Anita and Vernon sit in a diner booth, dressed sharp for the gala. Over dinner, they talk about how proud they are of Nicole. Anita says it’s nice to step out from behind the gates every once in a while. Meanwhile, Dani—radiant in green—scrolls through Bill’s social media with a familiar scowl. She quickly closes the app when her daughters walk in. She fusses over Chelsea and Naomi, telling them they both look gorgeous. Jacob chimes in, agreeing about Naomi. Dani, set to serve as Mistress of Ceremony, is determined to make the night a flawless success.
Over at Nicole’s house, Eva runs into Martin. He flashes his signature charm, telling her she’s practically family. They talk about his career, and Eva asks if he ever felt intimidated growing up with parents like Nicole and Ted. Martin shrugs, saying they’ve always been supportive—no pressure. Eva seems impressed. When Martin steps away, she lingers, staring at a family photo. Ted catches her and asks what it is with her and these family pictures.
At the country club, the catering manager is checking to ensure that things will run smoothly. Everything seems to be going off without a hitch… until we see the employee he is talking to. Leslie, disguised as Sheri, is poised and ready to shake things up. He gives her strict instructions, and she promises to do her job—though we all know better.
Back at the Richardsons’, Nicole strolls in, asking what everyone’s up to. Eva mentions she has just met Martin. Nicole thinks it’s sweet of her to stop by. She casually asks if Eva’s ready to go, catching Eva off guard. She never expected to be invited. They tell her she’s always been included. Eva says she can’t. Meanwhile, back at the country club, Leslie is reminded that tonight has to be perfect. She flashes a polite smile and assures them it will be.
Nicole and Ted convince Eva to come to the gala. Nicole guesses she’s worried about not having a dress. Without skipping a beat, she offers something from Kat’s closet. Later Eva fixes Ted’s tie and flashes back to Leslie’s warnings about him. Vernon helps Anita into her coat at the diner before taking a call. Smitty and Martin get the kids moving at the club, which is also the gala venue. Martin takes a moment to tell them how much he appreciates them. The kids call him sappy, and Smitty says they’re closer after working through his decision to go back to work. Leslie offers champagne, but they politely decline. Dani’s caught by Naomi as she’s about to throw her iPad across the room. Naomi calls her out for stalking Bill.
Chelsea and Jacob catch up while Dani and Naomi walk in, still discussing Dani’s unhealthy obsession with Bill. Anita joins them, agreeing that tonight is supposed to be about Nicole. Everyone gathers to leave for the gala. Dani sneaks one last look at her iPad before falling in line. Eva checks herself out in Kat’s dress and slips into daydreaming about being part of the Richardson family. She imagines Ted welcoming her in. Nicole walks in and asks Ted how she looks, and he tells her she looks fantastic. They flirt.
At the gala, Leslie watches from across the room, rolling her eyes as the family heaps praise on Nicole. Eva bumps into her but they’re interrupted. Later, they manage a private moment. Eva reminds Leslie they agreed to wait. Leslie brushes it off, telling Eva she should be grateful. Eva argues that they should let the Richardsons have their night. Leslie asks where she got the dress. Eva lies, claiming they gave her money to buy it. Andre swoops in, interrupting. Eva’s nerves are showing, but Andre tells her to relax, to look around, and to see the magic she helped create. He snaps a photo of her. Dani and the Duprees arrive.
Andre approaches Dani, slipping in a sly compliment about her dress—and how soon he can get her out of it. The guest of honor arrives, and the family poses for a photo shoot. Someone offers Martin an opportunity for Smitty, but Martin brushes it off, saying Smitty isn’t serious about working again. Vernon steps in, asking Martin if he really thought he wouldn’t find out.
The Dupree women gather around Nicole, congratulating her. Nicole admits she’s nervous. Ted says she just needs a drink. He approaches who he thinks is a server—only to realize it’s Leslie. He pulls her aside, demanding answers. She taunts him, saying he doesn’t control her. She reminds him she’s already been destroyed by him once. She’s here for a job, and it pays well. Nicole walks over after Leslie leaves, and Ted lies, saying he got a call from a patient.
Vernon corners Martin. He knows all about the campaign fundraising Martin’s been sniffing around for. Vernon warns him that a Black candidate can’t afford scandal—not with the secrets Martin’s hiding. He tells him arrogance has replaced his common sense. Smitty watches them argue and tries to intervene, but Martin lies—again.
Everyone takes their seats. Dani steps up as Mistress of Ceremony. She gets warm applause as she presents Nicole with the Distinguished Service Award. She pokes fun at herself, then showers Nicole with praise. Sheri (Leslie) approaches Nicole at the table, offering to get her something. Nicole asks what she’s doing there. Leslie lies again, thanking her for encouraging her to take control of her life.
Dani introduces Vernon. He speaks on how glad he is that Nicole stayed out of politics, saying she genuinely cares about
people. Eva sneaks off to find Leslie. She demands to know why she was talking to Nicole. Leslie accuses Eva of turning into one of them. Eva pleads with her to leave, but Leslie mocks her, calling her "little miss big shot."
Anita gives her speech next, sharing stories of Nicole helping others since she was a toddler. She says Nicole’s heart defines her. Ted speaks after Anita. One by one, each family member—except Kat, who’s out of town—shares their piece. Dani introduces Andre, who presents a video montage. Finally, Nicole steps up to the podium.
Nicole thanked her family and invited Ted to join her. They kiss while Leslie seethes in the background. Nicole says she couldn’t have done it without him. Leslie imagines herself up there instead and begins approaching the stage. Before she can get close, the manager cuts her off. He tells her if she doesn’t leave, security will be called. She broke the rules.
Nicole calls her family to join her onstage. As the Duprees and Richardsons gather, it’s revealed that Eva tipped off the manager.
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