Clare starts the episode burning love letters after spotting Axel’s interest in an intern; she says she’ll forgive him 99 times but only five letters remain, and once gone she will leave. Later Axel appears at an auction determined to buy a sapphire necklace tied to Clare’s late mother. Clare works nearby; Mr. Wilder offers her money and implies she become his mistress—she refuses, "I won't be a mistress." Bidding rises and Axel vows, "I'm getting that necklace for the woman I love most." His public gesture clashes with Clare’s ultimatum, leaving her decision unresolved.