evelyn might expose their affair and ruin everything.
"How can I get rid of Evelyn?" Sandra mused, her mind racing. She prided herself on being ahead of the game, but now the tables were turning. She needed to neutralize Evelyn, and fast.
The first step was surveillance: finding out where Evelyn lived and learning the details of her life. Sandra's eyes narrowed as she recalled her mother's apparent closeness to Evelyn. Perhaps her mother held the key to regaining control.
Satisfied with her new plan, Sandra pushed thoughts of Evelyn from her mind. She needed to focus on making a good impression on Mrs. Stone. Winning over Derek's mother was crucial to securing her place in Derek's life and permanently removing Evelyn.
She believed winning Derek's heart would be easy; after all, she had always had her way with men. Derek would be no exception—she just needed access to him, and only his mother could grant that.
Sandra pulled into the Golden Lotus Restaurant's parking lot, a place known for its elegance and exclusivity. As she stepped out of the car, she retrieved a carefully selected gift from the backseat: a delicate silk scarf. She knew the older woman would appreciate it, given her fondness for scarves.
Taking a deep breath, Sandra smoothed her dress and entered the restaurant. A hostess greeted her and escorted her to the private dining area where Mrs. Stone was waiting.
As Sandra approached, Derek's mother rose to greet her, a warm smile lighting up her face. "Sandra, dear, it's such a pleasure to finally meet you properly," Mrs. Stone said, pulling Sandra into a hug.
"Mrs. Stone, it's an honor to be here. I brought this for you," Sandra said, handing over the gift.
"Oh, dear, you didn't have to," Mrs. Stone replied.
"I wanted to. I hope you like it," Sandra said, watching the woman with a smile.
Mrs. Stone's eyes lit up as she unwrapped the scarf. "Oh, Sandra, this is lovely! You have such exquisite taste," she exclaimed.
"I'm glad you like it. I thought it would suit you," Sandra replied, pleased with her reaction.
"It's perfect. Thank you. Please sit," Mrs. Stone said, gesturing to a chair. "I took the liberty of ordering our lunch while waiting for you. I hope you don't mind."
"Not at all," Sandra said as they sat.
As if on cue, the waiters arrived with their order. The aroma of the food was tantalizing, and Sandra couldn't help but comment, "The food smells delicious."
"Trust me, it tastes even better," Mrs. Stone said with a smile.
The conversation flowed easily during the meal. Sandra was polite and attentive, listening closely as Mrs. Stone spoke about Derek, their family, and her hopes for his future. Sandra played her part perfectly, nodding in agreement and adding thoughtful comments. She also spoke of her admiration for Derek and how much she had always enjoyed hearing Michael's stories about him.
Mrs. Stone was completely charmed by Sandra's performance, her smile growing as she listened. "You know, when Michael first suggested matching you and Derek, I was skeptical, considering your close relationship with her," Mrs. Stone wrinkled her nose in disgust at the thought of Evelyn.
Sandra felt a flicker of triumph but maintained a concerned expression. She bowed her head slightly as she set down her cutlery. "I understand how you feel. I'm very sorry for the troubles and embarrassment my sister has caused your family," she said softly, feigning distress.
"You don't have to apologize for her. I know your family doesn't approve of her behavior. In fact, I heard all about her actions at your parents' anniversary and how she treated you," Mrs. Stone said. Sandra looked up, tears welling in her eyes.
"She wasn't always this way. I have no idea how she became this person, but the Evelyn I knew was wonderful. I still hope she'll change," Sandra said, and Mrs. Stone smiled.
"I can't believe how sweet and pure-hearted you are to be making excuses for her, despite what she did to you. You would make a wonderful wife for Derek," Mrs. Stone said approvingly.
Sandra's heart swelled with satisfaction. "Thank you, ma'am. It means a lot to hear you say that."
"Call me Rebecca, my dear. You're going to be my daughter-in-law, and we're going to get along just fine," Rebecca said, and Sandra smiled shyly.
"Thank you, Rebecca."
Mrs. Stone studied Sandra for a moment, then her expression softened. "Tell me more about yourself, Sandra."
Sandra nodded and launched into a well-rehearsed story, telling Mrs. Stone exactly what she wanted to hear and portraying herself as the perfect daughter-in-law.
As their lunch ended, Mrs. Stone reached across the table and patted Sandra's hand. "I'm so glad we had this time to get to know each other, Sandra. Let's do this again, perhaps shopping together or at the spa. I've always wanted a daughter, and I'm glad I'll have one when you marry Derek."
Sandra smiled warmly, pleased with the meeting's success. "Thank you, Rebecca. I look forward to seeing you again."
After saying goodbye, Sandra walked back to her car, a satisfied smile on her face. The meeting had gone exactly as she hoped. Derek's mother was now firmly on her side—a major victory.