King of Sloth

In the following days, Xavier begins meeting with the influential names from the list that Kai gave him. In Washington, DC, he pitches his business plan to Alex Volkov, CEO of Archer Group—the country’s largest real estate development company. Alex is also the owner of Xavier’s dream nightclub location—a bank vault located in the basement of a skyscraper. Alex is intrigued by Xavier’s endeavor but stipulates that Xavier must involve a reputable business partner like Vuk Markovic to solidify his legitimacy. This condition creates a dilemma, as Vuk requires confirmation on the venue before committing. This leaves Xavier stuck in a negotiation loop.

With an 18-day deadline to finalize the lease, Xavier continues to work at securing other partnerships. He secures financing from Davenport Capital—owned by Dominic Davenport, the husband of Sloane’s friend Alessandra—and gains permits and licensing from a prestigious DC law firm, Silver & Klein, with the help of Jules Ambrose. Christian Harper, CEO of Harper Security, agrees to provide security for the nightclub, and Sebastian Laurent’s team designs and executes the nightclub’s menu.

Meanwhile, Xavier surprises Sloane by arranging a secret meeting with her sister Pen, which is made possible with help from Rhea and Harper Security. The effort leaves Sloane deeply touched. After the day ends, Xavier hears an ominous rustling outside, which he dismisses as the wind or a stray animal.

Sloane cannot stop smiling at work the next day, even as she mediates various crises from multiple clients. She meets with a soccer player named Asher Donovan, who has a penchant for illegal street racing. She chides him for his recent misconduct, which included speeding and an intense rivalry with his teammate Vincent DuBois. She warns him to keep the rivalry in check because the tabloids are poised to pounce on him for the slightest infraction. Afterward, Sloane schemes with her friends Isabella, Vivian, and Alessandra, planning to bring about Perry Wilson’s downfall. However, the details of their plan are not yet revealed.

Later, Sloane meets with a supermodel named Ayana, who confides in her about an impending arranged marriage of convenience. Although Ayana does not love the man, she feels obligated to accept the arrangement for undisclosed reasons. When Xavier comes to the office at the end of Ayana’s meeting and asks about the supermodel, Sloane becomes jealous and insecure. Xavier reassures her that he is only curious because he and Ayana share social circles; he stresses that Sloane is his sole romantic interest.

Over dinner the following evening, Sloane and Xavier discuss his second meeting with Vuk Markovic, which is scheduled for tomorrow. Xavier says that he appealed to Vuk’s business side during their first meeting, bringing a meticulously crafted business proposal. For their second meeting, Xavier seeks to appeal to Vuk’s passionate side. By showing his passion for the nightclub venture, he hopes that this more personal approach will resonate with Vuk.

At dinner, Xavier reveals that his mother left him a letter and shares its contents with Sloane. He then reveals the story behind his mother’s death, explaining that she died in a house fire that he accidentally started via a knocked-over candle while preparing for his father’s birthday celebration. His mother saved him, but in doing so, she lost her own life. Xavier has always blamed himself, and he knows that his father did, too. Sloane assures Xavier that what happened was an accident and was not his fault. To lighten the mood, they embrace spontaneity by going skinny-dipping after dinner.

Xavier’s meeting with Vuk is a success. Xavier delivers a heartfelt speech, emphasizing his desire to make something of himself and create something that he is proud of. He admits that while he would love to have Vuk’s partnership, he will find a way to pursue his passion regardless. This statement moves Vuk, who agrees to partner with Xavier. Xavier promptly informs Alex Volkov, who, impressed by the quick turnaround, signs off on the vault location.

The joy of Xavier’s wins is dampened by a blog post by Perry Wilson, which exposes Sloane’s secret meeting with Pen. The article triggers backlash from Sloane’s family, and her parents fire Rhea. Xavier blames himself for the leak, but Sloane reassures him that she cherishes the day spent with Pen and doesn’t hold him responsible. The ordeal only fuels Sloane’s determination to take Perry down by obliterating his blog and online presence.

Sloane receives a call from Bentley, asking to meet. She hesitantly agrees, and four days later, they meet at a remote bar. Bentley complains about Georgia’s mood swings and paranoia since her pregnancy and reveals his lingering feelings for Sloane. However, Sloane perceives his manipulative intentions and deduces that he wants to sabotage her relationship with Xavier and hurt Georgia in the process. Sloane rejects Bentley, tosses wine in his face, and stalks off. She makes sure to record the entire interaction as evidence of his sleazy behavior.

After the Thanksgiving holiday, Xavier meets with Killian Katrakis, the CEO of an international electronics, technology, and telecommunications conglomerate. Killian sets up commercial sound systems for the nightclub, and Xavier secures Farrah Lin-Ryan to design the interior space. Later, Xavier meets Sloane to provide an update on Pen’s well-being, thanks to information gathered by Christian Harper’s security team. Sloane is relieved to hear that Pen is safe and under proper care. Sloane mentions that Rhea received a mysterious check in the mail yesterday from an anonymous sender. The money covers one year’s worth of food and living expenses. While she suspects that it was Xavier’s doing, he does not admit to anything. Sloane also casually mentions Dante and Vivian Russo’s upcoming party this weekend. Xavier is aware that she has a plan to execute against Perry Wilson during the party. He agrees to attend with her.

At the Russos’ annual holiday gala, Sloane positions herself near a group of socialites who have reputations for spreading gossip. She pretends to take a phone call and talks loudly so that they can overhear. She implies that an influencer named Soraya is having an affair with a married influencer named Bryce. (In reality, both Bryce and Soraya have consented to Sloane’s plan, believing that the fallout and subsequent libel case will boost their publicity.)

Sloane also consults Kai Young, hoping that he will purchase Perry’s blog once the financial troubles force Perry to sell. While Kai is hesitant, Sloane senses that he might be swayed. Once he owns the blog, he can turn it into a reputable source of information and expand his media empire.

Sloane’s plan begins to unravel Perry Wilson’s life and online credibility. As expected, he publishes the Soraya and Bryce gossip without verifying its accuracy. Their public relations teams immediately latch onto the article and begin building their libel case.

When Georgia visits Sloane at work and accuses her of attempting to seduce Bentley, Sloane plays the recording of Bentley’s own confessions, exposing his lies. Humiliated, Georgia lashes out, accusing Sloane of being cold-hearted and warning her that Xavier will eventually leave her because of her flaws. Though Sloane kicks Georgia out of the office, her sister’s words linger. With her and Xavier’s two-month trial period soon to end, Sloane fears making a decision. She contemplates ending the relationship prematurely to avoid eventual heartbreak but ultimately postpones her decision.

Sloane returns home from work. She plans to meet Xavier for dinner but loses track of time when she discovers that her pet fish, The Fish, has died. Though visibly composed and tearless, she inwardly mourns the loss.

When Sloane misses their dinner reservation, Xavier grows concerned and checks on her. Finding her grieving over her fish’s death, he comforts her. They spend the evening together, sharing takeout and watching movies. Sloane confides in Xavier about her encounters with Bentley and Georgia. Despite discovering that she withheld her meeting with Bentley from him, Xavier is accepting and provides her with unwavering reassurance and support.