"Look, Mommy! We can see everything from here!" Samantha exclaimed as they entered their spacious, elegantly decorated room, overlooking the city.

Evelyn smiled, her heart swelling with love for her daughter. "Yes, we can. It's a beautiful view," she said, watching Samantha run to the window and press her nose against the glass. The bellman set down their luggage and handed Evelyn the room keys. "If you need anything, please don't hesitate to call the front desk."

"Thank you," Evelyn replied, tipping him.

As he left, she turned to Maya. "You can freshen up and rest. I'll take care of Sam. You'll watch her tomorrow; I have a very important meeting." Maya nodded. "Don't worry. We'll be fine. We plan to explore the playground tomorrow."

Evelyn smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Maya. I don't know what I'd do without you," she said as Maya went to her room.

"Mommy, I have a new friend!" Samantha announced, returning from the window.

"Already?" Evelyn asked, amused by Samantha's ease in making friends.

"Yes. His name is Rek, and he told me about the playground," Samantha said, eliciting another smile from Evelyn.

"I see. Hopefully, you'll play with Rek tomorrow," Evelyn said, assuming Rek was a child her daughter's age. "Now, no more talking. Time to freshen up."

After settling Samantha for the night and ensuring Maya was comfortable, Evelyn took a moment alone. Standing by the window, she gazed at the city she once knew so well. Her magazine had given her an important, seemingly impossible task—convincing the elusive billionaire CEO, Derek Stone, to grant an interview—tied to her promotion. No other media outlet had succeeded, and she had to do it. She'd booked an appointment before arriving, and tomorrow she would seize the opportunity. For now, she needed rest.

The next morning, after a quick breakfast, Evelyn left Samantha in Maya's care and departed for Stone Corp. As the cab navigated the morning traffic, a wave of nostalgia washed over her. The streets felt both familiar and strange, a reminder of her time away.

Pushing aside the past, Evelyn focused on the present challenge. Since waking, she'd been devising ways to convince Mr. Stone, but as the cab stopped before Stone Corp, she still lacked a plan. What could she say that hadn't been said before, by far more experienced journalists? Her nerves tightened as she entered the towering building.

So focused on her meeting, she didn't recognize the familiar figure she passed until she heard her name.

"Evelyn?"

She turned to see Michael. The man she'd wasted years on, the man who'd tried to trick her into marriage. He looked the same, and the sight angered her even more than six years ago. How could she have ever fallen for him? How could she forget he worked here? In leaving the past behind, she'd forgotten Derek Stone was his cousin. Would Michael be an obstacle? She ignored him and started to leave, but he grabbed her hand.

"Is this really you?" Michael asked incredulously. "What are you doing here after disappearing for six years without an apology or explanation for calling off the wedding? Do you have any idea how much you embarrassed me and my family?"

Evelyn's jaw tightened as she pulled her hand away. "If you don't want a scene, leave me alone and pretend you don't know me," she warned coldly, shocking Michael.

Before he could react, she entered the elevator, hoping to avoid further interaction. A confrontation with Michael was the last thing she needed, especially here, especially now.

Michael, confused and furious, immediately called Sandra.

"You won't believe who I just ran into," he said.

"Who?" Sandra asked curiously.

"Evelyn."

"Evelyn? Are you sure?" Sandra exclaimed, surprised.

"Would I call if I wasn't? I confronted her, but she ignored me," Michael said, still annoyed.

"Where did you see her?" Sandra asked skeptically.

"Here, at the company," he replied, wondering who she was meeting.

"I take it you don't know why she's here. Can you find out who she's meeting and why? Maybe follow her later and see where she's been hiding," Sandra suggested.

"Sure. I'll have to cancel my meeting. I'll call you later," Michael said before hanging up.

While Michael rushed to the elevator, hoping to catch Evelyn, she was being ushered into Derek Stone's office by his secretary. Taking a deep breath, Evelyn pushed open the imposing door, a tremor of nervousness running through her as she entered the office of the elusive Derek Stone.