When Love Lies and Trust Dies - Episode 7

At Winona's wedding the ceremony collapses when Matthew publicly abandons the crippled bride and announces he will marry Rhea instead. Rhea, backed by claims of wealthy patrons and a secret 'real identity', taunts Winona as unworthy and demands she kneel for a tael of gold. Winona refuses the bribe and Rhea escalates, ordering her to kneel and slap herself before the guests to prove her worthlessness. Winona rejects the humiliation, and Rhea answers with a blunt threat: "Don't force my hand, or you'll regret it." The episode ends with Winona isolated and the crowd waiting on Rhea's next move.