At the dawn of Palm Royale Episode 3, we are transported to a bygone era. There, we catch a fleeting glimpse of a healthier, more vibrant Norma. She's seated comfortably on her bed, pen in hand, diligently scribbling invitations. Suddenly, her voice rings out, calling out to Robert, beseeching him to set aside his animosity.
In the present, the scene shifts to a languid Maxine, lounging by the shimmering pool. Her serene moment is rudely interrupted as her landlord abruptly begins tossing her belongings into the water. The stark reality of her situation hits her like a cold splash of water.
Later, Maxine strides confidently into Mitzi's salon, intent on pampering herself with a manicure. To her delight, Mitzi reveals that she has landed a coveted spot on the cover of the Shiny Sheet. Thrilled, Maxine heads straight to Grayman's boutique, where an exclusive crowd of ladies awaits. Her newfound fame has inflated her ego, but Dinah quickly deflates it by challenging her to invite them to her home. Without hesitation, Maxine extends an invitation to the women, inviting them to a soirée at the Dellacorte Mansion.
Eager to make the evening perfect, Maxine rushes to the mansion to prepare. However, her plans are disrupted by a confrontation with Robert. She demands that he leave, but he stubbornly refuses, insisting that he is Norma's caretaker. Frustrated, Maxine seeks the assistance of Linda, asking her to help assemble a platter for the guests, knowing her skill with such tasks.
As the cocktail party begins, the guests descend upon Maxine, each demanding a personalized drink. She turns to Robert for help, but finds him engrossed in conversation with Linda. Instead of offering assistance, he simply hands her a recipe book and tells her to fend for herself. Left to her own devices, Maxine valiantly whips up drinks for the ladies.
The conversation turns to the upcoming Beach Ball event, and the ladies inquire about Maxine's plans. As she eagerly shares her ideas, they burst into laughter, mocking her efforts. Worse still, they insist that she foot the bill for the auction. The evening draws to a close, with Evelyn staying behind while the others depart. She confronts Maxine about her financial situation, and Maxine, initially hesitant to admit the truth, is soon seen through by Evelyn's keen eye.
Evelyn proposes hosting the Beach Ball event at the Dellacorte Mansion, and Maxine, realizing her own precarious position, pleads for a collaboration. In the episode's final moments, Evelyn tasks Maxine with finding the key to the Rolodex's safe deposit box, making it clear that their partnership hinges on her success.
Later, as the sun sets on this tumultuous day, Douglas returns home and shares an intimate moment with Maxine. Unbeknownst to them, Linda, as she departs, inadvertently overhears their intimate conversation, leaving her with a newfound understanding of their relationship.
