As she sat, the clinking of her handcuffs punctuated the tension.

Without flinching, Cecilia met her gaze.

Elaine's voice dripped with mockery.

“Had my plan succeeded, our roles would be reversed. I would be Mrs. Evans, and you'd be the forgotten one."

Cecilia's response was serene.

"Life doesn't deal in hypotheticals, Miss Shaw. Even if your scheme had worked, even if you were with child, Mark would never have chosen you."

Anger flashed across Elaine's features.

Cecilia's calm demeanor persisted.

"You seduced a man without understanding him. And for that, you have my pity.”

Elaine shot back, “Your arrogance means nothing. I might be incarcerated and removed from the film, but I'm young. I still have opportunities."

Cecilia's voice grew soft yet resolute.

"Your chances are gone. I've seen the power Mark commands. And trust me, if you had witnessed it, you wouldn't have dared even approach him."

Elaine, increasingly agitated, accused, "You only want to see me broken. What makes you think you're so worthy of him? Other than bearing his children, what have you given him?"

With rising intensity, Elaine exclaimed, “I'd offer him everything."

Cecilia listened, her silence speaking volumes.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Elaine slammed her hands on the table, causing a raucous.

Guards rushed in, restraining her.

Struggling to maintain her composure, Elaine retorted, "You don't truly care for him. Even now, he doesn't have a proper home. He relies on meals prepared by others. Have you ever personally cooked for him? I would. I could genuinely care for him."

Cecilia absorbed Elaine's accusations, and then countered, "You think the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach? And with spiked food? Mark had health concerns, which is why he relied on specialized meals. But do you genuinely believe a man would choose a partner simply based on culinary talents alone? Such a simplistic view."

She continued, "I don't need to prove myself to you by showcasing cooking skills. If Mark desires a home-cooked meal, I'd gladly prepare it.