In the third episode of Maxton Hall's second season, we are transported back in time to a moment when young James, amidst playful shenanigans with his family friends at home, sustains an injury. Mortimer, ever the stern mentor, urges him not to cry or show any sign of weakness. Instead, he encourages James to bottle up his emotions and emerge victorious over his opponent. In hindsight, James confides with his therapist about the repercussions of this emotional suppression. He reveals his thoughts of Ruby and his anguish over hurting her. He imagines Ruby's understanding embrace and the encouragement she would offer as he undergoes a transformative journey. Seeking betterment, he turns to therapy.
The scene circles back to the moment just before James and Ruby were about to share their first kiss, only for her to pull away at the brink of their lips meeting. The next day, Ruby finds it difficult to concentrate, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. Her printer's malfunctioning doesn't help matters either. Confiding in Ember, she shares her struggles with James and the myriad of emotions swirling within her.
To lift her spirits, Ember gifts her a dress she has crafted herself. When Ember asks if she can accompany her to the gala, Ruby politely declines. This causes Ember hurt and an accusation that Ruby finds her embarrassing.
Meanwhile, James demonstrates his support for Lydia, who brings up Ophelia's involvement. Ophelia, eager to offer her assistance, reveals her intention to allow James and Lydia access to her shares post-Cordelia's will reading. The twins wonder what Cordelia shared with Ophelia before her demise, but Lydia replies that their aunt is willing to discuss it when the right opportunity arises.
On the flip side, Lydia harbors misgivings about whether carrying this pregnancy is the right decision. She is almost certain that once Mortimer discovers her condition, he will disallow her from joining the company. James assures her that he is committed to helping her win over the board and prove herself when the time comes. When Lydia inquires about his plans to win back Ruby's heart, James is hopeful and believes he will succeed in his endeavor.
At school, the organization committee conducts a video call with Campbell's assistant, May. She highlights the final remaining details and asks Ruby to confirm everything, as they are running behind schedule. Ruby suggests adding Scott, the man they met while collecting the photo booth, hoping that his inspiring story can help. May agrees that it's a great idea and gives them the green light.
After the call, Ruby starts to feel overwhelmed with all the tasks at hand. Lin reassures her and promises that they will have everything ready by the next afternoon. James offers his help, and Ruby asks him to do a test run with Scott. On the academic front, Ruby continues to excel in her classes.
After the literature class, Lydia waits anxiously for Graham to share the news of her pregnancy with him. However, she changes her mind when she overhears his promotion as the deputy principal.
The organization team does an outstanding job with the venue, leaving Lexington surprised and proud of their work. He drops by to deliver a cake and promises to lock up after he is done. Ruby reminds him about the switch problem, but he insists that he has covered it.
However, when inquired about Graham's appointment, he finds himself distracted, and in a haste, he forgets to properly extinguish the lights, inadvertently sparking a small electrical fire. Meanwhile, James' conversation with Scott proves to be a timely wake-up call. He realizes that he's embarking on a dark path similar to Scott's and needs to put in the effort. Scott shares how his former friends abandoned him when he made a significant change, and James takes this to heart. He apologizes to Vega and promises to help him win the final game and secure his athletic sponsorship.
The next day, the organization team is shocked upon returning to the venue to find it in disarray. May arrives to inspect the mess, and Ruby implores her to give them a chance to save the day. However, with only four hours before the gala, May is compelled to inform Campbell. Ruby rallies all the students in the school for assistance. Vega is disappointed when the team and James choose to help instead of training, accusing James of choosing Ruby over him.
James responds by saying that a true friend wouldn't have made him choose between them. The students band together and gather supplies from their homes. Ruby calls Ember, still seething with anger, and asks for a favor. Fortunately, with everyone's help, the venue is saved. Ruby heads home to get ready, thanking Ember for making the cakes and apologizing for hurting her sister's feelings, inviting her to the gala.
At the gala, Ruby and James can't help but steal glances at each other. Meanwhile, Pavel can't keep his eyes off Alistair. Campbell is impressed by Ruby and takes her under her wing, introducing her to everyone and singing her praises. On the other hand, Ember flirts with Wren, and they hide in the photo booth to kiss. Lydia is hurt when the media asks demeaning questions about her role in the Beaufort company.
A problem arises when Scott fails to show up as the main speaker. James steps up and opens up about his mental health struggle, delivering a raw and heartfelt speech that confesses his feelings for Ruby.
Ruby's heart swelled with emotion as James' words resonated, his eloquence painting a vivid picture of the importance of extending a helping hand to those struggling mentally. When James concluded, the audience erupted into a standing ovation, their applause a testament to his poignant message.
Mortimer, however, viewed James' actions through the lens of rebellion. He swiftly reeled James away before he could reach for Ruby, his movements a combination of menace and disapproval. But even as Mortimer threatened and dragged his son away, James felt a sense of relief wash over him.
For the first time, the veil had been lifted from the Beaufort family's image of strength and invincibility. The underlying vulnerability and weakness that had long been concealed were finally exposed, a realization that brought a measure of peace to James' heart.
