Clare wakes in bed and confronts her husband for coming home late; he coldly admits he arranged for Emma Carver, a caregiver, and even says, "Only if you get hurt do I have a reason to let her move in," which prompts Clare to ask, "You actually hurt me for her?" He insists Clare is his wife but downplays Emma and promises to dismiss her when bored. Emma introduces herself, gives medicine, and says the husband hired her. Clare recoils—"Don't touch me!"—leaving care, trust, and the decision about who will stay unresolved.