Episode 9 · Ethan Voss, Lila Hale, Gia Bennett
Gia Bennett confronts Lila at the charity gala and mocks her for being staff. Lila fires back at her shallow attitude. When Gia tries to throw wine at her, Ethan grabs Gia's wrist and forces an apology. Outside on the balcony, Ethan wraps a shawl around Lila and invites her to his study for a formal proposal. Back at the estate, Lila reads a report on Hale Studio and puts on a diamond ring.
Gia Bennett approaches Lila and Ethan at the charity gala, mocking Lila for attending as domestic staff. Lila tells Gia that her mindset is shallow. Gia tries to splash wine across Lila, but Ethan catches Gia's wrist and demands an apology.
On the balcony, Ethan drapes a white shawl over Lila's shoulders and tells her never to accept disrespect around him. Lila outlines her vision for Hale Studio. Ethan then invites her to his study the next afternoon for a formal proposal.
The car pulls up to the Voss Estate entrance late at night. As Lila steps out of the vehicle, she suddenly loses her balance and stumbles. Ethan immediately reacts and catches her arm before she can fall to the ground.
Inside her bedroom, Lila examines a project report detailing how modest investments could restore Hale Studio. Wondering what Ethan wants in return for his support, she takes a diamond ring out of her drawer and slides it onto her finger.
“Charity is about giving, not about who's standing where. Miss Bennett, judging people by their birth doesn't make you superior. It just makes you shallow.”
“She's my plus one. Got a problem? Apologize!”
“Don't put up with it anymore. Not when you're with me.”
“If he's going out of his way to help me, what price am I expected to pay?”
Alone in her bedroom, Lila reviews the project report stating that Hale Studio can be revived with modest investment. Unsure what Ethan will demand in return for saving the business, she takes a diamond ring from her drawer and slips it onto her finger. What formal proposal will Ethan present in his study tomorrow afternoon?