Evelyn woke up with a smile the following morning, having dreamt of Derek. In her dream, they'd been dancing at a club and having fun. Her smile widened further when she saw a good morning text from him. By the time she was having breakfast with Maya and Samantha, she was humming happily. As she watched Samantha eat silently, Evelyn thought about how much Samantha resembled Derek, especially his genuine, carefree laugh.

On days like this, she couldn't believe she had a child with Derek. He'd given her the best gift of her life, and she would always be grateful, regardless of everything else. Thinking of Derek, her thoughts drifted back to their encounter at the club the previous night. She grinned remembering how he'd kept her company in Rayna's absence, then scowled recalling his story about his disastrous date with Sandra. It was as if he knew how curious she'd been, even though she'd never directly asked. Though she hadn't shown it, she'd felt uncomfortable hearing him talk about Sandra that way.

She wasn't sure if this discomfort stemmed from worry about Sandra and Michael's cunning, or from fear that Derek might fall for Sandra. She sighed, assuring herself that Derek would never fall for Sandra.

She remembered the determination in his piercing blue eyes and how serious he'd sounded when he promised to find out what happened between her and Michael and expose it to everyone, proving her innocence. The memory brought a smile to her lips. Derek had always been stubborn, but his commitment to her was endearing.

She never would have imagined she'd left such a strong impression on him six years ago. She hadn't expected him to care so much when they met again, especially after learning she was Michael's ex. Yet, here he was, determined to clear her name and be in her life. She was glad he wanted her as much as she wanted him.

Samantha, who had been watching her smile and laugh, looked up from her cereal with wide, curious blue eyes. "Mommy, did something good happen? Why are you so happy?" she asked.

Maya, who had also noticed Evelyn's unusual behavior, waited to hear the good news. Evelyn's smile widened as she looked at her daughter's puzzled expression.

"I'm happy because I have the best baby girl in the world," Evelyn said. Samantha's brows furrowed.

"But you've always said that, and you don't always look so happy," Samantha pointed out, making Evelyn laugh. "How did I give birth to such a little smarty-pants?" Evelyn asked playfully, and Samantha giggled.

"Well, Mommy had a nice time hanging out with her longtime friend last night. Thinking about it makes me happy," Evelyn said lightly. Samantha's eyes lit up. "Can I meet your friend?" she asked. Evelyn smiled, brushing a curl from Samantha's forehead.

"Maybe someday, if you're a very good girl," she said. Samantha bobbed her head.

"I'm always a good girl."

"Good girls don't talk while eating, and good girls always finish their meal," Evelyn pointed out. Samantha nodded, returning to her cereal with renewed enthusiasm.

"You should hang out with her more often," Samantha said after a moment. "You're bringing a bad girl," she added, laughing. Thankfully, Samantha then focused on her meal.

As they resumed breakfast, Evelyn's thoughts drifted to Rayna's words from the previous night: "Uncomplicate things." Evelyn repeated the phrase in her head, almost laughing at its simplicity, but held back, not wanting another round of questions from her daughter.

Rayna always dove headfirst into things, consequences be damned. But Evelyn knew better than to think things were that easy, especially with Derek. Still, the thought lingered. What if things were that simple? What if she took a chance? Where would that lead?

Her musings were interrupted by her phone vibrating. A small smile tugged at her lips when she saw it was Claire. Claire had always been a source of comfort, a steady presence, and Evelyn appreciated that more than she could say. "Hello, Mom," Evelyn greeted warmly.

"Hello, dear. How are you doing? And how are Sam and Maya?" Claire asked softly.

Sandra, who had just left her room to get juice, paused by the door, wondering who Sam and Maya were.

"We're doing fine," Evelyn replied, glancing at Samantha, who was now humming. "We're having breakfast."

"That's good to hear," Claire said. There was a pause. "Are you free today? I was thinking of coming over," Claire said thoughtfully. Evelyn smiled at the thought of spending the day with her stepmother.

"Yes, I'm free. And you're always welcome, Mom. Sam's been missing you and talking about 'Grammy Claire' all week. She'll be excited to see you."

Claire laughed. "Alright. I'll be there by noon. I'll bring some food, if you don't mind."

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "I've told you repeatedly you don't need to, but since you insist, we'll enjoy your Michelin-star meal." Claire laughed.

"See you later, Evie," Claire said, ending the call.

Sandra, still by the kitchen door, narrowed her eyes, piecing together what she'd heard. At first, she'd thought her mother was having an affair, and Sam and Maya were the lover's children. But after hearing her mother mention Evelyn's name, she realized her suspicion that her mother knew where Evelyn lived was true. Who were Sam and Maya? she mused. This was her opportunity. She returned to her room to get ready, intending to follow her mother and find out where Evelyn lived, learning everything she could about Evelyn and figuring out how to make her disappear.