Ada's sister is barred from attending Ada's engagement party until a dowry is paid, surprising Ada who was thought to be an orphan. The groom's family insists on following traditional formalities to avoid public embarrassment, demanding a hefty dowry despite previous assumptions. When Ada's family is insulted as low class, tensions flare, exposing deep social divides. Ada reveals she has the money and agrees to pay the exorbitant sum of $8.88 million, setting the stage for a difficult negotiation that threatens the family's unity and future at the party.