Upperworld

While out at sea, Lilly Linda nearly drowns. The crew rescues her and Stream lends her some clothes. This encounter pulls him into a dangerous attraction that drives the rest of the plot.

After she is rescued, Lilly invites him into her home and offers breakfast as thanks. He cancels his morning appointments to spend time with her. The budding affair begins to overshadow his personal life.

On his way to appointments, Alex is stopped for speeding by Officer Moran, a relentless beat cop. Alex leverages influence to have Moran demoted, signaling the start of Moran's vendetta. The power dynamic foreshadows later consequences.

Back home, Hettie hosts a large costume party she values for social status. Alex declines to attend, preferring to play with Tommy instead. The couple's priorities begin to diverge.

Alex arranges dinner reservations and a cake for their 14th anniversary. He invites Lilly to join for the celebration because Hettie can't attend. The gesture reveals his growing entanglement with Lilly.

Next morning, Hettie has Tommy sent to a sleep-away camp 200 miles away to maintain their social position. Alex protests but is overruled. The separation grants Lilly more access to him.

After Tommy leaves, Hettie announces she will be away for two weeks with her society friends. Alex seizes the chance to schedule another outing with Lilly. The secrecy deepens their relationship.

Louie Colima urges Lilly to have an affair with Alex so they can blackmail him. While their plan looms, a minor accident occurs and Lilly and Alex share a kiss. The tension between love and opportunism escalates.

A few months later, Lilly has moved into a luxury apartment thanks to Alex's money, and he gives her a $12,000 diamond bracelet. Hettie sees the gift box and assumes it is for her. The affair grows more conspicuous.

Louie tells Lilly that it is time to blackmail Alex; he breaks into her bedroom and slaps her when she refuses to reveal letters. He grabs a gun Lilly had pointed at him and heads to the door to leave. Alex confronts them and the situation spirals toward violence.

Lou fires at Alex but kills Lilly when the shot hits her. Alex's gun jams, so he grabs Lou's gun and kills Lou. He then disposes of the evidence and makes it look like a murder-suicide.

Back at home, Hettie waits, ready to reclaim Tommy; she tells Alex she wants to spend more time together. He explains he was lonely but still loves her. The family remains intact, though the bonds are strained.

Moran, now patrolling the area, spots Alex's car parked illegally and suspects a cover-up. He confronts the police chief about payoffs and vows to prove Alex's guilt. His pursuit adds mounting pressure on Alex.

Reporters arrive at Alex's house with a fingerprint technician to demand his prints. He reluctantly yields his prints, knowing a match could seal his fate. The match is confirmed, leading to his arrest for murder.

In the judge's chambers, Hettie and Tommy explain Europe plans and forgiveness is tempered by the affair. The verdict comes in—Alex is acquitted. The film ends with a ship scene where Alex, Hettie, and Tommy set off for a second honeymoon, reaffirming their vow to make time for each other.