Evelyn marries Don in a lavish ceremony hosted by Mary and Roger Adler, with Sunset’s apparatus orchestrating nearly every detail. At nineteen, Evelyn feels genuinely in love and imagines the partnership as both romantic and strategically powerful. Don’s upbringing under famous parents has primed him to equate adoration with power, and Evelyn admires his drive to eclipse their shadow.

During the reception, producer Harry Cameron pulls Evelyn aside to check on her happiness. Buoyed by champagne, Evelyn asks Harry why he never pursued her. Harry gently implies she is not his type, and Evelyn understands he is not interested in women. The moment establishes trust; Evelyn calls Harry her best friend, and he reciprocates, quietly sharing a guarded truth and finding acceptance in Evelyn.

Don then cuts in to dance with Evelyn. In front of a star-studded crowd—including Roger Adler with Ari Sullivan—Don professes love in brash, physical terms and frames their union as a path to power. He whispers a promise that they will “rule this town,” which aligns with Evelyn’s ambition and the image crafted by Sunset.

The chapter closes with a stark reversal: despite the public fairy tale and Evelyn’s belief in a happy ending, Don begins hitting her two months into the marriage. The revelation reframes the union from a triumphant alliance to a dangerous, abusive relationship.