Edwin, clutching a book, retreated to his room.

Mark chuckled to himself, suspecting Edwin feared the prospect of another sibling.

Olivia scampered off too.

After a busy day, Cecilia relaxed on the sofa, flipping through a new script.

Mark prepared some snacks for her.

Though Cecilia protested about gaining weight, she couldn't resist enjoying the treats.

While tidying up, Mark mentioned, “If she's making you unhappy, I can have her removed from the cast."

Cecilia carefully set down the script.

Under the soft light, her beauty was striking. She had flawless skin, delicate features.

She looked earnestly at Mark, her voice soft but firm.

"I despise her, but Mark... I've been in a few productions, none very successful.

Partly, it's my acting skills; partly, it's the lack of talented actors in the cast. Despite Elaine's flaws, she's a skilled actress who fills a void in our crew."

Cecilia paused before confessing, "I am aiming for an award with this play."

Mark was taken aback.

When he first met Cecilia, she was just a naive young girl.

Now, she displayed a cunning strategic mind.

The apple wouldn't fall far from the tree, indeed.

Cecilia elaborated, "Removing her from the crew, or even Duefron, is easy. But finding a talented actress isn't. I wasn't really satisfied with the previous supporting role. Elaine... she's perfect for the part."

Mark felt a heaviness in his heart.

He gazed at Cecilia, torn between asking her to choose between him and her career.