9

Sloane, Naomi, and Lina arrive at Rollins Consulting, where Petula enforces strict protocols until Nolan Graham intervenes. Lucian appears, heightening Sloane’s tension. Lina and Nolan momentarily disarm him with wedding talk, and Petula clears the visitors.

Inside, Sloane is surprised by the lively, diverse workplace. They meet Holly, a new administrative hire and recent shelter resident, whom Lucian hired immediately and housed via a sponsored program. The firm’s benefits and culture challenge Sloane’s “villain” view, unsettling her as she questions long-held beliefs during a bathroom pep talk.

Exiting, Sloane collides with Lucian. When he learns her heavy bag holds her late father’s files, he leads her to his office and demands them directly. Sloane resists, citing his hostility; their argument exposes frayed trust. She shoves the stack toward him, then reclaims sensitive Mary Louise Upshaw clippings and repacks her tote, signaling she will not cede control.

The confrontation turns electric. Lucian admits he wants Sloane “not to matter,” revealing reluctant attachment. Drawn together, they edge toward a kiss as Sloane pulls him by his tie. Both acknowledge the danger and exhaustion of their dynamic even as desire overrides sense.

Petula interrupts with an urgent Boston call, forcing separation. Lucian coolly ends the moment; Sloane flips his tie and leaves, still holding her father’s files. The encounter heightens their mutual vulnerability, keeps the evidence with Sloane, and reframes Lucian as more complex than Sloane has allowed.