Original subtitles

Guys, this glow is not a filter.

Your girl just got the most incredible hydrofacial.

Don't forget to tell them about the business meeting

disguised as self-care.

Aunt Dani said secure the bag and the skin.

Efficiency is everything

when you're building an empire, darling.

Night-night.

We were so relaxed during our facials

we chose a model for the print campaign without even trying.

-Ooh. -Dinner is definitely in order,

and the club just switched up its seasonal menu.

-Fancier duck is back? -KAT: Mm-hmm.

-Say less. I'm in, -Chels?

You know it.

But, uh, I'm surprised you don't have plans

with your Puerto Rican prince tonight.

Since Bill's working late, so is he.

Tomas swears pulling an all-nighter

will convince Bill to fast-track him to partner.

Actually, you two go on ahead.

-Mom, Are you sure? -DANI: Absolutely.

There's someone I need to see tonight.

Congratulations!

NICOLE: That's what I get for not

following through with you back at the hospital.

You were trying to give me a heads-up.

I really did try to tell you.

This is no big deal.

We're all grown, right?

And it's no different than us running into each other at work.

And Ted and I had coffee earlier

and agreed to put our differences aside.

-You did? -We've moved on.

Besides, I'm too focused on this beautiful woman.

This is her first time as my dinner guest,

and I plan on making it an evening to remember.

I am sure you will have a wonderful time.

Oh, I already am.

Well, we are having a special evening of our own.

One we should probably get back to.

Mm-hmm.

Well, don't mind us. Our, uh, our table's over here.

-Peonies. -Mm-hmm.

My favorite flower.

And don't forget the bottle of the club's best champagne, hm.

You outdid yourself.

-Shall we? -You first, beautiful.

That dress.

You know the best part about the dinner date?

Mm?

Anticipating what happens after dessert.

♪ ♪

Rough draft for the bona fide claim of right argument

in the Lynette Wise case.

And you think you can get it dismissed with this argument?

It's worth a shot.

Lynette's work performance was so exemplary,

so beyond reproach, she genuinely believed

her bosses were rewarding her with a bonus.

Remind you of anyone?

But you know this didn't have to hit my desk tonight.

Crossing the finish line early makes room for the next race.

Yeah, and burning the candle at both ends leaves you burnt out.

I'm ready to burn it to ash if it finally gets me to partner.

Yeah. Much to learn you still have, young padawan.

I've already warned you, Tomas.

I prefer my partners have lives outside these walls.

My niece chose to build a life with you.

Don't be the fool who takes that for granted.

I won't. I know exactly how lucky I am to be with Kat.

But riddle me this, Bill.

Lay it on me.

If balance is the mark of a great attorney,

why are you here and not home with your wife?

HAYLEY: Breathe, girl.

Whatever it is, we'll figure it out.

How can I?

After receiving something like that in my inbox?

"Research. Court prep. Filings."

Lynette, these are just standard associate rates.

I don't have that kind of bread,

and I can't afford for Tomas

to stop fighting my case.

Look, you asked for my blessing, and I gave it,

but I don't control the billing department.

But the man you're married to does.

LANCE: You can't brush me off this time.

Lance. What are you doing here?

I had to show you how serious this is.

Maybe now you won't be so damn cavalier

about ruining my marriage.

-Ooh-wee, these menu items. -Ah.

Don't let the fancy words intimidate you.

Hmm. Too late. And not a price in sight.

Yeah, that's the game with these establishments.

You know, no numbers means, uh,

no rules, and, uh, the cost of the food isn't the point.

See, indulgence is.

Oh. Well, indulge I shall.

Mm.

I really am enjoying myself, Ted.

Well, I aim to please.

Talk to me, Shanice.

Okay, this might sound a bit lame,

but I feel like... kind of like Cinderella.

And that's a bad thing?

Well, normally, no, but then I remember

my Prince Charming just finalized a divorce and...

Once you bounce back and I've helped you

get your groove again, I go back to pumpkins

and price tags.

Well, first of all, Cinderella cannot compete with you.

She's not half as intellectually stimulating

nor quick-witted or sharp.

And she for damn sure don't have these curves.

See, that unapologetic attitude.

You're so much more to me than just a rebound.

You've pulled joy back into my life

when I thought I had buried it six feet under with my marriage.

You're telling me to relax and enjoy.

Yes.

And yes, you have every right to be guarded.

My life is messy and some days I barely know

how I'm gonna handle it,

but what I do know is that you have

made my days brighter.

I'm the Cinderella,

and I couldn't be happier.

Well, you handled that like an absolute queen.

Stayed regal and composed, as you always do.

Ted is a well-dressed distraction from my past.

I'm focused on the handsome man sitting in front of me.

The one who keeps giving me impure thoughts.

Mm. Do tell.

My mind keeps replaying a certain kiss you gave me.

It was slow and sweet.

Had me standing there forgetting my own name.

Inquiring minds want to know,

do those intrusive thoughts go any further than a kiss?

They just might.

Good, because I intend for the next kiss

to not leave you standing at all.

Chief Hawthorne, come to test your luck?

Nice try, but I'm here on official duty.

Oh, well, then I'll put away the Cuban cigars

and cancel those dancing girls.

I'm kidding.

We're in full compliance here.

Probably the cleanest operation

-in the DMV. -Save it.

I'm more concerned about your other stream of income.

You want to narrow that down for me?

Red market blood plasma.

Human blood?

I know I've been known to bleed people dry,

but I never took that literally.

I hope that's true, for the both of our sakes.

Why would you think I would even be in that?

This ring is disciplined.

It's profitable and nearly invisible.

And they've got you worried.

Yeah, because my son

talked me into letting him go undercover.

Joey.

He wants to infiltrate this ring selling illegal plasma

and build an airtight case

against anyone remotely involved.

Then I'm glad I'm not involved.

If you ever even breathed in the direction of this,

I need to know. I won't be able to protect you from my son.

Or?

This guy.

Or him

from you.

Hey. I rushed out of the house as soon as you summoned me.

I didn't expect my mother and father-in-law

to be here, though.

They seem to be more interested in their dates than us.

I hope you slipping out didn't cause any drama

with Martin and the kids.

No. Between my husband's campaign

and my daughter's debutante prep,

I'm basically background noise.

I doubt they even noticed.

Well, for what it's worth, I appreciate you, Smitty.

Aw, thanks. I'm just glad you took my tip

about the plasma ring seriously.

So, what did the chief say when you laid it out for him?

After some serious arm twisting, he finally came around.

-Meaning? -That's why I wanted to meet.

The blood plasma ring is now an active investigation.

And get this-- he's actually gonna let me go undercover.

I am very happy to hear that.

This can change everything for me.

I mean, this could be the case

that finally takes me out from under my pop's shadow.

And to say thanks,

drinks on me.

Okay. Um, I'll have a, uh, vodka soda, please.

You know, there is a better way that you can thank me.

Smitty.

You have to let me in on this case.

The firm's business office could set up a payment plan.

That requires actual income.

I'm screwed.

Unless I think of something drastic.

Drastic? How?

Mm...

I'm sure I'll figure out something.

Okay.

The firm does take on a limited number

of pro bono cases each year.

I could talk Bill into making your case one of them.

I knew you had my back.

Lance, I understand you're upset.

I love my wife.

-I won't lose her. -Who says you are?

Sometimes, a companion is just what a relationship needs.

Most of Heart Attach's clients

are looking to spice up their marriages, not end them.

Everyone knows your marriage is seasoned with

an entire bottle of Old Bay.

But maybe all that extra spice is what drove poor Doug

to drink himself into an early grave.

Well, I refuse to go down that way, so...

when Lolly

tries to book another escort,

you are going to turn her down.

I'll do no such thing.

You know, I'm thoroughly confused, Counselor.

You see, I thought that you were looking to make partner

and not the unemployment line.

-I didn't mean to overstep. -Could've fooled me.

I was merely making a point on how intrusive it is

when personal and professional lines get blurred.

I'd rather be judged solely on my work.

I couldn't care less what you want, Navarro.

This is my firm. I set the standard,

and I'll use whatever metrics I damn well please.

Got it?

I'll be in my office, boss.

Oh, Dani, what are you...

We never properly celebrated the great news

about our daughter's health.

Well, don't you have your boy toy for that? Where's he?

He is in a photo shoot in New York.

Besides, there is no one else in the world

who shares the same relief I do.

Hmm.

Oh, no.

Chicken and the plantains with the buttery rolls. What?

From that Cubano spot you love.

Oh, oh, oh, oh, Dani.

You know, Hayley would have a stroke of her own

-if she saw me eating that. -Promise?

Dani, you didn't have to do this.

I know.

Thank you for helping me find my water bottle.

I'm just all over the place today.

I was starving before, but now,

I'm in the mood for alcohol.

Well, if you're itching to go play house

with doctor bae, I won't take it personally.

Would it make me an awful person if I said I wasn't?

Another fight?

Chels, I thought y'all were good.

We were. We went out to toast

being both variant and drama-free,

but only one of those held up.

I, um...

I ran into my old dealer from my modeling days.

And you popped a pill,

one of those pills, in front of Madison.

-Girl, what were you thinking? -I wasn't.

But the way she grilled me afterwards, all judgmental,

it triggered the hell out of me, Kat.

It reminded me of when Momager Dani

used to police my every move.

Well, when you put it like that, it is kind of messed-up.

Thank you. Like, when did my girlfriend

suddenly become my mother?

My marriage is in shambles because of you.

I'd argue your bedroom skills are to blame,

or tragic lack thereof.

Maybe if you spent half as much time learning

your wife's body as you do polishing your driver...

Aah!

Let go of me.

Not until you listen to reason.

Where I'm from,

men who forget their manners regret it fast.

You all right? That fool didn't hurt you, did he?

Not as much as I hurt his pride.

JOEY: For the last time, Elon.

I traffic in vices, not veins.

So you're an ethical outlaw now?

You know, I've seen that same poker face

right before you wipe me out.

Talk.

Or I'll call in a few favors from City Hall

and fast-track those inspections on this so-called

fully compliant establishment of yours.

In four, three, two...

Oh, put the damn phone away.

All right, the truth is, I've heard whispers

about this blood plasma thing.

Run by a guy that likes to call himself The Impaler.

Make of that what you will.

Operates in and out of the DMV.

All right.

You got anything else?

Only that you should warn Jacob about what he's walking into.

I've never met the guy.

Keeps a low profile.

But from what I hear, he is not to be underestimated.

-Smitty, there's no way I can... -This is the kind of story

I've been hungry for since I got back into reporting.

Yeah, I had that influencer scandal and a couple exposés,

but nothing with teeth.

Nothing like this. This matters, Jacob.

Yeah, and now it's officially under police review.

So you're shutting me out?

-I gave you the lead. -No, you gave me a tip.

That doesn't mean you can just walk in here

and play Sherlock because you stumbled on something useful.

Stumbled? Don't insult me.

I'm trying to protect you.

You and I both want to bring these criminals down

before they kill a hell of a lot of people.

You and I, we made a great team

when we were looking into Malone's corruption.

Yeah, until we didn't.

But those were extenuating circumstances.

They won't come into play here.

And admit it, without my connections...

I'll still solve this case.

Yes, but how much time will you lose?

If you and I work together, we can dish out real justice

and gain some respect while we're at it.

I'm sorry, Smitty.

The answer's no.

Well, I'm glad you want to be more than Mr. Occasional.

You're the first man in a long time I suspect

may be worth investing in.

Well, trust me, when it comes to you,

my interest rate is very, very high.

Do you know what I am suddenly craving?

-What's that? -Oysters.

-For their aphrodisiac quality? -I was thinking that...

Everything okay?

I was thinking that oysters are overrated,

and if you want a proper aphrodisiac,

we should go back to my place.

[Nicole and Carlton laughing]

Did you see Carlton and Nicole make that grand exit?

I hope our little moment didn't make them uncomfortable.

-So what if we did? -Ted...

We have nothing to be ashamed of.

Not yet, anyway.

But the night's still young.

Mm. Sounds like you have something specific in mind.

Just a little intimate exploration.

No waiters, no witnesses.

Then what are we still doing here, huh?

See you later, Uncle Ted.

Mm. You just missed your dad.

Looks like he's thriving in his post-divorce era.

In the same room as my mother?

Ugh.

Well, can we not unpack my family's mess right now?

Your relationship drama is much more binge-worthy.

Well, I'm glad someone's entertained.

For real.

You're not gonna break up with Madison, are you?

God, no. I'm in love with her.

Well, you know I love your wild and spontaneous side.

But Madison's never seen that version of you.

You went full soft girl

the minute you started dating her.

Maybe falling in love made me suppress parts of myself.

I was so focused on being the perfect partner,

I... I think I lost sight of being authentically me.

I don't know.

What are you thinking about?

A cop and a journalist walk in a bar.

Is this the start of a bad joke?

No.

Our brother-in-laws.

I saw them at the bar, and I think they're up to something.

SMITTY: If this is about the danger,

I'm not some rando off the street.

I know how to stay safe.

And would Martin want you anywhere near this?

So we're pulling the Martin card now?

No, but you're the anchor for your family, Smitty.

If anything were to happen to you,

I wouldn't be able to face Naomi or Martin

or any of the Duprees, let alone Samantha and Tyrell.

I'm not your responsibility, Jacob.

And honestly, I don't need your approval.

And what's that supposed to mean?

I'm sorry, but I am investigating this

with or without you.

Thanks for coming to my rescue.

Not that I couldn't have handled

that misogynistic, arrogant moron on my own.

It never hurts to have a little backup.

Knowing what you meant to Doug

and what the two of you did for me--

I know he would've wanted me to look out for you.

Still doesn't feel real sometimes, him being gone.

Thank you. Uh, I-I got to get going.

Um...

Take care, Randy.

You too, Vanessa.

Hey, Hayley. Eating solo again?

I'm well used to being a legal widow by now.

I assume you're refueling? Another all-nighter?

Lynette's case. Finally making some headway.

We appreciate your diligence more than you know.

Thanks.

I just wish your husband was part of that "we."

Are you kidding?

Bill sings your praises all the time.

Then why is he suddenly discouraging me

from working late?

He keeps telling me to go out and get a life

while he's holed up in his office neglecting his own.

He's testing you.

-You think? -Yep.

Seeing if you'll take the easy way out.

You should go back to work. Prove him wrong.

-That's probably it. -Mm-hmm.

Thanks for the perspective. I owe you.

Yeah, the guy grabbed Vanessa's arm and wouldn't let go.

I had to step in before things got ugly.

It's probably the same son of a bitch that's been calling her.

Intimidation from a distance didn't work,

so he made an appearance.

I gave the guy a strong warning.

If you need me, I can send him a stronger message.

Just say the word.

I appreciate the offer, but...

...this just got personal.

You were, uh, pretty quiet on the ride over.

Everything okay?

I'm sorry, Carlton.

What's wrong?

When we left the club, I got hit with this wave,

and I realized...

I haven't been with anybody but Ted in decades.

Nicole.

Look at me.

We don't have to rush anything tonight.

Or ever.

We can just sit here and talk, drink wine,

discuss your patients, my lousy putting stroke.

Even if you wanted me to leave right now,

after spending the evening with you,

I will walk out of here completely satisfied.

Well, there's a problem with that, Carlton.

I won't be satisfied. Not even close.

Make yourself comfortable. I will fix us some cocktails.

Okay, you've been living in this hotel long enough.

At least hang up a picture or something.

Oh, is my face that enticing to you?

Boy, stop.

I mean, you don't get tired of these

-plain old walls? -Eh.

Nothing's changed since the last time I've been here.

Ah, see? That's where you're wrong.

There's a whole lot different now.

-Oh, yeah? Like what? -Mm-hmm.

Well... we came here,

before, as friends and, uh,

bringing me cheesecake, and we ate pizza

and we watched TV.

And now we're here on a date.

And the TV isn't even turned on.

Mm.

But I am.

I'm here now, coz. Talk to me.

Man, Lynette just cried me a whole river

about how she can't afford her legal bill.

-Did she ask you for money? -We didn't get that far.

As soon as she mentioned getting desperate, I got spooked.

Next thing I know, I offered to make the whole thing disappear.

So, you made the right call.

-You think so? -Hell yeah.

You need to do whatever it takes to keep that woman quiet.

And your eyes on the ten million dollar prize

waiting for us when Bill meets his maker.

I just hate it's taking so long.

I'm worried my marriage has an expiration date.

Well, you need to do whatever it takes

to get your husband's attention back on you

and give your special tea time to work its magic.

I wish it was possible to go back in time.

Yeah? Back to when?

-Back when we were married? -Oh, God no.

-Thank you. -You're welcome.

No, not that far. Just a couple months.

Before mother was diagnosed,

before I learned I had inherited this defective gene.

-Thank God the girls are okay. -Mm-hmm.

But now that we know that,

I get to worry about the big C coming for me.

Well, I think cancer should be afraid of your crazy ass.

I mean, you're the most stubborn,

relentless she-devil that I've ever encountered.

Come on, Dani, you don't back down from anything.

If cancer wasn't intimidated by Anita Dupree,

what hope do I have?

You're armed with information.

I know. I know, and-and,

because I'm high-risk, the doctors can monitor me closely,

catch it early, blah, blah, blah.

I've heard that song and dance, and,

honestly, doesn't make it any easier.

Yeah, I know.

But, I mean, I read up on it,

and treatment for early stage breast cancer

has a high success rate.

I mean, come on, you can beat this thing, Dani,

if it even ever comes to that.

But at what cost?

Surgery leaves scars.

I wouldn't be the same woman.

And as shallow as it sounds,

I-I've always known that I'm beautiful.

That's why photographers fought over me,

and designers begged me to wear their creations.

It's also why my husband fell in love with me.

I mean, come on, Dani, you're talking about Andre here.

He sees the world through the lens of beauty.

So what happens if he looks at me and...

...I've lost more than my health?

Seriously, you think you can do this on your own?

I didn't build a career taking no as a final answer,

so why start now?

Listen, if anything leaks to the press too early,

the U.S. attorney's office starts sweating

about prejudiced jurors and it compromises the whole case.

I can't have that.

Good thing I'm doing this story freelance.

No editor or deadline pressure.

Nothing goes public until we say so.

-Until I say so. -Fair enough.

So, what do you say? Partners?

Okay, so who fired up the signal flare

that propelled you to leave the house, Smitty?

It wasn't me.

Smitty and I just bumped into each other here.

At the gym.

Right.

Interesting.

Uh, where are your gym bags or water bottles?

We left them in the locker room.

Oh, and the handshake.

Wait, you haven't seen our signature in-law greeting?

Oh. Okay. Yeah, that was cute.

Yeah, and as much as I'm enjoying this family bonding,

I've got to get home to Naomi, so...

Yeah, and I have to go check Samantha

and Tyrell's homework before it gets too late, so...

-See you later. -Well... Mm-hmm.

Seemed normal to me.

Mm.

As normal as a vodka soda after a workout?

Hm...

I come bearing peach cobbler.

I even waited for it to come fresh out of the oven

since I know how much you love your desserts.

What's this?

Oh. That-that... Nothing.

I-I was a klutz earlier.

I banged my arm on the car door.

The way you move in those heels, you couldn't pass

for a klutz if you tried.

So why don't you stop covering for the bastard

who did this and tell me what happened?

♪ I know your type♪

♪ I can tell by the look in your eyes♪

♪ You want something skinless, think you can hit this...♪

You satisfied now?

Not even close.

Guess I'll have to try a little harder.

♪ I'll build you up♪

♪ I'll break you down♪

♪ 'Cause you like♪

♪ Bad girls♪

♪ Baby♪

♪ The ones who own the night♪

♪ We kiss and then we fight♪

♪ We play the game♪

♪ Babe, we're the good♪

♪ So don't make me wait♪

♪ You know I get a taste...♪

I can't get enough of you.

Oh, well, talk is cheap.

Now it's time to prove it.

Challenge accepted.

♪ Stick around♪

♪ Begging me to give you just a little more♪

♪ 'Cause you like the♪

♪ Bad girls♪

♪ Baby♪

♪ Make you feel all right♪

♪ Burning up your life♪

♪ Till it's all in flames♪

♪ Babe, we're the good.♪

Look, I may not be fond of the man--

uh, excuse me, the boy--

but even I have to admit that Andre doesn't strike me

as the kind of snake that would abandon a woman facing cancer.

Well, you are an expert on snakes

who would leave their wife, so...

I'll trust your personal assessment on that.

And you're right, Andre wouldn't leave.

He would say all the right things

and do all the right things, and eventually,

pity would replace his desire.

I don't think I could survive being looked at like that.

Yeah, well, I think that you're

underestimating him and yourself.

Our connection was always physical.

If that goes, what do I have to offer?

What? I mean, come on, Dani.

What, do you think your beauty was only ever skin-deep?

Come on.

I mean, I know firsthand

the many attractive things about you.

You think I could rock a shaved head?

Yeah. Yeah, I do.

Grace Jones may have set the trend,

but you'd redefine it

and still be the most captivating woman in any room.

You burn bright, Dani.

You do. You always have.

And nothing-- no man, no illness,

no power on this earth-- will ever dim that light.

-You hear me? -Yeah.

TED: If you're looking to put on the brakes,

now is the moment.

Is that what it looks like I want?

I guess we've already had a picnic on the carpet.

Might as well find out what other types of fun

we can have down here.

Let's see just how creative we can get.

The only way you would know Lance grabbed me

is if Randy ran his mouth.

He called me the second he pulled the guy off you.

It wasn't that intense.

The man marked you. Thank God Randy was there.

I had it under control.

-The hell you did. -Lance just surprised me.

I thought he was your typical pissed-off husband

needing to blow off steam,

and that he got it out of his system over the phone.

Why he did what he did doesn't interest me.

Why you did what you did, does.

-What exactly did I do? -You lied to me,

to my face, without hesitation.

Because I know how possessive and protective you get.

He just grabbed my arm, and for the last time, I had it handled.

And you shouldn't have to handle it at all.

That's my point.

And this is exactly the reason why I didn't want you

involved in any aspect of my businesses.

Do you know how bad it hurt to watch my so-called

devoted cousin play protector for Vanessa

while leaving his own flesh and blood out in the cold?

-Huh? -Woman, you are talking

out of the side of your neck.

-You were just sitting here. -Yeah, sitting here

worried about how long it's taking this con to pay off.

I'm doing my part. Who got you those fake IDs?

The blood for your phony miscarriage?

The tasteless, odorless deadly potion?

Did all that just fall out the sky?

Okay, so you've tossed me a few crumbs,

but it's still my neck out here on the line.

-Crumbs? -Yeah.

I did everything you asked me to do, and it still ain't enough.

If you want a real piece of this payout,

-you're gonna need to do more. -Like what?

I double-checked Bill's life insurance policy.

Whether he drops dead from heart failure

or foul play,

your girl still gets paid,

as long as no one can trace it back to me

or anyone I'm tied to.

You can't get impatient, okay?

This can't look even slightly suspicious

or insurance won't cut the check

and law enforcement will be all over it.

Hm.

Well, it's a good thing you know how to get away with murder

because if my tea doesn't hurry up and put Bill in the ground,

you will.

We-we have to stop. No. Uh...

We-we were reminiscing about the past just like we always do,

and this meant nothing, and Hayley definitely cannot know.

Yeah, yeah. Of course, it-it stays between us.

Okay. Okay.

Okay.

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