At Lady Sullivan's birthday banquet, Alexia—sent by her father to assist—serves tea to Prince Yoric, a decorated war hero now crippled. Guests immediately jeer at Yoric and accuse Alexia of seeking favor; the lady of the house insists pregnant Jazmin, who is carrying the heir, should take the seat. Accusations escalate into a public confrontation: Alexia refuses to be shamed and slaps Jazmin, provoking outrage. As the household erupts, a servant interrupts: "Someone's broken into the study!" The revelation cuts the scene short and leaves the household facing an urgent, unresolved threat.