Greed: A Seven Deadly Sins Story (2022) - full transcript

That's me, Zuri Brown.

My life was beautiful.

I had a career I loved,

supportive family,
loyal friends, a good man.

I had it all,
and I didn't even know it.

Now, sit back and watch
as I torch it all.

You are... smart,

ambitious, and talented.

You grew your business
from scratch, girl.

Your portfolio is bangin',

and you have delivered



for every single client
you've ever had.

This is just...

a bigger room,

a bigger house,

with a bigger budget.

Then he said to them,

"Beware, and be on your guard
against every form of greed,

for not even
when one has an abundance,

does his life consist
of his possessions."

You got this.

Wish I would've
studied my Bible more.

Ahh. Yes! Mm.

Mm-mm-mm.

Stephan, zigzagging
all over my lawn.



Now... Now don't be
gettin' creative on it.

M-My lawn's not your canvas.

What's that, Mr. Brown?

Don't play with me, Stephan.

Straight lines.

Yeah, I got it, Oscar.

Just 10 more minutes
and I'll be finished.

There's something
I want to talk to you about

before Zuri gets here.

I'm all ears.

What's that?

I said, I'm all ears!

Huh?

I... am... all...

Punk.

Old man.

Viv, I've been
trying to reach you.

We've... we've got a problem.

I hear you, Rochelle.

Godfrey and I are working
on a solution as we speak.

In fact, she's just
pulling in right now.

I'm glad to hear that.

We've been bringing in
a lot of cash.

We've made how much?

More than double
what we projected.

Already?
So what's the problem?

Viv, I'm talking

six figures of Medicaid billing

that we need to funnel
immediately.

The longer it stays
in company accounts,

the more attention we attract
with the IRS.

Half the residents
we're claiming on

are already ghosts.

Mm. I must say,

I've had worse problems
than making too much money.

It's a problem
if there's nowhere to hide it.

What about Don?

Padding the invoices

for landscaping
the grounds of Sunnymeade

worked great.

We could use his firm again to...

Don isn't a friend
we can trust anymore,

so I, uh...

severed ties.

But we need to move the money.

I can't keep it for much longer.

Rochelle, I am already
two steps ahead on this.

Just make sure you keep it
moving on your end, okay?

Okay. Let's talk
about it later.

Yeah. I'll call you back.

Zuri Brown?

Hi.

I'm here to meet
with Ms. Anderson.

Yeah.

I'm quite aware.

Miss Anderson has been
held up on a call.

She sends her apologies.

Follow me. I'll take you
through to the drawing room.

- Ow!
- Careful.

The floor was polished
just yesterday.

Right.

Thanks for the heads up.

Another one of my paintings
just sold

at that gallery downtown
I told you about.

Oh, yeah?

So do you get enough
to quit your day job?

Nah. Nah, I still gotta work
that construction gig for now.

It's a nice sale and all,

but I'm not exactly
Kehinde Wiley.

Uh...

He's an artist.

Did that Obama portrait?

Gotcha. Gotcha!

But, I, uh...

did earn enough for this.

It's beautiful.

It's barely a carat,
I designed it myself.

You think she'll like it?

She'd be a fool not to.

I knew that
this wouldn't feel right

without your blessing.

You're the only family
she's got.

I think of you as a son already.

Thank you...

for trusting me.

Mm.

So, I was thinking...

right here...

A fresco.

- Mm-hmm.
- Huge.

Like in some of
the old European houses.

You know,

some of the big firms
submitted design proposals,

and they were all the same...

Staid.

I mean, girl, I'm old, not dead.

When I saw

the adorable nursery you did

for Annabelle Cartwright's
granddaughter,

I demanded your number
on the spot.

Thank you.

I went to college
with her daughter, Laura,

so it just felt really special

to help get her ready
to be a mom.

Wow.

You have
such an amazing library.

I love to read, too.

Yeah. Books showed me
the world, possibilities...

a gift close to my heart,

a gift I'd like
to share with others.

Read this?

Mm-mm.

Here. Borrow it.

You know...

right here
could be a reading nook.

Upholstered in velvet,

a touch of damask,
but nothing too heavy...

We want to keep it
fresh and feminine.

I love all of your designs
and ideas,

so I'm going to commission you.

So, let's start
in the drawing room

and we'll see
where we go from there.

How quickly did you want this
turned around?

The budget allowed
for a little bit of fat,

but I'm sure I could
crunch the numbers and make it...

Mm-mm-mm.

Don't worry about budget.

Just get me
the best of everything.

Let's have some tea.

And when I say "tea,"

I mean the kind
that comes in a bottle

and a popping cork.

That sounds wonderful.

Okay, to health, wealth,
and happiness,

and...

throw pillows.

Mm.

Has this house always
been in your family?

Girl, I grew up

in a shack
in Nowheresville, Georgia.

- Really?
- Mm-hmm. Really.

So, then your husband...?

Mm. No.

Never married.

I was about your age
when I made a vow

to live life on my own terms.

Wow.

You have a man?

Kids?

No kids, but I have a man.

Stefan.

We've been together
for three years.

Well, what does Stefan do?

He's an artist.

Oh, would I know him?

He graduated from Pratt.

So, very talented, but, um,

you know, the art world
is tough to get into,

so right now,
he does construction.

"Right now..."

turns into
"a couple more months,"

turns into
"a couple more years,"

turns into a lifetime.

I'm not sure what you mean.

Has anyone ever told you
to work smart, not hard?

It's okay to want more.

Here.

Had my chef
make this especially.

Macarons.

Mm!

There goes my paleo.

Forbidden fruit always tastes
the sweetest, dear.

Eat up.

You're the one
who's making the money now.

- Hey!
- Hey.

Hey, hey.

I got the gig.

- Yeah!
- Oh!

Congratulations, baby.

Thank you.

Let me fix you a plate.

Sit down. I don't need you
running after me.

I'm not hungry.

I had "afternoon tea"
with Miss Viv.

- "Afternoon tea," huh?
- Mm-hmm.

So who's Miss Viv
and what's the gig?

Ohh! She has this incredible
house in Baltimore

and she's commissioned me
to do the drawing room.

Oh. "The drawing room."

What is she, from Mars?

Nah, she's from the South.

Self-made.

Owns a chain of care homes.

Well, maybe she's got
a spot here for Oscar.

Maybe she's got a son for Zuri.

Okay.

If all goes well
with the drawing room,

she'll commission me
to do more rooms.

And trust me, there's plenty.

You know, with the extra money
coming in, Daddy,

I was hoping that maybe I could
help out a little bit more...

Maybe get you a nurse.

I'm fine.

I will not have you
spending money on me.

Daddy, we could
maybe get a stair-lift or...

I said,

I'm fine. Hmm?

- Okay.
- Yeah?

- Right?
- Okay. Fine.

No, you're always doing...

Lord...

Thanks, baby.

Leave me alone!

Okay. Try this next one.

I want to go up in the...

buh... buh...

Sound it out, Russ.
You're doing great.

Buh-loo-nah.

Balloon! Oh. Balloon.

Boom. You got it.

I can't read,

but even I know this book
is as boring as hell.

Russell, I can't wait
to loan you some books

from my collection.

I think you'd love
"Iceberg Slim."

- Hmm.
- Sounds like a rapper.

He's a novelist.

Was a pimp,
but mad smart, you know?

His books are real gritty,

all about street life
and hustling and all that...

Sorry to interrupt...

but we've got a visitor.

Please extend a warm welcome
to Godfrey Anderson.

He's just been appointed
to chair our Board of Trustees.

Thank you. Thank you.
Thank you.

And thank you, guys,
for letting me

be a part of your session
this evening.

Godfrey, could you tell us
a little about yourself?

Uh, okay.

Uh, let's see, aside from being
the newly-appointed chair

of the Baltimore
Literacy Foundation...

Which I am
really excited about...

Uh, I chair
a few other non-profits.

I have several other businesses
which keeps me very, very busy.

Uh, let's see. Downtime.

I love to cook.

He can cook for me any day.

Stop.

Thank you, Godfrey.

Yeah, yeah, but how about y'all?

I mean, you're taking this step
to empower yourselves,

and that just uplifts
the entire community.

I'm in awe. Really.
Thank you.

Thank you.

Tyrone?

I was hoping
you could share your story.

I'm Tyrone.
Most of y'all know me.

Born and bred
right here in Baltimore.

Lakewood Heights.

Long story short...

My mom died
when I was real young.

I bounced around group homes

and ended up
dropping outta school.

I got caught up
in some bad stuff

and wound up doing a bid.

I was 19,
couldn't read or write.

The Baltimore Literacy
Foundation

were running some courses
at the pen,

and after I got out,

they welcomed me
into this community,

and I never looked back.

With the help of Zuri, Karima,

Charles, and other volunteers,

I got my literacy up to a level

where I could enroll
on a G.E.D. course.

So I went to night school,
graduated.

4.0 G.P.A.

Really?

So, after a year
of community college,

everyone here encouraged me
to apply to other colleges.

They said, if I got in,

they'd grant me a scholarship.

So... I did.

And next semester,

I'm transferring
to Morgan State College.

Whoo!

Wow. Wow.

You have one new message.

Hey, we got out late.

I'm not gonna have time
to make it home and change.

I've got a dress
and I'm changing in the car,

but I need shoes.

Can you bring me a pair?

Just pick any pair you like.

I'm wearing a black dress
so you can't go wrong.

Love you.

I'm sorry!

I didn't mean to scare you.

I was talking to some people
from the group,

and I saw you walk by,

and, damn, you walk fast!

But I saw you get in the car,

but I never saw you leave,

and I just want to make sure
you're okay.

I'm, yeah, I'm fine.

Okay.

Oh! Wow.

You look really, really good.

I'm sorry.

I didn't mean
to make you uncomfortable.

No, I'm-I'm fine.

I'm on my way to a dinner

and I didn't have time
to go home and change,

and I just had a dress
in the car.

- Yeah.
- Hi. I'm...

Zuri. I know.

- I'm...
- Godfrey.

- Yeah.
- Yeah, I know.

So, so nice.

Uh, look,

so how long
have you volunteered there?

Off and on since college.

Really?

Karima and Charles
are like family now.

I just love being part of it.

- Yeah.
- How did you hear about us?

Well, I escorted my cousin

to a fundraiser
a few months back.

I met some members of the board,

and here we are.

I'm surprised
I didn't see you there,

because I would have
definitely remembered you.

Only the bigwigs get invited
to those events...

Not us lowly volunteers.

Really?

Well, that changes as of now.

In fact...

we're having an event
in a few days,

and after seeing Tyrone,

I'm more determined

to pull in as much support
as we can.

Yeah. Uh, that's
my direct contact right there,

and you can drop me an email
or a text.

Thank you.

Yeah, yeah.

And feel free to invite
your partner, your friend.

Uh, where's it gonna be?

Well, it's actually
at my cousin's house.

She's redecorating and...

between you and me,

I'm-I'm sensing

a strong motivation
to help a great charity,

and an equally strong motivation

for her
to just show off her swag.

I'm actually
an interior designer.

You wouldn't happen to know
who's doing the revamp,

would you?

She found someone through
her friend's...

sister's cousin... something.

It had something to do
with a nursery she...

Wait. Is your cousin
Cassandra Vivian Anderson?

The one and the same...
You know her?

You're the decorator!

I'm the decorator.

You're the decorator!

Yes! Miss Viv is amazing.

Yeah. Yeah, she's a powerhouse,

but what beautiful
synchronicity.

Really.

Well, look, I know you gotta
get to your dinner.

And, uh, please, make sure
you come to the fundraiser.

I... I'll see you there.

- I insist.
- Okay.

All right.

Goodnight.

Goodnight!

Hey, babe.

You got the shoes?

Mm! You got dinner at eight

and you running from the cops
at ten.

You're clowning me, right?

You told me
to grab a pair I liked.

Stefan, these
were never meant to see

the light of day
outside of our bedroom.

And that was a one-time thing.

But you look good in them

and you told me
you were wearing a black dress,

- and so I thought...
- You thought

that I would want to go
to a birthday dinner

for my best friend's
doctor husband,

dressed like
I just left Magic City?

Stefan!

What were you thinking?

I got you.

That's not funny.

We gon' be all right!

You play too much.

Thank you.

Let's go.

Everyone!

- This is Zuri and Stefan.
- Hey.

Clifton, Josh, Rita, and Marla.

Zuri and Audra
were roommates in college.

Zuri, I'm sure you see
a few familiar faces here?

Yes. So sorry we're late.

Thanks, hon.
This looks wonderful.

Thank you.

Dive in, everybody.

Finally.

We do our company retreats
there every year.

It's just how
you would have imagined it.

Incredible beaches.

I bring the wife and kids.

- Really?
- Yeah.

Even better on the company dime.

My... My folks
are actually from the island.

Have you been?

One of these days.

The, uh, "holiday fund"
always seems to end up

turning into something
like the rent fund.

That's not true.

We should celebrate
the paintings you just sold.

You're an artist?

That's what they tell me
on the building site.

Yes. He is an artist.

He has some pieces right now
at the Araminta Webster Gallery.

Yeah. Everyone?
Meet my publicist.

Uh, sculpture? Paintings?

Oil on canvas.

He just got a review that said

he's like
"Basquiat meets Monet."

My work can be
a little abstract, sure,

but that article was lazy.

What I like
about oil on canvas is...

Yeah, but the painting sold
for, like, $3,000.

Maybe "Basquiat meets Monet"

isn't such a bad thing, babe.
You know?

Finally hang up
that hardhat and high-vis,

start making some real cash.

Who's ready for dessert?

You know, my firm's
refurbishing offices.

We're looking for some artworks.

Maybe I could get your card?

Yeah. I don't have a card,

but, uh, I could
give you my number.

I'd love to show you
some of my pieces.

Here. Take mine.

He's way too laidback
about these kinds of things.

I'll make it happen.

Well, what can I say?

My girl has a lot more hustle
than me.

Ahem.

You're no fun.

Cut it out, Zuri.
I'm not in the mood.

What do you mean,
you're not in the mood?

What was all that stuff about
at dinner?

What?
What are you talking about?

You know exactly
what I'm talking about.

What are you, my agent now?

Why are you so mad?

Honey, I'm just proud of you.

You're the exact
opposite of proud.

Why do you always
have to act so humble, huh?

Just fake it until you make it,
Stefan.

Anyone would think that
you don't want to be successful.

Yeah, well, maybe
I don't define my success

by the amount of zeros
in my bank balance.

Well, it's a good thing
you don't.

You humiliated me at dinner!

You graduated

from one of the top art schools
in this country.

You're not humiliated
working on a building site?

Lately, all you talk about
is money

and how you can get more of it.

It's called ambition!

Nah.

It's called being
a fake-ass wannabe.

And you know what?

It's ugly as hell.

I'm sleeping down here tonight.

Enjoy the bed.

Fine.

- Goodnight.
- Mm-hmm.

Okay, Rochelle,
what is this all about?

I just got off the phone.

It is getting too hot.

They're investigating

Willowbrook Residential
right now.

I spoke with a friend of mine
who works there

and she says

you can't move for auditors

who are looking everywhere
and at everything,

and they're clean.

Well, Medicaid billing accounts
for, what, 45% of our revenue?

I'm not going to jail for you
or anybody.

Don't get greedy, Godfrey.

We...

have to make up the deficit.

Impossible.
You can't...

Can we try, Rochelle?

Look. We can put our contracts
up for tender,

we can tell the existing
service providers that, hey,

"your competition, they're
coming in cheaper than you."

We can cut back
on staffing costs, Rochelle!

But we need capital.

We're stretched
to breaking, Godfrey.

That's how I know
you're gonna make it work.

Mm-hmm. You will make it work,

and we'll meet again next week,

and you will update me
on your progress.

- Ah!
- Sorry.

Come in, Pat.
Have a seat.

You're still here.

Your shift finished an hour ago.

You know we don't pay
unauthorized overtime.

I know.
One of my residents was upset.

I wanted to make sure
she was okay before I left.

So...

what can I do for you?

The paperwork with several
of my Medicaid clients

doesn't add up.

Look, right here.

We're billing for hospice care

and a bunch of tests
they don't need.

Pat...

I've worked in residential care
for well over 30 years...

I thought
I should bring this to you.

It doesn't add up.

Well,

I appreciate your concern,
but what I'm saying is

that I'm sure it's simply been
an administrative error.

Nothing to cause alarm.

Leave the paperwork with me
and I'll look into it, okay?

Okay.

Um... should I close the door?

No, no. I have
an open-door policy.

What an amazing client to land!

You gonna rise, Zuri.

Girl, I'm just getting started.

You can never have too much.

That so?

Why didn't Stefan want to come?

He said it wasn't his thing.

It's like all we do
is fight lately.

Mm.

Anyway, I'm just glad I get
to spend time with my girl.

By the way, did you speak
to Marla

about him showing his paintings?

Yeah, I'm working her.
He'll get a shot.

Good evening, Baltimore!

Can I have your attention,
please?

That's right.
Come on in.

Thank you so much
for coming out tonight.

It's really great to see
so many familiar faces

hidden behind masks.

But all jokes aside,

we are here
to highlight the work

of the Baltimore
Literacy Foundation.

Tonight, you can save lives.

Every cent will go towards

uplifting individuals
in our city

so that they, too,
can become their best selves.

"Each one teach one."

Thank you!

Thank you so much.

Zuri.

I'm glad you came.

Great speech.

Uh, Audra, this is Godfrey.

Godfrey, Audra.

- Pleased to meet you.
- Pleasure.

Shall we get a drink?

You look a little lost.

I'm looking for my girlfriend.

Oh, well, maybe I can help you.

I'm Cassandra Vivian Anderson.

Everyone calls me Miss Viv.

Miss Viv!

I'm Stefan.

Oh.

Stefan Gardner.

Zuri Brown is my girlfriend.

Oh! The starving artist.

Upholstery isn't the only thing
she has good taste in, I see.

I think I see her.
Excuse me.

Catch you later.

Way to work the room.

Miss Viv did not exaggerate
your charms.

Well, I learned
everything I know

from my cousin.

In fact,

she's been singing your praises.

She flat-out instructed me

to make sure that I hire you
to make my house a home.

Well, Miss Viv
is a very smart woman.

I'll have my assistant reach out

so we can get the ball rolling.

Great.

Oh, sir, uh, can we get
some drinks for the ladies?

What'll it be?

Stefan, hi!

Hey.

Hey, babe, what a surprise.

Stefan? You're Stefan.
The artist.

Uh...

masquerading as a caterer?

I usually get invited
to these things

to, you know, help
the aristocrats

feel... relevant.

I'm here for my girl.

Stefan...

uh, Godfrey.

Godfrey, Stefan.

Quite the party.

Look, those donation baskets,

they're not gonna
fill themselves.

So, I'll leave you guys to it.

Zuri.

I can't wait to see

what you're gonna do
with my place.

I love this song.
Let's go dance.

Hi!

Hi.

Ooh. Houndstooth. I like it.

- You look amazing.
- Thank you.

So...

I like minimalism,
but this is just spartan.

And I think
you can give it some life.

Godfrey, this place is stunning.

Come on, let me
give you the tour.

Uh...

But you're gonna have
to take them heels off.

I can't have you messing up
my hardwood floor.

The floor!

I'm just messing. Come on.

Let's start at the top.

After you.

And most of these wines
are Argentine, but I have...

Oh, wow.

I have a few
that I picked up in Bordeaux

that you have to try.

Wow. I'd love to go some day.

Yeah. Yeah, you should.

What would you like to do
with this area?

Huh.

Probably leopard print
and, um, neon.

I'm kidding.

Okay, good.

All right,
these are just some sketches,

but, um...

I was thinking,
for color palette,

maybes browns and beiges
for warmth...

Hmm.

And then you could add in
a little bit of texture

with some authentic raw cowhide,

maybe some modern
mid-century furniture...

Yeah. I like that.

I like that.
That's... That's really amazing.

Good.

And this... is your day rate.

For the month.

And I think that's enough

to make inroads
on some of those amazing ideas.

Yeah?

Yeah, I think
I can make it stretch.

Good.

Thank you.

Thank you.

I feel overdressed.

You look amazing.

I told you that already.

I'm proud to have you on my arm
in jeans and sweats,

let alone looking like that.

Whoa. Um...

Order anything you want
from the sides, baby.

I don't think
I can afford the mains.

We can go halves.

I'm just kidding, baby.

You know that.

I'm sorry.

Really, this is...
This is great.

So?

How'd it go today?
Did moneybags like the color?

I keep telling you,
his name is Godfrey,

and, yeah, it was a hit.

The room looks great.

Oh!

Did you talk to Marla

about the paintings
that she was interested in?

We spoke today.

And?

I was too late.

They've spent the budget...

Something about buying out half
the Jones Gallery, apparently.

How many times

did I say that you needed
to move fast on this?

There'll be other opportunities.

How?

You know, I pushed Audra
to set up that meeting for you.

She liked your work,
had a lot of office space...

You could've made
a ton of sales.

We don't know that.

Do you want to work
at a building site forever?

This again?

I actually like my job.

No, you're coasting,

and no matter what I say or do,

it's like you don't want
to keep up with me.

Keep up?

What are we racing towards?

I would like to own a home
before having kids.

Is that too much to ask?

Maybe go on a vacation?

Stefan,

you are so talented.
I...

I just want you
to live up to your potential.

Yeah.

Ouch.

Ooh! It seized right up.

Daddy, I've told you
a million times...

Leave the trash.

I'll take it out.

You know, I hate having you
looking after me.

You're my pops!
I want to look after you.

You know, even as a little girl,

you always wanted to help.

You know,
looking after your dolls,

the cats next door.

You know, I always hoped,
when you grew up,

that you would find a man
to look after you.

What, baby?

Did you and Mom ever have doubts

that you were right
for each other?

Well, you know, relationships

aren't always
sunshine and flowers.

We had our rough patches, sure,

but I always knew
that life would be better

with her by my side.

Stefan and I have been
fighting a lot lately.

What?

Really? What...?

We're just so different.

He's so laidback,

and I've always loved that
about him,

but we're not
in our 20s anymore.

Meaning?

Daddy...

you did great

and I couldn't have asked
for a better pop,

but we struggled.

If I have kids,

I want to make sure
that I can spend time with them,

give them opportunities,

not work every hour
just to make ends meet.

Stefan loves you, Zuri.

I know...

but lately, I've been feeling

less like his woman...

more like his mom.

I wouldn't dream of telling you
how to live your life, honey,

but I raised you
to be decent and kind.

Don't string anyone along.

You hear?

I hear you, Daddy.

I do.

This should go the other way.

Hmm.

Wow.

Wow!

I mean, completely transformed.

I actually want to spend time
in this space now.

Well, you work so hard.

You deserve
to have a beautiful home.

Yeah.

I just don't have
anybody to share it with.

I'm sorry.
I'm sorry, Zuri.

I'm just a man who...

pursues what he wants.

You are smart,

beautiful,

so talented and... loyal.

Look, I know that you're trying
to work things out with him,

and you made that
abundantly clear,

and I respect that.

But I'm saying this as a friend.

Don't settle
for a life that you don't want.

You have ambition.

You have drive.

People in your life,

they either give you weight
or wings.

Which one is he?

Hmm?

The right man by your side...

the sky's the limit with you.

Will you fly with me, Zuri?

Will you fly with me?

Mm.

Hey, Stefan. It's me.

Um, I was just calling
to let you know that I'm safe

and I'm gonna need to take
a couple of days to myself.

I'm...

having some second thoughts
about us.

I'll call you later.

Keep your life free
from love of money,

and be content
with what you have,

for He has said,

"I will never leave you
nor forsake you."

Zuri?

Stefan.

- Don't.
- I'm sorry.

Keep it.
Keep it, really.

I've got no use
for an engagement ring.

But, the money...

you could sell it.

Zuri, don't you get it?

The money's not important.

Never was, never will be.

No matter what you wear,

what vacation you go on,
who your clients are...

it'll never be enough

to keep you from believing
that voice inside your head

that keeps telling you
that you're not good enough.

You don't love him.

You just love
what he can get you.

I'm out of here.

Why aren't you ready?

Am I supposed to be somewhere?

There's nothing on my calendar.

Pack your bags.
Car's outside.

We're going to the Barbados!

- You're kidding.
- I'm serious.

You're funny.

Come on.

I'm serious!

Really?
Let's go do something...

in Barbados.

Come on.

Yeah!

Attention, everyone.

As you know,
I'm not one to mince words,

so here it is...

We're cutting everyone's hours
at the end of the month.

Geoff's gonna brief you
on the details,

and we'll have an "all hands"
between shifts on Friday.

I'm sorry, I really am.

Board decision.

Is there a cut in workload, too?

I know I'm barely
getting my tasks done

and I haven't taken
a lunch break in over two years.

As I said...

Geoff's gonna brief you,

and, as always,
I've got an open door,

so come see me
if you want to talk one-on-one.

Uh, hi, everyone, I'm Geoff,
as Rochelle was saying.

Yeah, I'm gonna brief you now
on the... new policy.

Thank you.

I didn't know what to pack
so I brought everything.

Okay.

So, um...

I have another surprise for you.

You are now
a member of the board

of the Baltimore
Literacy Foundation.

What?

I just need you...

to sign...

right on that line.

Right th... oh,
if you accept, of course.

- Really?
- Really.

And this way,
you get an actual voice.

I love
that you are always looking

for ways to help me grow.

This is gonna
give your credentials

some real weight.

Gonna appeal to investors

as we expand "Zuri Design."

And all the other spin-offs.

So?

Are you in?

Of course I'm in!

There you go.

And in their greed,

they will exploit you
with false words.

Yeah. That's my girl.

Let's go.

I love it.

Want to try it on?

Let's trade.

All right.

Okay.

And...

It's beautiful.

It is.

Mm.

This is the life
I always dreamed of.

This is the life you deserve.

And more.

Actually...

I just bought these...

I'm expanding the company.

I'm so proud of you.

And you will get

the contracts
for the interiors, of course.

My CFO is handling
the finances...

and a competitor just came in
with a better offer,

and we need to match it
by the end of the week,

or else the deal's off.

What are you going to do?

Well, I was hoping
you could help.

- Me?
- Yeah, you.

As a member of the board,

you can co-sign
for the release of funds.

For capital.

Wait.

Is that why
you got me on the board?

For this?

Zuri...

I got you on the board
because you deserve it.

I'm just sorry
nobody saw it sooner

or wanted you to grow.

Why can't you
use your own money?

Is something wrong?

Baby, look around.

Do I look broke to you?

Look, we're already
in the process

of selling off some real estate
to raise capital,

but that's gonna take months.

We gotta move now.

What if you lose the money?

I've been investing money
for a long time

and your man is very good...

at what he does.

How long before you put it back?

Just a few days.

That's all.

I buy the homes,

and you get a contract

that's gonna take your company
to six figures.

Secure your future, Zuri.

Our future, baby.

The foundation is gonna
have enough funding

to put kids to college
for the next 10 years.

So what do you say?

Fly with me, partner?

You promise it's just
a couple of days?

I promise.

Okay.

Deal.

Deal?

Let's fly, partner.

Zuri, your dad
was taking out the garbage

and had a fall.

He's going to the hospital.

Where are you?

Hey... big man.

I'm gonna take my car

and I'm gonna
meet you at the hospital.

Take care of him.

You're gonna be all right.

The boys just tied it up,
all right?

Audra!
What... what you doing here?

Zuri sent me to take over.

She's on the first flight back
tomorrow.

Oh, I told her to stay
and enjoy her vacation.

I'm fine.

His arm is broken
in three places,

his blood pressure's
a little low,

and he has a minor concussion,

but aside from that, he's fine.

Because of his age, though,

we're gonna keep him overnight
for observation.

Yeah, right.

You didn't need to come.

Are you kidding me?

Oscar fed me
through most of college.

It's my pleasure to be here.

That's my girl.

She told me to say thanks.

All right, old-timer.

You call me
if you need anything, all right?

I'm gonna stop
by the house tomorrow

- and check on you.
- Thanks, son.

So how you been?

I've been fi... what?
What did you do?

Oh, I fell.

Ah, girl,
the resort was amazing.

Godfrey insisted on
a seaside view.

Mm-hmm.

Okay. What is up with you?
You've been pissy all day.

Nothing's up with me.

Meaning?

It's "Godfrey this"
and "Godfrey that."

Godfrey didn't even show up
at the hospital.

Uh, he had a meeting.

And Stefan had a shift
that he canceled

so he could look after

the father of the woman
who's just broken his heart.

Is he okay?

He's putting a brave face on it,
but, nah, not really.

Well, it's just gonna take
some time.

I don't get it, Zuri.

You're throwing him away,
just like that?

I'm not throwing anyone away.
We're just not compatible.

What happened, Zuri?

It was a done deal...
That's what you said

when you guys moved in together,
before you were ever married.

Okay, what is your problem
with Godfrey?

I don't know.

It's like you are different
when you're around him.

Just come out and say it.

When did you become
so materialistic?

Wow.

You have never had to worry
about money a day in your life.

Yeah.

You're right.

Maybe that's why I can see

the only thing that Godfrey has
that Stefan doesn't

is a couple of bags.

How dare you?

- Right there.
- I won't fight you.

- Oh, thank you. Thank you.
- Okay. Oh, oh...

Oscar, you home?

Hello?

Hey. Stefan.

Zuri...

Oscar's friend.

- I'm not home.
- Mm-hmm.

We're just in the middle
of his physical therapy.

- Ah...
- Sorry to interrupt.

Don't mind me.

Oscar, shall we finish?

Just a couple more reps
and then we're done for today.

Sure, Pat. Thank you.

Easy...

Ahh.

That's a nice set.

Yeah. Um, a gift from Zuri.

She was here last week...

With Slick Willy.

She okay?

Well, they didn't
stay very long.

She brought that.

But I'm happy with the old one.

She seems, uh... happy.

How about you?

So how's your father?

Better. I've kept Pat on.

She's great.

His mobility has improved a lot.

Nice watch.

How's business?

Crazy busy with clients.

I'm starting
a soft furnishings line,

and Godfrey is gonna set up
a meeting with Sizl.

He just bought in the city
and, but... you know.

There's always room
for improvement.

Viv?

Thank you so much.

Doing this place really got
the ball rolling for me.

That's okay.

Ooh.
I'll send you an invoice.

Or... to be precise...

You can send me an invoice.

I don't understand.

Send me an invoice
for that amount

each month from your company

and I'll give you 5%
of every transaction.

My accountants
will handle the books

and will forward the money
into an offshore account.

Where does the money come from?

Zuri, do you really
want to know that?

Look around.

This isn't dirty money.

I'm a businesswoman
and Godfrey is a businessman.

Sometimes, you have to make
a few moves here and there

to keep it moving.

So, are you in or out?

For, from the least of them

even to the greatest of them,

everyone is greedy for gain,

and, from the prophet
even to the priest,

everyone deals falsely.

Make it 10%.

When do we start?

Tyrone Raymond?

How can I help?

I got an email asking me
to come and discuss my tuition.

Okay. Can I get
your student number, please?

Thank you.

Oh... I'm sorry,

but there is a balance
on your tuition

that hasn't been settled.

There must be a mistake.

That's what
it's got on my system.

Look, you're not gonna be
able to attend classes

until it's resolved.

This is suspended for now.

I'm sorry.

Are you sure?

Yes. I'm sure.

Nice, Oscar!

Wait till I show Zuri!

Maybe I can even
walk her down the aisle!

She's getting married?

To Godfrey Anderson?

Well, she's hopeful, all right.

And he seems to be all in, uh...

ahh!

His family
own the care homes, right?

Something like that.

Why? Do you know him?

The home I work at

is owned by
the G. Anderson Enterprise.

Ah.

So what is it
you're not telling me?

Every home I've worked at,

they squeeze everything they can
from you.

But that... that's usual.

But there's something
about that place that's...

different.

Ah! Nothing. Forget it.

- I shouldn't have said anything.
- Wait, wait, wait.

Nuh-uh.
There's nothing to tell.

Now, do you want to try again?

- Sure.
- Yes!

All right, on your feet,
young man.

All right.

There's just a couple
more things I want to show you.

Okay.

Don't worry.
This is gonna be hung.

So what do you think?

I love it.

In fact, I love everything,
and I'm notoriously picky.

You? Never.

Mm. Who's the artist?

His name is Stefan Gardner.

He's an emerging artist.

This is good work.

Oh. And you're padding
the invoices for your clients

like I showed you?

You were right...

Art works.

It's almost too easy.

Yes. I've been doing this
a long time.

Mm. Just watch,
listen, and learn.

Mm?

Can I get you a coffee?

I'm actually okay, thank you.

Have a seat.

Ah. I'm so glad you called.

I missed you.

Tyrone, everyone.

I miss you too, Zuri.

I don't recognize you anymore.

It's still me.

Just in better clothes.

You know what I mean.

We've known each other
a long time

and underneath
all this fake-ass flossing,

I'm hoping that the Zuri I know
and love is still there,

so I wanted to give you
a heads-up.

Okay, if this is about Godfrey...

Damn right, it's about Godfrey.

Embezzling
the foundation's funds,

and Lord only knows who else's.

No! You've got it all wrong.

So why won't he hand over
the accounts?

No one knows what was raised
at the last event.

I heard it was $2,000 a ticket...
300 guests.

Okay, Miss Viv and Godfrey
bankrolled that whole event.

Maybe so,

but everyone was there
for a cause,

and that cause wasn't to line
Anderson's pockets.

Where's the money, Zuri?

You are making
some serious accusations.

When that house burns, Zuri,

you're going to burn with it.

I'm warning you...

get out now.

I'm gonna do just that.

And you know what else?

Before the designer clothes
and the fancy car,

you actually had way more class.

Do not be misled.

Bad company
corrupts good character.

He says that bad company
influences your character

and I'm standing here like
the Apostle Paul did

with the Corinthian church,

saying "Come to yourself."

Why? Because,
before you leave here,

I want you to know

that there is never a bad time
to be good.

Now, in a few seconds,

you're gonna get the opportunity
to worship the Lord in giving.

Now, what I want you to do

is worship
the spirit of generosity.

As our team play softly,
let's give.

I'm so happy to be here, Daddy.

Ah, thank you
for bringing me, baby.

It's so good
to spend time with you.

I know, I'm sorry.

I've just been so busy.

Ah, I didn't want
to guilt-trip you.

I'm just so glad that
your business is doing so well.

So, uh...

everything okay with, uh, Slic...

Godfrey?

I'm really happy.

You can always come home,
you know that, don't you?

I know you don't like him,
Daddy,

but he's really...
he's really good for me.

He's helped me a lot.

Okay. As long as you know.

Thank you.

Where'd that money come from?

Ah, Ms. Brown.

Miss Anderson did not tell me
she was expecting you.

- That's because she's not.
- Excuse me...

Is she here?

I will seek Miss Anderson.
Excuse me!

He who profits illicitly

troubles his own house,

but he who hates bribes
will live.

Sorry, Madam.
I tried to stop her.

No. No. It's okay, Clayton.
Thank you.

As you wish, Madam.

Well, what a lovely surprise.
Please, sit.

It's fine.

I'm not staying.

Is something wrong?

I just came to tell you

that I'm done
with the invoicing.

From here on out,

I'm running a clean business.

I think you're confused, Zuri.

You don't get to say
when you're done.

You wouldn't have a business
if it wasn't for me.

That's not true.

You opened a lot of doors, but...

I made you.

You were nothing but a pawn
from go...

An insecure, greedy
little something.

I read you...

the minute I laid eyes...

click-clacking your way
up my drive.

This is ugly.

Hmm?

I told you, I'm done,

and now I'm leaving.

Well, how do you think
your clients are gonna feel

when they find out
you've been swindling them?

Mm.

You're in way too deep,
and this isn't the movies.

Uh-uh.

You don't get to just walk away.

He's caught up
in some really serious stuff,

and I'm mixed up
into it, too, Daddy.

Deep.

There's always a way out, baby.

No. No.

No. This is a dark hole, Daddy.

I don't know how
I'm gonna climb out of this.

You're a grown woman, Zuri.

And it pains me to stand by

and let you make
your own decisions.

I was waiting
for you to come to me.

We're gonna figure this out
together.

- I'm sorry, Daddy.
- Together!

I'm sorry, Daddy.

Ah, here we are.

- Ah, thank you.
- Thank you!

And thank you for coming.

Yeah. Are you okay?

Not really.

Now, I want you
to tell me everything you know

about G. Anderson Enterprises
and how they run their homes.

I don't know anything for sure.

What do you think you know?

Pat, you've been caring for me
for a few months now

and I know how you play.

If you even have a hunch,

then you're likely
onto something,

and I want all the information
I can get,

to protect my daughter.

- Okay.
- Mm.

Good. Let's talk about it.

Hey, baby, what's... what's... oh.

Tell me it's not true.

Are you...
Are you outta your damn mind?

The tuition fees...

Why haven't they been paid?

- That's being handled.
- So it's true?

You stole the money?

Whoa!

You told me that you were gonna
put it right back right away.

I didn't steal anything.

Then why's everyone acting
like the money just disappeared?

It'll clear the foundation's
accounts by tomorrow.

It should've been today,

but I was on a call
and I missed the cut-off time.

And I'm the only one that can
do the transfer, remember?

I don't believe you.

Wow.

Oh, man. Look.

As promised. With interest.

By tomorrow, all the students'
tuition will be paid

for the whole academic year.

Here now is the man

who did not make God
his stronghold,

but trusted in his great wealth

and grew strong
by destroying others.

Like a partridge

that hatches eggs it did not lay

are those who gain riches
by unjust means.

When their lives are half gone,

their riches will desert them,

and in the end,
they will prove to be fools.

I found out
the truth about Godfrey.

Turns out
G. Anderson Enterprises

is involved
in some serious shade.

Medicaid fraud...

Spanning years
and millions of dollars.

Look.

I have photos of everything.

When I leave,

I'm taking the documents
with me.

I'm gonna need a lawyer
and a shovel

to dig my way out of this one.

Are you in that deep?

I honestly didn't know
that it was this dark,

but I knew
that what I was doing was wrong.

And illegal.

I chose to look away.

A lot.

Why, Zuri?

You fell for him that hard?

No.

I think I fell for...

the princess dream.

Yes.

Do not
wear yourself out to get rich...

Do not trust
your own cleverness.

Cast but a glance at riches,
and they are gone,

for they will surely
sprout wings

and fly off to the sky
like an eagle.

What?

I spoke to Viv today.

Where's my money?

It's not your money, sweetie.

No, I earned that money.

Through kickbacks
and side hustles?

I'd say over half of
what's in that account

is income
generated by me and Viv.

Why are you doing this?

Really.

I want to know.

Well...

because I didn't
want you to do anything silly.

Because I needed insurance,
while I clean up this mess.

You know, all this time

that we've been sleeping
in the same bed,

it was because I truly believed

that we were gonna
be husband and wife.

Hmm.

What was I to you?

Zuri,

every relationship in my life

is transactional.

Everyone has a purpose.

Everyone has a use.

What did you think?

That we were just gonna
ride off into the sunset

like Bonnie and Clyde?

You were useful.

You were a great way
to launder money.

I didn't even
have to persuade you!

I didn't even show you
anything of myself

that wasn't...

superficial.

You're ruthless!

Ambitious.

Greedy.

If I'm greedy,

so are you.

No.

Godfrey Anderson,

you are in a league
all your own.

Oh. Oh, yeah. Yeah.

'Cause you are definitely
not in my league.

I need a real hustler
by my side.

Thank you for seeing me.

Any time.

What's going on?

It has been
a steep learning curve.

I've betrayed
almost everyone who trusts me.

God forgives everything.

There's no mistakes,
only lessons.

But...

what did you think
you were gaining?

Validation?

And you got what?

I lost everything.

It doesn't look like that to me.

It seems like you gotta lose
the negative mindset.

But all the other stuff?
It's just stuff.

God's working on
something for you right now.

But you gotta think about
what you do have...

Redemption.

What if I don't deserve it?

Zuri, you're God's child.

That alone
is what makes you deserving.

Let's pray.

Come on.

Dear God,

protect and guide Zuri
with your light.

Clear a path in front of her

so that she may walk in truth
and service.

Mm!

- Amen.
- Amen.

- Thank you.
- You're welcome.

Thank you.

Shh. Keep it down.
Don't wake the neighbors.

Come on.

So I guess we're roomies
for the foreseeable, huh, Oscar?

You got the bed,
I'll take the couch.

I'll, uh, call you
first thing, okay, Dad?

Thank you.

This is the only place

that Godfrey
wouldn't know about,

so I know he'll be safe...

with you.

You can stay, too, Zuri.

Really.

I can double up with your pops.

No. I'm okay.

I really didn't deserve you.

Thanks again.

Believers
in humble circumstances

ought to take pride
in their high position.

But the rich should take pride
in their humiliation,

since they will pass away
like wildflower.

The offshore money is clean.

It's the homes
where we're vulnerable.

The only flaws with billing...

And lucrative as it was...

Is the paper trail,

and there's no way around that.

I only see one way out of this.

We get outta here.

I have a passport ready.

I got one for you, too.

Get outta here?

- Like, run?
- Yeah.

Run from my home?

Run from everything I've built?

Godfrey, you were
raised in privilege.

I was not.

You don't come
from a shack in the woods

to a mansion in Baltimore

without getting your hands

a little grimy
from time to time.

I see another solution.

We get rid of the problem.

Wait, wait, wait, wait.
Hold up.

She's powerless.

Viv, she's powerless.
She has no money.

She has no clients.

When we're done,

her reputation
is gonna be in tatters.

She can't incriminate us

without putting herself
in center frame,

and I know her.

She's way too selfish for that.

I've taken care of this.

She's done!

And that's a gamble
you wanna take?

What if she does talk?

You said it for yourself...

That she didn't have
nothing to lose.

35 years...

in a federal prison.

You'll be an old man
by the time they let you go.

An old...

broke... man.

Why don't we just
talk about this tomorrow,

after you've had a chance
to calm down?

Sit your ass down!

Okay.

So how...
how do we do this?

Do you have someone that you...

Rule number one...

We don't trust no one.

We take care of this ourselves.

Such are the paths

of all those
who go after ill-gotten gain...

It takes away the life of those
who get it.

Godfrey.

Zuri. Are you ready to talk?

I've nothing to say to you.

I have your money.

Uh, I just took out what's mine.

I earned that money!

How dare you put
your slimy hands in my pocket?

Look, do you want it or not?

I was angry

and you hurt me.

You turned on me,
just like that.

I didn't turn on you, Godfrey.

I just didn't want to be part
of all the shadiness.

That's what it felt like.

Look, I never told you,

but, cousin Viv, she raised me.

She's like a sister to me,

and I'm very protective
of my family, Zuri,

and I lashed out,
and I-I'm really sorry.

By "lashed out," do you mean

stole my money?

I was always

gonna give it back...

I told you that.

Look, you can come get
your money tonight.

You know I don't trust you

as far as I can throw you,
Godfrey.

Whatever, Zuri.

How long did we sleep
in the same bed? Huh?

Did I ever treat you with
anything less than respect?

Did I ever hurt you?

What about Pat?

I know you had her beaten up.

Pat?

Y-Your dad's nurse Pat?

Why would I do that?

Look, I found that little chain
you used to wear.

My mom's cross?

I don't know
if it's your mom's cross,

but I know it's that
little chain you used to wear

when I first met you.

I'll come by in an hour.

No. No, no.
Come by tonight,

because it's gonna take me
a little time to get the money.

I'll have it by 10 p.m.,
but...

look, do what you want, Zuri,

but just swing by, get the cash,

and leave.

Hey.

You can just put the money
through the window?

Zuri, are you for real?

For real, for real.

Here's the necklace.

Here's the money.

T... Viv!

Get out of the car, Zuri.

- W...
- Get out of the car!

Viv, what's the plan?

Shut up.

Let's go.

W... Viv...

- I said, shut up.
- Viv.

Hey! What are you doing?

I'm handling my business!

'Cause if you'd have
took care of yours,

we wouldn't be here.

She already went
to the cops, Godfrey.

I got an informant
who told me so.

Well, why didn't you come to me
and tell me when you found out?

She's about

to bring down a whole lot
of rubble on your head...

And mine.

She got a tip...

And you know from who?

A nurse who worked for her dad.

Now, I had the nurse hit off,

figured she'd back off
and mind her own,

but my god,

we're talking about a nurse
and a decorator here.

Turns out...

the nurse worked for Westgate.

Ooh...
you didn't notice, huh, Godfrey?

Because you never were good
with the details.

Big-picture man, huh?
That's you.

Uh...

You didn't see this
in your picture?

Hmm?

Why?

Why are you doing this?

Because it's either me or you.

Now I've really taught you
everything I know.

Viv, whatcha gonna do?

You gonna kill me?

No, no, no.

We're family.
I'm not gonna kill you.

I'm gonna make it look like
you killed your damn self!

Zuri?

Stefan.

Stefan, wake up.

Huh? What?

Oscar.

What's... What's happening?
What's going on?

It's Zuri.
She's not answering her phone.

Oh...

What time is it?

3:35.

Mm, yeah, that's why
she's not answering her phone.

Can I get you something?

Some warm milk or...

Man, the last time I looked,
I wasn't five years old.

Man, I'm telling you,
there's something wrong.

All right.

Karima gave me
Godfrey's address.

I'll check on Zuri.

Morning, dear.

Oh, you're probably feeling
a little woozy.

Fentanyl. Yeah.

I used to be a nurse, remember?

It's a very powerful opiate.

I put a speck on your tongue,

and it disappeared
just like that.

A little speck more...

you'd be dead.

But what'd be the fun of that?

Yeah. All right.

You know...

I'm gonna go dramatic for you.

Yeah.

Let's see...

Killed in a house fire

after a violent struggle
with her ex...

who you betrayed.

Yeah.

Who then put a bullet
through his own skull.

Bingo.

I like that.

Hmm.

Yeah.

It's gonna be hot in here
for you.

Somehow, I believe
you like it hot.

Yeah.

Yeah!

Come and get her.

Dear Lord,

thank you
for all of my blessings...

Damn! Zuri!

Zuri!

Zuri? Zuri!

Thank you
for Stefan and his generosity.

Don't turn around.

Put your hands
where I can see 'em.

And thank you
for guiding Zuri

back towards the light.

And may you
continue to watch over her,

illuminating her path

with love

and light.

Amen.

Now how are we gonna do this?

Because it needs
to look like a suicide,

and I sense the reluctance
to put the gun in your mouth.

You're a psychopath.

No! I'm a survivor.

Are you?

I think not.

I think
that you are a jealous lover

who kills his ex-girlfriend
and the new man.

Tale as old as time...

and good headlines.

Now...

Devil's in the details.

Just a speck of this
on your skin

and you'll be incapacitated.

Zuri!

Zuri!

Zuri!

It's all right.

You're safe.

I got you.

Now listen, you rich people,

weep and wail

because of the misery
that is coming on you.

Your wealth has rotted,

and moths
have eaten your clothes.

Your gold and silver
are corroded.

Their corrosion
will testify against you

and eat your flesh like fire.

You have hoarded wealth
in the last days.

Everyone comes naked
from their mother's womb,

and as everyone comes,
so they depart.

They take nothing
from their toil

that they can carry
in their hands.

Quick.
Listen to the news.

Baltimore power-players

Cassandra Vivian Anderson
and Godfrey Anderson

were convicted today

and sentenced
to a life sentence,

and 25 years respectively,

for their part

in murder, fraud,
and embezzlement

across a number of businesses,
spanning decades.

Cassandra Vivian Anderson
was implicated

in the execution

of Baltimore businessman
Don Jackson.

A number of whistleblowers
came forward to authorities.

Back to you.

Yes, I was just calling

to confirm that you received
the final repayment?

Great.

Thanks again for your patience
and understanding.

Okay. Bye.

So, is this a job interview?

An audition? What?

Thanks for coming.

There's never anybody here
on the weekends

and I'm still at my dad's.

This is a conversation that
I wanted to have in private.

What's done is done.

We don't need to do
a post-mortem.

I know.

But you do deserve an apology.

I am so sorry, Stefan.

I was just so dissatisfied
with myself and...

what I thought I should have

that I lost sight
of who I was and who you are.

You're smart, funny, kind,

and I had to have been
out of my mind

to have lost sight of that
for even a second.

Well...

sorry I put you on the spot.

Um...

I'm sorry
that I made a fool of myself,

but I just needed to get that
off of my heart, Stefan, so...

Thank you.

You wouldn't happen to know
about this big order from Sizl.

He says his decorator
turned him onto my work.

I don't know
anything about that.

You deserve to be happy,

and I want that for you
above everything,

and I hope that you find a woman

that can love you
the way that you deserve.