Lies Before Kisses

During her daughter's birthday party, Elaine is shocked when she overhears Grant speaking on the phone with a romantic conversation involving a 20-year-old girl. The moment reveals a potentially ongoing affair and shatters her sense of security. The seed of doubt is planted as she processes what she heard.

Elaine confronts her husband about the affair. Grant insists it was nothing more than a one-night stand with a call girl and tries to downplay the incident. The confrontation marks the first crack in their marriage.

Grant runs into Adrianne Arness and photographs are taken of their meeting. The photos, along with images of a bruised Adrianne, are sent to Elaine, who begins to doubt Grant. Elaine suspects she is being manipulated but is unsure what to believe.

Grant convinces Elaine that Adrianne is the one trying to ruin them and urges her to investigate Adrianne's background through an old family friend, Sonny. Elaine agrees and begins to press Sonny for information. This sets in motion the couple's attempt to control the narrative.

Adrianne files a lawsuit accusing Grant of abuse, escalating the personal and public stakes of the affair. The legal action adds pressure on Grant and complicates Elaine's views of the situation. The case pushes the couple toward more drastic measures.

Adrianne offers to drop the case in exchange for $50,000, and Grant agrees to meet her payment. He delivers the money in a late-night visit, hoping to end the matter quietly. The payoff signs a willingness to keep the affair and its consequences hidden.

The next day, Adrianne is found murdered, and the money is missing. Grant becomes the prime suspect in the murder investigation. Elaine's earlier machinations hint at a broader conspiracy behind the crime.

Grief and fear drive Elaine to seek comfort with Sonny, revealing a growing emotional entanglement. The two begin a sexual affair, complicating Elaine's loyalty and further entangling the couple's web of deceit. Elaine's actions show she is no passive spouse but an active conspirator.

It is revealed that Ross was the photographer who captured Grant with Adrianne. Elaine has long wanted to ruin Grant's life since discovering his betrayal, and Ross's involvement fuels her plan. This revelation deepens the conspiracy and raises the stakes.

Elaine and Ross plot to have Grant convicted of a crime he did not commit. They also aim to seize half of Grant's business to secure their wealth. The plan shows a full escalation of their willingness to destroy Grant.

Sonny learns that Ross was at Adrianne's place when she was murdered and orders a search warrant to gather proof. He soon finds the incriminating evidence, and Ross is arrested.

After bail, Ross confronts Elaine and accuses her of orchestrating the conspiracy. Elaine attempts to deflect by blaming Ross for starting the scheme. Unbeknownst to Elaine, Sonny has been hiding in the room and overhears her confession in full.

Sonny rejects Elaine's seduction and vows to destroy her life, just as she did with Grant. He makes clear that he will expose and retaliate against her schemes. The confrontation ends with Sonny promising to dismantle her plans.