Elizabeth and Calvin begin rowing together in a pair and capsize repeatedly, exposing that Elizabeth cannot swim. Calvin drills technique on the erg but with little progress until he frames the problem as physics. Elizabeth studies kinetic energy, drag, balance, and gearing, then returns to the water markedly improved, impressing onlookers for her length without overreaching.

At work, Dr. Donatti accuses Elizabeth of “overreaching” and tries to crush her abiogenesis project, fueled by long-standing resentment toward Calvin from a humiliating Henley defeat. He plots to undermine Elizabeth’s confidence. Shaken but resolute, Elizabeth advises anxious colleague Dr. Boryweitz that his “breakthrough” is merely nylon rediscovered, then returns to her own work.

Over lunch, Elizabeth insists she needs no help; Calvin vows not to interfere, then immediately storms Donatti’s office to defend her project. Unbeknownst to Calvin, a wealthy donor arrives with funds earmarked for abiogenesis, forcing Donatti to reinstate Elizabeth’s research.

Elizabeth jubilantly tells Calvin the project is back; Calvin lies that he never intervened and privately celebrates, believing he saved her. Haunted by a personal “jinx” and alarmed by her inability to swim, he persuades men’s captain Dr. Mason to seat them both in a safer eight, then tells Elizabeth the team requested her.

Elizabeth rows two seat; the outing goes smoothly and they make the lineup. Driving home, Calvin revels in his secret precautions while Elizabeth questions rumors that he holds grudges. He dismisses them; she quietly considers who she herself might never forgive.