Evelyn's heart pounded as the cab sped toward the office. She clasped her trembling hands together, as if the gesture could somehow steady her. The confrontation with Derek's mother replayed in her mind; each scornful word rang in her ears like a persistent bell. Her stomach knotted as she recalled the fury in his mother's eyes, the venom in her words.

Why had she thought this was a good idea? A chill of doubt mingled with the heat of regret. Had she made things worse? The question gnawed at her. Had she complicated matters further by acting so recklessly? The last thing Evelyn wanted was to drive a wedge between Derek and his parents, and it seemed she had succeeded. She sighed deeply, trying to calm the storm within. Maybe she shouldn't have listened to Rayna. Opening up like that had been a terrible idea. But it was too late to undo it.

Her phone buzzed in her bag, jolting her from her thoughts. She quickly retrieved it, a fleeting hope blossoming that it might be Derek, assuring her everything was fine. Her face fell when she saw Rayna's name on the screen.

Evelyn answered with a soft sigh, trying to keep her voice steady.

"Hey! Are you there yet? I hope you haven't chickened out," Rayna's energetic voice crackled through the line.

Evelyn bit her lip. "I don't know why I let you talk me into this. I shouldn't have."

Rayna cut her off, concern lacing her tone. "Did something happen? What happened? Is he mad at you for keeping Samantha from him?"

Evelyn could picture Rayna pacing, her no-nonsense worry palpable. Evelyn swallowed, closing her eyes as she relived the scene. "I didn't get to that part before his mother showed up. She was furious. She called me a good-for-nothing slut. She said she would never let someone like me be involved with her son. Rayna, I was scared. I don't think I'm ready for all of this." Evelyn's voice faltered.

There was a long pause, then Rayna's voice hardened. "What did Derek do? Did he take your side, or did he just stand there and let his mom talk to you like that?" Rayna's focus was clearly on Derek's reaction. If Derek had remained silent, Evelyn's relationship with him would be over, as far as Rayna was concerned.

"He tried to defend me."

"Good," Rayna said, relief evident in her voice. "That's all that matters, Evie. Forget what his mother said and focus on what he said."

Evelyn leaned back, staring blankly out the window. "I wish I could, but I can't. His mom seems like she's going to be trouble. You know me, Ray. I can't stand confrontations"

"Well, you have to learn to, Evelyn," Rayna's voice softened but remained firm. "You can't run from confrontations all your life. You have a daughter to look out for. You ran away six years ago, but I'm not going to let you run away again, do you hear me?"

Tears welled up in Evelyn's eyes, her chest tightening. She brushed them away quickly. "What am I supposed to do now?" she whispered.

Rayna was quiet for a moment, then asked, "How did Derek's mom know you were with him? Did she just randomly show up, or do you think someone tipped her off?"

Evelyn bit her lip. "It's my fault. Sandra called Derek while I was with him, and II picked up the phone. I think she told Derek's mom."

Rayna burst into laughter, catching Evelyn off guard. "What's so funny?" Evelyn asked, still feeling the weight of her mistake.

"Youyou answered Sandra's call," Rayna managed through her laughter. "That's brilliant!"

A small smile touched Evelyn's lips. "I'm not sure it was such a good idea."

"Oh, on the contrary. I think it was perfect. What did you say to the snake?" Rayna's tone lightened, the tension evaporating.

Evelyn recounted the conversation, feeling lighter as she heard Rayna's delighted giggles.

"You've won the battle, Evie. You've declared war on the snake, and I love it! There's no backing out now."

A knot of anxiety twisted in Evelyn's stomach. "Do you really think I should tell Derek about Samantha now? I don't want to cause trouble."

Rayna's tone turned serious. "If Sandra and Michael can cause trouble, why shouldn't you? Especially seeing as everyone already thinks the worst about you! Bring back that 'bitch' in you who poured wine on Sandra at the anniversary party! Stop trying to be the peacekeeper. Derek won't thank you for keeping his daughter from him to appease his parents. And while we're at it, I think it's time you talk to your parents, too."

Evelyn's heart skipped a beat. "I was thinking about that earlier, but now I'm not so sure."

"You don't have to be sure," Rayna replied softly. "I'm sure enough for both of us. Don't let Sandra keep you apart from your father. I get that he hurt your feelings, but it's time you extended a line of grace. If you don't tell him what happened, he'll never know the truth. Think about it: if your father had died while you were gone, wouldn't you be heartbroken at the state you left things?"

Evelyn's throat tightened. "What if he doesn't believe me?"

"You'll never know if you don't tell him," Rayna said gently. "He deserves to know why you ended things as you did. And after you explain, then you can tell him how hurt you were by his actions."

Evelyn sighed. "When did you become so wise?"

Rayna giggled. "I was just wondering the same thing."

Evelyn laughed, the tension easing. "Alright, I'll tell him. Maybe I'll invite my parents over this weekend and explain everything."

"That's my girl," Rayna said, pride in her voice. "And don't forget to tell Derek about Sammy the next time you see him. The longer you wait, the more upset he'll be. A man who defends you against his mother is worth holding on to."

Evelyn smiled. "Thanks, Ray. I feel better now. And to make sure I don't back out, I'm texting Mom now, inviting her and Dad for dinner this weekend," Evelyn said as the cab pulled up in front of her office.

"Good. By the way, I called to ask if you knew anything about the anonymous relationship ad on the Empowered Instagram page this morning," Rayna asked.

"An anonymous relationship ad! I haven't seen it yet, but if it's in the relationship column, then it's legit. Empowered always runs background checks," Evelyn said, paying the cab driver.

"Great, 'cause I'm signing up for it," Rayna said, and Evelyn raised an eyebrow.

"Weren't you singing about how Ethan is your destiny yesterday? You're already moving on from your soulmate?" Evelyn asked dryly.

Rayna laughed. "Well, I'm not putting all my eggs in one basket. I just want to see how this goes. Besides, I'm sure many ladies would reach out to him, too."

"Well, I wish you good luck with that. I've got to go now. And thank you, Ray. I don't deserve you or our friendship, but"

"Bitch, bye!" Rayna said and hung up, making Evelyn laugh softly.

The moment Evelyn sat down at her desk, she dialed her stepmother's number. It connected almost immediately. "Hello, Evie. I was just thinking about Sammy. How is she doing? Did she resume school today?" Claire asked, and Evelyn smiled.

"She has, Mom. How are you doing? And how is Dad?"

"We are both alright, but it would be better if you resolved things with your Dad and called him directly instead of"

"That's why I called. I want you both to come over for dinner," Evelyn interrupted.

"Your father and I?" Claire asked, her voice rising with excitement.

"Yes, Mom. I think it's high time he meets his granddaughter. And I'm ready to tell you everything now. I'd rather talk to you both together," Evelyn said.

"Oh, my God! You have no idea how happy I am to hear this! When do you want us over? Tonight or tomorrow?"

Although Evelyn had planned for the weekend, she decided to move it forward. "Let's do tomorrow."

"You can't change your mind, okay? Tomorrow, we will be there," Claire said. Evelyn hesitated.

"Mom, if you don't mind, can you not let Sandra know about this?"

Claire sighed. "Don't worry. I'll tell her we are going on a date if she asks. I hope you plan to tell us what's going on between you both as well."

"Sure. I'll tell you everything tomorrow," Evelyn promised.

"Alright then. See you tomorrow," Claire said.

Just as they hung up, Sandra walked into Evelyn's office.