At a crowded public gathering Jason is pressured to kneel and apologize to Zayn, but he stubbornly refuses, saying no one can make him kneel. Nora quietly supports him, while rivals attack Abby—called a "lowly assistant"—and demand she confirm who will inherit Smith Ent. Abby hesitates under public questioning. The crowd escalates, mocking Jason as mad and revealing his behavior has hurt his family's prospects. Mr. Parker warns Jason to stop, orders three hit songs ready, and issues an ultimatum: apologize and kneel or be barred from the Smith residence tonight.