The dawn of Episode 3 in The Asset's first season finds Tea awakening from a tumultuous night, her mind still reeling from the events that transpired. A message from Ashley looms on her screen, imploring her to stay at arm's length. As she navigates the supermarket aisle, a chance encounter with Folke ignites a new strategy: to court Miran's favor. Though Tea's instincts quiver at the thought of direct contact with the enigmatic figure, she complies, knowing it's the path forward.
Little does she know, Miran has already been perusing her online presence, and Folke sees an opportunity to leverage this interest. His advice? To nurture Miran's ego and inch closer through subtle flattery.
Tea makes a discreet visit to Ashley's abode to return the borrowed dress, only to find Miran there. She apologizes for any unintended offense, and Miran, in turn, offers her a ride back to the store. As they drive, he probes her life story with a gentle curiosity, and she plays along, crafting a lie that she seeks only to forge new friendships.
At the store, Miran selects earrings for Ashley, proposing to pay in cash but is gently reminded that the gesture is too generous. He offers to split the bill between his card and cash, and before departing, he grants Tea permission to speak with Ashley once more. He also bestows a new bracelet on Sofia, a subtle gesture that hints at his growing interest in Tea.
Back at home, Miran presents Ashley with her gift, suggesting they have some fun on his dime. They reconcile, and Miran brings up the possibility of enlisting Tea's help in investing in stones. This conversation is overheard by Tea, Jensen, and Folke, who realize that Miran is hatching a plan to launder his funds through precious gems. A deal with Tea could enable him to legally export these stones worldwide, perhaps even to Spain, where he can procure his drugs without arousing suspicion. Folke urges Tea to accept Miran's offer.
The next day, Tea and Ashley indulge in a spa day, Ashley offering to connect Tea with someone who can erase her scar. They banter about Miran's gift but avoid discussing the investment in stones. Later, Ashley returns home and tells Miran a lie—that Tea declined his offer.
Miran, her voice tinged with desperation, once again requested Tea's assistance. Thankfully, Tea and Folke had been eavesdropping on their previous conversation. She feigned knowledge of Ashley's words but declined the offer, leaving Folke fuming. He needed Tea to collaborate with Miran and couldn't comprehend her refusal. Tea explained that maintaining Miran's trust in Ashley was crucial, and she would find another avenue to accept Miran's proposal. Folke vowed to end her career if she disobeyed him once more.
The next day, Tea embarked on the scar removal process and texted Ashley, requesting a meeting. Ashley readily agreed to visit Tea at her residence, where the conversation shifted to Miran. Ashley avoided delving into the specifics of Miran's profession. Tea admitted that Miran's deal seemed shady, and Ashley apologized. She then extended an invitation to Tea for Sofia's upcoming birthday celebration.
At home, Miran noticed Erik's men sizing up his residence. The following day, Tea attended Sofia's birthday party and formed a connection with Bambi, who had a secret crush on her. As Sofia danced, Bambi invited Tea outside for a cigarette. They bonded over their toxic family dynamics when Erik's men abruptly appeared. One of them opened fire, shooting Bambi three times in the chest. By the time Miran and the others rushed to the scene, it was too late.
