On the morning rehearsals for Little Women begin, Don brings Evelyn breakfast in bed and a cigarette, offering encouragement that she will outshine Celia St. James. After he leaves, Evelyn showers and avoids dressing in front of their maid, Paula, because she is hiding a yellowing bruise on her ribs.

Evelyn recalls that nine days earlier Don shoved her near the bottom of the stairs, sending her into a hallway table and bruising her ribcage. Don feigned concern while Evelyn minimized the injury, a pattern of abuse and denial that now lingers as physical pain and secrecy.

When Paula unexpectedly reenters the bedroom, Evelyn panics and snaps at her to leave, fearing exposure. She resents that if Paula were to sell a story, it would likely target Evelyn rather than reveal Don’s violence, underscoring the industry’s tendency to protect powerful men and blame women.

Later on the Little Women set, Evelyn and Ruby Reilly steel themselves against Celia St. James, worried she will steal the film as Beth. Celia approaches nervously, her accessible beauty and apparent inexperience disarming them. When Evelyn questions Celia’s “aw shucks” demeanor, Celia meets her gaze and says, “I think you’re a bit of a cynic,” revealing unexpected backbone. After Evelyn quips that Beth is an easy, likable role and Celia asks why Evelyn didn’t take it, Evelyn concedes she’s too old and realizes she has played into Celia’s hands. The exchange shifts Evelyn’s perspective, turning wary hostility into a nascent admiration and resetting the rivalry.