The conversation turned to Ewing's predicament.

“Ewing's got no chance to clear his name now," Marlene said with confidence. "It's been too long, and any evidence he might have had is gone. He's defeated."

Tess nodded in agreement, and then turned her attention to her iPad, reviewing a script.

“What's that, Mom? Are you considering a new film project?" Marlene inquired, her curiosity piqued by her mother's next move.

"Well, this script's from a big-shot director. I might give it a shot," Tess mused aloud.

"Mom, do they even deserve an audition from you? It's their privilege to have you!" Marlene exclaimed, her voice brimming with pride.

Tess just smiled in response, quietly agreeing with her daughter's sentiment. She felt confident about her chances with this script, despite expecting stiff competition.

Over at the Phillips Group office, Lilah was on a call, her voice calm and composed. “Alright, I won't come over. You handle it," she said.

"You're sure you won't attend? Don't worry, I'll send over the audition info, and you can pick whoever you like," the person on the other end assured her.

“Sounds good," Lilah replied, a hint of amusement in her tone.

The caller couldn't contain his excitement. "You've finally completed your second book after all these years. Hualand's film scene is about to get a major boost!"

Lilah's debut work had swept the nation, and this director had been eagerly waiting for her follow-up for years.

Her long-awaited second piece was finally here.

After hanging up, Lilah reflected on her foray into writing. Growing up feeling invisible in the Phillips family, she would escape into her fantasies of a loving family, penning them down on an app.

Surprisingly, her story caught someone's attention. Her first story, sold without much thought, became a sensation in Hualand, redefining family dramas.

Despite the impact of her work, inspiring many parents to be more attentive, Matthew remained unaffected.

The director had long been hopeful for a new story from Lilah.

However, she wrote only when inspired, which hadn't happened until a few years ago. Betrayed and grieving her child, she poured her pain into a new story where her child survived and thrived. Just days ago, she sold this story, too. Now, as the director began casting, Lilah was unfazed; she trusted him, as he had done justice to her work before.

"Miss Phillips." The knock at the door was gentle.

“Come in," Lilah responded, her gaze lifting to the newcomer. “Please, have a seat."

Ewing entered, visibly troubled, his brows knitted together in worry.

He took the offered seat beside the sofa, his pallor betraying his unease. Lilah handed him a glass of water, her tone laced with concern. "You look on edge, and I haven't even started talking. What's up?"

Ewing's eyes met hers, filled with remorse. “I've been thinking... maybe I should resign from the Phillips Group and work on your plans in secret."

Lilah regarded him calmly. “You don't trust my approach?"