Declan becomes aware of the media storm as he and Iris fly back to Chicago. Normally unfazed by what the media says about him, he is infuriated by what people are saying about Iris, and he feels rage over his father’s actions. Iris tries to dismiss his concerns, but he sees her hurt over some of the comments and is concerned by her focus on what his grandfather’s lawyer might think instead of on the death threats she received.

The situation devolves further when Seth visits the office. Declan hears Seth’s yelling and Iris’s laugh and follows the sounds to find out what’s going on. When Declan enters, Seth says, “Tell your bitch to heel” (216). Before Declan can hit Seth, Iris does so herself, hurting her hand in the process. As Declan is checking on Iris, Seth continues his crude tirade, repeating one of the insults being thrown around online against Iris. Declan turns and punches him. Seth flees before either of them can hit him again, but not without commenting to Declan, “Looks like you’re more like me than I thought” (217), hitting a nerve and increasing Declan’s rage.

When Iris admits that Seth had offered her money to prevent her from ever having a baby, Declan realizes Seth will stop at nothing to retain his position as CEO because without his job, he has nothing.