A Lion's Game (2025) Movie Script
- [film projector rattling]
- [soft piano music playing]
[thunder crackling]
[tense music]
[dog barking]
[narrator] A stealth hunter,
a fierce predator.
She lies patiently
waiting for the chance
to strike.
Once she digs her sharp claws...
[knocking on door]
[knocking on door]
[banging on door]
[banging on door]
He's here, Joe.
[banging on door]
Joe, he's here.
[banging on door]
You got the money?
We swear we'll have it.
- You shut your mouth.
- Hey!
Don't talk to my wife that way.
Yeah, you teach the whore
to keep her mouth shut.
You know one thing I hate
more than a thief?
It's a liar.
I can tell you really
love your family,
and I'd hate to see something
happen to your wife here
and that pretty
little girl of yours.
You got 24 hours, Joe.
Next time,
I won't be so generous.
Where are you going?
Out.
[Karen]
Out where?
Just out, Karen.
It's not there.
What are you going to do, Joe?
[gun cocking]
I told you, Karen,
I'm going to take care of this.
Please don't do this.
I don't want you and
Autumn wrapped up in all this.
Marco crossed a line
when he threatened my family.
If it's the last thing I do,
I'm going to make sure
that bastard pays for this.
If I'm not back in two hours,
I want you and Autumn to get as
far away from here as possible.
[Karen sobbing]
[dramatic music]
Where's Daddy?
[Karen]
He's gone.
When is he coming home?
He's not.
Don't you dare shed a tear.
Life is not fair.
If you cave in, start
getting all soft and mushy,
it's going to swallow you up.
You always got
to have a way out.
Always be one step ahead.
Whatever it takes,
I never want you to end up
like your father and me.
Broke and begging for crumbs
from the master's table.
Do you understand me, Autumn?
Whatever it takes.
[frantic orchestral music]
- [thud]
- [birds chirping]
I'm out.
Fold.
Double or nothing, Bob.
What do you say?
I mean, unless you're scared of
getting beat by a 12-year-old.
Oh.
- I ain't scared.
- [Autumn] Then ante up.
Show me what you got.
Let's raise the stakes.
Nice.
[Bob] See who's really scared.
Oh. Yeah, that's what I thought.
Wait.
Me? Afraid? Never.
Show me what you got.
Are you sure about this, Autumn?
I got it.
Hm. Read 'em and weep.
- Aw.
- [Bob] Thank you.
Not so fast, buddy.
That's all
she wrote for you, Bob.
- Oh.
- Beat by a 12-year-old.
- Can you believe this, man?
- She's a little shark.
- She got you. Can't believe it.
- Come on.
That dummy's got a...
Come on.
I can't believe we did it.
- Seriously can't...
- Wait, this is not right.
Three of a kind.
Two kings of spades?
Two king of spades?
You little brat.
Run! Come on!
Come on. Hurry up.
Lock it, lock it.
Oh, hey, hey.
- [Autumn] There we go.
- [Michael] Okay. Go, go, go.
[Bob] Oh, those little brats.
I grabbed the other deck,
but I couldn't get
the other king of spades.
It's all right.
We'll get another one.
Looks like we're also
gonna have to find
some new guys
to play against as well.
Yeah, we'll find some other
clueless chumps in no time.
Michael, one day, we're gonna
leave this old town
and make it big.
Where are we going, Autumn?
Anywhere but here.
New York, maybe?
Chicago, maybe? Even L.A.
Oh, I hear it
never gets cold in L.A.
It just feels like
summer year-round.
That's where we'll go, then.
We'll head out west and
be as rich as Bill Gates
and as famous as...
Oprah Winfrey.
Let's make a deal.
Say it with me.
One day,
we'll be as rich as Bill Gates
and as famous as Oprah Winfrey.
Oh, that's... that's stupid.
Come on, Michael.
You gotta say it with me.
All right, fine.
One day,
we'll be as rich as Bill Gates
and as famous as Oprah Winfrey.
[tires screeching]
Come on.
Hold on, hold on.
I need a breather.
Come on, old man.
You can't finish?
Old man,
that's a good one. That's good.
[phone pinging]
Oh, boy.
Trouble with the boss again?
Autumn, how many jobs
have you actually held
longer than six months?
Michael, these nine-to-fives
just don't fit me.
I hate clocking in every morning
for barely minimum wage.
You might as well call it
modern-day slavery.
What happened this time?
Phil is a dick is what happened.
He promised me overtime,
and then gave the hours
to Brittany instead.
Brittany.
That's the one you said
he's got a thing for, right?
Yeah, more than a thing.
Explains why he's giving her
all the hours.
I don't know. Corporate
America's so twisted.
The only real way for a woman
to climb the corporate ladder
is on her back.
I'm done with Phil and
all these corporate pimps.
Oh, that reminds me.
Look what I made us at
work to help keep us motivated.
[Michael] Ooh.
Hey, why is Bennett first?
Because I made it.
Michael, I can't wait
to leave this town
and head for the big city.
You ready?
I'm ready.
I wouldn't worry too much.
We got this.
I hear you, Autumn, I do.
But Evan did not sound like
he had good news on the phone.
Let me worry about Evan.
All right, Evan.
What the hell happened with
this Wells and McFarland deal?
They didn't bite.
I thought you said
you had it in the bag.
I did, but they took
a closer look
at the financials,
so they pulled out.
Said it was too high risk.
Damn it, Evan.
What did we hire you for?
Do you understand
how much we needed this?
You're acting like
I meant to kill this deal.
I gave it all I had.
You obviously
didn't give enough.
- Now it's my fault?
- Damn right it's your fault.
Guys, bickering back and forth
is not going
to solve the problem.
Evan, what's the damage
without this deal?
Without this deal,
we have no other choice
but to liquidate all of
our assets and close up shop.
We've had to lay off
our entire staff,
but even after we liquidate,
we still fall short.
- By how much?
- 2.5 million.
2.5 million?
So, just like that, we're done?
Michael, I can't believe
you're going to lay back
and let this get the best of us.
I think we all know
what has to happen next.
[Autumn]
What, quit?
Look, I started this...
We started this company
with nothing but
Delaware-born hard grit.
I will do whatever it takes
to save this company.
Whatever it takes, Evan.
There's nothing left to save.
You know what?
Get the hell out, you're fired.
Wait, what?
No, Michael,
the conversation is final.
Michael,
please look out for yourself.
Get the hell out!
What's the
next play here, Autumn?
I said I'd do whatever it takes.
I'll get the money.
[dramatic music]
[dinging]
[Alejandro] I really am
a compassionate man, Mr. Baxter.
Wouldn't you agree?
Shh.
I don't understand people
that try to swindle me.
Now, you've left me
no other choice.
[gunfire]
I'll be sure to send
my condolences
to your family, Mr. Baxter.
[Grace]
45, 46, 47,
48, 49, 50.
[panting]
Oh, not bad.
[soft gentle music]
[phone ringing]
Hello, Grace's
Cleaning Solutions.
Mm-hmm.
Yes, oh, this is she, yes.
Yes.
Thursday?
Yes.
Yes, the rates are 45
for an hour,
and then 90 for
two and a half hours
and 120 for three.
And if you want something
extra or a few properties,
then we can talk about
that on the side.
[phone ringing]
[speaking Bulgarian]
[Grace]
[grunting]
- Oh, good morning to you.
- Hello, Mr. West, how are you?
I'm good, I'm good.
Looks like today's
going to be a good day.
I think so, I think so.
Just grabbing the mail here.
- Yes, yes. Very good.
- Hey! Hey, pupper.
How are you doing, sweetie?
- [dog owner] Say hello.
- [West] Yeah.
- You be a good girl, okay?
- [dog owner] Bye.
Bye.
- Good morning, Mr. West.
- Oh, good morning, Grace.
- [Grace] Good morning.
- Ah, right on time, as usual.
Always.
Oh, here, here, let me... let me.
- No!
- Let me help you with that.
No, no. You don't have to.
- No, no, no. My pleasure.
- Oh, thank you.
Come on.
So, uh, how was your weekend?
Oh, really good,
I went to the fair.
[West]
The fair.
And guess what,
I had my first funnel cake.
- You're kidding.
- No, I did, it was really good.
I love those things.
- You know, I could eat them...
- [Grace] Amazing.
All day long.
Same, they're very dangerous.
- [West] Yes. Yes, they are.
- [Grace laughing]
[reporter] ...US Treasury since
hired equity investors
straight from the sidelines
after several tech companies
slashed their outlook
and revived worries about...
It's... Iced tea for you.
- Thanks.
- Yeah.
Thank you, Grace,
for keeping my dear
Miriam as beautiful
as she always was.
You're very welcome, Mr. West.
I've...
I miss her.
Me too.
And this is your...
Your son, Michael.
- It is Michael.
- Yeah.
What is... What's he up
to these days?
Wouldn't know.
[dramatic music]
[sirens wailing]
Hello, Miss Bennett.
Take a walk with me.
It's a lot of money,
Miss Bennett.
It is, but you know
I'm good for it.
Did I not come through
the last time?
You did.
But that was a third of
what you're asking for now.
You do realize that
when the risk goes up,
so does the rate.
I take it we have a deal then.
A quarter interest and
a three-week payback guarantee.
Mr. Vargas, come on now.
A quarter interest?
That's the deal.
Or there is no deal.
Deal.
You're a very pretty girl,
Miss Bennett,
and I like you a lot.
Which is why it breaks
my heart to say that
if you fail me on this deal,
I will have no choice but to
chop you up
and throw what's left of you
into the Pacific.
They'll find pieces
of you floating to the shore
from Malibu to Santa Monica.
Do you understand what
I'm saying, Miss Bennett?
Yeah, I get it.
Good.
Then I look forward
to seeing you again shortly.
Make the transaction.
Right this way, miss.
[ominous music]
Wife's happy, kids are good.
Yeah, let me call you
right back.
Is it done?
Done.
The funds have already
been transferred.
Sam, I got a lot riding on this.
We have three weeks,
and we've got
a good track record,
so I'm counting on you
to make this happen.
This new Qcoin
is the hottest thing
since Ether,
and we're gonna make millions.
Well, we'll see.
[intriguing music]
You okay?
Yeah.
Just needed a brain break.
Wow.
The city of angels.
Come a long way
from Delaware, huh?
Yeah, I guess so.
Still have a long way
to go, though.
Yes, we do.
At least we've made
some progress, right?
My father started
his manufacturing company
30 years ago with 10 grand,
which wasn't much.
His first warehouse staff
was my mother and two aunts.
They worked no less
than 12 hours a day.
It was hard work,
but they didn't seem to mind.
What kept them motivated was
thinking about how they
never wanted
their kids to live in a world
where they had to struggle.
30 years, his company grew
to become
the largest manufacturing
company on the East Coast.
Not bad for a man
who grew up poor.
[Autumn scoffing]
Nice story, but are you ever
gonna see any of that money?
Most likely
I will after he passes.
Try not to think
about that, though.
We haven't been on
good speaking terms,
the past few years.
But at the end of the day,
he's still my father.
Hey.
Gonna be okay.
This is just a
small bump in the road.
I hope you're right.
I really do.
[reporter] Today, a massive
sell-off of cryptocurrency
has shaken the markets,
erasing more than $200 billion
from the entire market
in a single crash.
[reporter 2] Bitcoin is down
more than 60% from the high.
[reporter 3] One minute it looks
like the market's gonna drop,
the next minute it looks like
the market's gonna rise,
and I don't know what
in the world is going on,
so I'm done. That's it.
[reporter 2]
The price of Bitcoin has dropped
to its lowest level
in 14 months.
The second largest
digital currency, Ether,
has dropped below $2,000 a coin.
The numbers have left
some investors panicking,
fearing they could lose it all.
- [phone ringing]
- [reporter 3] In total, it seems
unreal to say,
but I'm down about $45,000.
I actually lost
a huge portion of...
Talk to me, Sam.
It's gone.
How do you mean it's gone?
We lost it all.
We?
We didn't lose anything.
You...
Shit!
[dramatic music]
All right, Sam, where are you?
We need to sit down
and figure this out.
I can be at
the usual spot in 20 minutes.
Okay, I'll see you soon.
[knocking at door]
You good?
Yeah, I'm good.
Sure about that?
I said I'm fine.
[phone beeping, vibrating]
What's up?
Got it.
[breathing hard]
[muffled shots]
[eerie music]
I handled it.
[heavy knocking on door]
[Karen]
Autumn! Hurry up!
You've been in there
at least an hour and a half.
I'm almost done.
You better be.
You're not the only one
living in this house.
The world doesn't
revolve around you.
- About damn time.
- Sorry.
You better watch that tone.
You're wasting your time
thinking a made-up face
and a Hollywood hairstyle
is gonna get you anything
in this world.
The only thing that will get you
is fake friends and people who
just wanna take from you.
Oh, God, here we go again.
You do realize
I am a grown woman now?
I can handle my own.
A grown woman?
Little girl, the only thing
you are is a damn fool.
You know what?
I don't have time for this.
Don't you turn your back on me
when I'm talking to you.
What do you want from me, Mom?
You know, ever since Dad left,
I can't help it that you've been
angry with the whole damn world.
The least you can do
is fix yourself up,
maybe go out
every once in a while
instead of sitting around
this house all the damn time.
Don't you tell me how to live.
If you don't like the way
I live my life,
maybe you should just get your
shit and get the hell out.
I'm way ahead of you.
We already signed a lease.
To be honest, I'm surprised
I stayed this long.
But I guess somewhere
in the back of my mind,
I kept thinking maybe,
just maybe,
I'd be able to save you from
complete and self-destruction.
I was wrong.
You won't have to worry
about seeing me ever again.
Good. Get the hell out.
And I'm not taking care
of your baggage.
Oh, I'll take care of Aaron.
Better than you ever
took care of me.
[solemn music]
[phone beeping]
So what's all this I'm hearing
about you quitting
and going out on your own?
Not now, Dad.
What do you...
Do you think it's easy,
to start from
the bottom of the barrel?
But you don't have any capital.
How... what?
How do you plan to fund it?
We'll get the funding.
We?
Oh, I see. I see.
That, uh, damn Autumn girl
has gotten
to your head again, huh?
What... what makes you think that
she's the type that would
help you succeed?
Uh... Son, listen to me.
Forget this.
Forget this. Listen.
Listen to what
I'm trying to tell you.
This is a very bad idea.
California has some of
the highest tax rates
in the country.
You're... you're not gonna
make it unless you have
a solid, established business
presence behind you.
Why don't you just come out
and say how you really feel?
You don't think
I can do it without you.
That's exactly what I mean.
You know what you...
You need to squash this...
this foolish idea right now!
We're done here, Dad.
You walk out on me now,
and you are finished here.
Forever.
Do you understand that?
Do you get me?
I said we're done here.
[phone beeping]
Hey, Dad. It's me.
Uh, give me a call back
when you get this.
Bye.
[keys clattering on table]
Let it be?
Oh, just... very long day.
I need a drink,
a hot bath, and sleep.
And in that order.
Look, I didn't mean
to pry before.
You just seemed so upset.
I know it's been
super stressful,
trying to figure out
how to come up with the money.
We're gonna come out on top.
This isn't our first rodeo.
Michael, don't take this
the wrong way.
You know, you're a good guy.
You have a good heart.
But that's not
what's gonna save this company.
Look, it takes a willingness
to make the hard choices
that aren't always so
nice and charming.
Of all people, I thought
you'd understand that by now.
What the hell
is that supposed to mean?
Look around you, Autumn.
I'm literally the last person
standing with you.
My own dad won't even talk to me
because when he needed me most,
I was too busy
helping you trying to
build this damn company.
Oh, brother, cry me a river.
Now he wants sympathy?
You know what, Autumn?
No, go ahead.
Say what you were gonna say.
Seeing you be a little more
assertive and straightforward
would be good for a change.
I've got nothing else
to say to you, Autumn.
Going to bed.
That's right.
Be a passive coward.
It's what you're used to, right?
[door opening, closing]
[eggs sizzling]
What in the world is all this?
I know, I know it's a bit much,
but come on, take a seat.
Okay, Autumn, you...
You never cook.
What's going on?
Michael, I'm really sorry
about last night.
You know how I get
when I get all
worked up about things, but...
It's still no excuse
for the things I said.
It's all good.
Don't even sweat it.
It's no big deal.
No, Michael, I appreciate it
how you're always
so easy to let things go,
but it is a big deal.
This breakfast is a big deal,
but an argument between
two best friends,
it comes with the territory.
Thanks for always being
so understanding.
That's what
real friends do, right?
Right.
Anyways, dig in.
Before it gets cold.
Not overdone?
You make this yourself?
No, I ordered takeout.
Ah, would have been my guess.
[crickets chirping]
[sighing]
[intense music]
[phone buzzing]
I'll make it.
[weeping]
I'll make it.
[thudding sound]
[dogs barking]
[birds chirping]
[car beeping]
Hm.
Mr. West, I'm here.
Mr. West?
[sighing]
[gasping]
Oh, my God! Oh, my God!
[intense music]
Come on!
Mr. West?
[gasping]
Oh
911, what is your emergency?
Yes, please help.
It's Mr. West.
There's so much blood...
[sobbing]
[phone buzzing]
What?
Hello? Who is this?
Whoa, whoa, whoa, wait, what?
What... what happened?
Hey, I... I'll be on
the first flight out.
There's no more flights
out of LAX today?
Great.
[pounding table, grunting]
Michael, what's going on?
Something's happened
with my father.
God, is he okay?
I don't have
all the details yet,
but it doesn't sound good.
I'm booking
the first flight out now.
No, you go get packed.
I'll take care of
booking us a flight.
Us? Uh, no.
I appreciate it,
but you have so much to do.
What kind of friend would I be
if I let my best friend deal
with this alone?
Now, you go get packed.
I got this.
Thank you.
[Pilot] Cabin crew,
prepare for landing.
I'll never really
be able to forget
seeing Mr. West like that.
[somber music]
I just really don't understand.
How long have you been
working for Mr. West?
Since after college,
right out of college.
He was the one who
gave me my first job.
It was really like family.
Have you noticed any changes
to his behavior more recently?
After his wife passed.
He tried to
hide it from me, but...
I did notice that he did
start to drink.
A lot.
But I... I thought that
that was just his way
of trying to cope and deal with
the grief.
But I, I, it's just...
I... I still can't
get my head around Mr. West
killing himself.
That does... it does not
make any sense to me.
[bird calling]
[speaking Bulgarian]
[sighing]
[West] Okay.
Now, the first step would be to
register your
business as an LLC.
Now of all the options
we have open to us,
the LLC is the best choice.
Because what it does,
it protects your
personal assets...
- Mm-hmm.
- Against any, uh,
legal action, any litigation or
whatever that may occur.
[chuckling]
You can never tell nowadays.
And the second thing we're going
to need is a business name.
That business
name will be filed with
the Prothonotary Office
of the State.
Okay?
Have you thought of a name?
Well, I... I guess we can use
the one that I've been using,
which is
Grace's Cleaning Solutions.
Grace's Cleaning Solutions.
- Yes.
- That is... That's very clever.
- I get that.
- [Grace chuckles]
- Cleaning Solu...
- Did you?
[both laughing]
Cleaning Solutions
Okay, we got that.
- Good. Now...
- Okay.
First thing in the morning,
I want you to call Esther,
my secretary.
She'll help
you with all the papers
that you need
to file for the state.
Okay?
And any of the upfront fees,
we will take care of it.
And get your brand new LLC filed
with the State of Delaware.
Thank you for helping me
set all of this up.
[heartfelt music]
- [John chuckles]
- No, really.
You have no idea how...
How much I appreciate it.
Don't... Don't even
worry about it.
You've worked so hard,
that's the least I can do.
- When you talk to Esther...
- [Grace] Mm-hmm?
[West] ...she has
some incredible programs
for accounting.
You'll probably want
to do that to keep track
of your expenses and
your salaries
because you're going to be
hiring a whole lot of people.
Currently it appears that there
was no foul play, but obviously,
it's way too early in
the investigation to know that.
Michael,
I'm sorry about your dad, man.
He was a good
man to the community,
and I've known him
since I was a little kid.
You'll be assured
that if anything comes out,
any new information,
you'll be the first to know.
Meanwhile, if you need anything,
don't hesitate to call,
all right?
- Thank you, Detective Wali.
- You're welcome.
Stay strong, brother.
Take care.
[sentimental music]
Hey. You okay?
Any information?
Detective Wali said they don't
suspect any foul play.
It's still hard to fathom my
father would take his own life.
You know, things weren't
the same for him after Mom died.
Should've been there for him.
Hey, you can't blame yourself.
Your father was a good man,
and he raised a good son.
You know, whatever
differences the two of you had,
I'm sure he wouldn't
want you blaming yourselves.
Rest in peace, Pop.
So long, Mr. West.
[traffic din]
Good afternoon, Michael.
Nice to see you again.
- It's been a while.
- Attorney Cheryl, how are you?
All is well,
considering the circumstances.
Can I get you a cup
of coffee or something?
Oh, no, thank you.
Please, have a seat.
Here it is.
Your father's
last will and testament.
Would you like me to walk
you through it?
Oh, that's okay.
I don't want
to take up your day.
My father never minced words.
I'm sure it's very direct
and to the point.
Well, if you have any questions,
please don't
hesitate to call me.
Thank you, Attorney Cheryl.
As always, you've done
my family a great service.
You take care
of yourself, Michael.
And I'm very sorry
about your father.
I appreciate it.
I'll get out of your hair.
[soft intriguing music]
I know I haven't been
there the past few years...
[phone ringing]
Dad, I am sorry.
I have a very important meeting.
I can't be late for it.
Please tell Mom I'm sorry
I couldn't make it home
this past weekend.
I'll do my best to
get there as soon as I can.
I... I gotta go, Dad.
Gotta go.
[music turns somber]
Miss Ivanova,
thank you for your patience.
So what is...
What is this all about?
You said on
the phone that it had
something to do with
Mr. West and his will?
I'm sorry I couldn't answer
all your questions by phone.
I'll be able to
explain more in detail today.
Thank you, because I... I have
no idea what any of this means.
These things can definitely
be a bit complex,
but in a nutshell,
Mr. West basically
left you all his assets.
Wait a minute.
What do you mean?
What do you mean Mr. West
left me all of his assets?
He left you everything,
which includes his businesses,
his house, property,
and his personal bank accounts.
Everything still has
to be appraised,
but I can assure you that
Mr. West's assets
are worth millions.
Miss Ivanova,
you are in a situation
that is highly unusual,
as the will generally names
the next of kin as sole heir.
Which should be
his son, correct?
Correct.
However, Michael West has
been strictly named to receive
only any assets left
in the home of Mr. West.
Family heirlooms,
clothing, things of that nature.
How...
Okay, uh...
I've only known Mr. West for...
For a few years, I...
Why would he leave me
everything that he has and...
And barely give
anything to his own son?
Why would he do
something like that?
You obviously
had an impact on him,
and he felt that you were
the only person he could
trust to carry on his legacy.
I really appreciate
this very kind gesture,
but...
I really don't want any trouble.
Is... Is there any... any
other family that he has?
He has family, right?
Other people?
Miss Ivanova, what you are
feeling is completely normal.
I've been
doing this a long time,
and I've seen
the worst come out in families,
fighting over who gets what
after a loved one has passed.
What I can assure you
is that you may experience
some pushback,
but give it some time.
Usually, once people's
emotions have subsided,
these things
usually work themselves out.
So... what happens now?
We will immediately
begin the appraisal process.
Once it's done, we will call
you in for another meeting to
officially execute the last
will and testament
and transfer complete control
of all assets
and financial interests to you.
[sentimental music]
[speaking Bulgarian]
[inaudible]
[tense music]
Let me make sure I'm
understanding this correctly.
He left it all to some
girl named Grace Ivanova
and all you get are the personal
items left in the house?
But we haven't been on
good terms for a while now.
The will states the only way
it legally reverts back to me is
if this Grace Ivanova girl
kicks the bucket before I do.
Who is this girl anyway?
She was my father's
house cleaner.
[laughing] That's just great.
Here's a classic rags
to riches story for you.
Look, I know
your father had
a personal vendetta against you,
but you are still his son.
You rightfully deserved it all,
not some random house cleaner.
You could have been set
for the rest of your life,
but instead all
you walk away with is some junk.
That junk is
priceless family heirlooms.
[phone buzzing]
[automated voice]
Your call has been forwarded
to an automatic voice mess a...
[traffic din]
Hey there.
We need to make a little
visit to see Miss Bennett.
[tense music]
Michael, someone's here.
Hello, good morning.
Attorney Cheryl said I should
probably be expecting you.
Uh, you're...
You're Michael West.
I am.
- I'm...
- Grace Ivanova, right?
Yep, that is me.
This is Autumn.
Hello, Autumn. Nice to meet you.
Michael, I'm very sorry
about Mr. We... Um, your dad.
I really did not know
that he was in that much pain.
Yeah, me either.
You must have been close.
He was a very good man.
He helped me a lot
with my business, too.
He must have seen
something special in you.
Look, I had no idea he was
going to put me in the will.
I... He did not
say any of that to me.
- I really don't know...
- [Michael] I left.
When I should have been here.
You were there for him.
I wasn't.
Yeah, that's because
you were out in L.A.
creating your own business,
Michael.
Autumn, enough!
[Grace] I was almost
finished here, actually.
I will get out of your hair.
Again, I'm very sorry.
- I guess we can...
- [door opens]
start with the bedrooms
and work our way out.
[door closes]
How are we going to get
all this stuff back to L.A.?
I'll take back what I can.
The rest I'll put in
storage until I can
make arrangements
to have it shipped back.
This was the first
house Mom and Dad bought
after they got married.
Turned out, I don't know
how many solicitors were trying
to get them out of here
and move them into a mansion.
They believed that as
long as they had each other,
it's all they needed.
You all right?
Yeah, this was a watch
I got Dad for his 50th birthday.
I was so happy that day.
[sentimental music]
During his toast,
he said to me...
[West] Son, someday the family
business will be all yours.
Now, I... I don't want you to be
so focused on chasing a dream
that you forget to live.
And don't ever, ever forget
the true importance in life.
Well, maybe
his dream wasn't big enough.
Look, um, I have to
head out for a little bit.
You gonna be okay by
yourself for a few hours?
Yeah, sure.
I am sorry, Michael.
Hi, Brian.
Aaron, your mother's here.
You got him for two hours,
nothing more.
If you go one minute over this
time, I'm calling the police.
Can you ever just be civil?
I'm just here to see my son.
Look, I'm just trying
to make sure you understand
what court order means.
Yeah, Brian, I got it.
- Hi, Mom!
- Hey, buddy.
- You ready to go?
- Yep.
- All right, let's go.
- See you soon, buddy.
Still keeping up your grades?
- Yep.
- That's good.
That's what I like to hear.
Mommy only wants
what's best for you.
Daddy set me up for football.
Did he now?
Well, Daddy and I are just gonna
have a little talk about that.
Can't have my handsome little
man getting all banged up.
Hey, I heard you had
an incident at school.
You wanna tell me what happened?
It's this kid named Grant.
He pushed me at recess.
Why would he do that?
He's a bully.
You have to stand up to bullies.
You can't let them
push you around or else
they think they can do
it to you your whole life, okay?
Okay.
I think karate would
be better for you than football.
When can I come stay with you?
Oh, hopefully soon, buddy.
Daddy and I are trying
to work that out right now.
It's just... taking a little
longer than I expected.
That's not something
you need to worry about, though.
Mommy's always gonna
do whatever it takes
to give you the best life.
- Hey.
- Hm?
You wanna get
a smoothie from Wawa?
- And a hot dog?
- Yeah, and a hot dog.
You can get whatever you want.
First one to
the car wins, though.
This should be fine.
[rattling]
[phone ringing]
- [Kim] Hey, cuz!
- Hey, Kim.
How the hell are you?
Did I catch you at a bad time?
No, just going
through some of Dad's things.
[Kim]
Oh, that was such a shock.
I'm so sorry
we couldn't make the funeral.
How are you holding up?
I think I'm still
trying to process everything.
Understandably.
How's Richard and the twins?
Jeez, how old are
those little guys anyway?
[Kim]
Richard's good.
He's been
working his ass off lately.
And Jack and Benny
are not so little anymore.
They just turned 12 last week.
Twelve?
Last time I saw them,
they were basically in diapers.
Yeah, well, that's
what happens when you go MIA.
How's, um, what's her name?
Autumn?
You know her name.
She's good.
Same determined girl
she's always been.
[Kim sighing]
[Kim] I just don't
think she's good for you.
And I know
your dad didn't either.
She's headstrong,
but she's a good person.
[Kim]
If you say so.
It's just...
Do you want to continue
giving up your life
and missing out on things
just for a career?
We have a dream.
I don't think there's anything
wrong with chasing that dream.
There's not.
Until that dream
starts to consume you.
Um, when do
you head back to L.A.?
Uh, we head back
tomorrow afternoon.
[Kim groaning]
I wish you were here longer.
We would all really
love to have seen you.
Yeah, that would have been nice.
We just have so much going
on with the business right now.
- We gotta get back.
- Yeah.
Look, I... I know we haven't
talked a lot recently,
but we're family.
So, if you ever
need anything, I'm here.
I know. I appreciate that.
[Kim]
Well, I'll let you go.
But don't disappear again
for years on end, all right?
- [Michael] I won't.
- All right, see you.
- Love you.
- [Michael] Love you too.
[airplane whirring]
- [clicking]
- [Autumn] What the hell?
[Michael] What?
[clicking]
Please don't tell me
the power went out.
[lighter flicking]
[tense music]
Miss Bennett.
Ignoring my phone calls.
That's so impolite.
[Michael]
Autumn? Who is this?
Huh? What's going on here?
Please, have a seat.
I insist.
What have you gotten us into?
[Alejandro]
The lioness.
She's an interesting beast.
She's subtle, yet strong.
She's not as fast as
the gazelle is, however.
Which is why she crouches
and takes its time
as it inches closer
and closer to it.
And then, when the gazelle
least expects it,
she pounces and digs her
shark claws into its throat.
When the game is over,
the lion is a different
kind of a beast.
He's not usually the hunter.
His job is to protect,
at all costs,
everything that belongs to him.
He may be strong and fierce,
but every now and again,
that which belongs to him
is taken away.
And he must do everything
to get back that
which was taken from him.
Miss Bennett, you came to me
and we made a deal
for two and a half million
dollars at a quarter interest.
And I have yet to get
my end of the deal.
And you ignoring my phone calls?
Am I correct in assuming
that you need more time
to deliver what belongs to me?
Just give me a week.
I swear to God I'll get it.
[scoffing]
Huh.
You get three days,
Miss Bennett.
[tense music]
Three days.
And if you fail me again,
or you trying to make contact
with the police
this handsome little fellow
and this beautiful family
will become collateral damage.
Don't get my son
involved in this.
Well, I hope I don't have to.
Three days, Miss Bennett.
[door closes]
How could you go
behind my back like this?
I thought we were building
this business together.
Huh? No?
Is that not still the case?
With threatening our families?
You think I don't know that?
So where's the money, Autumn?
What happened to it?
It's gone.
How is 2.5 million dollars
just gone?
I'm sorry,
with a quarter percent interest.
I made a bad investment, okay?
Things fell through and...
I lost it.
Wow. That's unbelievable.
I mean,
has any of this been true?
Our friendship, this business?
Michael, listen,
I know I fucked up.
Okay? You're right.
I should have
consulted you first.
Yeah, you should have.
How in the hell are we
supposed to come up
with millions of dollars
in three days?
Do you know
how much your father's
estate and total assets
are worth?
- Why?
- Because that's millions
of dollars we desperately
need right now
and I believe
rightfully belongs to you.
You saw the will,
you know the only way I'll see
any of that money is
if Grace dies before I do.
Exactly.
I can't even believe what
you're thinking right now.
Listen, Michael.
I know people who can take care
of this quickly and quietly.
Right? You never even have
to get your hands dirty.
We are not going to kill
this innocent girl
just to dig us out
of a hole you created.
Do you have a better idea?
It's our only choice.
Either we get this money
or they're all dead.
Look, I can arrange everything.
Once it's done,
I'll show Vargas the will
that'll buy us a few days
until all the assets are legally
transferred to you.
Michael...
We can finally have
the life we always dreamed of.
You're a conniving,
sick and heartless woman
and I want nothing else to do
with this green dream of yours.
Once all this is over,
you and I are done.
[line ringing]
- [Barnes] Hey.
- It's me.
I need a blackout
flight to Delaware
as soon as possible.
[Barnes] Look, that's going to
cost you at least 50 grand.
And you know I'm good for it.
Just give me two weeks.
[Barnes] Autumn, I'm not
in the charity business.
[Autumn] Did I throw
charity in your face
when our company helped you
get that defense contract?
[Barnes] All right, all right.
So, I'll make
all the arrangements.
[Autumn] Good.
I'll meet you at the hangar
in two hours.
[phone text alert]
[tense music]
Must be important for you
to come all the way out here.
I have something big for you.
Yeah, I hope it's
the money you owe me.
Have I ever not
come through for you?
You still owe me
for the last two jobs.
It's business, Autumn.
Have you forgotten who was
the one who took you
from nickel and dime,
two-bit hustles
and paid you some real bank?
The least you could do is
show some appreciation.
It'll be your biggest
payday yet.
Enough for both of us
to disappear.
Now, can I count on you?
You must be in over your head,
because you're either
crazy or you're desperate.
And we both know that's not
a good position to be in.
You fall through on this,
you know what happens.
Don't try to threaten me.
I'm not the one who's drowning.
Last one.
Got it.
[tense music]
Autumn?
Nice to see you again, Grace.
What is going on here?
Just decided to stop by
for a little visit.
Drink up.
Look, unless you'd like
your brains splattered
all over this nice furniture,
I suggest you drink up.
All of it.
Now, in about 20 seconds,
your complete nervous system
will begin to shut down and your
muscles will become paralyzed.
Oh, you'll feel everything.
But you won't be able
to make a noise
about that of a faint whisper.
Now, of course, in 30 minutes,
your body will begin to regain
complete functionality.
But by then, it'll be too late.
Whoops.
Do you know how much trouble
you've caused me?
You see, when Mr. West
left you all his money,
that really threw a monkey
wrench into my plans.
Honestly, this all should
have been done the first time
I sent my associate down here
to take care of business.
[Autumn]
Did you get the address?
Got it.
Good.
Check your email, too.
Contact me when it's done.
Whatever it takes.
Don't move.
[gunshot]
[dog barking]
So you see how
your involvement in all this
really complicated
things for me?
Light it up.
You see, Grace,
when they find your body
beneath all this rubble,
you'll be unrecognizable.
And the only explanation
for what will have happened
will be... faulty wiring.
[gunshots]
[tense music]
Michael?
What the hell
are you doing here?
Took the first red eye out.
Couldn't let you do this.
I heard everything, Autumn.
[sighing] Michael, stop this.
Okay? We're in this together.
I told you I'd do whatever
it takes to save what we built.
You had my father killed!
Michael your father was
already dead.
It was only a matter of time
before he drank
himself to death.
I did him a favor.
And look, now he's truly
at peace with your mother.
If you call the police,
we both go down.
Is that what you want?
We can still salvage
all of this.
Stay back, Autumn.
You don't have it in you
to shoot me.
I said stop.
Michael, give me the gun.
[gunshot]
[somber music]
I did this for us.
No.
You did this for you.
The police should be here
any minute now
and our stories have
to corroborate.
You and Autumn were
visiting to collect
your father's remaining items.
There was a home invasion.
Autumn was shot.
And I shot and killed
the intruder.
You're willing to let
Autumn get away with this?
Why would you do that?
Cause that's the only story
that the investigators will buy.
What happened to Autumn is
truly tragic.
But that's what
can happen to a person
if they let the light
in their soul go out.
Your father was a great man.
And I'm not... I'm not
going to let the hate
from what Autumn did
tarnish his legacy.
You saved my life and I owe
you for that, Michael.
So I'm going to give you
a second chance.
You should take it.
[heartfelt music]
[reporter] Good morning.
It's a beautiful day here
in the city of Wilmington.
Today's weather is expected
to be mostly clear skies
and temperatures delightfully
hovering in the mid 80s.
[helicopter whirring]
[driving music]
[Autumn] Michael, one day
we're going to leave
this old town and make it big.
- Where are we going, Autumn?
- New York, maybe.
Chicago, maybe.
Even L.A.
I hear it never gets
cold in L.A.
It just feels like
summer year round.
[Autumn]
That's where we'll go then.
We'll head out west
and be as rich as Bill Gates
- and as famous as...
- [Michael] Oprah Winfrey.
[Autumn] Let's make a deal.
[both] One day we'll be as rich
as Bill Gates
and as famous as Oprah Winfrey.
[intriguing music]
- [soft piano music playing]
[thunder crackling]
[tense music]
[dog barking]
[narrator] A stealth hunter,
a fierce predator.
She lies patiently
waiting for the chance
to strike.
Once she digs her sharp claws...
[knocking on door]
[knocking on door]
[banging on door]
[banging on door]
He's here, Joe.
[banging on door]
Joe, he's here.
[banging on door]
You got the money?
We swear we'll have it.
- You shut your mouth.
- Hey!
Don't talk to my wife that way.
Yeah, you teach the whore
to keep her mouth shut.
You know one thing I hate
more than a thief?
It's a liar.
I can tell you really
love your family,
and I'd hate to see something
happen to your wife here
and that pretty
little girl of yours.
You got 24 hours, Joe.
Next time,
I won't be so generous.
Where are you going?
Out.
[Karen]
Out where?
Just out, Karen.
It's not there.
What are you going to do, Joe?
[gun cocking]
I told you, Karen,
I'm going to take care of this.
Please don't do this.
I don't want you and
Autumn wrapped up in all this.
Marco crossed a line
when he threatened my family.
If it's the last thing I do,
I'm going to make sure
that bastard pays for this.
If I'm not back in two hours,
I want you and Autumn to get as
far away from here as possible.
[Karen sobbing]
[dramatic music]
Where's Daddy?
[Karen]
He's gone.
When is he coming home?
He's not.
Don't you dare shed a tear.
Life is not fair.
If you cave in, start
getting all soft and mushy,
it's going to swallow you up.
You always got
to have a way out.
Always be one step ahead.
Whatever it takes,
I never want you to end up
like your father and me.
Broke and begging for crumbs
from the master's table.
Do you understand me, Autumn?
Whatever it takes.
[frantic orchestral music]
- [thud]
- [birds chirping]
I'm out.
Fold.
Double or nothing, Bob.
What do you say?
I mean, unless you're scared of
getting beat by a 12-year-old.
Oh.
- I ain't scared.
- [Autumn] Then ante up.
Show me what you got.
Let's raise the stakes.
Nice.
[Bob] See who's really scared.
Oh. Yeah, that's what I thought.
Wait.
Me? Afraid? Never.
Show me what you got.
Are you sure about this, Autumn?
I got it.
Hm. Read 'em and weep.
- Aw.
- [Bob] Thank you.
Not so fast, buddy.
That's all
she wrote for you, Bob.
- Oh.
- Beat by a 12-year-old.
- Can you believe this, man?
- She's a little shark.
- She got you. Can't believe it.
- Come on.
That dummy's got a...
Come on.
I can't believe we did it.
- Seriously can't...
- Wait, this is not right.
Three of a kind.
Two kings of spades?
Two king of spades?
You little brat.
Run! Come on!
Come on. Hurry up.
Lock it, lock it.
Oh, hey, hey.
- [Autumn] There we go.
- [Michael] Okay. Go, go, go.
[Bob] Oh, those little brats.
I grabbed the other deck,
but I couldn't get
the other king of spades.
It's all right.
We'll get another one.
Looks like we're also
gonna have to find
some new guys
to play against as well.
Yeah, we'll find some other
clueless chumps in no time.
Michael, one day, we're gonna
leave this old town
and make it big.
Where are we going, Autumn?
Anywhere but here.
New York, maybe?
Chicago, maybe? Even L.A.
Oh, I hear it
never gets cold in L.A.
It just feels like
summer year-round.
That's where we'll go, then.
We'll head out west and
be as rich as Bill Gates
and as famous as...
Oprah Winfrey.
Let's make a deal.
Say it with me.
One day,
we'll be as rich as Bill Gates
and as famous as Oprah Winfrey.
Oh, that's... that's stupid.
Come on, Michael.
You gotta say it with me.
All right, fine.
One day,
we'll be as rich as Bill Gates
and as famous as Oprah Winfrey.
[tires screeching]
Come on.
Hold on, hold on.
I need a breather.
Come on, old man.
You can't finish?
Old man,
that's a good one. That's good.
[phone pinging]
Oh, boy.
Trouble with the boss again?
Autumn, how many jobs
have you actually held
longer than six months?
Michael, these nine-to-fives
just don't fit me.
I hate clocking in every morning
for barely minimum wage.
You might as well call it
modern-day slavery.
What happened this time?
Phil is a dick is what happened.
He promised me overtime,
and then gave the hours
to Brittany instead.
Brittany.
That's the one you said
he's got a thing for, right?
Yeah, more than a thing.
Explains why he's giving her
all the hours.
I don't know. Corporate
America's so twisted.
The only real way for a woman
to climb the corporate ladder
is on her back.
I'm done with Phil and
all these corporate pimps.
Oh, that reminds me.
Look what I made us at
work to help keep us motivated.
[Michael] Ooh.
Hey, why is Bennett first?
Because I made it.
Michael, I can't wait
to leave this town
and head for the big city.
You ready?
I'm ready.
I wouldn't worry too much.
We got this.
I hear you, Autumn, I do.
But Evan did not sound like
he had good news on the phone.
Let me worry about Evan.
All right, Evan.
What the hell happened with
this Wells and McFarland deal?
They didn't bite.
I thought you said
you had it in the bag.
I did, but they took
a closer look
at the financials,
so they pulled out.
Said it was too high risk.
Damn it, Evan.
What did we hire you for?
Do you understand
how much we needed this?
You're acting like
I meant to kill this deal.
I gave it all I had.
You obviously
didn't give enough.
- Now it's my fault?
- Damn right it's your fault.
Guys, bickering back and forth
is not going
to solve the problem.
Evan, what's the damage
without this deal?
Without this deal,
we have no other choice
but to liquidate all of
our assets and close up shop.
We've had to lay off
our entire staff,
but even after we liquidate,
we still fall short.
- By how much?
- 2.5 million.
2.5 million?
So, just like that, we're done?
Michael, I can't believe
you're going to lay back
and let this get the best of us.
I think we all know
what has to happen next.
[Autumn]
What, quit?
Look, I started this...
We started this company
with nothing but
Delaware-born hard grit.
I will do whatever it takes
to save this company.
Whatever it takes, Evan.
There's nothing left to save.
You know what?
Get the hell out, you're fired.
Wait, what?
No, Michael,
the conversation is final.
Michael,
please look out for yourself.
Get the hell out!
What's the
next play here, Autumn?
I said I'd do whatever it takes.
I'll get the money.
[dramatic music]
[dinging]
[Alejandro] I really am
a compassionate man, Mr. Baxter.
Wouldn't you agree?
Shh.
I don't understand people
that try to swindle me.
Now, you've left me
no other choice.
[gunfire]
I'll be sure to send
my condolences
to your family, Mr. Baxter.
[Grace]
45, 46, 47,
48, 49, 50.
[panting]
Oh, not bad.
[soft gentle music]
[phone ringing]
Hello, Grace's
Cleaning Solutions.
Mm-hmm.
Yes, oh, this is she, yes.
Yes.
Thursday?
Yes.
Yes, the rates are 45
for an hour,
and then 90 for
two and a half hours
and 120 for three.
And if you want something
extra or a few properties,
then we can talk about
that on the side.
[phone ringing]
[speaking Bulgarian]
[Grace]
[grunting]
- Oh, good morning to you.
- Hello, Mr. West, how are you?
I'm good, I'm good.
Looks like today's
going to be a good day.
I think so, I think so.
Just grabbing the mail here.
- Yes, yes. Very good.
- Hey! Hey, pupper.
How are you doing, sweetie?
- [dog owner] Say hello.
- [West] Yeah.
- You be a good girl, okay?
- [dog owner] Bye.
Bye.
- Good morning, Mr. West.
- Oh, good morning, Grace.
- [Grace] Good morning.
- Ah, right on time, as usual.
Always.
Oh, here, here, let me... let me.
- No!
- Let me help you with that.
No, no. You don't have to.
- No, no, no. My pleasure.
- Oh, thank you.
Come on.
So, uh, how was your weekend?
Oh, really good,
I went to the fair.
[West]
The fair.
And guess what,
I had my first funnel cake.
- You're kidding.
- No, I did, it was really good.
I love those things.
- You know, I could eat them...
- [Grace] Amazing.
All day long.
Same, they're very dangerous.
- [West] Yes. Yes, they are.
- [Grace laughing]
[reporter] ...US Treasury since
hired equity investors
straight from the sidelines
after several tech companies
slashed their outlook
and revived worries about...
It's... Iced tea for you.
- Thanks.
- Yeah.
Thank you, Grace,
for keeping my dear
Miriam as beautiful
as she always was.
You're very welcome, Mr. West.
I've...
I miss her.
Me too.
And this is your...
Your son, Michael.
- It is Michael.
- Yeah.
What is... What's he up
to these days?
Wouldn't know.
[dramatic music]
[sirens wailing]
Hello, Miss Bennett.
Take a walk with me.
It's a lot of money,
Miss Bennett.
It is, but you know
I'm good for it.
Did I not come through
the last time?
You did.
But that was a third of
what you're asking for now.
You do realize that
when the risk goes up,
so does the rate.
I take it we have a deal then.
A quarter interest and
a three-week payback guarantee.
Mr. Vargas, come on now.
A quarter interest?
That's the deal.
Or there is no deal.
Deal.
You're a very pretty girl,
Miss Bennett,
and I like you a lot.
Which is why it breaks
my heart to say that
if you fail me on this deal,
I will have no choice but to
chop you up
and throw what's left of you
into the Pacific.
They'll find pieces
of you floating to the shore
from Malibu to Santa Monica.
Do you understand what
I'm saying, Miss Bennett?
Yeah, I get it.
Good.
Then I look forward
to seeing you again shortly.
Make the transaction.
Right this way, miss.
[ominous music]
Wife's happy, kids are good.
Yeah, let me call you
right back.
Is it done?
Done.
The funds have already
been transferred.
Sam, I got a lot riding on this.
We have three weeks,
and we've got
a good track record,
so I'm counting on you
to make this happen.
This new Qcoin
is the hottest thing
since Ether,
and we're gonna make millions.
Well, we'll see.
[intriguing music]
You okay?
Yeah.
Just needed a brain break.
Wow.
The city of angels.
Come a long way
from Delaware, huh?
Yeah, I guess so.
Still have a long way
to go, though.
Yes, we do.
At least we've made
some progress, right?
My father started
his manufacturing company
30 years ago with 10 grand,
which wasn't much.
His first warehouse staff
was my mother and two aunts.
They worked no less
than 12 hours a day.
It was hard work,
but they didn't seem to mind.
What kept them motivated was
thinking about how they
never wanted
their kids to live in a world
where they had to struggle.
30 years, his company grew
to become
the largest manufacturing
company on the East Coast.
Not bad for a man
who grew up poor.
[Autumn scoffing]
Nice story, but are you ever
gonna see any of that money?
Most likely
I will after he passes.
Try not to think
about that, though.
We haven't been on
good speaking terms,
the past few years.
But at the end of the day,
he's still my father.
Hey.
Gonna be okay.
This is just a
small bump in the road.
I hope you're right.
I really do.
[reporter] Today, a massive
sell-off of cryptocurrency
has shaken the markets,
erasing more than $200 billion
from the entire market
in a single crash.
[reporter 2] Bitcoin is down
more than 60% from the high.
[reporter 3] One minute it looks
like the market's gonna drop,
the next minute it looks like
the market's gonna rise,
and I don't know what
in the world is going on,
so I'm done. That's it.
[reporter 2]
The price of Bitcoin has dropped
to its lowest level
in 14 months.
The second largest
digital currency, Ether,
has dropped below $2,000 a coin.
The numbers have left
some investors panicking,
fearing they could lose it all.
- [phone ringing]
- [reporter 3] In total, it seems
unreal to say,
but I'm down about $45,000.
I actually lost
a huge portion of...
Talk to me, Sam.
It's gone.
How do you mean it's gone?
We lost it all.
We?
We didn't lose anything.
You...
Shit!
[dramatic music]
All right, Sam, where are you?
We need to sit down
and figure this out.
I can be at
the usual spot in 20 minutes.
Okay, I'll see you soon.
[knocking at door]
You good?
Yeah, I'm good.
Sure about that?
I said I'm fine.
[phone beeping, vibrating]
What's up?
Got it.
[breathing hard]
[muffled shots]
[eerie music]
I handled it.
[heavy knocking on door]
[Karen]
Autumn! Hurry up!
You've been in there
at least an hour and a half.
I'm almost done.
You better be.
You're not the only one
living in this house.
The world doesn't
revolve around you.
- About damn time.
- Sorry.
You better watch that tone.
You're wasting your time
thinking a made-up face
and a Hollywood hairstyle
is gonna get you anything
in this world.
The only thing that will get you
is fake friends and people who
just wanna take from you.
Oh, God, here we go again.
You do realize
I am a grown woman now?
I can handle my own.
A grown woman?
Little girl, the only thing
you are is a damn fool.
You know what?
I don't have time for this.
Don't you turn your back on me
when I'm talking to you.
What do you want from me, Mom?
You know, ever since Dad left,
I can't help it that you've been
angry with the whole damn world.
The least you can do
is fix yourself up,
maybe go out
every once in a while
instead of sitting around
this house all the damn time.
Don't you tell me how to live.
If you don't like the way
I live my life,
maybe you should just get your
shit and get the hell out.
I'm way ahead of you.
We already signed a lease.
To be honest, I'm surprised
I stayed this long.
But I guess somewhere
in the back of my mind,
I kept thinking maybe,
just maybe,
I'd be able to save you from
complete and self-destruction.
I was wrong.
You won't have to worry
about seeing me ever again.
Good. Get the hell out.
And I'm not taking care
of your baggage.
Oh, I'll take care of Aaron.
Better than you ever
took care of me.
[solemn music]
[phone beeping]
So what's all this I'm hearing
about you quitting
and going out on your own?
Not now, Dad.
What do you...
Do you think it's easy,
to start from
the bottom of the barrel?
But you don't have any capital.
How... what?
How do you plan to fund it?
We'll get the funding.
We?
Oh, I see. I see.
That, uh, damn Autumn girl
has gotten
to your head again, huh?
What... what makes you think that
she's the type that would
help you succeed?
Uh... Son, listen to me.
Forget this.
Forget this. Listen.
Listen to what
I'm trying to tell you.
This is a very bad idea.
California has some of
the highest tax rates
in the country.
You're... you're not gonna
make it unless you have
a solid, established business
presence behind you.
Why don't you just come out
and say how you really feel?
You don't think
I can do it without you.
That's exactly what I mean.
You know what you...
You need to squash this...
this foolish idea right now!
We're done here, Dad.
You walk out on me now,
and you are finished here.
Forever.
Do you understand that?
Do you get me?
I said we're done here.
[phone beeping]
Hey, Dad. It's me.
Uh, give me a call back
when you get this.
Bye.
[keys clattering on table]
Let it be?
Oh, just... very long day.
I need a drink,
a hot bath, and sleep.
And in that order.
Look, I didn't mean
to pry before.
You just seemed so upset.
I know it's been
super stressful,
trying to figure out
how to come up with the money.
We're gonna come out on top.
This isn't our first rodeo.
Michael, don't take this
the wrong way.
You know, you're a good guy.
You have a good heart.
But that's not
what's gonna save this company.
Look, it takes a willingness
to make the hard choices
that aren't always so
nice and charming.
Of all people, I thought
you'd understand that by now.
What the hell
is that supposed to mean?
Look around you, Autumn.
I'm literally the last person
standing with you.
My own dad won't even talk to me
because when he needed me most,
I was too busy
helping you trying to
build this damn company.
Oh, brother, cry me a river.
Now he wants sympathy?
You know what, Autumn?
No, go ahead.
Say what you were gonna say.
Seeing you be a little more
assertive and straightforward
would be good for a change.
I've got nothing else
to say to you, Autumn.
Going to bed.
That's right.
Be a passive coward.
It's what you're used to, right?
[door opening, closing]
[eggs sizzling]
What in the world is all this?
I know, I know it's a bit much,
but come on, take a seat.
Okay, Autumn, you...
You never cook.
What's going on?
Michael, I'm really sorry
about last night.
You know how I get
when I get all
worked up about things, but...
It's still no excuse
for the things I said.
It's all good.
Don't even sweat it.
It's no big deal.
No, Michael, I appreciate it
how you're always
so easy to let things go,
but it is a big deal.
This breakfast is a big deal,
but an argument between
two best friends,
it comes with the territory.
Thanks for always being
so understanding.
That's what
real friends do, right?
Right.
Anyways, dig in.
Before it gets cold.
Not overdone?
You make this yourself?
No, I ordered takeout.
Ah, would have been my guess.
[crickets chirping]
[sighing]
[intense music]
[phone buzzing]
I'll make it.
[weeping]
I'll make it.
[thudding sound]
[dogs barking]
[birds chirping]
[car beeping]
Hm.
Mr. West, I'm here.
Mr. West?
[sighing]
[gasping]
Oh, my God! Oh, my God!
[intense music]
Come on!
Mr. West?
[gasping]
Oh
911, what is your emergency?
Yes, please help.
It's Mr. West.
There's so much blood...
[sobbing]
[phone buzzing]
What?
Hello? Who is this?
Whoa, whoa, whoa, wait, what?
What... what happened?
Hey, I... I'll be on
the first flight out.
There's no more flights
out of LAX today?
Great.
[pounding table, grunting]
Michael, what's going on?
Something's happened
with my father.
God, is he okay?
I don't have
all the details yet,
but it doesn't sound good.
I'm booking
the first flight out now.
No, you go get packed.
I'll take care of
booking us a flight.
Us? Uh, no.
I appreciate it,
but you have so much to do.
What kind of friend would I be
if I let my best friend deal
with this alone?
Now, you go get packed.
I got this.
Thank you.
[Pilot] Cabin crew,
prepare for landing.
I'll never really
be able to forget
seeing Mr. West like that.
[somber music]
I just really don't understand.
How long have you been
working for Mr. West?
Since after college,
right out of college.
He was the one who
gave me my first job.
It was really like family.
Have you noticed any changes
to his behavior more recently?
After his wife passed.
He tried to
hide it from me, but...
I did notice that he did
start to drink.
A lot.
But I... I thought that
that was just his way
of trying to cope and deal with
the grief.
But I, I, it's just...
I... I still can't
get my head around Mr. West
killing himself.
That does... it does not
make any sense to me.
[bird calling]
[speaking Bulgarian]
[sighing]
[West] Okay.
Now, the first step would be to
register your
business as an LLC.
Now of all the options
we have open to us,
the LLC is the best choice.
Because what it does,
it protects your
personal assets...
- Mm-hmm.
- Against any, uh,
legal action, any litigation or
whatever that may occur.
[chuckling]
You can never tell nowadays.
And the second thing we're going
to need is a business name.
That business
name will be filed with
the Prothonotary Office
of the State.
Okay?
Have you thought of a name?
Well, I... I guess we can use
the one that I've been using,
which is
Grace's Cleaning Solutions.
Grace's Cleaning Solutions.
- Yes.
- That is... That's very clever.
- I get that.
- [Grace chuckles]
- Cleaning Solu...
- Did you?
[both laughing]
Cleaning Solutions
Okay, we got that.
- Good. Now...
- Okay.
First thing in the morning,
I want you to call Esther,
my secretary.
She'll help
you with all the papers
that you need
to file for the state.
Okay?
And any of the upfront fees,
we will take care of it.
And get your brand new LLC filed
with the State of Delaware.
Thank you for helping me
set all of this up.
[heartfelt music]
- [John chuckles]
- No, really.
You have no idea how...
How much I appreciate it.
Don't... Don't even
worry about it.
You've worked so hard,
that's the least I can do.
- When you talk to Esther...
- [Grace] Mm-hmm?
[West] ...she has
some incredible programs
for accounting.
You'll probably want
to do that to keep track
of your expenses and
your salaries
because you're going to be
hiring a whole lot of people.
Currently it appears that there
was no foul play, but obviously,
it's way too early in
the investigation to know that.
Michael,
I'm sorry about your dad, man.
He was a good
man to the community,
and I've known him
since I was a little kid.
You'll be assured
that if anything comes out,
any new information,
you'll be the first to know.
Meanwhile, if you need anything,
don't hesitate to call,
all right?
- Thank you, Detective Wali.
- You're welcome.
Stay strong, brother.
Take care.
[sentimental music]
Hey. You okay?
Any information?
Detective Wali said they don't
suspect any foul play.
It's still hard to fathom my
father would take his own life.
You know, things weren't
the same for him after Mom died.
Should've been there for him.
Hey, you can't blame yourself.
Your father was a good man,
and he raised a good son.
You know, whatever
differences the two of you had,
I'm sure he wouldn't
want you blaming yourselves.
Rest in peace, Pop.
So long, Mr. West.
[traffic din]
Good afternoon, Michael.
Nice to see you again.
- It's been a while.
- Attorney Cheryl, how are you?
All is well,
considering the circumstances.
Can I get you a cup
of coffee or something?
Oh, no, thank you.
Please, have a seat.
Here it is.
Your father's
last will and testament.
Would you like me to walk
you through it?
Oh, that's okay.
I don't want
to take up your day.
My father never minced words.
I'm sure it's very direct
and to the point.
Well, if you have any questions,
please don't
hesitate to call me.
Thank you, Attorney Cheryl.
As always, you've done
my family a great service.
You take care
of yourself, Michael.
And I'm very sorry
about your father.
I appreciate it.
I'll get out of your hair.
[soft intriguing music]
I know I haven't been
there the past few years...
[phone ringing]
Dad, I am sorry.
I have a very important meeting.
I can't be late for it.
Please tell Mom I'm sorry
I couldn't make it home
this past weekend.
I'll do my best to
get there as soon as I can.
I... I gotta go, Dad.
Gotta go.
[music turns somber]
Miss Ivanova,
thank you for your patience.
So what is...
What is this all about?
You said on
the phone that it had
something to do with
Mr. West and his will?
I'm sorry I couldn't answer
all your questions by phone.
I'll be able to
explain more in detail today.
Thank you, because I... I have
no idea what any of this means.
These things can definitely
be a bit complex,
but in a nutshell,
Mr. West basically
left you all his assets.
Wait a minute.
What do you mean?
What do you mean Mr. West
left me all of his assets?
He left you everything,
which includes his businesses,
his house, property,
and his personal bank accounts.
Everything still has
to be appraised,
but I can assure you that
Mr. West's assets
are worth millions.
Miss Ivanova,
you are in a situation
that is highly unusual,
as the will generally names
the next of kin as sole heir.
Which should be
his son, correct?
Correct.
However, Michael West has
been strictly named to receive
only any assets left
in the home of Mr. West.
Family heirlooms,
clothing, things of that nature.
How...
Okay, uh...
I've only known Mr. West for...
For a few years, I...
Why would he leave me
everything that he has and...
And barely give
anything to his own son?
Why would he do
something like that?
You obviously
had an impact on him,
and he felt that you were
the only person he could
trust to carry on his legacy.
I really appreciate
this very kind gesture,
but...
I really don't want any trouble.
Is... Is there any... any
other family that he has?
He has family, right?
Other people?
Miss Ivanova, what you are
feeling is completely normal.
I've been
doing this a long time,
and I've seen
the worst come out in families,
fighting over who gets what
after a loved one has passed.
What I can assure you
is that you may experience
some pushback,
but give it some time.
Usually, once people's
emotions have subsided,
these things
usually work themselves out.
So... what happens now?
We will immediately
begin the appraisal process.
Once it's done, we will call
you in for another meeting to
officially execute the last
will and testament
and transfer complete control
of all assets
and financial interests to you.
[sentimental music]
[speaking Bulgarian]
[inaudible]
[tense music]
Let me make sure I'm
understanding this correctly.
He left it all to some
girl named Grace Ivanova
and all you get are the personal
items left in the house?
But we haven't been on
good terms for a while now.
The will states the only way
it legally reverts back to me is
if this Grace Ivanova girl
kicks the bucket before I do.
Who is this girl anyway?
She was my father's
house cleaner.
[laughing] That's just great.
Here's a classic rags
to riches story for you.
Look, I know
your father had
a personal vendetta against you,
but you are still his son.
You rightfully deserved it all,
not some random house cleaner.
You could have been set
for the rest of your life,
but instead all
you walk away with is some junk.
That junk is
priceless family heirlooms.
[phone buzzing]
[automated voice]
Your call has been forwarded
to an automatic voice mess a...
[traffic din]
Hey there.
We need to make a little
visit to see Miss Bennett.
[tense music]
Michael, someone's here.
Hello, good morning.
Attorney Cheryl said I should
probably be expecting you.
Uh, you're...
You're Michael West.
I am.
- I'm...
- Grace Ivanova, right?
Yep, that is me.
This is Autumn.
Hello, Autumn. Nice to meet you.
Michael, I'm very sorry
about Mr. We... Um, your dad.
I really did not know
that he was in that much pain.
Yeah, me either.
You must have been close.
He was a very good man.
He helped me a lot
with my business, too.
He must have seen
something special in you.
Look, I had no idea he was
going to put me in the will.
I... He did not
say any of that to me.
- I really don't know...
- [Michael] I left.
When I should have been here.
You were there for him.
I wasn't.
Yeah, that's because
you were out in L.A.
creating your own business,
Michael.
Autumn, enough!
[Grace] I was almost
finished here, actually.
I will get out of your hair.
Again, I'm very sorry.
- I guess we can...
- [door opens]
start with the bedrooms
and work our way out.
[door closes]
How are we going to get
all this stuff back to L.A.?
I'll take back what I can.
The rest I'll put in
storage until I can
make arrangements
to have it shipped back.
This was the first
house Mom and Dad bought
after they got married.
Turned out, I don't know
how many solicitors were trying
to get them out of here
and move them into a mansion.
They believed that as
long as they had each other,
it's all they needed.
You all right?
Yeah, this was a watch
I got Dad for his 50th birthday.
I was so happy that day.
[sentimental music]
During his toast,
he said to me...
[West] Son, someday the family
business will be all yours.
Now, I... I don't want you to be
so focused on chasing a dream
that you forget to live.
And don't ever, ever forget
the true importance in life.
Well, maybe
his dream wasn't big enough.
Look, um, I have to
head out for a little bit.
You gonna be okay by
yourself for a few hours?
Yeah, sure.
I am sorry, Michael.
Hi, Brian.
Aaron, your mother's here.
You got him for two hours,
nothing more.
If you go one minute over this
time, I'm calling the police.
Can you ever just be civil?
I'm just here to see my son.
Look, I'm just trying
to make sure you understand
what court order means.
Yeah, Brian, I got it.
- Hi, Mom!
- Hey, buddy.
- You ready to go?
- Yep.
- All right, let's go.
- See you soon, buddy.
Still keeping up your grades?
- Yep.
- That's good.
That's what I like to hear.
Mommy only wants
what's best for you.
Daddy set me up for football.
Did he now?
Well, Daddy and I are just gonna
have a little talk about that.
Can't have my handsome little
man getting all banged up.
Hey, I heard you had
an incident at school.
You wanna tell me what happened?
It's this kid named Grant.
He pushed me at recess.
Why would he do that?
He's a bully.
You have to stand up to bullies.
You can't let them
push you around or else
they think they can do
it to you your whole life, okay?
Okay.
I think karate would
be better for you than football.
When can I come stay with you?
Oh, hopefully soon, buddy.
Daddy and I are trying
to work that out right now.
It's just... taking a little
longer than I expected.
That's not something
you need to worry about, though.
Mommy's always gonna
do whatever it takes
to give you the best life.
- Hey.
- Hm?
You wanna get
a smoothie from Wawa?
- And a hot dog?
- Yeah, and a hot dog.
You can get whatever you want.
First one to
the car wins, though.
This should be fine.
[rattling]
[phone ringing]
- [Kim] Hey, cuz!
- Hey, Kim.
How the hell are you?
Did I catch you at a bad time?
No, just going
through some of Dad's things.
[Kim]
Oh, that was such a shock.
I'm so sorry
we couldn't make the funeral.
How are you holding up?
I think I'm still
trying to process everything.
Understandably.
How's Richard and the twins?
Jeez, how old are
those little guys anyway?
[Kim]
Richard's good.
He's been
working his ass off lately.
And Jack and Benny
are not so little anymore.
They just turned 12 last week.
Twelve?
Last time I saw them,
they were basically in diapers.
Yeah, well, that's
what happens when you go MIA.
How's, um, what's her name?
Autumn?
You know her name.
She's good.
Same determined girl
she's always been.
[Kim sighing]
[Kim] I just don't
think she's good for you.
And I know
your dad didn't either.
She's headstrong,
but she's a good person.
[Kim]
If you say so.
It's just...
Do you want to continue
giving up your life
and missing out on things
just for a career?
We have a dream.
I don't think there's anything
wrong with chasing that dream.
There's not.
Until that dream
starts to consume you.
Um, when do
you head back to L.A.?
Uh, we head back
tomorrow afternoon.
[Kim groaning]
I wish you were here longer.
We would all really
love to have seen you.
Yeah, that would have been nice.
We just have so much going
on with the business right now.
- We gotta get back.
- Yeah.
Look, I... I know we haven't
talked a lot recently,
but we're family.
So, if you ever
need anything, I'm here.
I know. I appreciate that.
[Kim]
Well, I'll let you go.
But don't disappear again
for years on end, all right?
- [Michael] I won't.
- All right, see you.
- Love you.
- [Michael] Love you too.
[airplane whirring]
- [clicking]
- [Autumn] What the hell?
[Michael] What?
[clicking]
Please don't tell me
the power went out.
[lighter flicking]
[tense music]
Miss Bennett.
Ignoring my phone calls.
That's so impolite.
[Michael]
Autumn? Who is this?
Huh? What's going on here?
Please, have a seat.
I insist.
What have you gotten us into?
[Alejandro]
The lioness.
She's an interesting beast.
She's subtle, yet strong.
She's not as fast as
the gazelle is, however.
Which is why she crouches
and takes its time
as it inches closer
and closer to it.
And then, when the gazelle
least expects it,
she pounces and digs her
shark claws into its throat.
When the game is over,
the lion is a different
kind of a beast.
He's not usually the hunter.
His job is to protect,
at all costs,
everything that belongs to him.
He may be strong and fierce,
but every now and again,
that which belongs to him
is taken away.
And he must do everything
to get back that
which was taken from him.
Miss Bennett, you came to me
and we made a deal
for two and a half million
dollars at a quarter interest.
And I have yet to get
my end of the deal.
And you ignoring my phone calls?
Am I correct in assuming
that you need more time
to deliver what belongs to me?
Just give me a week.
I swear to God I'll get it.
[scoffing]
Huh.
You get three days,
Miss Bennett.
[tense music]
Three days.
And if you fail me again,
or you trying to make contact
with the police
this handsome little fellow
and this beautiful family
will become collateral damage.
Don't get my son
involved in this.
Well, I hope I don't have to.
Three days, Miss Bennett.
[door closes]
How could you go
behind my back like this?
I thought we were building
this business together.
Huh? No?
Is that not still the case?
With threatening our families?
You think I don't know that?
So where's the money, Autumn?
What happened to it?
It's gone.
How is 2.5 million dollars
just gone?
I'm sorry,
with a quarter percent interest.
I made a bad investment, okay?
Things fell through and...
I lost it.
Wow. That's unbelievable.
I mean,
has any of this been true?
Our friendship, this business?
Michael, listen,
I know I fucked up.
Okay? You're right.
I should have
consulted you first.
Yeah, you should have.
How in the hell are we
supposed to come up
with millions of dollars
in three days?
Do you know
how much your father's
estate and total assets
are worth?
- Why?
- Because that's millions
of dollars we desperately
need right now
and I believe
rightfully belongs to you.
You saw the will,
you know the only way I'll see
any of that money is
if Grace dies before I do.
Exactly.
I can't even believe what
you're thinking right now.
Listen, Michael.
I know people who can take care
of this quickly and quietly.
Right? You never even have
to get your hands dirty.
We are not going to kill
this innocent girl
just to dig us out
of a hole you created.
Do you have a better idea?
It's our only choice.
Either we get this money
or they're all dead.
Look, I can arrange everything.
Once it's done,
I'll show Vargas the will
that'll buy us a few days
until all the assets are legally
transferred to you.
Michael...
We can finally have
the life we always dreamed of.
You're a conniving,
sick and heartless woman
and I want nothing else to do
with this green dream of yours.
Once all this is over,
you and I are done.
[line ringing]
- [Barnes] Hey.
- It's me.
I need a blackout
flight to Delaware
as soon as possible.
[Barnes] Look, that's going to
cost you at least 50 grand.
And you know I'm good for it.
Just give me two weeks.
[Barnes] Autumn, I'm not
in the charity business.
[Autumn] Did I throw
charity in your face
when our company helped you
get that defense contract?
[Barnes] All right, all right.
So, I'll make
all the arrangements.
[Autumn] Good.
I'll meet you at the hangar
in two hours.
[phone text alert]
[tense music]
Must be important for you
to come all the way out here.
I have something big for you.
Yeah, I hope it's
the money you owe me.
Have I ever not
come through for you?
You still owe me
for the last two jobs.
It's business, Autumn.
Have you forgotten who was
the one who took you
from nickel and dime,
two-bit hustles
and paid you some real bank?
The least you could do is
show some appreciation.
It'll be your biggest
payday yet.
Enough for both of us
to disappear.
Now, can I count on you?
You must be in over your head,
because you're either
crazy or you're desperate.
And we both know that's not
a good position to be in.
You fall through on this,
you know what happens.
Don't try to threaten me.
I'm not the one who's drowning.
Last one.
Got it.
[tense music]
Autumn?
Nice to see you again, Grace.
What is going on here?
Just decided to stop by
for a little visit.
Drink up.
Look, unless you'd like
your brains splattered
all over this nice furniture,
I suggest you drink up.
All of it.
Now, in about 20 seconds,
your complete nervous system
will begin to shut down and your
muscles will become paralyzed.
Oh, you'll feel everything.
But you won't be able
to make a noise
about that of a faint whisper.
Now, of course, in 30 minutes,
your body will begin to regain
complete functionality.
But by then, it'll be too late.
Whoops.
Do you know how much trouble
you've caused me?
You see, when Mr. West
left you all his money,
that really threw a monkey
wrench into my plans.
Honestly, this all should
have been done the first time
I sent my associate down here
to take care of business.
[Autumn]
Did you get the address?
Got it.
Good.
Check your email, too.
Contact me when it's done.
Whatever it takes.
Don't move.
[gunshot]
[dog barking]
So you see how
your involvement in all this
really complicated
things for me?
Light it up.
You see, Grace,
when they find your body
beneath all this rubble,
you'll be unrecognizable.
And the only explanation
for what will have happened
will be... faulty wiring.
[gunshots]
[tense music]
Michael?
What the hell
are you doing here?
Took the first red eye out.
Couldn't let you do this.
I heard everything, Autumn.
[sighing] Michael, stop this.
Okay? We're in this together.
I told you I'd do whatever
it takes to save what we built.
You had my father killed!
Michael your father was
already dead.
It was only a matter of time
before he drank
himself to death.
I did him a favor.
And look, now he's truly
at peace with your mother.
If you call the police,
we both go down.
Is that what you want?
We can still salvage
all of this.
Stay back, Autumn.
You don't have it in you
to shoot me.
I said stop.
Michael, give me the gun.
[gunshot]
[somber music]
I did this for us.
No.
You did this for you.
The police should be here
any minute now
and our stories have
to corroborate.
You and Autumn were
visiting to collect
your father's remaining items.
There was a home invasion.
Autumn was shot.
And I shot and killed
the intruder.
You're willing to let
Autumn get away with this?
Why would you do that?
Cause that's the only story
that the investigators will buy.
What happened to Autumn is
truly tragic.
But that's what
can happen to a person
if they let the light
in their soul go out.
Your father was a great man.
And I'm not... I'm not
going to let the hate
from what Autumn did
tarnish his legacy.
You saved my life and I owe
you for that, Michael.
So I'm going to give you
a second chance.
You should take it.
[heartfelt music]
[reporter] Good morning.
It's a beautiful day here
in the city of Wilmington.
Today's weather is expected
to be mostly clear skies
and temperatures delightfully
hovering in the mid 80s.
[helicopter whirring]
[driving music]
[Autumn] Michael, one day
we're going to leave
this old town and make it big.
- Where are we going, Autumn?
- New York, maybe.
Chicago, maybe.
Even L.A.
I hear it never gets
cold in L.A.
It just feels like
summer year round.
[Autumn]
That's where we'll go then.
We'll head out west
and be as rich as Bill Gates
- and as famous as...
- [Michael] Oprah Winfrey.
[Autumn] Let's make a deal.
[both] One day we'll be as rich
as Bill Gates
and as famous as Oprah Winfrey.
[intriguing music]