Episode: 3
Adrian Mercer excuses Clara Shaw's actions by calling them past history. Nora Mercer counters that she already understands Clara collapsed five years ago to save his fund. In earlier years, Nora supported Clara, taking her to clinic appointments and traveling with her. Clara later crossed lines by calling Adrian at midnight and entering his apartment. Adrian defended Clara and blamed Nora for changing.
Adrian Mercer claims Clara Shaw's past sacrifices happened years ago. Nora Mercer directly cuts him off at the closet doorway. She states that she has known about Clara's devotion to his firm and Clara's diagnosed anxiety disorder the entire time.
Flashbacks display Clara Shaw collapsing from exhaustion five years ago while saving Adrian Mercer's fund. A doctor diagnoses her anxiety disorder. Nora Mercer nurses Clara, bringing her medication, attending clinic visits, and canceling work commitments to travel together.
Flashbacks detail Clara Shaw repeatedly summoning Adrian Mercer at midnight. Adrian gives Clara the entry code to his other apartment and hugs her. When Nora Mercer objects to these broken boundaries, Adrian brushes off her distress and criticizes her attitude.
“That's from before.”
“That's exactly why I put up with it for so long.”
“She's not well. Don't hold it against her.”
“Nora, you didn't use to be like this.”
The episode ends as Adrian Mercer coldly tells Nora Mercer that she used to act differently, shifting the blame onto her. Adrian refuses to acknowledge Nora's pain while continually prioritizing Clara Shaw. Will Nora finally refuse to accept Adrian's excuses, or will she back down to Clara once more?