She Will Be Nobody

Eric began with a detached stance, observing the unfolding conversation. However, upon catching his own name, he grumbled discontentedly, "Why should I help her? She signed it herself; let her handle it."

Gary cast a disapproving glance at Eric, well aware of the underlying dynamics among his children. As time passes, one hopes for harmony within the family.

Even if it's just a veneer of peace, and Gary was inclined to maintain that

Eric met Gary's gaze without flinching. Defiant rebellion glinted in his eyes, unapologetic and bold.

Witnessing this standoff, Audrey's thoughts meandered,

[Even as adults, he is still resorting to this kind of defiance against his father. Such childish behavior!]

Eric's expression suddenly stiffened, and he once again saw a fleeting text box above Audrey's head. However, this time, its contents eluded him; it flashed by too swiftly.

He only managed to discern the words "childish behavior."

Was there something wrong with Audrey, or were his eyes playing tricks on him?

Besides, was Audrey saying that he was childish?

This woman was indeed not likable.

Audrey had no idea about this at all. With a genuine smile, she turned to Gary and spoke, "Uncle Gary, you needn't trouble my second brother. Acting is truly my passion, a decision made after thoughtful consideration. I apologize for not sharing this with you all earlier due to my own lapse in judgment."

Gary sized Audrey up for a moment before letting out a hearty chuckle. "Very well, if this is your aspiration, then forge ahead. Should you encounter challenges, don't hesitate to tell the family."

In such matters, Gary rarely imposed his opinions. If Audrey was resolute about pursuing acting, he would respect her choice.

"We're treading the same professional path. Eric, remember to look out for your sister and shield her from the harshness of the industry," Gary advised sincerely.

Yet, Eric appeared reluctant to comply. "That's impossible. She chose her own path. Does she truly believe that anyone can waltz into acting? Without skill, she will be nobody."

Anthea's eyes showed some displeasure at Eric's straightforward remark, but she merely glanced at him without saying anything.

Audrey wasn't offended though, as they probably saw her lack of formal training and experience in acting as grounds for skepticism.

However, this didn't worry her at all. She had been an actress before transmigrating into this novel. Although not well-known, she had acted in numerous plays.

From being an unnamed extra to a minor supporting role, it might seem simple to outsiders, but only those who had experienced it knew how difficult it could be.

In the entertainment industry with so many people, some might spend their whole lives in minor roles.

Gary was at a loss when it came to dealing with his son. He couldn't rebuke him in front of others, so he tried to mediate, saying, "Let's have dinner first. Audrey just got out of the hospital. She should eat as soon as possible so she can get some rest in her room."

Once Gary had spoken, the others didn't say much more.

The dining room fell into a hushed quietude, the silence punctuated only by the clinking of utensils against plates. Audrey felt a twinge of queasiness, her appetite waning. She delicately placed her cutlery on the table and excused herself, retreating to her room.

Following Audrey's lead, Anthea too rose from the table and departed without a word.

Left behind were the father and son. Eric sat in contemplative silence, his expression pensive.

Ever since those peculiar text box incidents, he had been covertly observing Audrey, yet the anomaly had yet to repeat itself above her head.

Were those occurrences mere figments of his imagination? One instance could be dismissed as such, but two times? Eric grappled with uncertainty.

Was there something wrong with Audrey, or were his own eyes betraying him?

Could his visual discomfort, perhaps caused by prolonged exposure to screens, be playing tricks on him?

No, to be safe, he had to go to the hospital.

"Eric, regardless of your feelings towards Audrey, I implore you to exercise restraint. Family harmony holds paramount importance," Gary set down his utensils and said to Eric.

Eric met Gary's gaze and unexpectedly broke into a grin. "Certainly, as long as you settle the movie theater approval for me, I promise I'll vanish from this household immediately. With my absence, the family shall revel in perfect harmony."

Gary took a deep breath, almost angered to death.

"She's just a young girl, after all," Gary uttered.

Arched brows accompanied Eric's response, his tone laced with irony. "Do you genuinely believe that?"

The past, as well as the recent incident, made it clear that matters were far from that simplistic.

In contemplative silence, Eric meticulously dissected Audrey's recent behavior, struggling to pinpoint the subtle shifts that set her apart from her former self.

Gary chose to hold his tongue, yearning for Audrey to now channel her energy into acting, steering clear of any tumultuous episodes. If she refrained from igniting further strife, he would give her what she deserves.