Episode 617: Shadows of the Past
Marjorie’s Growing Anxiety
In Episode 617, Marjorie finds herself increasingly marginalized by Emma’s influence over her son, Eric. Despite her esteemed position as a scientist, Marjorie is deeply affected by the social media backlash and Eric’s refusal to side with her against Emma. Her frustration intensifies upon learning from Doctor Wyatt that Emma and Eric’s unborn child is a girl, leading her to fear that the child might inherit traits she dislikes in Emma. This anxiety propels Marjorie to meddle further, calling Eric to express unfounded concerns about the baby’s health, only to be dismissed by him.
Uncovering Family Secrets
Determined to understand his mother’s behavior, Eric delves into her past. He contacts Luke, who finds nothing unusual at Marjorie’s research facility, and then turns to his cousin John for more insights. John recalls a significant argument between Marjorie and their grandfather about her changing her last name, hinting at deep-seated issues. Eric’s curiosity about his mother’s aversion to actors and her past intensifies, prompting him to dig deeper.
Episode 618: Revelations and Strains
The Fire Incident
Eric’s investigation leads him to discover a pivotal event: a fire at the Biological Research Institute where his parents worked before moving to the Ocean Research Center. Confronting his father, Brian, Eric learns that the fire was accidental but left Marjorie traumatized. Brian reveals that Marjorie became irritable and insisted on changing her last name after the incident, possibly due to inhaling chemicals during the fire.
Relationship Tensions
Meanwhile, Emma and Eric’s relationship faces strain due to the ongoing family drama. Emma, sensing Eric’s distress, offers her support, showcasing their strong bond despite external pressures. They decide to attend Caitlin’s birthday party, hoping for a brief respite from their troubles.
Episode 619: A Birthday Surprise
Caitlin’s Celebration
Caitlin, an internationally renowned supermodel, celebrates her birthday with a small gathering organized by her thoughtful husband, Vice President Lewis. The garden of their hotel is festooned with balloons in her favorite colors, and Caitlin is delighted by the surprise. The guest list is intimate, featuring famous models from the fashion industry and friends from their company, Kaleidoscope.
Unforeseen Incidents
As guests arrive, a group of young models gossip about Emma, a former model whose skills they claim surpass Caitlin’s. Unbeknownst to them, Caitlin overhears their conversation and chides them for gossiping at an event hosted by Kaleidoscope, hinting at the potential career damage such behavior could cause. Emma, the subject of the gossip, arrives and reinforces Caitlin’s warning, emphasizing the importance of discretion in the entertainment industry.
Episode 620: The Expensive Mistake
Eliza’s Mishap
Bridget, dressed inappropriately for the black-tie event, arrives late and causes a commotion at the entrance. Richard vouches for her, but her casual attire draws attention. Inside, Bridget’s mother, Eliza, tries to remain inconspicuous but accidentally causes a scene when she topples a valuable decorative screen. The hotel manager demands compensation, and Bridget confronts him to defend her mother. Eliza offers to pay for the damage, revealing her knowledge of the screen’s value, hinting at a well-connected past.
Richard’s Intervention
Richard steps in to handle the situation, offering to pay for the damage and escorting Eliza and Bridget out of the hotel. As they leave, Emma notices Richard’s unfinished business with a script, hinting at ongoing professional interactions. During the car ride, Bridget questions her mother’s unusual behavior and connections. Eliza’s evasive answers raise more questions about her past.
Episode 621: A Fake Fight
Marjorie’s Desperation
Marjorie is overwhelmed with anxiety and unable to sleep, fearing that her secrets will soon be revealed. Her worry about the past catching up with her is palpable, and she senses an impending exposure. In a drastic move, Marjorie resorts to self-harm, cutting her arm to fabricate a story about Emma attacking her. She rushes inside, presenting herself as a victim to her husband, Brian, and claims Emma pushed her, leading to the injury. She maliciously slanders Emma’s character, convincing Brian to take drastic action against her.
Richard and Bridget’s Interaction
The next morning, Richard visits Bridget’s home, where her mother, Eliza, offers him coffee and apologizes for any prior misunderstandings. They discuss Richard’s interest in having Bridget work with him, highlighting her free-spirited nature and disregard for social norms. The conversation shifts to Emma Miller, hinting at deeper concerns and hidden stories in Eliza’s past. Bridget, unaware of the full context, joins them, and Richard hands her keys to her new apartment, emphasizing her role as a stunt double.
Episode 622: A Fake Affair
Brian’s Misunderstanding
Brian arrives at Eric and Emma’s home to find Richard delivering a script. Misinterpreting the situation, he accuses Emma of infidelity and lashes out at her. Richard intervenes, trying to clarify the misunderstanding, but Brian remains furious, accusing Emma of attacking Marjorie. Despite Emma and Richard’s bewilderment, Brian storms off, determined to escalate the conflict.
Media Frenzy
Brian takes Marjorie to the hospital, where he loudly spreads her fabricated story. The media quickly picks up the tale, sensationalizing the event with misleading headlines about Emma’s supposed assault on Marjorie. The widespread coverage forces Eric to rush home, worried about Emma, who reassures him that the headlines are false. However, they both understand that ignoring the media storm is not an option.
Episode 623: Just Wait and See
Online Defense
An anonymous person steps up online, claiming to have witnessed Marjorie injuring herself and calling her a liar. This post sparks a flurry of discussions, with people demanding evidence and questioning Marjorie’s credibility. Marjorie, reading the posts, becomes fearful and paranoid, recognizing that someone who knows her secrets might be targeting her. She grows increasingly anxious about this mystery person, worried that they might reveal more about her past.
Investigations Begin
Louis suspects that Emma’s ardent fans may have played a role in resolving the issue, but he is determined to get to the bottom of it. He theorizes that the poster might have had a personal vendetta against Emma’s mother, using the situation as a cover to attack. Eric and Louis discuss the potential implications of their findings, with Louis hiring someone to further investigate the account. Emma, unaware of Eric’s actions, also hires someone to look into the poster, wary of the true motives behind the post.
Episode 624: Emma and Eric Bide Their Time
Marjorie’s Manipulations
Following the failed attack on Emma, Marjorie takes solace in her husband’s growing resentment toward Emma. Brian feels betrayed by his son Eric for marrying someone he perceives as a threat to their family. Marjorie fuels his anger by suggesting that Emma is using Eric as a stepping stone and possibly engaging in an affair. Brian’s disdain for the entertainment industry adds to his frustration, making him more susceptible to Marjorie’s manipulations.
Spreading Rumors
As Marjorie enjoys the temporary peace, rumors about Emma’s alleged affair begin to spread in the entertainment industry. The rumors are cleverly disseminated among artists, avoiding direct confrontation with Eric and causing widespread speculation. Lisa, a friend of Emma, alerts her to the gossip, which deeply frustrates Emma.
Strategic Patience
Despite Eric’s reassurances, Emma worries about the impact of these rumors on their lives. She suspects that the next rumor will challenge Eric’s paternity, intensifying her desire to address the situation. Eric remains calm, believing that the truth will eventually come out and preferring to avoid conflict with his parents for now. Emma’s frustration grows as she realizes that maintaining a low profile and avoiding enemies seems impossible. She is determined to protect Eric from further scandal, but Eric’s strategic patience suggests a more measured approach. The couple’s certainty about the culprit’s identity adds to their tension, setting the stage for future confrontations and revelations.