Helen faces a public accusation that she bribed the presiding judge after an unusually harsh 15-year sentence in a domestic violence case. People at the scene hurl slander, claiming she slept with the judge. Sam, a top lawyer newly returned, steps in and loudly defends her, saying, "She's my girlfriend," threatening legal action to silence the attacks. The outburst stops the immediate accusations. They exchange numbers afterward; Sam tells her to call if needed. The bribery suspicion, however, remains unresolved, leaving Helen to handle the scandal with Sam's offer hanging over her next move.