In the sixth episode of Vladimir's story, David and Florence share with M that they've received complaints about her. The students and faculty find her erratic and unhappy that she hasn't spoken out against her husband's behavior. If she doesn't resign, the college can place her on paid administrative leave. She smokes alone and complains to us that she doesn't have to answer for her husband's actions. She insists she hasn't done anything wrong and doesn't understand why she's being targeted. Vlad shows up to discuss a book he's reading and notices her distress, hugging her for comfort. Even in her misery, she imagines a hook-up with him in her office.
At home, John doesn't see anything wrong with the leave since M is still getting paid. Sid and John are more focused on their optics, outfits, and how they will present themselves in court. Sid plans to use Lila's substack writing, which is smut, to question her values. She intends to deal with M's complaints after the hearing. M becomes further frustrated when she learns that Sid and Alexis are back together, as she never knows how to act around Alexis, who is closer to her age.
M takes matters into her own hands and crashes a benefactors' party to convince Lynn to help her. Unfortunately, she ends up insulting Lynn and stealing her skincare and pills. She vents by fantasizing about Vlad and writing about it. John comes in late and takes a peek at her writing while she's asleep.
The next morning, M comes across Alexis and Sid making breakfast. Sid lets it slip that she's moving back in with Alexis and has job interviews in the city. M accuses Alexis of pushing Sid into doing things she's not ready for. Sid calls her out for not caring for her but just wanting to feel useful. M storms off, and John goes after her. She blames him for this disastrous aftermath. However, he turns it on her and claims she's at fault for suggesting the open marriage and his subsequent affairs with the students. He goes on about how he still loves her but she doesn't love him. She knows he's manipulating her but decides to do something worthwhile. She cancels her lunch date with Vlad so she can attend John's hearing.
She then visits Lila, revealing that her writing is commendable and urging her not to let her potential fade away, as it would inevitably happen years down the line. It seems that she sees a reflection of herself in Lila. Next, M announces to the faculty that she will hold a public forum to speak out and answer any questions the students may have. Everyone thinks it's a bad idea, including Cynthia. Vlad is the only one who stands by her side. But M doesn't need anyone's permission and proceeds to hold it anyway.
As she had shared with us before, she declares that she doesn't condemn affairs between consensual adults with power imbalances, as that's what makes it exciting. She also mentions the concept of an open marriage, which piques some students' interests.
John goes out that night again, and she comments that he's been going out every night that week. He claims it's helping, and she's confused. She follows him to a bar where he meets Cynthia. They embrace, and he kisses her cheek while holding each other's waists. M is surprised but also amused.
Following the forum, David shares that M will not be put on leave, but she will be supervised by Priya and Florence. This is because some students wanted her to stay, while others wanted her to go. She takes the win and asks them not to tell anyone.
It's the day of the hearing. John is doubtful, but M reassures him that she will show up. Before he leaves, she asks if Cynthia will be present, and he pretends not to know her.
It's time for the hearing. M waits in the college parking lot but never goes in. Instead, Vlad joins her, and she tells us that he is her love.
