The Next Mrs. Parrish

Daphne struggles to navigate the legal and psychological battle over her daughters. Despite Daphne’s desperate desire to be with her children, her lawyer strongly advises her against moving back into Jackson's house, as doing so would undermine her claims of abuse and jeopardize her case in Family Court. He also points out that Jackson is still married, which would further complicate her legal situation and harm her reputation. Daphne is torn. She fears that if she doesn't return to Jackson’s house, her relationship with her daughters will be irreparably damaged.

After her legal strategy meeting, Daphne returns to the beach house, where she and Meredith discuss the meeting with Dean, Meredith expresses fear and concern for Daphne. She agrees with the lawyers’ stance. Suddenly, there is a knock at the door. Daphne answers, and a man serves her with legal papers indicating that Jackson is now suing her for full custody of their daughters.

Amber has posed under the false name of Beatrice Bennett, Delancey-Flynn’s acquisitions VP, to confront Wade Ashford. He greets her without recognizing her from their past encounters. Amber presents Ashford with documents that prove his fraudulent acquisition of a patent for innovative protective goggles, which were originally invented by Shane Ellis. She makes it clear that she has leverage over him. She claims that she and her fictitious husband, Hugo, are interested in investing in the company and emphasizes that they want to “elevate” the brand, unlike Valene Mart. Daisy Ann had refused Valene Mart’s offer of $31 million for the company, preferring to keep the integrity of her mother’s original designs rather than allowing them to be mass-produced. Amber now uses this information to her advantage.

Amber wants Ashford to convince Daisy Ann to sell a portion of her shares to Delancey-Flynn; Amber’s goal is to gain a controlling interest in the company. Ashford is initially wary of being blackmailed further, but Amber states that if he helps her, the incriminating documents of his theft will disappear. Ashford reluctantly agrees to Amber’s demands but states that convincing Daisy Ann to sell her shares will not be easy. Amber gives him a two-week deadline.

Furious over Jackson’s decision to sue for full custody of their daughters, Daphne calls Jackson, who attempts to coerce her into remarrying him, arguing that the reunification of the family will render the custody suit void. Daphne is repulsed, but Jackson insists that she loves him and will eventually be happy once they’re together again. Desperate to reconnect with her children, Daphne reluctantly agrees to return, knowing that this is the only way to protect her daughters from further manipulation. After the call, Daphne shares her decision with Meredith, who suggests involving lawyers or trying to influence the judge in Daphne’s favor. Daphne rejects these ideas, fearing that they could backfire. Instead, she resolves to pretend to accept Jackson’s terms even as she plans her next move to regain custody of her daughters.

Daphne is under no illusions about Jackson’s intentions. Although he has promised her a separate bedroom until she is “ready” to be with him, she knows that he will continue to pressure her. Despite the injustice of the situation, Daphne is determined to protect her daughters and regain control of her life, even if she must play along with Jackson’s twisted game for the time being.

As Amber leaves her meeting with Wade Ashford, she feels confident that he will follow her instructions, especially since she has gained valuable information about Valene Mart's continued interest in buying shares. This knowledge reassures her that she can safely invest the money from the diamond sale into White Orchid stock, with the expectation of making a quick profit. At her lavish hotel, Amber contacts Jackson, eager to share the details of her meeting with Ashford. In the tense conversation that follows, Amber mocks Jackson, taking pleasure in angering him from a safe distance.

Amber reflects on her current situation and compares it with her past, noting that whenever she used to stay in opulent accommodations, she was always under someone else’s control. Now, she feels a powerful sense of financial autonomy. Relishing her triumph, she laughs as she stretches out on the bed, reveling in her ability to outsmart the men around her and secure her place in the world on her terms.

Daisy Ann returns home late after flying back from Texas. She is eager to avoid further conflict with her husband, Mason, over her renewed investigation into Amber. Mason expresses concern that Daisy Ann’s obsession is causing strain on their family, but Daisy Ann remains determined to prove Amber’s guilt. The conflict escalates when Mason confronts Daisy Ann for making business decisions without consulting him; he is particularly concerned about her investments in White Orchid. Daisy Ann dismisses his concerns. Later, Daisy Ann's mother-in-law, Birdie, unexpectedly visits to talk to Daisy Ann about her investigation. Birdie, like Mason, urges Daisy Ann to let go of the case and focus on her family, but Daisy Ann once again refuses.

As Daisy Ann considers her next move, she finally receives a call from Frank Winters, the man who taught Amber how to shoot. Frank confirms Daisy Ann’s suspicions that Amber was cold and calculating, but he offers no concrete evidence to prove that Amber intentionally killed Jake Crawford. Despite this setback, Daisy Ann contemplates whether to have Amber arrested for her past crimes in Missouri.

Daphne arrives at the estate she once shared with Jackson, filled with dread and determination. The sight of the grand 30-room mansion brings back memories of her initial awe and discomfort at Jackson's world of wealth. Now, she is struck by how perfect everything appears on the surface and sees this outward façade as a stark contrast to her inner turmoil. She is led to Jackson’s study. Jackson pretends to be warm and welcoming and informs her that their daughters are at the movies with Chloe, the nanny. Daphne learns that Jackson has already manipulated Tallulah into believing that Daphne has a substance use disorder.

Jackson’s attempt to control the narrative only deepens Daphne's resolve to protect her daughters. He tries to rekindle memories of their early relationship, but Daphne finds the idea repulsive. Jackson leads Daphne to a guest room. Though relieved to be separated from him, Daphne remains cautious. He gives her a key to the room, a gesture that Daphne perceives as manipulative because she knows that Jackson likely has a duplicate.

After scheduling a massage for later in the evening, Amber instructs her driver, Bobby, to follow a specific route, starting with a slow drive around the Hockaday School. She observes the exclusive campus and feels a surge of resentment and envy toward the privileged students who enjoy such advantages. Next, Amber directs Bobby to drive slowly past Daisy Ann's new stone mansion in Highland Park. The opulent home only fuels Amber’s determination to ruin Daisy Ann’s life. Next, she once again adopts the alias of Beatrice Bennett to attend a high-stakes business meeting with Vivienne Wallace of Valene Mart. Amber assertively pushes for a commitment to purchase shares of White Orchid Designs from Daisy Ann. Her aggressive negotiation style and strategic bluffing lead to a successful agreement for the purchase of the shares at a favorable price.

Daphne is taken aback to discover that her closet is filled with high-end designer clothing. The sight triggers a flood of painful memories of Jackson’s harsh demands and his obsession with her weight. He had always controlled her life through manipulation and abuse. She recalls a specific incident after Bella’s birth, when Jackson forced Daphne to wear an ill-fitting red Versace dress and traumatized her by ridiculing her weight and publicly humiliating her at a club. Daphne shudders and tries to rationalize her current situation, acknowledging that she might soon encounter more examples of Jackson’s abuse and control. She confronts Jackson about the clothes and demands to choose her wardrobe, but Jackson dismisses her concerns and informs her that the clothes are a “welcome home” gift.

When Bella and Tallulah enter, Daphne hugs Bella tightly, but Tallulah shows clear signs of hostility. Jackson reveals that although DCF is aware of Daphne’s return, she is not allowed to be alone with the children until an investigation is completed. Daphne is keenly aware of the manipulation behind his words. Jackson asserts that the social workers’ concerns are routine and promises that everything will return to normal. He also mentions school applications and suggests a possible move to California, which Daphne vehemently opposes.

Daisy Ann arrives at her office to find Wade and Leonard Simms already present. Leonard, an attorney representing Hugo Bennett (Amber’s fictitious husband), is introduced to Daisy Ann. Daisy Ann becomes increasingly irritated at Wade's lack of discretion in her absence, but she nonetheless proceeds to the conference room for a Zoom meeting with Hugo Bennett, who is currently in Singapore.

During the virtual meeting, Hugo, a distinguished figure with a British accent, discusses his interest in investing in Daisy Ann’s company. He proposes leveraging his extensive European contacts to help Daisy Ann’s company expand into new markets and potentially gain royal clientele. This prospect excites Daisy Ann.

After the meeting, Wade and Daisy Ann discuss the proposal. Daisy Ann expresses concern about selling a full 25% of her company; she prefers to retain a majority share. Wade advises her that the investors are firm on their request for a quarter of the business. He also assures her that with her 45% and his 30%, they would still hold a majority voting share. Daisy Ann remains firm in her desire to counteroffer with 19%, citing her father's principle of maintaining at least 51% control whenever possible. Wade agrees to negotiate but cautions that the investors might walk away. Daisy Ann reluctantly agrees to consider the 25% if it becomes a necessity.

Amber awakens to find Todd, her newest lover, creepily staring at her. Realizing that it is time to cut ties, she firmly dismisses him, making it clear she has no intention of seeing him again. Amber reflects that men often discard women after getting what they want, and she now feels empowered to do the same.

Amber prepares for a pivotal moment in her plans. Two days earlier, she wired funds to Delancey-Flynn, the LLC that she set up to purchase Daisy Ann’s stock in White Orchid Designs. Now, Amber eagerly anticipates the call that will confirm the sale, and when it comes at precisely 9:30 am, she is filled with excitement. Amber efficiently handles the paperwork and heads to meet Wade Ashford. He hands over the stock transfer documents, which Amber carefully reviews and signs. With the notarization complete, Wade gives her the stock certificates, confirming her status as the controlling stockholder of White Orchid Designs.

Deeply satisfied, Amber basks in the knowledge that she has successfully outmaneuvered all her adversaries, from Daisy Ann to Jackson, and now holds the power she has long sought. Amber also plans to ensure Wade’s downfall by returning the incriminating flash drive to Nancy and advising her to pursue legal action against him. Returning to her hotel, Amber contacts Jackson to confirm that the mission is complete. The next steps in their plan include a meeting with Valene Mart in two weeks.