After his father dies in a mysterious plane crash, attorney Nick George reluctantly accepts an offer to take over his post as chief counsel to a wealthy and influential family.
Nick is disturbed to learn that his estranged mother is on the witness list for the prosecution in the murder case of Dutch George; Tripp convinces Patrick to reconsider clearing his conscience about his wife's death.
Nick faces an uphill battle defending Letitia in the murder case until he discovers a secret about Nola; Karen asks Nick to tell Tripp that she's marrying Simon Elder; Andrea and Brian get shocking news after a trip to the doctor.
As Election Day nears, Patrick insists on taking his relationship with Carmelita public; Ellen's brother, Chase, demands to know the truth about his sister's death; Nick and Lisa go to couples therapy; Brian Jr. goes missing.
Tripp and Letitia Darling throw Nick a luxurious birthday party on a yacht; Jeremy reveals his feelings for Lisa to the mysterious Nola Lyons; Brian is reunited with his illegitimate son; someone is arrested for murder.