King of Envy

Ayana hosts an end-of-the-summer cocktail party for the luxury department store, Jacob Ford, with her fiancé and the department store founder’s grandson, Jordan. She reminisces on how she was able to get her big break in modeling thanks to Jordan. Jordan’s grandmother, Orla, chastises them for not networking properly. When Jordan leaves, Orla welcomes Ayana to the family and expresses how relieved she is that Jordan is finally getting married. Ayana feels guilty since the wedding is a sham.

Ayana arrives at the bistro to meet with Vuk, Jordan’s best man, and Jordan. They discuss wedding details with Vuk (who signs in ASL in return) until Jordan gets a call.

Ayana tries to talk to Vuk, but a passing child makes disparaging remarks about Vuk’s scars around his neck. Ayana is disturbed, as she believes his scars are about as noteworthy as other people’s freckles. She tries to change the subject back to the wedding, but Vuk remains elusive in his responses as to whether he’s bringing a date to the event.

When Jordan returns, he announces that his grandmother is not doing well and he won’t be able to attend the cake-testing in San Francisco with Ayana.