Sabine is in the hospital and urgently needs a blood donation, but Portia doesn't show. Her partner confronts her, urging her to give blood; Portia refuses and an argument ends with them breaking up. Sabine waits alone while Portia returns home to find the restored masterpiece she made for Mom dismissed. Hurt and furious, Portia vows to live for herself and protect Mom, rejecting the family's control. As she declares independence, someone offscreen demands answers: 'Portia Brooks, why didn't you go to the hospital?'