Production on Three A.M. intensifies in New York, with Evelyn Hugo playing Patricia opposite Don Adler’s Mark. Don’s performance is startlingly raw, and Evelyn senses the film’s potential to redefine both of them. She sacrifices time with Celia St. James and baby Connor to meet director Max Girard’s demanding schedule, straining the household despite Celia’s steady verbal support.

Near the end of the shoot, Max proposes a radical change: an explicit sex scene that centers Patricia’s pleasure to illuminate why she stays with Mark. Excited by the artistic and cultural stakes, Evelyn impulsively agrees without consulting Celia. On a closed set, fortified by bourbon, Evelyn and Don film a simulated but searingly convincing scene. Afterward, Evelyn is overcome with guilt, recognizing she has violated her code of honesty with Celia.

That night, Evelyn tries to manage the fallout by softening the truth, presenting the explicit scene as a future plan rather than a completed act. Celia struggles, admitting she cannot live with the idea of Evelyn recreating real sex with Don on screen. When Evelyn confesses it is already done, Celia is devastated. She leaves New York, refuses Evelyn’s calls, and soon files for divorce from John, signaling the collapse of their protective arrangement.

Evelyn flies to Los Angeles and pleads in Celia’s hotel room, promising to give up her career and go public about their relationship. Celia, convinced Evelyn cannot relinquish fame, ends the relationship for good. Evelyn returns to New York shattered, understanding she has pushed Celia past her limits and that their partnership is over.