By noon, when Kayna rang the doorbell, Evelyn and Samantha had finished baking cookies and were snuggled together, watching Dora the Explorer. Evelyn answered the door with a bright smile. "You're right on time," she said, holding the door open for Kayna.

"If I could have come at dawn, I would have! I barely slept a wink last night, I was so excited about your big reveal," Kayna said, walking past Evelyn. Evelyn laughed. "Rayna, I'd like to introduce you to someone," Evelyn said as Kayna entered the house.

Kayna stopped abruptly when her eyes landed on Samantha, who was standing a few feet away. Her expression softened. "Oh my goodness, who is this little angel?" she asked, glancing suspiciously at Evelyn before returning her attention to Samantha.

"Hello! What's your name?" Kayna asked, crouching to Samantha's level.

"Samantha," Samantha replied shyly, looking from Kayna to her mother and back again.

Evelyn smiled proudly. "This little angel is my daughter. Rayna, meet my daughter, Samantha. Samantha, this is Mummy's close friend, Rayna." Kayna looked at her with questioning eyes but decided to save her questions for later. "And this is Maya, Samantha's nanny," Evelyn added, gesturing to Maya, whom Kayna acknowledged with a curt nod.

Kayna beamed at Samantha. "Aren't you the most adorable little girl? You look beautiful, just like your mom," she said, genuinely charmed.

Samantha giggled. "Thank you. You look pretty, too, and you smile like cake!" Kayna laughed and embraced her.

"I do, don't I? Do you like cake?" Kayna asked. Samantha nodded.

"Then I'll bring you some next time I visit," Kayna promised, straightening up.

After the introductions, Evelyn nodded to Maya, who led Samantha to her bedroom. Kayna watched them leave, her gaze softening. "She really is an adorable child," she said, turning to Evelyn.

Evelyn's smile widened. "Yes, she is. She's my greatest blessing," she said softly. "I can't imagine my life without her."

"I guess she's the reason you've changed so much, and why you didn't let me visit or tell me anything," Kayna said, understandably. Evelyn nodded.

"Yes, she is. Come, let's sit down. I have so much to share with you," Evelyn said. They walked into the living room and sat on the couch.

"Is she Michael's?" Kayna asked immediately.

Evelyn quickly shook her head, her expression growing serious. "No. Samantha is not Michael's daughter. What can I get you? Tea? Coffee? Soda?"

Kayna shrugged. "Water is fine. I smell cookies. Can I have some? I want to eat something I didn't bake for a change." Evelyn laughed and went to get her water and cookies. Once settled, Kayna turned to her. "Go on, Evie. I want to hear everything. But first, tell me it's not a coincidence that she has blue eyes like Derek," she asked thoughtfully.

Evelyn winced. Kayna had always been perceptive. "It's not a coincidence."

"Does that mean you cheated?" Kayna asked, lowering her voice.

Evelyn shook her head. "No, I didn't. It's a long story, Rayna, I don't know where to begin."

"Well, I guess it's a good thing I can easily fit into your clothes. You can take your time. We can talk all night," Kayna laughed.

Evelyn took a deep breath to gather her thoughts. "Well, I guess I should start with why I called off the wedding," she said, and proceeded to tell Kayna how she'd walked in on Michael with Sandra.

"You're kidding me, right?" Kayna asked in disbelief, but Evelyn shook her head.

"I wish I were," she said, and Kayna's brows furrowed.

"Oh, my god, Evie! That must have been terrible!" Kayna said, taking Evelyn's hand.

Evelyn nodded. "It was. I was shocked, heartbroken, confused, embarrassed, and mad, all at once." Kayna nodded sympathetically. "Absolutely. Anyone would be," she said, and Evelyn continued, recounting her encounter with Derek and the events that led to her leaving six years ago.

Kayna listened intently, her expression shifting from surprise to understanding. When Evelyn finished, Kayna was silent for a moment, digesting the information. Then she shook her head. "I don't know how you're so calm, Evie, but if I were in your shoes, that bitch would be six feet under, and I'd be chilling in jail," she said, and Evelyn laughed involuntarily.

"I'm not joking, Evie! It's not funny! That filthy bitch! To think she had the nerve to show up at my bakery and play the victim! I should shave her head!" Kayna exclaimed angrily.

"Calm down, Rayna. Don't worry. They'll both get what they deserve," Evelyn said, and then told Kayna about her reunion with Derek and Sandra and Michael's actions.

"Why won't they leave you alone? And why is she after Derek? Thank God he's not falling for their lies," Kayna said. Evelyn sighed. "Now I see why you said things were complicated," Kayna murmured.

"So, what do you intend to do about Derek being Samantha's father? Will you ever tell him?" Kayna asked.

"You won't believe what I just found out," Evelyn said, and told Kayna about Samantha's friendship with Derek.

"Blood is thicker than water. You can't hide the truth forever, and I think it's best to let them continue their friendship. Let him get to know his daughter. He doesn't need to know she's yours yet," Kayna suggested.

"I'm not sure, Rayna. How long before he wants to meet her mother? I want to keep this secret until after we expose Sandra and Michael. I know what they're capable of," Evelyn said.

"I understand. This is all so complicated," Rayna said, frowning. "I'm going to cut Sandra off. I don't want that cunning bitch anywhere near me."

Evelyn shook her head. "You shouldn't do that," she said. When Rayna looked at her in confusion, Evelyn explained, "I believe Sandra is trying to get close to you to use you against me." Rayna's face hardened.

"Isn't that another reason to stay away from her?" Rayna asked. Evelyn shook her head.

"No. If you cut her off, she'll find other ways to get to me. It's best to keep her close. Could you play along, let her believe you're on her side? That way, we can be a step ahead," Evelyn said. Rayna nodded, understanding.

"Don't worry, Evie, I'll do whatever I can. I won't let her win," Rayna said. Evelyn smiled.

"Thank you, Rayna. I'm glad I can count on you."

"I wish you had confided in me sooner," Rayna said. "Evie, I hate to think how you suffered alone."

"It wasn't easy, but I'm okay now," Evelyn assured her.

"You know what? We should create a code—something only we can use to communicate," Rayna suggested, and Evelyn nodded thoughtfully.