August Bartley uses his influence at a secretive R&D center, rumored to host high-profile visitors and mistresses, to manipulate company affairs. Nicolai Bartley instructs an associate to obtain all files on Kirsty Merrick, believing she is key to August's success. Meanwhile, Kirsty resists interference and tries to assert her independence. At a tense meeting, Chairman Barew is informed that Kirsty has the Celestis acquisition files but is currently unreachable with her phone off. Despite the complications, Kirsty’s promotion notice has been sent to HR, leaving her next move uncertain as pressure mounts around her disappearance.