Monique wakes early, dresses carefully, and travels to Evelyn Hugo’s stately Upper East Side building, determined to project confidence. Greeted by the doorman and Evelyn’s assistant, Grace, she enters a bright, curated home displaying artifacts of Evelyn’s career. Evelyn appears poised and casual, instantly commanding the encounter. As Monique begins to ask about the gown auction, Evelyn reveals the pretext: the meeting is not for a Vivant cover story.

Evelyn proposes that Monique write a comprehensive, truth-telling account of her life—not for Vivant, but as a book. When Monique frames it as confessing sins, Evelyn rebukes the wording and insists on precise language. Evelyn clarifies that it will be a posthumous authorized biography, published under Monique’s name alone; Evelyn will be dead by then, and Monique will keep the proceeds. The shock causes Monique to spill coffee, and Evelyn moves the conversation to a nearby restaurant.

Over lunch, Evelyn articulates her stance on regret and language, asserting that she may be sorry for some things without regretting many of the difficult, “sordid” choices. She emphasizes that if Monique is to hold her legacy, Monique must truly understand and not impose assumptions. Monique seeks practical terms: Evelyn refuses to discuss any timeline for her death but promises to tell her everything over as many days as needed, leaving Monique to craft and sell the book for the highest possible price.

Monique raises the ethical and professional dilemma with Vivant, fearing she could be seen as stealing a story. Evelyn dismisses Vivant’s expectations as their problem and urges Monique to treat her career as a business, noting Vivant initially resisted sending Monique. Evelyn issues an ultimatum: it is Monique or no one; otherwise, the story dies with Evelyn.

Weighing her ambition against loyalty and risk, Monique recognizes the career-defining nature of the opportunity. She decides to accept Evelyn’s terms. Evelyn relaxes, expresses approval of Monique, and their collaboration is set to begin.