There was blood
in your son-in-law's car,
and Clive's still missing.
Our friendship doesn't
change those facts.
There's more
than just friendship between us.
There's history.
You know I went
to prison for driving drunk.
I didn't k*ll that man.
Tripp Dewitt did.
You are my brother-in-law.
We were a mistake.
What if we fast-track
this whole thing and ask Luke
- to be our donor?
- My brother?
I like you, but I can't be
the reason that you stay.
- I turned down L.A.
- I'm so glad.
What about us? What happens now?
I made a promise to
my mom and to yours.
And that's more important
than how we feel?
Well, you remember
that offer you made me,
and I said it wasn't
the right time?
I think you and me should talk.
Ms. Samms, welcome to
Austin. I'm Luke Roman.
Well, I don't usually
make these kind of trips,
but Monarch is a
very special company,
one I'm hoping will be a
jewel in the Skyfair crown.
Well, on that, I
think we can agree.
Well, let's just see if your
family feels the same way.
I'll worry about my family.
We already have the
champagne on ice.
Confident. I like that.
I guess we'll see.
Fantastic.
Thanks for coming. Look,
I have some very exciting news.
Skyfair Media Group
have made an offer
to acquire majority
stake in Monarch.
And by "acquire," you
mean they want to buy us?
Yes, technically.
Well, then this'll
be a short meeting.
The answer's no.
- If you'll excuse me.
- Look, you can vote
against this if you want, but
you are required to hear me out.
Daddy, there's no
harm in listening to him.
Mm-hmm. Well,
come on. Gigi's right.
We should at least hear
what they're offering.
Well, what do you
think they're offering?
Money. That's
what this is about.
Right?
Here's the hard truth, okay?
We can't survive long-term
without a move like this.
Now, their CEO...
Skyler Samms...
Understands this
is still our company.
Only now we're protected
under her umbrella.
This is the
definition of a win-win.
You done?
Yeah, I'm done.
Good. I vote no.
Nicolette? Georgina?
I'm with Daddy. We'd
be just another division
in a big corporation.
I don't like that.
I think it's fine the way it is.
Meeting adjourned.
Nicky.
I was hoping I
might find you here.
Wade. Hi, how are you?
Yeah, no complaints, except
for not having seen you in a while.
You want to grab
dinner tonight, catch up?
I'd love to, but I have plans.
Okay, well, pick
a night. Any night.
Actually, I have plans
every night. I sort of...
I kind of started
seeing someone.
Well, why don't we just
go to dinner as friends?
Nice try.
I don't think you're
quite built for friendship.
You know, I
think you might be right.
But if you do change your
mind, you know where to find me.
What's going on, Tripp?
The lab work for the blood we
found in Clive's car came back.
The blood you claim was yours.
It's not.
- Well, run it again.
- Yeah.
We did. Twice.
The blood... is Nicky's.
Perfect match.
I don't think you are grasping
the severity of this situation.
Okay? Nicky is now
the prime suspect
in the disappearance
of her husband.
Nicky didn't k*ll that bastard,
and you know
damn well she didn't.
Fine. Who did?
Not gonna talk?
Okay.
Here's what I think.
I think you k*lled Clive.
Maybe he had it coming.
I cannot help you, Albie,
unless you start cooperating
right here, right now.
Tripp, you think
whatever you want to think,
but you and I both
know if you had proof,
I'd be in cuffs right now.
It's m*rder one, Albie.
m*rder one.
I can't look the other way.
So I'm gonna give you 24 hours
to come to your
senses and reconsider,
for old times' sake.
I wouldn't wait by
the phone if I was you.
So, is there a problem
we hadn't foreseen?
Look, to my father,
Monarch isn't a business.
Okay? It's a family.
And if you're not a
Roman, you're a thr*at.
Hell, I am a Roman,
and I'm still a thr*at.
A shame.
We could've done
great things together.
And we still can.
I can get this done, I
just need more time.
Give me 48 hours, okay?
You won't be sorry.
We all know that Monarch
was named for the butterfly.
But you know how long they live.
Six weeks. Six weeks
for all that majesty.
Luke, your label,
it's beautiful.
But everything dies eventually.
Explain to your family that
without me, so will Monarch.
I can't believe...
He wants to sell Monarch?
If Dottie knew what that sneaky,
little drop-dead gorgeous
son of hers was up to,
she would roll over
in her couture grave.
Say what you want about
Luke, but he's making moves.
Maybe I should do that, too.
Well, I'm a fan of making
moves. Do tell, baby girl.
You just heard me. I'm
at the top of my game.
Apparently, turning
down the Yellow Roses
has made me even hotter.
People love it
when you tell 'em no.
Maybe I should try it sometime.
But what y'all
heard was a cover.
I don't want to be like Nicky,
begging people to write
songs for me and chasing heat.
Okay, I get it. You want
to be a singer-songwriter
- like your daddy.
- Yep,
my songs from my heart.
And that's what I want
my first album to be.
You're gonna need
a great producer.
Which is why the top producers
from Nashville and L.A. are
coming tomorrow to pitch me.
What? Okay, you have
been making moves.
I really should learn to say no.
Well, I'm not sure
about your culinary skills,
but your exercise
regimen... I'm a fan of that.
Oh, yeah?
Well, maybe next time
we should eat first,
carb up for endurance.
Mm.
Morning, Nick.
Hey.
All right.
Bye.
Luke.
- Hey, Jamie.
- Yep.
All right, little brother,
what brings you to
my humble abode?
Well, it could be a lot less
humble if you'd hear me out
- on this merger.
- I'm not anti-money.
- Then name your price.
- What?
Skyler Samms
is hot for this deal.
And I persuaded her
to sweeten the terms.
Right, well, that
doesn't matter,
because even if I did
decide to vote with you,
Gigi and Dad
would still block it.
No. They can't.
Because there's
something y'all don't know.
Before Mama passed, she
gave me her voting shares.
I control 40% of the block.
With your 20, we
can seal this deal.
So, tell me, Nicky,
what do you really want?
I want to speak
to Skyler myself.
Wh... Why?
Why? Because it's my dreams
and my life and my career.
But if anyone's gonna make
this happen, it's gonna be me.
Your noon just canceled.
Um, my 10:00 bailed
and my 11:00 backed out, so...
Your 2:00 p.m. is
still on the books.
Great.
But his office wants you to
know that they're expecting
his $1.2 million
producing fee up front.
In Bitcoin.
What the actual hell?
- What?
- All those meetings
I had lined up with producers?
All no-shows.
Damn. I was afraid
that might happen.
I've been so
delusional about myself.
I don't know what made
me think I could ever be an...
a Dolly or an Emmylou.
Geeg, stop. It's not
you or your songs.
You're both spectacular.
Well, then, what's the problem?
Monarch.
Monarch is the problem.
We're limited in size and scope.
We've just thrown everything
at Daddy's album, and now
everybody knows that our
finances are stretched thin.
We don't have the deep
pockets to throw at top producers.
But...
this is what I
was trying to say.
If we had done
that Skyfair deal,
this would never be an issue.
Monarch is a family business.
Geeg, I know you're a hard no.
I know that, okay? I'm just...
I'm frustrated for you.
That's all.
Money shouldn't
come before music.
It's just the realities of
this business sometimes.
I'm sorry, Geeg.
Me, too.
Can you finally tell
me what we're doing here?
Even though
we're not allowed to date,
no one said we couldn't
still make music together.
And once we post it and
people start shipping us,
there'll be no way for our
moms to keep us apart.
Ana, you know there's
nothing that we can do
that could change their minds.
Then what do we have to lose?
So let's make a video together.
You don't want to?
- No, of course I do, it's just...
- Right.
A Roman always keeps his word.
Skyler Samms, meet Nicky Roman.
Well, I'd like to say that your
brother told me all about you,
but I already know everything.
I am a huge fan.
- Come on in.
- Ah, well, that's great.
Then we can dispense
with the dog and pony show
you got planned.
Nick, why don't we hear her out?
Why?
Without my yes vote,
this merger dies
before Skyler here
can fly to Sedona for a spa day.
So, here's the straight-up
quid pro and quo:
I want a tour.
Headlining 50 cities
across North America.
Stadiums and arenas only.
Effects, choreographed
stage show,
- 20-piece band.
- Nick.
Luke, let your sister finish.
And I'm looking beyond albums.
I want my own
satellite radio channel
and a book deal
if we can swing it.
I think it's time that I
became a global brand,
and Skyfair has the
reach and the resources
to make that happen.
Good?
Oh, a-and if that's not
enough to seal the deal,
you got to remember,
I'm Nicky Roman
and I'm undeniable.
- Hey, Nick.
- Ah, it's quicker
than I expected, but
you can hold your breath.
I get it. Skyler passed.
- She went for it.
- What?
All of it. The tour,
the book deal.
She's even willing to throw
in a production company.
Everything you asked
for and then some.
- Are you for real?
- You knew what you wanted.
And you went for it, Nick.
Where'd you learn
that Jedi mind trick, huh?
20% you, the rest Mama.
Oh, my God, well,
what-what happens next?
Well, we set up a
family vote on the merger
after Daddy's
album release party,
and, I mean, you're a
yes, so it's a done deal.
Tell me something, Nick.
You ready for your
dreams to come true?
Wow.
You're voting to sell?
It's gonna break Daddy's heart.
But I'm realizing if
you want something,
and I mean really want it,
then you just have to take it,
even if it ends up
hurting someone.
What, why are you
looking at me like that?
- Do you think I'm a bad person?
- No, no. Just for a minute there,
I thought it was Dottie
Roman sitting right next to me.
- So it's a done deal.
- Mm-mm.
I told Luke I needed some
time to think it through.
What is there to think about?
And not to make this about moi,
but I need to order
a case of rhinestones
to bedazzle every piece
of clothing you have
so even the nosebleed
seats can see you sparkle.
Mm, I still got
to think about it.
I know what this is about.
Your mama always said not
getting what you want is hard,
but getting what you want,
that can be
downright terrifying.
Hmm.
You think I'm scared
of getting what I want?
I think stadiums
hold a lot of people,
and it's your job to fill 'em.
Hey, Dad.
What is so urgent? I
came as soon as you called.
How we looking for my
album release party? You on it?
I'm always on it.
But you don't
like parties, so...
why am I here?
I know your sister
met with that CEO.
What'd she promise her to flip?
Sun? Moon?
Maybe both?
Nicky ran that meeting,
'cause she knows
there's plenty in
this for all of us.
But I'm good.
Ain't nothing I want.
Then maybe you should start
thinking about the rest of us.
Watch yourself, boy.
This ain't no boardroom.
Barroom rules
are a little different.
Why do you care if Skyfair buys?
It's still gonna be
our name on the door.
What does it matter who pays
the bills and signs the checks?
It matters.
Me and your mama started Monarch
with an old six-string
and a four-track recorder
and Dottie Roman's voice.
Built it into something special.
Me and Mama built this company.
You've just been
along for the ride.
And I'm sorry, but
the ride's gonna end,
'cause if it ain't Skyfair,
it's gonna be some
hedge fund buying us up
for pennies on the dollar.
It ain't yours to sell.
I'm sorry.
This is gonna happen
with or without you.
Hey. Baby, I still cannot get
over your performance yesterday.
Your voice is incredible.
Well, apparently, you're
the only one that thinks so.
What?
What are you talking about?
Not one producer came
to meet with me today.
I'm sorry, what? Why?
No idea, because none of
them even bothered to call me.
Except for one.
He said he would rec
with me for the up-front fee
of a Scrooge McDuck
amount of Bitcoin.
No, this doesn't make sense.
Something must have happened.
Like what? Why
would your hottest client
suddenly be ghosted by every
producer in country music?
I think I have an idea.
How could you do this?
I'm having a pretty bad day.
Do you want to be
a little more specific?
Yeah, the producers
Gigi had lined up?
You told them to cancel.
Don't you dare deny it.
I wasn't going to.
So what, Luke? She doesn't
want to sell the company,
and this is your way
of punishing her?
I'm not doing
this to punish Gigi.
- Then why'd you do it?
- If we don't make this deal,
in five years it's
gonna happen anyway.
And Gigi needs
to understand that.
She's not leverage,
Luke, she's your sister!
I'm not gonna have
you play her like that.
- Oh, God.
- Hey, you're not okay.
I'm fine.
I'm gonna tell her about this.
Hey.
I think it's the baby.
Something's wrong.
Truthfully, I didn't
think you'd hit me back.
That last text was like
a relationship Hail Mary.
Well, I'm glad you did because
I need some business advice.
Okay, well, uh,
let's talk business.
Right, what would you
say if I said, hypothetically,
that I've been offered
a full-blown arena tour?
No.
I wanted to ask you if you
would consider opening for me.
I mean, for anyone
else, not a chance,
but for you... I'm in.
- I'm all in.
- Hey.
Door was unlocked.
Picked up some barbecue.
Uh, maybe I should leave.
No, it's all right, man.
One step ahead of you.
Jamie.
Jamie, it's just a drink.
- Oh, is that what that was?
- Yes, it was work.
I wanted some advice.
There are a hundred
different people
that you could ask for advice.
People you haven't
slept with, people...
people that aren't
still in love with you.
So please tell me, what
question could you have
that only Smilin' Wade
Stellings could answer?
I asked him if he would
open for me on tour.
- What tour?
- If I vote for the merger,
Skyfair wants me
headlining stadiums.
- When did all this happen?
- Today.
- This all just happened so fast.
- Yeah, but not so fast
that you couldn't loop
in Wade over drinks.
And you asked him to
come with you on the road?
You know what? Maybe
you two can share a tour bus.
Since you're so damn
cozy with each other.
- That's not fair.
- Fair?
I gave up running a label
to stay here and be with you.
I didn't ask you to do that.
Because you didn't have to.
And I'd never stand in the
way of your dreams, not ever.
I mean, how
could I, when I'm the last one
to find out that they're
about to come true?
But I get it. I do.
This is your moment.
And who wants some, some
boyfriend holding them back?
- No, that is not how things are. I...
- You know,
there are a million different
ways to end relationships,
sometimes dramatic, and
sometimes all you got to do
is invite your ex over and
leave the front door unlocked.
Congratulations, Nicky...
on finally getting what
you've always wanted.
Well, your
blood pressure was elevated,
which led to the contractions.
Fortunately, the hydration
seems to have done the trick.
- Oh, thank God.
- Oh.
The baby and your
wife are both fine.
- She's not my wife...
- Thank you, Doctor.
Sure.
I was so scared.
Well, she said the
baby's fine, so...
I was worried about
the both of you.
Hey.
What's going on?
Gigi, you made it.
Everything's fine.
Apparently just
some contractions.
Just a bit dehydrated, so...
We're lucky Luke
got us here so fast.
Yeah. Lucky.
Well, thank God she's okay.
Yeah.
As if we haven't got enough
going on in this family.
So... where are you
on tonight's vote?
'Cause rumor has it that
Luke's got you saying yes.
Right, and let me guess
who started that rumor.
Maybe he's right.
Maybe the merger's
what's best for Monarch.
What are you talking about?
I'm just saying, maybe it's time
we all start looking
out for ourselves more.
'Cause God knows
nobody else is going to.
Okay, this doesn't
sound like the Gigi I know.
What's going on?
Is everything okay?
It's just Kayla and
Luke at the hospital.
It just seemed like
something was
going on between 'em.
Yeah, I just sound crazy.
You're right.
You are crazy.
Totally crazy.
Now come on.
We got to get to a party.
The Romans are, like,
caked, right?
I don't really know.
Are you sure you
don't want a drink?
Ana.
- Hey.
- Oh, hey.
Cody. Plus-one.
He's being modest.
- He's my date.
- Date?
You're...
- Ace.
- Ace.
Ace, that's a cool name,
if you're a playing card.
So, how do you two
know each other?
We perform together sometimes.
Oh, that's cool,
so you're, like,
one of those background dancers?
Um... I should, um...
be somewhere else.
Nice meeting you, man.
- Hey, Daddy.
- Hey.
Big night.
Yeah, it is.
Who knows how many
more of these album releases
we'll get to celebrate together?
Look, whatever
happens with the vote,
we're still gonna be family.
Listen, I'm an old dog,
and you know I
don't like change.
You got a big decision to make,
but I-I want you
to do me one favor.
Anything.
Sing with me tonight.
Come on, it may be our
last chance for a while.
Let me thank y'all again
for coming to our little shindig
and helping us celebrate
my latest release.
This is a bittersweet
night for me.
While this is my tenth
album for Monarch,
it may be my last.
It's okay. Talent
always acts out.
Change may be coming
to our corner of the world,
and this little empire that
my wife and I tried to build,
well, nothing lasts
forever, as they say.
That's why I asked one
of my favorite performers
to join me onstage here tonight.
My daughter Nicky Roman.
Wow, your
sister really is something.
As are you, Luke. All
your moves worked out.
Just like you said they would.
- Yeah.
- What is it?
Looks like we're not the
only ones making moves.
What do you mean?
You said it was a done deal.
I mean, I think my old
man just outplayed us.
Look, we all know
why we're here.
And I think you know
where I stand on this, okay?
But before you vote, I
just want to remind you,
this merger isn't
just about money.
It's about something
far more important.
It's about the
future of Monarch.
When Mama and
Daddy started this label,
the world was a very,
very different place.
The days of the little
guy are numbered.
So this vote is just about
one thing and one thing only.
Is Monarch gonna flourish
or is Monarch gonna die?
Simmer down, buttercup.
We don't need the dramatics.
I vote no.
Well, what a big surprise. Gigi.
No.
Please, please
think this through.
I did, 'cause I suspected
you were up to something
and Kayla confirmed it.
You're the one that kept
those producers away from me.
This time, yes.
But someday soon it's
gonna happen for real.
When Monarch can't
pay competitive rates
and the top talent go elsewhere.
Nice try, Luke, but still no.
Guess it's up to you, Nicolette.
Well, I think we know
which way she's gonna vote,
after that pathetic
stunt you pulled.
Wasn't a stunt.
I wanted to sing
with my little girl.
Please tell me you're
not gonna fall for that.
Shut up and let her
make up her own mind.
Will all y'all just stop?
'Cause I've made my decision.
Right, that duet meant the world
to me, Daddy, and it reminded me
that family really
is all that matters.
And we've all been
through so much and, uh...
We get, Nick. It's a slow pass.
Look, just cut to the
chase, okay? I can take it.
But there's something
else that's also true. I...
I put the needs of others
before me my entire life.
My kids, my-my... my ex,
my siblings...
and my parents.
And I...
think it's time that
I put myself first...
by saying yes to
everything I've worked for
my entire life.
You're voting yes?
Yeah.
Oh, Nick.
I told Skyler that you
had a head for business
and that you'd know a
good thing when you saw it.
I'll make the call right now.
Well, I'll give you two
a minute.
- Hey, Daddy...
- No. No apologies.
You're a talent, Nicolette,
and the world needs to see it.
Is that what Mama would've done?
Oh, yeah, yeah.
Except for one thing.
Well, she wouldn't look like
she just lost her best friend,
she'd be popping champagne.
That's right, you
smile. You deserve it.
We're good.
Whoa. What are you doing?
I'm just trying to
say good night.
I got to get home.
It's not even 11:00.
No, really, my mom
is, like, really strict.
Come on. You're like
every mother's dream.
- Don't be a creeper.
- Hey!
Let her go.
Ace, I got it.
See, Ace?
She's got this.
What the hell?
You tease!
You all right?
Yeah, except for my hand.
Here.
You know, I was taught to
never break any promises.
Yeah, so I've been told.
First time for
everything, I guess.
Hey.
I guess we got lucky, huh?
That Luke was there to
take you to the hospital.
Oh, yeah.
Really lucky.
Uh... I wanted to
ask you something.
What were you and Luke
talking about when I got there?
'Cause it didn't seem like
it was about the merger.
No, it wasn't.
There's something
I need to tell you.
When the doctor
was examining me,
she accidentally told
me the sex of the baby.
Really?
We are having a boy.
Oh.
And when I... I
realized what it meant
to our little family,
I got emotional, and-and
that's what you saw.
Wow. A boy.
- Yeah.
- Wow.
Oh, my goodness.
- Amazing.
- I know.
There is something very
important we need to discuss.
Mm-hmm.
Luggage capacity on your tour bus.
Because I'm bringing fall
and summer wardrobes.
I need assurances.
Earl, it's gonna be fun.
You say that every time.
Every...
What is that?
Daddy?
All right, Tommy,
you're with me.
Daddy?
What the hell's going on, Tripp?
- Tommy.
- Whoa.
- Nicky Roman.
- Hey.
- Yeah?
- You're a person of interest
in the disappearance of
your husband Clive Grayson.
We're gonna need to
bring you in for questioning.
You son of a bitch.
- Something wrong?
- Hey, whoa, whoa,
whoa, whoa, whoa,
whoa, whoa, I got it.
Albie, there something
you want to say to me?
You know damn well
Nicky had nothing to do
with Clive's going missing.
You're just using
her to pressure me
into confessing.
Is this about your
campaign for governor?
Well, Albie,
politics is a dirty business.
And sometimes, if you
want to be a big fish,
you got to land a big fish.
Still...
a man with as many
secrets as you got
might ought to be careful
about who he threatens.
So let me ask you something.
What's the play here?
You gonna go public
with a 40-year-old story?
How some kid fresh
out of juvie took the fall
for the future governor
of our great state?
Damn you, Tripp.
Let her go.
- I'll turn myself in tomorrow.
- Yeah?
Cut her loose.
I'll see you tomorrow.
Come on, Nicolette.
Come on, come on in.
Come on.
Turn yourself in?
What? Y-You
can't. I won't let you.
Tripp's right about one thing.
I did it. I k*lled the bastard.
Before he k*lled me and you.
What? There must be another way.
There's not. There's not.
Look, I've had plenty
of regrets in my life.
But Clive, he ain't one of 'em.
He had it coming.
And I can live with that.
It don't matter where I am.
This all ends tomorrow.
Your family will get over this.
It's a very good thing, Luke.
For all of us.
After death comes rebirth.
To what Monarch was
and to what Skyfair can be.
What's wrong? You okay?
I am so sorry that
I pushed you away.
And I'm so grateful
to have you in my life.
Are we still...?
It's gonna take more than a
worldwide tour to keep us apart.
Come in.
- So, what's going on?
- Um...
Well, I'm not sure you're
gonna want to know.
I meant what I said.
I want honesty, no matter what.
Right, you know you were
asking me all those questions and...
well, you were right.
There was something
that I wasn't telling you.
My husband didn't
disappear, he was k*lled.
And my daddy's
going to prison for that.
But there's more to the
story, though, isn't there?
What?
How Clive att*cked you.
How Gigi knocked him out.
And how your father
swooped in to finish the job.
Jamie, what-what's-what's
happening?
How do you... How
do you know that?
The first thing you need
to know is that I love you.
And if I could spend the
rest of my life with you,
I would die a happy man.
Jamie?
But I asked for the truth
and I owe you the same.
Nicky, I'm not
who you think I am.