Seated in her car, Sandra's heart pounded heavily; the adrenaline from the confrontation still coursed through her veins. The fury and humiliation of Evelyn's words seared her mind. Sandra's thoughts were erratic, tangled between rage and disbelief.

Knowing Michael would likely hear about the incident from his aunt, Sandra considered going to him. However, remembering their agreement to limit physical meetings to avoid suspicion, she decided to call him after returning to her office. That was safer; there, she could think clearly without the emotions of the moment clouding her judgment.

Sandra gritted her teeth, forcing herself to calm down. She reminded herself to stick to the plan. They couldn't afford to be reckless, not at such a crucial point. Taking a deep breath, she started her car and drove back to her office. The drive was a blur of angry thoughts; her mind was so consumed by her encounter with Evelyn that she barely noticed her surroundings.

How could things have spiraled out of control so quickly? She had Derek exactly where she wanted him—or so she thought—then Evelyn appeared, trying to sabotage her plan.

By the time Sandra reached the company, her knuckles were stiff from gripping the steering wheel. As she approached her office, she considered how best to explain the situation to Michael. Even though she genuinely wanted Derek for herself now, she knew she still needed Michael to achieve that goal. She froze when she opened her office door. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw Michael already there, seated in her chair, his eyes dark with barely restrained anger.

He'd been taken aback when his aunt called earlier, asking him to calm Sandra down about Evelyn's actions. Curious, she'd told him about receiving Sandra's distress call and her subsequent visit to the hotel. He'd wanted to call her, but to avoid a repeat of her nonchalant demeanor from the weekend, he'd come to her office instead.

Something about his stare frightened her. The door clicked shut behind her, but neither spoke at first.

"What the hell is going on, Sandra?" Michael's voice was low but simmering with rage. His piercing gaze locked onto hers, demanding an answer.

Sandra swallowed, her mind racing. "I was going to stop by your office," she began cautiously, "but I remembered we agreed to limit our meetings. I was about to call you—"

"That's not what I'm asking," Michael interrupted, his voice rising slightly. "What are you up to? Why haven't you kept me informed? You've been acting recklessly, making moves without consulting me."

Sandra, taken aback by his directness, said defensively, "I didn't do anything wrong. I only called Derek to see if we could meet, but Evelyn got involved, so—"

"So you thought it was a good idea to involve Derek's mother?" Michael's voice cracked like a whip, making Sandra flinch.

He stood, glaring at her. "Do you even realize what you've done? You called his mother. Do you really think Derek was going to come running back to you after that?"

Sandra's eyes widened in indignation. "I had to do something! I didn't expect Evelyn to interfere like that. She's still hanging around Derek, and I needed his mother to know and… to help get rid of her."

"Are you that stupid?!" Michael snarled, turning to face her fully. "Why would you bring his mother into this? You're supposed to handle things like an adult, not like some desperate fool clinging to a man's mother for help! You should have called me, and I would have dealt with her myself."

Sandra felt the sting of his words but fought to maintain composure. "You weren't there, Michael. You wouldn't be saying all this if you heard what Evelyn said to me."

Michael narrowed his eyes. "What did Evelyn say?"

Sandra's heart quickened as the memory resurfaced. "She said she wanted Derek for herself. She said he was hers, and that she'd left you for me!"

Michael's expression darkened. "She said that in front of Derek?"

"No," Sandra muttered. "At her office earlier, when I went to confront her."

Michael's patience snapped. "You went to her office? Are you out of your mind? What is wrong with you? Do you even think before you act? Evelyn could have recorded the entire conversation! She's smarter than you give her credit for."

Sandra stiffened, refusing to back down. "I didn't say anything that could be used against me. I only told her to stay away from Derek. That's all."

Michael exhaled sharply, rubbing his temples. "Sandra, is this still about our plan, or is this about you?" His voice was quieter but no less cutting.

"Why are you asking me that?" Sandra asked, scowling.

"Because I want to know. I noticed your behavior after your date with Derek. Tell me right now, are we still on the same page? Because you're not acting like you care about our plan anymore."

Her chest tightened at his accusation. "I'm sticking to the plan!" she insisted, her voice rising defensively. "I just don't want Evelyn ruining everything for us. She's trying to sabotage me, and if I don't stop her, she'll get Derek, and everything we're working for will be gone."

Michael stared at her, his eyes searching hers. Then he sighed, a look of cold disappointment settling on his face. "Tell me exactly what you talked about with Evelyn," he ordered. Sandra recounted what she remembered; when she finished, he sighed deeply.

"Sandra, you need to stop acting on impulse. You're making mistakes that could cost us everything. From now on, you don't make a move without informing me first. No more surprises." The finality in his voice left no room for argument.

"Fine. I've heard you," she said with resignation.

Michael continued, "If you take one more reckless step without consulting me, I won't take it lightly. Do you understand?"

Sandra swallowed, her pride warring with her fear of losing Michael's support. "I understand. I'm sorry," she whispered.

Without another word, Michael stormed out, the door slamming shut with a force that made Sandra flinch. She remained rooted to the spot, her mind swirling with anger, fear, and frustration. But one thing remained clear: she couldn't afford to lose. Not to anyone. And especially not to Evelyn.