Evelyn describes the pattern of Don’s abuse: each violent episode is followed by apologies and gestures, making it easier to accept contrition than confront the root problem. The fights escalate from disagreements about children and public image to a post-Oscars incident where, drunk and humiliated by losing, Don insults Evelyn’s origins. When Evelyn corrects him, Don opens the parked car door and pushes her out.

Numbed by repetition, Evelyn accepts the apologies as routine. In the midst of this, Harry Cameron arrives with career-altering news: Little Women has been greenlit with Evelyn as Jo, Ruby Reilly as Meg, Joy Nathan as Amy, and Celia St. James as Beth. Evelyn is thrilled but immediately threatened by Celia’s growing reputation, resolving to deliver a performance that will eclipse Beth.

As Evelyn basks in Harry’s praise, lighting exposes a bruise beneath her makeup. Harry notices, vows to act, and offers to help, but Evelyn shuts him down. She insists there is “no move” to make, revealing that she still loves Don, craves his attention, and refuses to jeopardize her marriage or the career momentum it supports.

Ruby Reilly bursts in, confirming the casting and voicing the same fear that Celia might outshine them. The chapter closes with Evelyn and Ruby united in anxiety about Celia, while Evelyn remains trapped in a private cycle of abuse that she is unwilling to disrupt.