Harper finds herself immersed in a meeting with Sara and Daria, regaling them with a harrowing tale involving Eric. The narrative seamlessly rewinds seventy-two hours back, where Pierpoint's office gleams with festive cheer, adorned with twinkling Christmas ornaments.
Daria, her curiosity piqued, inquires about Greg's whereabouts and Harper's holiday plans, imbuing the conversation with a touch of warmth amidst the bustling office. Suddenly, Eric interrupts, requesting Harper's attention. In an unexpected gesture, he presents her with her salary bonus, a month ahead of schedule, leaving Harper momentarily stunned.
Later, Greg stumbles into work, his steps betraying the remnants of a wild night. Eric, seizing the moment, brandishes a script penned by Greg and mercilessly pokes fun at it, his words echoing across the trading floor, filling the air with awkward laughter.
Eric then extends an invitation to Harper, hoping she'd be his plus one at the upcoming Christmas bash. However, Daria, with a mischievous glint in her eye, cuts in, reminding Harper of a prior engagement she had pledged to fulfill for her that very evening.
Meanwhile, Hilary probes Kenny about the prospects of a business deal with Maxim, sparking a discussion that leads Kenny to suggest Yasmin's involvement, should the deal materialize.
Robert, under the guise of work-related matters, finds an excuse to meander over to Yasmin's desk. With a subtle smile, he presents her with a gift, which she promptly tucks away in her drawer, her cheeks flushing with surprise. Moments later, a text from Maxim disrupts the tranquility, informing Yasmin of his inability to attend the Christmas party.
Outside, Harper and Yasmin share a smoke, their conversation turning introspective as they confide in each other about the complexities of their relationships with their respective supervisors. The cool breeze carries their whispers, mingling with the festive atmosphere, as they find solace in each other's company amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.
Harper endeavors to make amends with Greg, apologizing profusely for inadvertently entrusting Eric with his script. However, Greg's revelation that he had a run-in with the law the night before leaves Harper concerned. Without hesitation, she enlists Robert's help to keep a watchful eye on Greg amidst the festive chaos of the Christmas party.
Amid the merrymaking, Theo engages Gus in a conversation about their respective holiday plans, with Theo's beloved Alice joining in, adding a touch of romance to the exchange. Sara mischievously steers Gus away, eager to introduce him to the esteemed Lord Oaki, a figure Gus holds in high esteem.
Greg, meanwhile, discreetly shares with Robert the stash of contraband he's brought along for the party's more discerning guests. Just as the atmosphere thickens with intrigue, Usman arrives, casually announcing that he too has contributed to the party's illicit offerings. Amidst these exchanges, Robert's gaze lingers meaningfully with Yasmin's.
Elsewhere, Yasmin finds herself the target of an uncomfortable inquiry from a fellow colleague, Jackie, but Kenny steps in valiantly, defending her honor. Harper, struggling to focus on her work amidst the distractions, is further agitated by a robotic tree incessantly chatting away. In a fit of frustration, she hurls the gadget aside, only to be drawn towards Yasmin's desk moments later. Curiosity getting the better of her, she opens the gift from Robert to Yasmin, only to discover a revealing photograph of the man himself.
Suddenly, Eric materializes, beckoning Harper for a drink, breaking the tension. Harper obliges, briefly dipping into Daria and Nicole's lively chat before moving on. Yasmin, now replenished with a fresh drink for herself and Kenny, finds herself in the company of Maxim's arrival, adding another layer of complexity to the evening's dynamics.
In a surprising turn, Eric introduces Harper to his wife, a moment that adds a new dimension to their already complex social interactions.
Harper retraces her steps to her desk, where Daria gracefully enters, brandishing a bottle of sparkling champagne like a trophy. Meanwhile, Robert, Greg, and Usman sequester themselves within a bathroom cubicle, their whispers echoing off the tiles as Usman stealthily reveals the stash of drugs he's procured. Their clandestine gathering is suddenly interrupted by the looming presence of Lord Oaki, forcing the trio to adopt an air of utmost discretion. They hastily swallow Usman's pills, their eyes darting nervously before slipping away from the scene.
Elsewhere, Yasmin and Maxim's conversation sizzles with tension as they rehash Kenny's misbehavior during their professional soirée. Their voices rise in indignation, ultimately culminating in Maxim storming off, leaving Yasmin seething.
Daria and Harper indulge in champagne, their laughter mingling with the bubbles as they swap family anecdotes. Daria's demeanor turns somber as she confides her worries about Eric, prompting Harper to recount his volatile outburst during their private consultation.
Their reflective moment is cut short when their paths cross with Robert, Greg, and Usman, strolling back to the festivities. Harper's temper flares, her words laced with disappointment as she reprimands Robert for betraying his promise.
In a separate corner, Lord Oaki engages Gus in conversation once more, delving into the prospects of working at Pierpoint and inquiries about Hari. The moment is captured on camera as Sara interrupts, eager to immortalize the trio's camaraderie with a snapshot.
Elsewhere on the trading floor, Robert, Greg, and Usman indulge in reckless abandon, their noses buried in the white powder of cocaine. Their high-spirited antics are juxtaposed by Yasmin's confrontation with Kenny, where she rejects his business overtures while calling him out on his recent, uncharacteristic kindness and inappropriate conduct.
Nicole's reappearance in Harper's orbit finds her visibly intoxicated, her gait unsteady. Without hesitation, Harper arranges for a chauffeured ride to ensure Nicole's safe return home.
Meanwhile, Alice and Gus share a moment of intimacy while observing Theo's dancelike movements. As Alice ventures off for refreshments, Theo and Gus seize the opportunity, disappearing into the bathroom for a tryst. Their intimacy extends beyond the confines of the bathroom, spilling into the elevator ride back to the party, where Alice's gaze inadvertently witnesses their unbridled affection.
Yasmin pulls Robert away from the rambunctious party, leading him to a secluded bathroom downstairs where their connection blossoms into a fleeting intimacy. Meanwhile, Greg's evening takes a comical yet unfortunate turn as he stumbles into a glass wall, only to repeat the mishap twice more deliberately, ultimately knocking himself unconscious. Promptly, an ambulance is summoned to attend to him.
As they make their way back to the festivities, Robert engages Yasmin in conversation about her festive plans for Christmas. Upon their return, Harper confronts Robert with fierce indignation, lambasting him for the incident that befell Greg.
The following dawn, Robert discovers Gus still nestled in bed, announcing his intention to skip work that day. In a private moment, Yasmin unwraps Robert's gift, her eyes lingering on the heartfelt note and the accompanying photograph before gently tucking it away in her drawer.
Elsewhere, Harper sits in a tense meeting with Sara and Daria, her voice heavy with revelation as she divulges the truth about Eric. The aftermath sees Pierpoint pressing her to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement, which Harper reluctantly obliges.
In the aftermath of his hospital stay, Harper dedicates her time to Greg, visiting him at his home, offering comfort and solace as they both navigate the aftermath of the night's events.
