Pierre Hunt faces aggressive media accusations about illegally seizing his ex-wife's house and forcing her into prostitution just as he prepares to marry Ms. Wood. He denies the rumors but reacts with anger and resentment toward his ex-wife, blaming her for stirring trouble. Meanwhile, public opinion damages his company's stock, and pressure mounts from his board. His ex-wife covertly visits Grant Group, a founding member of North Group, to uncover truths about past events. Pierre's allies worry she is naive to trust others now, hinting at looming betrayals as tensions escalate.