We begin episode 9 as Laura wakes in the night, struggling to come to terms with Bradley's hidden and troubling truth - the fact that she concealed Hal's role in the Capitol Riots. Now, we observe her grappling with an internal dilemma, trying to determine the best course of action. On one hand, she faces the prospect of being an accomplice in suppressing the truth, a serious offense. On the other hand, she must also weigh the potential impact on her relationship with Bradley.
Alex finds out about Paul's startling proposal to liquidate all of UBA's assets. He anticipated her enthusiasm for the prospect of building something new from the ground up. However, instead of embracing the idea, she begins to ponder the impact on an organization that has supported her for many years. Paul wishes for Alex to view her accomplishments as entirely her own. Yet, Alex finds herself uncertain about how to truly feel about it.
At Stella's behest, Bradley embarks on a quest to unravel the mysteries surrounding Hyperion. With Chip dismissed by Alex, he too joins the investigation. Much like Kate, numerous other employees departed Hyperion under suspicious circumstances. Despite Bradley's attempts to reach out to them for insights, they remain tight-lipped due to their apprehension of non-disclosure agreements. Stella is apprehensive that if they don't uncover the issues by Friday, they may return to haunt them. Shortly after, Paul makes an appearance at Stella's office, attempting to gather information about Cory.
Laura continues to struggle with her newfound knowledge. She meets with Elena, her YDA boss to ask what she would do in this situation - without revealing any names or details, of course. Elena encourages Laura to chase the story, but Laura loves Bradley too much to choose a story over their relationship.
Out of the blue, Maggie appears in Alex's office wanting information on her complicated connection with Paul Marks and its potential repercussions for UBA. Alex expresses that she is still in the process of working things out. She then inquires about Maggie's perspective on the likelihood of survival for a longstanding media entity like theirs, given the current media environment.
Subsequently, Alex confides in Bradley about the prospect of embarking on a new venture following UBA's agreement with Hyperion. She proposes that they seize the opportunity to enact the changes they've always envisioned in this fresh setting. Bradley highlights her reservations about Paul's decision to acquire UBA, leading to a strained conclusion to their conversation. Alex later goes home and informs Paul that she is prepared to align herself with his new strategy.
Laura contacts Hal to see if he will come clean to her about the Capitol Riots incident. Unfortunately, he chooses to be dishonest, further distressing her. Later, when Bradley comes home, Laura confronts her about concealing evidence and providing false information to the FBI. With both Bradley and Laura in tears, Laura ends the relationship as Bradley lied to her and her career is now at risk.
After Cybil discloses Paul Marks' destructive intentions, Cory becomes frantic. He confronts Alex in her office, questioning whether this is her way of retaliating for not being respected enough in the past. Alex defends her position, emphasizing that it won't adversely affect the employees Cory cares about. Immediately after Cory leaves, Alex contacts Paul to relay Cory's knowledge of the plan.
Following his conversation with Alex, Paul arrives at the UBA office. Just before Bradley goes on air, he meets with her and attempts to blackmail her into halting her Hyperion investigation, in exchange for his silence regarding her Capitol Riots incident. He also reveals his awareness of her conversation with Laura, unsettling her further. Consequently, when Bradley takes the stage for the evening news, she deviates from the teleprompter. Instead, she resigns from her position on the spot. Bradley hastily departs without offering an explanation, while Cory's life descends into further turmoil. An article is published accusing him of being a sexual predator, citing his creepy ways towards Bradley.
With only one episode remaining, who will end up in charge of UBA? Will UBA still exist at the end of the season?
