Jo insists on returning to Duke, claiming it protects Steve and Adrienne. Steve tries to stop her but fails. When Duke arrives at the hospital, Steve watches their reunion with disgust, haunted by childhood violence. Shane uncovers a new lead in Kim’s case: a blonde woman named Barbara visited Emma before her death, raising suspicion as Barbara grows anxious about Kim’s appeal. Dr. Wilson’s son Danny is critically injured; Wilson initially resists Mike treating him but later praises Mike’s skill and withdraws his lawsuit, admitting Danny has a drinking problem. Kayla defends Steve to Adrienne, saying his anger hides deeper care, but Steve ultimately withdraws, choosing solitude over confronting his pain.
