Jensen tends Gene’s dog bite in the kitchen while Gene jokes through the pain and Bill glares, arms folded. Lila remains stony, and Celie observes the tension, skipping plans with her friends to stay. Gene greets Violet warmly, misnames Celie, and quickly ingratiates himself, while Bill insists Jensen stay for tea and keeps watch over Gene.

As Bill cooks, Gene settles on the sofa, praising the house and announcing Lila has invited him to stay for dinner. Bill pointedly states he lives there, revealing his residency aloud for the first time. Truant keeps guard, growling at Gene. Gene boasts of his acting career on Star Squadron Zero and shows Violet and Celie a clip on the iPad; Lila withdraws to the kitchen, conferring quietly with Bill.

Over a strained meal, Lila confronts Gene about not contacting the family after Francesca’s death. Gene offers weak excuses, and it emerges he was once married to Francesca—confirming he is Lila’s father and the girls’ grandfather—yet missed Lila’s wedding due to filming. Bill counters Gene’s attempt to claim the family, saying, “They’re not your girls,” and a silent standoff ensues before Lila diffuses it.

After dinner, Lila pointedly asks where Gene is staying. Gene admits his hotel was double-booked and hints for a bed. Before Lila can answer, Gene notices Bill’s nude portrait of Francesca; Bill erupts, forbidding Gene from looking at it. When Violet recognizes the subject and reacts, Bill yanks the painting off the wall and hauls it upstairs, slamming his door.

Gene pleads to sleep on the sofa, citing pain and expense, and asks for time with the girls. Violet supports the idea; Celie is noncommittal. Lila reluctantly agrees to one night only, instructing Gene to leave before the school morning and not to provoke Bill further. Gene tries to bargain for two nights; Lila shuts him down and steps out to the garden, leaving the household in uneasy truce.