After his last appointment on Friday evening, Derek headed directly to the restaurant where he was meeting Sandra for dinner. He wished the date had been scheduled earlier, before work, so he could leave after thirty minutes or an hour. Though the date wasn't until 5 p.m., Derek arrived early. He wasn't eager, but wanted to control the situation and be fully prepared. He knew this date was more than just fulfilling his promise to his mother; it was a step toward uncovering Michael's plots.

As he sat sipping water and waiting for Sandra, he decided to call Ethan. Before he could dial, Ethan called him.

Derek chuckled, "Why do you always appear or call when I think about you?"

Ethan chuckled. "Maybe because you're in love with me?" he joked. Derek rolled his eyes.

"Last time I checked, you don't have boobs, and your name isn't Evelyn," Derek said, making Ethan laugh.

"Yet you're always thinking about me," Ethan said dryly. "What are you up to?"

"I'm at the restaurant, waiting for my date," Derek replied, and Ethan chuckled.

"No wonder you were missing me," Ethan said, making Derek laugh.

"What are you up to tomorrow? Let's go to the golf club," Derek suggested.

"Sure. But I was hoping we could hang out at the club tonight. It's been a while," Ethan said, and Derek grinned.

"Me too. I think I'll need a drink after this date," Derek said, and Ethan laughed.

"It might not be so bad. Who knows! You might fall hopelessly in love with her," Ethan said, and Derek snorted.

"Not when Evelyn is alive. And even if Evelyn weren't alive, I could never be interested in her stepsister. Anyway, I wanted to call you because I need you to call me at exactly 6 p.m. I don't want this date to last longer than an hour," Derek said, and Ethan chuckled.

"Sure. About our own 'date' tonight, how about you pick me up?" Ethan suggested.

"Cool. But it's not a date. Don't forget to call at 6. Bye," Derek said, hanging up as he saw Sandra approaching.

Derek smiled, his eyes fixed on her. He couldn't deny she was beautiful, but her beauty didn't interest him; Evelyn was far more beautiful. He was interested in her hidden agenda.

Sandra smiled, noticing his intense gaze; she thought she saw lust in his eyes. No man could resist her charms, not even Derek Stone.

When she reached him, Derek rose, putting on his most charming smile.

"I hope I didn't keep you waiting, Mr. Stone," she said apologetically.

"Please, call me Derek. And no, you didn't. A beautiful woman like you should be waited on," Derek said smoothly.

Sandra smiled, pleased by his reception. "Thanks," she said as he pulled out her chair.

"I've heard a lot about you, Sandra. I can call you that, right?" Derek asked, taking his seat. She nodded eagerly. "Please do."

"I've heard wonderful things, and it made me anxious, so I arrived early to calm myself," he said, and Sandra giggled softly.

"For real? I've been jittery all day! I'm glad I'm not the only one anxious. Maybe we can relax—or make fools of ourselves—together," Sandra said. Before Derek could respond, a waiter approached.

Chapter 4

"Are you familiar with their dishes?" Derek asked Sandra as she studied the menu.

Sandra nodded. "Yes. I've been here a couple of times."

Derek glanced at the menu, then put it aside with a charming smile. "Then I'll trust you with my stomach and have whatever you're having," he said, and Sandra grinned. "Alright then," she said, ordering for both of them.

As the waiter left, Sandra cleared her throat. "You know, this feels like a dream come true. I've heard so much about you and admired you from afar, and now I get to sit with you," she said, and Derek smiled.

"Same here. I was hoping to talk to you at the party. I'm sorry you had to go through such embarrassment," he said, and she waved it off.

"It's nothing compared to what you and your family went through," she said apologetically.

"Thankfully, everyone's moved on," Derek said dismissively as the waiter arrived with their wine.

"So, how was your day?" Sandra asked. They shared details about their days.

"Tell me more about yourself, Sandra. I've heard a lot from my mom and Michael, but I want to hear from you," Derek said. Sandra smiled, telling him about herself.

Derek listened attentively, asking questions. Sandra relaxed and began to enjoy the date. She'd expected Derek to be distant, but she was pleasantly surprised.

They paused their conversation when the waiter brought their meals. After he left, Derek urged her to continue. He smiled, noticing her relaxation. This was exactly what he wanted—for her to let her guard down.