Previously on Dynasty... I want you both out of my house.
Unless you can pay back the loan,
this isn't your house anymore.
Deputy Commissioner Dawkins.
I have found evidence of a gambling ring.
If you say anything about this, multiple players
will testify that you are the ringleader.
My father left me the mineral rights
to the entire manor property.
I will be taking over as head of the dynasty.
You're my mom. I don't want to lose you.
If this is real, then I'll just leave the church.
When I come back, you can bet
it's not gonna be to ask for forgiveness.
Is Fallon going to be a problem?
I'm concerned about this whole access roads ploy.
Unconcern yourself.
She only bought the land to hold it over my head as a threat.
Well, it's working.
She can stop excavation whenever she wants,
and we haven't even started.
It's my mother. I'll call her back.
The point is, even though the foreman says
we're good to go, if she doesn't allow
the workmen on the ground...
I said it won't be a problem.
We just need to keep her happy.
Your plan is to stuff her with bacon?
- We're in trouble. - Quick question.
How long do you think this partnership's gonna last
before one of you kills the other?
Hmm. Hmm? Ooh.
Bacon. Ah-ah-ah.
But there's, like, a hundred pieces.
And none of them are for you.
Aha, the self-appointed head of the family.
I saw it on TV, so it must be true.
Well, someone had to step up and save this dynasty,
and it wasn't gonna be anyone in this room.
Well, she has the arrogance for the job.
Maybe not the skill set.
You can relax. It was just something
I said for the public.
Now the world has confidence that the family isn't crumbling.
My statement won't have any effect on you.
I have bigger things to worry about.
Sweetheart, I made your favorite.
Eat. It helps with anxiety.
I am not anxious. I am focused.
In three days, I have my first State of the Company Address
where I will announce a buyout of SmartVerse.
And we care about this why?
SmartVerse will make me a global player
in the digital market, which I have to be
if I am going to turn Fallon Unlimited
into the crown jewel that C.A. once was.
So you are head of the family?
Yes, and this is my one shot
at a first impression in this role.
Needless to say, I don't have time
to worry about any of you.
And I also don't have time
to worry about access roads,
so you can start digging whenever.
See? I told you I'd handle it.
See? You didn't do anything.
So I guess this bacon's up for grabs?
Let's not pretend to like each other.
I know you have some players in your pocket,
but I can't have you hanging this betting scheme
over my head as blackmail.
Well, I don't know what you're referring to,
but as long as you keep your mouth shut,
we're not gonna have any problems.
I want to sell the team.
I'd highly recommend that.
I didn't ask you here for advice.
I want a local buyer so the team stays here in Atlanta.
I know a handful of Black businessmen
who might be interested.
I think it's important to keep it Black-owned.
Well, brother, I appreciate your input.
Especially since I have to approve any buyer
before it goes to the owners for a vote.
But I, um... Well, I also happen to have a few friends
who are interested in buying a franchise.
Who? The old white guys
at the country club that harass the cart girls?
So, what?
You do a favor for them, they do one for you?
Hey, I resent that.
But, look, if you sell to one of those guys,
we could fast-track the approval
and we can wrap this thing up nice and quick.
And what about what I want?
I mean, I'm sure we'll cast a wide net for a buyer.
But ultimately it's
what's best for me and the league.
We can make the announcement at the playoff press conference.
Oh.
Now, you turn that frown upside down,
because you are one handshake away
from becoming Atlanta's newest multimillionaire.
Get out.
I think selling is a good idea.
Yeah, well, it feels more like selling out.
This league has one Black owner. Me.
The last thing I want is to let Dawkins
sell it to one of his sailing buddies.
I hear you, but the longer you stay there,
the more you put your reputation at risk.
When is the last time Jeff Colby ran from a fight?
Hey, man, I'm just trying to protect you.
But if you want to fight, fight.
I want to take this guy down,
but he is airtight with this gambling ring.
Well, one thing I learned as an owner
is that Dawkins is all about the money.
That guy will sell to whoever gives him the biggest kickback.
You just have to make sure you can prove that.
So I have to find someone rich enough to afford a soccer team
and crazy enough to bribe someone.
Yes.
And no, it can't be me.
Has SmartVerse called?
I can't close the deal if we don't have a meeting set.
Aw.
Anders. How's life at La Mirage?
Still sleeping on a rollaway in Blake's room?
My sleeping arrangements are none of your business.
This, however, is your business.
Oh, Anders. Don't tell me you're selling
leather appointment books for money.
My, how the not-so-mighty have fallen.
That is the Carrington family calendar.
In it you'll find a series of scheduled events
that need your attention.
Okay, well, right now I'm having a hard time
paying attention to you, so could you get to the point?
They're in-person obligations that Blake used to do
that he's now bequeathed to you.
If you care about the Carrington family legacy's health, that is.
Well, Blake's legs aren't broken... not anymore at least...
So maybe he should focus on the leather book stuff
and I should focus on the business stuff,
because if this presentation doesn't go well,
there won't be a Carrington legacy to keep healthy.
When you announced to the world through national television
that you were the head of the family,
Blake assumed that you would act like the head of the family.
That interview is really biting me in the ass today.
I could always reach out to Adam, I suppose.
Split the family obligation
between the two of you, but Blake
never had to do that.
No, no, no. No need to do that.
The last thing we need right now
is Adam out there representing the family.
I can do both. If Blake did it, so can I.
Your first commitment.
A library dedication?
Do libraries still exist?
That's a question you can ask the librarian
when you get there.
Fine. You can tell Blake not to worry.
This family's not dying on my watch.
He'll be ecstatic.
Okay.
Ooh.
Would you happen to have a backup.
Carrington legacy appointment book?
It's now your time
to put the "care" in Carrington.
Please never say that again.
Uh, how'd it go with Fallon?
Have you tried the hash browns here yet?
Well, she balked at first, but as you predicted,
she folded as soon as I mentioned Adam's name.
No, I haven't tried that, but the omelets are excellent.
Well. That's Fallon and brunch solved.
Now we can focus on the real issue.
Mm, yeah, the fact that we're living in a hotel
rather than a sprawling mansion.
No. I think I have a way
to keep Father Caleb away from Cristal for good.
I don't think I have the fortitude
to throw a priest into the lake.
No need to.
I happen to know that the good Father
still hasn't left his job.
We simply need to make it impossible for him to do so
by reminding him how much he means to the clergy.
Are you sure he's considering staying with the church?
Of course I'm not staying at the church.
Nothing's changed.
It's just, once I told Blake I was leaving...
I don't know.
I thought you and I were on the same page.
W-We are. It's just I...
I owe it to the church to leave the right way.
There are people here that depend on me,
and I can't just walk out on them yet.
But once they're settled, then we're good to go.
Thank you.
It's nice hearing you say it out loud.
What was that for?
For being such a good person.
I got to tell you something.
Uh...
It's about Blake.
Thank you for coming and dedicating
this children's section.
Of course. I love children and I love books.
So let's get this started.
I thought we could take some pictures out here
before we go in?
I'll be right back after I gather our little readers.
Awesome.
You're Fallon Carrington, right?
Aw, yes, I am.
Would you like an autograph or something?
My dad said you wouldn't show up today.
Oh, well, do your dad and I know each other?
No, but he said the Carringtons used to be
a really powerful family, but it all fell apart
and that you should be embarrassed to show your face.
Well, is your daddy here?
I'd love to have a little chat with him.
No.
So, Carrington Atlantic didn't go bankrupt?
Uh, no, it, uh, it did.
I'm just wondering how you know that.
Shouldn't you be home, watching Blue's Clues?
It was all over the news, how your mom
screwed over your dad for that house.
Okay, well, that had nothing to do with me.
What about those dead bodies in the lake?
Did you kill one of them?
Okay. Listen, Tommy,
which is a really, really dumb name, by the way,
if you don't stop making baseless accusations against me,
I'm gonna sue you, I'm gonna sue your father,
and I'm gonna take your dog.
All right? So...
There you go. Not laughing now.
Little loser.
Should we take those pictures now?
You're looking to buy the Atlantix Football Club,
you'll do whatever it takes to get the deal.
If that includes a finder's fee for Mr. Dawkins,
that's no problem.
Once he accepts, that'll be our smoking gun.
Just make sure your phone's recording.
So, what's my backstory?
Your what?
My backstory?
Have I loved soccer all my life,
or is this a new passion?
I mean, it doesn't seem like I'm doing this for the money.
It seems more like a "for the love of the game"
type of situation.
Please don't make me regret doing this
more than I already do.
Okay.
So maybe you say
you played as a kid in Venezuela and tried for the national team.
It's a backstory, not a fairy tale.
No, this meeting is tonight.
You don't need a backstory.
You're you. Sam.
A rich hotelier
looking to buy a soccer club
at a higher price than any of the competition.
Yeah. I'll think of something.
You will not believe what just happened.
From what I read online, you threatened to sue a child
and steal his dog, and you hate books.
I do not hate books, Allison.
I'm sorry.
I keep forgetting that you're not her.
I have to be honest, it would be so much easier
if your name were also Allison.
But it's not. It's, uh...
Martina.
Allison quit over two weeks ago.
You can call me by my real name now. Mm.
Anyway, it's all over the Internet.
Wow, must be a slow news day. At least it's over.
- Let's get to work. - One problem.
SmartVerse called and canceled
the meeting while you were on your way up.
I got them back on the line.
Please hold for Fallon Carrington.
Cathy.
Yes, I can explain.
No, no, no, no, no. I think our values do line up.
No, I don't hate anything.
Cathy? Cathy, you can't just cut off negotiations like that.
No, no, no, don't...
They cut off negotiations.
Okay, listen, um.
Martina.
Uh, get all the department heads together.
Okay? And have them start brainstorming,
since I just lost the centerpiece to my presentation.
And we cannot let this PR thing snowball,
so get the leather book and make sure I do not
miss one more appointment, because if I do,
I will not be able to show my face in public,
and worse, Tommy will be right.
So you're doing all of this just to spite a child?
No, no, not just to spite a child.
But it's definitely an added bonus.
So I'm just supposed to give
part of my diamond shares to you?
I think it's only fair, given that I convinced Fallon.
You didn't convince Fallon.
One minute!
You have nothing without my mineral rights.
Things have changed, Dominique.
Financing the dig is expensive.
It's only fair when you stop to think about it.
You should be thrilled with 60/40.
Come in!
I'm not giving you 60/40, and if you think...
Mom, can I speak to you?
- Mom! - One second.
Your ex-wife is extorting me. You know the feeling.
Yeah, Mama, I really need to speak to you.
If anyone is being extorted here, it's me.
Dom!
Your mother passed away.
Grandma Lo.
She's gone.
Jeff, I'm so sorry.
How can that be? She just called me this morning.
Well, how did she sound?
I didn't take the call.
I was going to call her later.
Well, apparently, she went down for her afternoon nap
and just passed.
They said it was peaceful.
I'll take care of her things and the funeral arrangements.
Just wanted to let you know.
No.
I-I'll take care of the arrangements.
Are we clear?
Sure.
Whatever you want.
I would have loved to play for the national team,
but it just didn't work out.
Oh, yeah? Injuries?
Well, more lack of talent when I turned ten.
Oh, sorry.
Let me shut this off.
So, let's talk Atlantix.
Well, to be fully transparent,
I, uh, already have a few offers.
What I need to know is what I can do
to make my offer stand out.
Well, it's hard to say.
I mean, with multiple interested parties,
it's going to be very expensive.
And sports teams aren't always solid investments.
I'm not doing this for the money.
So maybe we can work together on this,
figure out a fair deal for everyone.
You know, I think that you and I could
come to an agreement that'll be mutually beneficial.
Because I'm not in it for the money either.
Why don't you set up a suite for us on Friday.
We can discuss details then.
- Sure. - Good.
So, did you get anything?
I'm pretty sure he'll let me have the team
- if I sleep with him. - Really?
Well, I'm not letting you do that.
You know I wasn't actually offering
to sleep with him, right?
- Oh. - Oh.
Fallon? What are you doing here?
Shouldn't you be crown jeweling somewhere?
I'm running this family and I need you to explain to me
what the Carrington Medical Research Institute is.
- You're here for the MRI? - The what?
MRI... Medical Research Institute.
Seriously? Doesn't that get confusing?
Look, why don't you let the white coat people
do the white coat stuff.
Listen, I don't want to be here.
In fact, I have to redo
my entire presentation in a single day,
but I can't afford to hate books,
children and health care
all in the same week.
Okay, so the institute works out of the hospital.
We have five medical researchers all presenting projects.
The best idea gets the grant money,
and they get to work at the Carrington MRI.
Okay, yeah, yeah, that's enough.
This way.
Thoughts.
Ideas.
They come to us
at the most random of times, and when they do,
it's
electric.
But don't worry, when it comes to science,
lightning strikes more than once.
Now, I wanted to be a medical researcher since I was ten,
so we'll start there.
You threatened to hurt a priest?
Doesn't sound like something I would do.
Caleb told me everything, how you went to the church
- and tried to scare him. - No.
This is all a big misunderstanding.
I would never threaten him, and, God, I certainly
didn't think he would come running to tell you about it.
I'm not sure
that's the point, Blake.
Sometimes I don't even recognize you anymore.
You know, I hardly recognize myself these days.
I'm living alone in a hotel. I have no business.
The woman I'm madly in love with
wants to leave me.
Should I have gone to that church and confronted Caleb?
No, probably not.
But desperate times make for desperate men.
I'm sorry for what I did,
but I am not sorry for wanting to still be with you.
And if you really look at me,
you will recognize the same man that you fell in love with.
I appreciate what you're saying, but it doesn't make it okay.
The last thing that I want to do is hurt you.
I'm sorry.
I understand.
But I'm not the one
you should be apologizing to.
Which brings me to
the crux.
Now, some would call this research,
but I call it
"the cure."
Wow!
He's not done yet.
He's done now.
So many great ideas in there. I love a good cure.
But, you know,
Who are we to tell you guys
that one of your projects is better than the other?
- That's actually why we're here. - I mean, can you really put
- a price tag on saving lives? - What are you talking about?
I have decided to grant all five of you
the necessary funding.
That's right. Yep. Even you,
creepy, greasy guy in the corner over there.
What are you doing?
Remember, Fallon Carrington
is all about people, health and books.
Meeting adjourned.
What?
I'm just letting the white coat people
handle the white coat stuff. Got to go.
Yes, that would be nice. We can put the lilies with those.
- Great. - Uh, I know she was your mother,
but she hated lilies.
The smell gave her a headache.
She didn't like most of the things
- you're planning. - Right now. - I'm sorry.
I'm going to have to call you back.
This isn't a competition, son.
No, it's not, 'cause if it was, you would lose.
I grew up in the same house with her.
I knew her well enough.
Yeah, not like Monica and I did.
She raised us because you weren't there.
So I'm not gonna let you give her a funeral
that she would have hated.
You're not going to let me?
You are being so selfish.
This is my mother we are talking about.
Maybe you should leave.
What? You heard me.
If you can't respect me or my wishes, then get out.
No, we're not moving.
And this guy isn't taking any of my suggestions.
He won't even change lanes.
The department heads are here waiting, I have briefed them
on the situation, and we have some ideas to share with you.
And... Martina? Martina?
Are you frozen?
Please stop making that face.
Hi. Maybe you can make a left here?
And we will.
You know what? Uh, I am stuck.
So why don't you tell everybody to just leave their reports
and we'll reconvene in the morning, all right?
- Hmm? - Get out.
I'm driving.
Out.
Thanks for coming. Thank you.
Have a great day. Thank you.
Oh, goodbye, Mrs. Walters.
Good to see you. Take care.
Excellent sermon, Father. Really made me think.
What are you doing here, Blake?
Uh... Bye.
Never too late for a little forgiveness, I hope.
Yeah, I'll put in a good word.
I'm apologizing to you.
I never should have threatened you.
I hope you didn't think I was serious.
Look, all I know is that you're probably here
because Cristal told you to come.
But you're not welcome in my church.
Not even these steps.
Well, that's not very generous of a man of the cloth.
Does this mean you're not accepting my apology?
As God is my witness, literally, I will throw you
off these grounds unless you leave now.
Uh, sorry to interrupt, Father,
But I really need someone to talk to.
I've been having some problems with my, uh, drinking,
and-and I'm-I'm out of places to turn.
Uh, yeah, of course, and-and you're not interrupting.
We're done here.
Well, I'll leave you to your work, then.
Uh, how about you meet me inside
and, uh, just give me one second?
Okay.
Oh, hey, Cristal. Uh, it's me.
Look, I know that we're supposed to be meeting later
for lunch today, but, um...
I got a parishioner here who really needs my help,
so I can't make it.
Um, look, I'll-I'll call you when I can. Bye.
SmartVerse is out.
So we have a huge hole to fill in our presentation.
I am open to anything.
Uh... Uh...
Any ideas at all.
No? Nothing?
Ah. But first I have to go deal with family business.
So start brainstorming.
Like, now.
Okay. And make sure you get a close-up
where it says "any amount you need."
Thank you. No, no. You can leave the props here.
I have three more charities coming in, so...
I don't understand.
What have you been doing this whole time?
Aside from eating all of the croissants.
Look, let's just focus on Alexis's podcast.
Okay? It brought us our highest number of listeners last year.
Maybe we can take it international.
I'm sure Alexis thinks she can speak Spanish,
so let's just lean into that family angle, okay?
Okay.
I can do it.
I told you
I'm not letting you sleep with Dawkins.
And I appreciate that,
but I don't have to sleep with him.
I just have to make him think I'll sleep with him
and get him to talk.
You have a way to do that?
I had a long chat with Ryan last night
and I basically took a crash course in stripper school.
Okay, I think stripping might be leading him on a little bit.
No clothes are coming off.
See, stripping is about
bonding with a customer,
making him think that he has a chance with you
when he never really does.
Whenever I go to a strip club,
I always feel like they're really into me.
Oh, I see your point.
So, I do that with Dawkins,
get him to open up,
and record it all.
- What do you think? - Well, it could work.
But I'd have to be in the room next door,
just in case something went wrong.
Aw, that's so sweet.
Mom.
Monica, I'm so glad you made it.
Of course I made it.
The woman raised me; I'm not missing her funeral.
I can't believe she's gone.
I just spoke to her the other day.
You did?
Yeah.
We talked at least once a week.
I'd tell her about my life.
She'd tell me about the cute guy she saw at the market.
I'm really going to miss her.
We all are.
I've missed you, too.
It's been too long.
That's kind of what happens when people grow apart.
I've been going through some of her things.
Did you know she was into fashion design?
Are you kidding?
No, I'm serious.
I found this book.
Do you know who drew these for her?
Mom. That's Grandma's lookbook.
She kept it for years.
She was always designing.
Which you'd know if you'd spent any time with her.
That's not fair.
Look, I don't want to argue with you.
Neither do I.
Which is why I'm going to Jeff's.
♪ Happy birthday, dear Leonard
♪ Happy birthday to you.
Yay.
Use it in good health, Lenny.
What did I get him?
- Silver cuff links. - Oh, wow.
How generous of me.
So you're telling me that my father would sing
every time there was a staff birthday?
Oh, no.
Blake never sang. I just thought you might start
a new Carrington tradition.
That's the only reason I'm here.
Actually, on a more somber note,
Jeff and Monica's grandmother
passed away and her funeral is tomorrow...
Unfortunately, right in the middle of your speech.
Congratulate me.
I am legally divorced.
Okay.
Well, can I congratulate you
after we take some pictures for the presentation?
You'll be happy to know your podcast
- is front and center. - Oh, yeah, I'm done with that.
- Excuse me? - Now that I have a divorce settlement
and diamonds on the way, I can stop pretending
like I care about other people's problems.
- Well, what about. - Your daughter's problems? - I'm sorry,
but I've already blasted the news on social
and it took me, like, an hour to figure that out.
So I'm not going to take it back.
You awarded five grants
when we only have space and money for one,
so now I have to tell four people you were kidding.
Oh, that sounds like a problem.
Okay, one more word
and your access roads are blocked. Yeah.
I need to talk to my team.
Uh, you let them go earlier, remember?
They finished your presentation?
Oh, yes. My presentation
that was about assets
that no longer exist.
Okay, okay.
Okay, okay! No, no, no, no, everybody!
Stop.
Okay, go.
Go, go, go, go, go. Now.
I see you got the watch.
You really shouldn't have.
I know.
But I really want the team.
Come on in.
You know, I'm really glad that we can make this work.
Whoa, whoa. What's your hurry?
Can we have a drink, get to know each other?
Get business out of the way first?
Sure.
Let's talk about you,
Mr. Deputy Commissioner.
It's a fancy title.
Do you get, like,
a badge with that?
I don't discuss business until you turn off your phone.
Oh, uh, I would,
but I have a hotel to run
and people are always calling with issues.
You know how it is. Lost luggage. Leaks.
"I swear I didn't buy porn."
No phone, no business.
There.
It's off.
Okay, but seriously, did you really do all those things?
I mean, the dedications, the birthdays,
the meetings, and run C.A.?
Because if you did, a little advice would be helpful.
Well, if it makes you feel any better, it was never easy.
Yeah, that's not really advice.
The only thing that I can tell you
is eventually you figure out what to focus on.
I can't tell you what those things are
because they'll be different for you than they are for me.
Okay, so
maybe the speech isn't as important as I thought.
No, no, that speech is very important.
Okay, great.
Well, in that case, I couldn't be more unprepared.
Come on, that's the fun of it.
Up there in front of all those people,
flying by the seat of your pants? It's a rush.
Yeah, not for me.
And now I am missing my friends' grandmother's funeral.
I mean, do you know how bad that is?
I've barely spoken to Jeff and Monica.
Hey, I'll pay our respects.
You focus on what you need to focus on
and everything else will fall into place.
I really hope you're right.
How do you feel about owning a soccer team?
I feel like millions of bucks.
You're cute.
You know, I'm gonna get you a really good deal, but
there is a five percent tax that you should know about.
Whoa, whoa.
Hold on, hold on. Five percent?
That seems pretty high.
It was gonna be ten if tonight wasn't happening.
Well, you see, all new owners pay a tax.
In order to get a team,
you need to have my approval.
My approval has a price.
So it's a bribe.
Sure.
You can call it a bribe.
Call it whatever you want.
I call it a down payment on your commitment.
You got a problem with that?
Uh, a problem?
I rebuilt this hotel with construction crews.
I had to grease more people than...
Olivia Newton-John.
So, how do I pay for this five percent?
Cash, check, Venmo?
I need to be able to explain it.
Shh. Don't worry about it.
If our little business transaction goes through,
I will send you
a routing number where you can have the money deposited.
Whoa.
Big pecs.
Oh, I should get that. Sorry.
Hello?
I heard you say Olivia Newton-John, right?
Yes, I did.
Okay. Get out of there now.
Yeah, I can.
Right.
I am so, so sorry, but I'm gonna have to reschedule.
Apparently, there's a bar fight going on.
Have the bartenders handle it.
Well, they are the ones fighting, so, uh...
I will call you tomorrow.
We can pick up where we left off.
Today is difficult for me.
Not only because I lost a mother,
but because I lost a mother I didn't know that well.
I thought I did.
But I was wrong.
And I know that now.
I wish that I could see her one more time
to apologize
and to tell her how much I appreciate her.
I'd ask her questions
I never bothered to ask.
But most importantly...
I'd thank her.
For raising my children
when I left.
She supported them.
She loved them.
She had that
maternal instinct that I...
I lost somewhere along the way, but
I'm going to spend the rest of my life trying
to find it again.
Because I never want my children
to be standing here
in front of friends and family one day
laying me to rest,
regretting that we never really knew each other.
So thank you, Mom.
For everything.
And thank you to my kids for showing me who she really was.
I promise to be better.
Thank you for seeing me.
I was surprised to hear from you.
Yeah, I stopped by the other day to listen to a sermon
and I just have to tell you
what a star you have in Father Caleb.
I know. He's great.
I'm actually meeting with him soon.
Oh, so the rumors are true.
What rumors?
Well, that he's leaving the church,
which would be a damn shame, pardon my French.
I haven't heard any...
You know, in business,
when someone is as good as Father Caleb,
you make it impossible for them to leave.
- Promotion, money, anything. - Money?
It's been tight lately.
I can help with that, for the good of the church.
You can take care of everything else.
It would really mean a lot to me, and to your flock.
Why don't you get yourself some shiny new pews
while you're at it.
Let's just keep this between us.
Hello, everyone,
and welcome to Fallon Unlimited's.
State of the Company Address.
I'm Fallon Carrington, and I am here to tell you
the state of our company has never been better.
You know, someone told me that if you focus on what matters,
the rest will fall into place.
Well, I can tell you this company means the world to me,
and my focus has never been sharper.
That's because Fallon Unlimited is not just a company.
It is a family... A large, sometimes dysfunctional
but definitely trending upwards family.
And when it comes down to it, family is all that matters.
It's, um...
It's...
Well, it is
the most important thing, and that's
that's why you have to be there for them.
Um...
I'm gonna have to cut this speech short.
I'm sorry. A couple close friends of mine
lost someone they love.
And I missed the funeral today to be here
because I thought it was more important,
and, uh, and I was wrong, so I'm gonna go make it right.
I'm going to go see my people and I'm gonna be there for them
and I suggest the rest of you do the same.
Okay. Ms. Carrington.
Thank you. Ms. Carrington.
I know it's a cliché, but she lived a full life.
She definitely did.
We had some rough times when I was a kid,
that's for sure, but she mellowed as she got older.
Or maybe you mellowed.
I got to head home. And I'm sorry for your loss.
But I'm happy I got a chance to see you.
- It's been too long. - I know. Me, too.
Hey.
I'm so sorry I wasn't there earlier.
- I messed up. - I know you're always there for me
when I need you, and you're here now.
What happened with your presentation?
I cut it short. This is where I should be.
Plus, your grandmother would have kicked my ass
if she knew I wasn't at her funeral.
True.
She did think you were always getting me into trouble.
Yes.
- Is everything okay? - Yeah.
I just need to have a conversation
I'm not looking forward to.
Hey, thanks for making it.
Means a lot.
I heard I missed a pretty epic eulogy from Dom.
Yeah, it was definitely a little surprising.
Surprising good or surprising bad?
Not sure yet.
That's the thing with Dom...
You can never really tell.
- Thanks again. - Yeah.
Wedge salad for the lady?
- No bacon? - Oh. Right. Thank you.
Is everything all right?
Yeah.
I'm fine. Sorry.
I just
have a lot on my mind.
Oh, well, me, too. Uh, that's actually
what I wanted to talk to you about.
Is everything okay?
How was your meeting with the bishop?
It...
You know, it didn't go exactly as planned.
He offered me a raise and then a promotion,
which I didn't accept, because I wanted to talk to you
before I made any decisions.
After yesterday, I don't know if I can do this.
Yesterday?
What, because I canceled lunch?
Because you canceled lunch
to help someone else, and I could hear in your voice
how passionate you were.
Yeah, I love what I do, but I do love you, too.
I've never questioned that.
But I don't know if I can keep you
from that kind of fulfillment.
Yeah, talking to that guy yesterday,
helping him find his faith,
it made me think how much I'm going to miss that.
No matter how I feel about you,
I can't keep you from your calling.
I would be happy, I'm sure, because of who you are, but.
I would always be there.
I think you're right.
Yeah.
This is the best decision.
Hmm.
I meant what I said, every word.
I know you did.
I'm more concerned with your actions,
and those usually let me down.
I know I let my goals get in the way of being your mom,
and I know I hurt you
by spending so much time with Vanessa,
but she's not talking to me either now.
We're still talking, Mom.
Let me come back to New York with you for a few weeks.
We can start rebuilding our relationship on your terms.
But you have to open the door.
Okay.
Oh, I almost forgot.
Grandma would have loved for you to have this.
I still can't believe I didn't know about this.
Though I guess it runs in the family, since I started.
Doma-sleek by Dominique.
You talking about pajamas again?
Elegant sleepwear.
Well, look at the three of us, huh?
- I like it. - Me, too.
In fact, I'm going back to New York
to spend some time with Monica, and I would love for you to go.
Yeah, I'm not ready for that yet.
I understand.
I'll be right back.
I need to
figure out the person I want to be
before I can deal with the person I want you to be.
I just can't be part of that Carrington drama anymore.
I don't want you to be.
It's my issue.
They don't treat me like a Carrington,
and I deserve at least that much.
I just want to be seen.
To be acknowledged as part of the family.
I've given up a lot to try to get that.
I'm not stopping now.
Well, that I definitely understand.
Hey, there he is, man of the hour.
Got some talking points. Why don't you look 'em over?
I don't need those.
Here are some points for you.
Sam Jones won't be buying the team,
and neither will any of your golfing buddies.
Have you lost your mind?
I can pin this whole betting scheme on you in five minutes.
And it will take me ten seconds to play this.
Sure. Call it a bribe, call it whatever you want.
I call it a down payment on your commitment.
How'd you get that?
That's a dope watch. You should take a closer look.
It does more than tell time.
It records conversations, sends copies to the cloud.
That kind of thing. It's a new chip or something.
So here are your talking points.
I have a group of Black business owners willing to buy the team.
You'll be signing off on that.
And you're going to stop that gambling ring
right before you announce your retirement.
You're one handshake away
from staying out of jail.
So Father Caleb got his promotion.
Have you spoken to Cristal since the news came out?
No, I'm going to keep my distance for a while,
make sure she doesn't suspect me of anything.
Look, there he is, our guy from the church.
I'll leave you to it.
A little something for a job well done.
Always happy to make a little extra cash on the side.
Looks like your friend the priest totally bought it.
Let me know if you need anything else.
The only thing we need is for you
to forget this ever happened.
Okay.
So, was there any fallout from your speech?
Actually, yes.
SmartVerse called.
They had a change of heart.
Apparently, they are all about family, too.
So the sale went through after all.
Congratulations.
You know, I could use someone to run it for me,
someone with experience,
someone I trust.
You know, this would be very mean
if you aren't talking about me.
I know how much you miss it.
I do.
- So the answer is yes. - Good.
Though I don't think you should limit me to SmartVerse.
I've been reading about your other divisions and I have some ideas.
I actually wrote them down somewhere.
This is going to be great... Father and daughter
side by side, building an empire.
Ah. Yeah. Right here.
Now, let me tell you what I was thinking.