Evelyn's heart pounded as she summoned the courage to tell him about Samantha, but he interrupted.

"Are you ready to fight them now? To expose them? Is that why you took Sandra's call earlier? Because you want to face her?" he asked softly, his gaze piercing, searching her eyes.

Evelyn drew a deep breath, her resolve hardening. "Yes, Derek. I'm done running, done avoiding them. They've messed with me long enough. I won't let them win anymore. I want to take back what they've taken."

"How do I fit in?" he asked, sensing her need for him.

Evelyn hesitated, her pulse quickening. "Sandra wants you, Derek. She thinks you're hers. But I've decided I won't let her have you. I want you for myself."

Her words hung in the air, a challenge. Derek's eyes darkened. He leaned back, his posture relaxed, but a dangerous glint shone in his eyes.

"You want me for yourself?" he repeated, his voice low. "Is that it? Taking me from Sandra to get back at her?"

Evelyn's breath caught. Her heart pounded as she searched for the right words. Unsure how to answer, her hands twisted nervously in her lap before she met his eyes. "I'm not sure yet what I feel for you," she whispered. "I don't know if it's love or desire. But I do know I want you. I want to be with you. And yes, taking you from her would be satisfying."

Derek's expression didn't change, but a raw, possessive flicker ignited in his eyes. He leaned forward, elbows on his knees, staring her down. "You're mistaken, Evelyn. You're not taking me from Sandra. I've never belonged to her."

His certainty twisted her stomach. He reached out, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering at her neck. "My heart has always belonged to you," he said quietly. "Even when you ran, I never stopped wanting, loving you. Sandra has never been a threat because she means nothing to me."

Evelyn's heart raced. She hadn't expected this certainty.

Derek's hand slid down her chin, tilting her face toward his. "Whatever you decide—whether it's revenge or something real between us—I'm with you. But don't think you're taking me from anyone. You've had my heart all along."

Evelyn swallowed, her eyes filling with emotion. The years of pain, anger, and longing crashed together. Slowly, she covered his hand with hers.

"I don't want to run anymore," she whispered. "I want to fight. But I'm scared."

Derek's expression softened; his thumb brushed her skin gently. "You don't have to be scared. Not with me. We'll face them together. You're not alone anymore, Eve."

Her chest tightened. "Thank you," she whispered.

Derek leaned in, pressing his forehead against hers. "We will take them down and make them pay," he promised, his voice a quiet vow.

As their breaths mingled, Evelyn closed her eyes, letting his warmth envelop her.

"There's something else I need to tell you," she whispered.

"What?" Derek asked, pulling back.

They were startled by the opening door. Derek's mother entered.

"What is going on here, Derek? What is she doing here?" she demanded, her gaze disapprovingly fixed on Evelyn. She'd received a distress call from Sandra, who'd gone to Derek's office but found him absent and Evelyn answering her call, claiming he was busy. Derek's mother had contacted his secretary and the hotel manager, confirming his presence in his suite.

Evelyn rose quickly, creating distance between herself and Derek, who rose slowly to face his mother.

"We were talking," he said calmly.

"Talking? Not in your office, not in a restaurant, but in your suite?" his mother scoffed.

"I will be on my—"

"Don't you dare take a step!" Derek's mother snapped. Evelyn glanced at Derek. "Derek, didn't we have an agreement? Didn't you promise to stay away from this good-for-nothing slut?" Evelyn flinched.

"Don't call her that, Mom!" Derek said, annoyed.

He turned to Evelyn. "You can leave. Let's continue later." Evelyn nodded and headed for the door, but Derek's mother blocked her path.

"Do you really think I'll let someone like you be involved with my son? It will never happen…" Before she finished, Derek took Evelyn's hand and pulled her past his mother.

"I'm sorry," he promised at the door. Evelyn nodded and left.

The moment the door closed, Derek's mother slapped him. "How dare you disrespect me like that in front of that slut?"

"She is not a slut! Don't call her that, Mom," Derek said. His mother looked at him in disbelief.

"What has come over you? Didn't we agree you'd stay away from her and be with Sandra? Why was she in your suite? Why did you let her take Sandra's call?"

Derek took a deep breath. He was still angry after Evelyn's revelations about Sandra and Michael.

"How well do you know Sandra, Mom? Why do you think she's suitable? Why do I have to marry her just because Michael recommended her? How much do you trust Michael?" Derek's questions poured out.