Wilton scowled. "Ivy, Tilda got hired for her scriptwriting chops. I can't just require her to quit."

Ivy shot back, "Sure, she has her talent, but she's still an employee. For my sake, you invested in this TV drama. That's to say, I can be sort of an investor, a patron. She should be bending over backward for me, not targeting me! If she's against me, can't we cut her loose? I should have a say, right?"

Wilton's expression darkened. “Ivy, both of you are my daughters.

I've always been partial toward you. Tilda earned her stripes since childhood; she's a scriptwriting sensation. And you? I won't tally up the bills I've footed for you since day one. Now, you want me to give your sister the boot for your sake? Does that square with you?"

Ivy was taken aback, her emotions shifting like sand dunes. “Dad, are you saying I'm not as sharp and sensible as Tilda?"

“Enough, I've got other fish to fry. Spare me these trifles. I'Il say it straight; professions have their own world. Acting is not a cakewalk. Stick to dancing if you can't cut it!"

With that, Wilton hung up.

Ivy glared at the phone, a volcano of anger ready to erupt.

"Mom! Did you catch all that? What's Dad blabbering about? He's partial towards me? In fact, he preferred Tilda! According to him, Tilda is the golden child, and I'm just a stain on his reputation!"

"Enough! Watch and shut your trap! Have you ever heeded my words?"

Renata scolded sternly, but Ivy felt wronged, tears streaming down her face.

“Mom, are you joining the scolding party? It's all Tilda's doing.

Why's everyone laying it on me?"

Renata, suppressing her anger, consoled her daughter, patting her on the back.

"Stop crying already. I'm not pointing fingers at you. Trust me; I'll see you get justice."

Ivy sniffled. “Mom, I can't leave the crew, and I won't let those extras take advantage of me. You have to come up with something!"

Renata pondered and said, "If Tilda won't budge on the script, we can simply drop the fourth female lead role."

Ivy was shocked. “Mom, are you, like Dad, telling me to quit?"

“Absolutely not," Renata replied, a scheming glint in her eyes.

“Remember you mentioned Zoe, the third female lead, being sponsored by the Larson Group?"