As everyone else left Derek's office, it was just Amanda and Derek left alone. As much as they wanted more of each other's company, they knew they had to remain professional in the office. "You know, that closet in the corner can store more than just suits and men's shoes. I think you can have a few dresses stored there for events like Sunday." suggested Derek. "That would be nice. I suppose that shower holds more than one person?" Amanda asked cheekily. "You bad, bad girl. I love you so much." replied Derek. "Hey I've got an idea, why don't we visit BDT mall this evening? We can shop for some dresses and shoes for me to put in that closet." Amanda suggested. "Good idea. We can also find out how much Nick knows about us." replied Derek. "So I'll see you later this evening?" asked Amanda. "Sure. Oh and er....since I went to your place last night, how about you come to my place for dinner? You've been to the Quinton Mansion before, haven't you?" asked Derek. "That sounds nice...

"Hi, Maddy. Are you on your way?" Nick asked on his phone. "Hi Nick. I just reached the mall." replied Madison. "Ok. Meet me at my sister's boutique." said Nick."Ok, then." replied Madison. Click."She's coming up, brother." Nick said to Derek.Five minutes later, Madison arrived at JL boutique. She was shocked seeing the people in there."Brother Derek? Ms Amanda? What a surprise....what brings you here?" asked Madison."Hi cousin. It's been awhile. Good to see you again." Derek said with a smile."Hi Madison. We were just dropping by to get some dresses for Sunday's event." said Amanda, walking towards Derek and holding his hand. "Errr....Ms Amanda....why are you holding my cousin's hand?" asked Madison.Although she already knew about Derek and Amanda, she tried to act innocent as though she is not aware."Isn't it obvious, cousin? We're together now." Derek replied, smiling widely. There's no need to speculate anymore. The words came our of her cousin's mouth. Madison's wish

Amanda was preparing the virtual call involving Derek, Madison, Nick and Steph. Steph was fortunate to have the day off while Madison lied to Madam Louise that she was meeting her informant. Team MNS gathered in the backroom of NL Suits, which was closed to the public for the duration of the virtual call.Everyone was present, waiting for Derek to join in.Thirty seconds later, Derek connected to the virtual call, satisfied that everyone was already waiting for him. He made sure to change the background of his screen so as to conceal his real identity to team MNS."Hi everyone. Thank you for joining this meeting. I'm sure everyone here is curious about the purpose of it, so I'll get straight to it." began Derek. "Amanda, Steph, you'll be hearing this for the first time; yesterday, Madison informed me about how the Smith family is plotting to 'prevent' me from attending Sunday's event.""As you may suspect, there is more than one way to define the word 'prevent' in relation to them.

Bang!Derek slammed his office table in anger, after hearing the recording of the Smith's family dinner conversation from the previous night."I always knew that old b**** was an evil manipulative old hag; but now she has become the devil!" Derek growled in anger."Calm down, boss. We still need to warn Madison and Nick." said Amanda, who was internally saddened seeing her boss and boyfriend so distraught. "It's more than that now, Amanda. Steph and Joanne are now implicated too." said Derek. "And no offense, boss; but we temporarily can't bring anymore people into the Townsville Hillside Condo. If we do, that place will be like a bomb shelter in a war zone." said Amanda."No offense taken, Amanda. You're absolutely right about that. My parents' place and Quinton Tower are out of the question too. That leaves one place.....Quinton Hotel Townsville." said Derek."Didn't your parents want to celebrate your birthday there, boss?" asked Amanda."We have to change the location. We can ce

Derek was back in the Quinton Mansion with his parents in the living room. He then explained the series of events to Peter and Lea while they were away. "That's a lot to take in. Seems like we missed out on all the fun." said Peter. "Seriously, dad? You call this 'fun'?" replied Derek. "You know he was joking, son. All jokes aside, you and everyone else have been through a lot over the last few days. Are you all overwhelmed?" asked Lea. "We are handling it, mum. Where I need you both will be behind the scenes and at the end of all this." replied Derek. "Please explain, son. We'll help anyway we can." said Peter, "I need you to be secret buyers of the DreamSmith company. I need you to send someone that the Smiths do not recognise to represent you to buy out the company. I also need that someone to announce that one of the Smiths will be named CEO when the buyout is complete. That CEO will receive the buyout money as a promotion" said Derek. "How much do you want us to spend on t