At a tense meeting, representatives tell the Valmonts to end business ties after feeling insulted, prompting apologies. Dorian refuses to accept their placation and publicly rebukes his family for not defending their own son when outsiders attacked him, arguing a partnership can't be ended on a whim. His mother tries to steady him, arranging introductions to elders and sending Vivienne and Imogen to walk Aldric and Dory. A sibling warns Dorian he'll be expelled despite being CEO, then a confrontation with Aldric culminates in the line, "If I don't give you a slap..." leaving family allegiance and Dorian's authority unresolved.