Roman arrives at Trout's, closed for the day, for a meeting Dante arranged through D-Train. Dante warned that Torrent was furious about the firebombed stash house and that money alone may not sway him. Inside, Roman finds Torrent eating crab legs with Tranquil, D-Train, a young gunman called Eddie Munsta, and a scarred man named Corey. Torrent makes clear this will be their last face-to-face meeting and gives Roman only until he finishes a crab leg to make his pitch.

Roman lays out a financial opportunity: the mayor plans to use a state grant to gentrify the Skids, pushing out current residents and businesses. He proposes Torrent quietly acquire local construction, supply, and demolition companies positioned to win the estimated $700 million in contracts. Leveraging Torrent's connections to the mayor (made evident through Jae's job placement), Torrent could secure bids, skim through phantom charges and kickbacks, and launder his illicit money through legitimate channels managed by Roman's firm for a commission.

Internally, Roman analyzes Torrent's negotiation style as Compete-driven by fear-and works to convert him into a Collaborator. Torrent presses Roman on why he would help the man who maimed his brother, hospitalized his father, and knocked out his teeth. Roman frames it as business: making Torrent rich is the safest way to protect his family. Torrent agrees to think on it despite Tranquil's distrust.

Torrent then turns on Corey, the man responsible for the destroyed stash house, interrogating him about why he didn't pursue the arsonists. As Tranquil and D-Train pin Corey, Tranquil uses the crab mallet to brutally smash Corey's hand to pulp as a lesson. Roman watches in horror, mentally cataloging Corey's name and offense, recognizing the violence as part of Torrent's intimidation tactics. Torrent dismisses Roman, who leaves having planted the hook but knowing he must outsmart a man who rules through terror. Roman also silently notes Yellaboy's conspicuous absence.