Sandra kept a close watch on her mother all morning, waiting for her to leave the house so she could follow. Her patience was rewarded when she saw her mother heading out. Without wasting time, Sandra quickly followed, maintaining a safe distance.

Claire drove through the familiar streets of Ludus until stopping in a neighborhood Sandra didn't recognize. She watched intently as Claire approached a house. Sandra's curiosity was piqued when the door opened, revealing Evelyn welcoming her mother inside.

It was now obvious that her mother had been in close contact with Evelyn since Evelyn's return. She must have known Evelyn had left the hotel last time, yet said nothing to Sandra. Her mother knew where Evelyn lived but pretended otherwise. Sandra wished her mother would act like a stepmother to Evelyn, showing her the love and concern she reserved for her own daughter.

Sandra was annoyed at her mother, but even angrier at Evelyn for trying to steal her mother's affection and claiming everything she didn't deserve. She scowled as she watched Claire and Evelyn disappear inside. Sandra's eyes wandered to the front yard, searching for any sign of Evelyn's presence. She noticed a small pink bicycle leaning against the wall.

It was clearly a child's bike. She wondered who owned it and why it was there. Was Evelyn staying with a child? Or was she married and had a child? The absurdity made her laugh. How could Evelyn, the perfect daughter, have a child out of wedlock? Sandra reminded herself of this.

Remembering her mother asking about Sam and Maya, Sandra wondered who they were. She decided to keep an eye on Evelyn now that she knew where she lived. She would find out who Sam and Maya were, and who owned the pink bicycle.

Satisfied with her day's discovery, Sandra turned her car around and decided to visit Rayna. She needed to put her next plan into action immediately. A smirk played on her lips as she drove to Rayna's bakery. After parking, she dialed Rayna's number.

"Hello, Ray, a drop of golden sun," Sandra greeted playfully.

Rayna smiled, but her eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Hello, Sandy," she responded, wondering why Sandra only contacted her after spending time with Evelyn.

"Are you at the bakery?" Sandra asked, her tone friendly.

"Where else would I be on a Saturday?" Rayna replied, surprised by Sandra's call.

"That's good to know," Sandra chirped, getting out of her car.

Rayna's curiosity was piqued. "Why do you ask?"

"Why don't you wait and see for yourself?" Sandra said pleasantly.

A moment later, Sandra entered the bakery. Rayna's surprise was evident.

"What a pleasant surprise!" Rayna exclaimed, removing her apron and chef's hat before approaching Sandra.

"I was around the block and thought I'd drop by to say hi and pick up some delicious snacks," Sandra said, her smile calculating. Rayna smiled back, but suspected a deeper reason for Sandra's visit. She wondered if Sandra was up to something, but didn't show her suspicion. Instead, she asked a server to offer Sandra coffee and then led her to her office. "Please make yourself comfortable," Rayna said.

As Sandra took a seat, she looked around Rayna's surprisingly nice office. "You seem to be doing really well for yourself," Sandra said, raising Rayna's eyebrows.

"Did you think I wasn't?" Rayna asked. Sandra quickly realized her slip and laughed.

"Of course not. I'm just saying maybe I should apply for a job here," she joked. Rayna scoffed, then ordered coffee and snacks for them both.

"I never would have imagined you'd visit. This calls for a celebration," Rayna said teasingly.

Sandra laughed softly. "For real, Ray, I'm sorry I don't call often or hang out," she said apologetically. Rayna waved it off.

"It's not a big deal. I understand. Things get busy," she said. Sandra nodded.

"Thanks for understanding. So, how's the school reunion plan going?" Sandra asked, trying to sound genuinely interested. Rayna shrugged. "It's coming together perfectly. I hope you haven't forgotten it's in two weeks," Rayna replied casually.

"No, I haven't forgotten. It'll be a good opportunity to catch up with everyone. I'm hoping it will remind Evelyn of the good old times, and she'll come around," Sandra said. Rayna raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean, 'come around'?" she asked, curious about the situation between Evelyn and Sandra.

Sandra sighed. "I'm sure you've noticed things aren't like they used to be between us," Sandra said with a forlorn expression.

Rayna nodded. After a waiter delivered their coffee and snacks, she continued, "I can't say I haven't noticed. What exactly happened between you both?" she asked, wondering if Sandra would confide in her.

Sandra smiled inwardly, pleased Evelyn hadn't told Rayna anything. She would be the first to confide in Rayna. Sandra leaned forward. "Honestly, I have no idea what went wrong with Evie," she said. Rayna frowned.

"What do you mean?"

Sandra hesitated. "Evelyn is angry with me because I'm still close to Michael," she confessed, her tone laced with regret and frustration. "You won't believe she pushed me and emptied her wine glass on me at our parents' anniversary just because I invited Michael." Rayna's eyes widened in surprise.

"Evelyn did that to you? When? Why would she do such a thing? I didn't think she was capable," Rayna said, frowning.

"I was just as shocked and embarrassed. I never expected that, especially not in public. Everyone witnessed it—our parents, our guests, even my fiancé," Sandra said, looking hurt.

"I'm sorry, Sandy, but that doesn't sound like Evelyn," Rayna said, confused.

"Right? The same way cheating doesn't sound like Eveloops," Sandra said, covering her mouth.

Rayna's eyes widened, her expression turning serious. "What do you mean by that?" she asked as she watched Sandra sip her coffee, averting her gaze.

Sandra waved it off. "Let's not talk about that. Forget I said anything."

Rayna studied her before dropping the subject, but felt uneasy. She wasn't comfortable discussing Evelyn with Sandra.

"Yeah, I think we should stop talking about Eve. So, are you coming to the reunion alone or with your fiancé? By the way, I didn't know you were engaged," she said, changing the subject.

Sandra seethed inwardly but forced a smile. "We're keeping it low-key for now. And I plan to come with him if he's not too busy," she said. Rayna nodded.

Before Rayna could speak, Sandra continued, "Despite everything Evelyn has done, I still hope we can go back to the way things used to be. I'm sure she's acting this way because whenever she sees Michael, she feels guilty about cheating on him. And my remaining close to him makes her see him often," she said. Rayna merely stared.

Rayna wondered why Sandra was saying these things about Evelyn. What was she trying to achieve? She couldn't shake the feeling Sandra was poisoning her mind against Evelyn, but to what end?

As they finished their coffee, Rayna's thoughts remained on Evelyn. She couldn't believe Sandra's words, and suspected ulterior motives. She resolved to keep an eye on Sandra, unsure of her next plan.