Cooper prepares in his cramped office for a meeting with Ken Bryant, his cold and unapproachable boss. Cooper wants to ask for partnership after ten years at the firm, partly because Debbie expects him to advocate for himself and partly because Cooper feels he needs to prove worthy of her.

Jesse, Cooper’s younger colleague and friend, checks on Cooper and encourages him. Jesse argues that Cooper is valuable enough to demand advancement, but Cooper remains anxious because Ken is especially difficult. Jesse also notices Cooper’s crooked tie, which Cooper says Debbie usually ties for him, suggesting Debbie was distracted that morning.

Cooper goes through Mrs. McCauley, Ken’s formal and obstructive secretary, before entering Ken’s office. Cooper explains that he has been loyal to the firm and wants to revisit the possibility of becoming a partner. Ken dismisses the idea immediately, calling Cooper a good “worker bee” but not a leader.

Feeling humiliated and imagining Debbie’s disappointment, Cooper pushes back with unexpected boldness. Cooper says that if Ken will not consider him for partnership, Cooper may need to seek opportunities elsewhere and offers his two weeks’ notice as a bluff.

Ken accepts Cooper’s resignation without hesitation. Cooper tries to soften the statement and imply he would rather stay, but Ken remains firm and even tells him he may leave sooner if he wants. Cooper leaves the office stunned, now facing the practical terror of unemployment, bills, college costs, health insurance, and telling Debbie what happened.