A tip that Mr. Howell was caught checking into a hotel with Candice ignites a family confrontation. Sophia accuses them; Candice insists she fainted from low blood sugar and was innocent. Sophia rejects the excuse, insists the matter is between her and her husband, and yells. The children side with Aunt Candice, cling to her and tell her they'd rather have her as a mother. A seven‑day clause appears: the title "Mrs. Howell" will transfer if Liam signs an agreement within seven days. Sophia, wounded, renounces the title; Liam's signature is left unresolved.