An apologetic man begs Mrs. Lucia to forgive drunken slurs—he blames Amber and insists his words were nonsense. Audrey is publicly branded an outsider as Amila City executives demand Mike return to take charge. A desperate mother pleads that her only son be spared, swearing he didn't mean his insults. Advisors confront Mrs. Lucia with a stark choice: defend the failing son or accept the tangible money and power tied to reinstating Mike. Steven is asked to decide, and Mrs. Lucia's choice—and the son's fate—remains undecided at episode's end.