In the car with Scarlett and Lukas, Pen reveals an email notifying her of an adverse analytical finding from her Pac-12 drug test—anabolic steroids on the A sample. Lukas methodically checks recent tests, medications, and supplements; Pen insists she hasn’t doped. He outlines next steps: request the B-sample retest within twenty-four hours and consult a lawyer, given the NCAA timeline.

Worried about Pen being alone, Scarlett invites her to stay, but Pen asks to stay with Lukas and he agrees. They drop Scarlett off, and the waiting begins. The retest process drags despite an expedited request, team morale plummets, and rumors circulate. Scarlett suffers a mild concussion after a missed dive; Coach Sima first scolds her, then apologizes when a doctor orders rest. Pen keeps training and performing well, holding her head high.

Lukas accompanies Pen to the B-sample opening and legal conversations, ensuring she eats and sleeps. Scarlett and Lukas coordinate by text, mostly about Pen, while Scarlett privately struggles with jealousy. When Lukas departs for his NCAA championship in Georgia, Pen moves back home, and Scarlett stays with her; they watch Lukas win another race on TV.

Pen argues that Lukas does care deeply, though he plays it cool, and Scarlett realizes Pen still sees the teenager he used to be. That night Scarlett and Lukas text; after he checks on them, she congratulates him on winning what she calls his last U.S. race, and he thanks her.