Ash protested when Nina announced she had invited Nick Radcliffe to spend Boxing Day with them, but Nina insisted he was alone and important to her. Nick arrived an hour later, well-groomed and warmly greeting Ash and Arlo, while Nina visibly glowed in his presence.

Ash thanked Nick for the luxury soaps and asked where he bought them. Nick said a tiny shop in Mayfair near his bar. Ash then pointed out the soap box matched the box used to send Paddy’s Zippo; Nick appeared momentarily confused, then noncommittal, saying “possibly.” The exchange again left Ash sensing something off, while Nick’s minimal responses closed down deeper scrutiny.

Ash mentioned visiting Nick’s bar in the New Year. Nick hesitated and disclosed a “legal” situation: as of a week earlier, he was no longer a co-owner of the wine bar. He said this was why he had not invited them and why he was exploring new ventures, mentioning Bangate Cove. The admission created a palpable pause, marking a larger omission than his prior explanations.

Nina tried to steady the moment by asking about Bangate. Nick said he had already made an offer on the property days earlier and was awaiting a response. He explained he sensed Nina’s nerves about buying it herself and, now that he was freeing capital by selling his bar shares, it made sense for him to proceed.

Nick added that he wanted the venue to remain “a Paddy’s,” effectively Nina’s restaurant, with him bankrolling it. Nina was stunned and did not commit, and Nick urged leaving the rest to fate. His charm and smile softened the tension, but Ash internally recoiled, desperate for him to be gone.