The director's voice cut through the tense silence. "Enough! Everyone, take a five-minute break. Mingwa, Harin, I want you both focused when we resume. I don't have time for this nonsense."
The crew dispersed reluctantly, but the tension hung heavy in the air. Mingwa remained seated, her expression unreadable, while Harin strutted away, basking in the momentary victory.
Sihua sat beside Mingwa, her voice low but urgent. "What are you doing? Why aren't you defending yourself? You're letting her win!"
Mingwa finally exhaled, her lips curling into a faint smirk. "Let her think she's won. Let them all think I'm defeated. People love an underdog comeback, Sihua."
Sihua blinked, bewildered. "You're… planning something, aren't you?"
Mingwa leaned back, her voice barely above a whisper. "Patience. The truth will come out. All I need is one slip from her, and when it happens, it'll be glorious."
