The Boss 2016

As the curtain rises on present-day proceedings, the anticipation is palpable as Michelle Darnell (Melissa McCarthy) makes a triumphant entrance, descending onto the amphitheater stage on a majestic mechanical phoenix. The air is electric as she unleashes a formidable hip-hop dance routine, accompanied by T-Pain and an entourage of shirtless male dancers. Once the performance reaches its frenetic crescendo, Michelle addresses her adoring audience with unbridled candor, regaling them with the secrets to achieving financial success from her best-selling self-help books. In a provocative twist, she advises her devoted fans that the presence of family in their lives can be an impediment to realizing one’s true potential, citing her own example as the 47th richest woman in the world, having built her fortune without the burden of familial ties.

As Michelle and her trusty assistant, Claire (Kristen Bell), ascend to the rooftop helipad, a mysterious figure awaits, bearing a cryptic envelope. The contents reveal a cell phone, which begins to ring, displaying a haunting image of a samurai warrior. This enigmatic messenger is none other than Renault (Peter Dinklage), Michelle’s arch-nemesis who has reinvented himself as a self-proclaimed samurai. As Michelle and Claire prepare to depart on their helicopter, Renault materializes on the adjacent rooftop, flanked by his loyal entourage of henchmen. He goads Michelle with sarcastic banter, inquiring about her uncanny ability to capitalize on lucrative stock deals. With a knowing smile, she reveals the secrets of insider trading, slyly encouraging Renault to join the fray. As Michelle takes to the skies, she flashes a defiant middle finger at Renault, leaving him seething with frustration and determination to outmaneuver his formidable foe.

Michelle’s grand estate in Chicago serves as the backdrop for a pivotal moment of self-reflection, as she summons Claire, her trusted security detail Tito, and Claire herself to her opulent office. With Claire by her side, Michelle prepares for an impending teeth whitening treatment, donning the cheek and lip retractor with a mix of trepidation and nonchalance. As the procedure commences, Claire takes the opportunity to recall a poignant moment from their shared past - exactly one year prior, when Michelle had promised Claire a salary increase. With Tito offering his tacit approval, Claire recites the exact quote Michelle had uttered, as if holding her accountable for the unfulfilled promise.

Michelle, ever the teaser, playfully feigns astonishment at Claire’s claim of being a single mother, only to ultimately reveal that she was merely joking. However, impressed by Claire’s tenacity and unwavering dedication, Michelle decides to reward her with a token of appreciation - a pair of extravagant earrings valued at $62,000 in 2001, which she deems sufficient compensation for Claire’s tireless efforts. Claire graciously accepts the gesture.

Later, during an appearance on her show, Gayle King probes Michelle about her latest literary endeavor, but the conversation takes a surprising turn as Gayle delves into Michelle’s troubled past. Michelle attempts to paint a rosy picture of her experience growing up in an orphanage, likening it to a magical adventure akin to Hogwarts. However, Gayle counteracts this narrative with a poignant photograph from Michelle’s teenage years, depicting her looking decidedly miserable in front of the very same orphanage.

The interview takes another unexpected turn as Gayle presents a video featuring Michelle’s former mentor, Kathy Bates, who lambasts Michelle for her perceived arrogance, dubbing her a “B-I-T-C-U-Next-Tuesday.” Michelle’s anger boils over, and she abruptly storms off the set, protesting Gayle’s decision to publicly shame her. When Michelle emerges outside, she finds herself face-to-face with law enforcement officials, who have arrived to arrest her on charges of insider trading. Initially, she refuses to comply, straddling the car door frame in a defiant stance, before eventually submitting to the authorities and serving time behind bars.

As Michelle (Melissa McCarthy) discovers, incarceration has an unexpected silver lining - it brings her unbridled joy. On the prison tennis court, her lawyer (Ben Falcone), a cameo appearance by the film’s director and Melissa’s real-life husband, delivers the devastating news that all her assets and properties have been seized. Michelle reacts with a swift, precision-crafted serve aimed at his throat, dismissing him as an inadequate representative. The lawyer retaliates with a snide remark about Michelle being a “stupid ginger,” prompting her to retort with a wry joke: she’s a genuine redhead, unlike others who might pretend otherwise - and besides, he’ll never know the truth if her curtains match the drapes because she’d never sleep with him (a clever jab, given their real-life family connection).

Four months later, Michelle’s released from prison to a hero’s welcome. Even the sympathetic prison guard takes a moment to bid her farewell on his day off. However, as the gates swing open, Michelle’s taken aback by the complete lack of transportation awaiting her departure. Her assumption that someone would be there to collect her is met with amused chuckles from the prison staff.

Undeterred, Michelle hails a taxi and heads home, only to discover a foreclosure sign plastered on the gate. She redirects herself to Claire’s humble abode - a cozy apartment above a bodega. Upon arrival, she buzzes for entry, but instead encounters a young girl peering out from the window above, informing Michelle that Claire is away at work. The daughter also nonchalantly reveals her knowledge of Michelle’s infamous past as a convicted felon. Michelle scolds her for broadcasting this tidbit to the world and insists it was a white-collar crime, not a violent offense.

As we cut to Claire, she’s navigating her new job with the same awkwardness that characterized her prison days. Her boss (Cecily Strong) reprimands her for being three minutes late, prompting Claire’s coworker, Mike (Tyler Labine), to intervene and humanize her tardiness. The boss, intrigued by the sudden change in attitude, decides to eavesdrop on the conversation, while Claire thanks Mike for his help. When Mike asks her out on a date, she politely declines, preferring to maintain a professional distance.

As Claire returns home, she’s met with an unexpected surprise: Michelle, her former colleague, is waiting patiently downstairs. The latter’s eyes widen as Claire greets her warmly and presents a single box containing a meager assortment of belongings, revealing that the rest of her property had been seized in her absence. Michelle’s incredulous expression gives way to dismay as she comprehends the extent of her financial ruin. Her expectations of being taken back by Claire as her assistant are swiftly dashed, however, when the latter reveals she’s already secured a new job - a development that mirrors Tito’s own career transformation after Michelle’s arrest, with the once- obsequious individual now sporting a decidedly more skeptical demeanor.

Claire suggests Michelle take refuge with a friend, but the latter confesses to being entirely bereft of social connections. It’s Rachel, Claire’s daughter, who ultimately intervenes on Michelle’s behalf, convincing her mother to permit the former CEO to stay at their residence rather than face homelessness. As Michelle settles into her new temporary digs, she’s furnished with a sofa bed that Claire assures her is surprisingly comfortable. However, after the older woman departs, Michelle expresses her skepticism about the very notion of an integrated sleeping surface - a perspective rooted in her upbringing amidst the finer things in life.

Just as Michelle begins to drift off to sleep, the sofa bed suddenly retracts, propelling her with great force against the wall in a comically unexpected turn of events. The scene then shifts to Claire, who’s fast asleep in her own bed, only to be roused by the sound of Michelle slipping into her bedroom, the latter having been jolted back into reality after being launched against the wall.

The next morning, Michelle awakens with a start and proceeds to apply self-tanning lotion in the bathroom, despite Claire’s warnings about its unpredictable drying process. As she bends over to inspect the results, her robe falls open, sending Rachel rushing past her in alarm. This awkward encounter serves as a harbinger of the complicated dynamics that will soon unfold between Michelle and the two women.

Meanwhile, Renault, now the CEO of a thriving corporation, confides in his loyal henchman about his enduring hatred for Michelle, whose professional triumphs he views as a personal affront. A flashback reveals the origins of their bitter rivalry: years ago, they were once romantically entwined, with Renault convinced that he was destined to receive the promotion that ultimately went to Michelle. The sting of her betrayal still lingers, fueled by the discovery that she had stolen his client list, which she then used to secure the position for herself.

Despite their tumultuous past, Michelle and Renault both acknowledge the authenticity of their former relationship, with Michelle having been equally smitten with Renault during their time together.

As Michelle struggles to regain her footing in the business world, she finds herself face-to-face with some of her former colleagues at a country club, including Bryce (actor name). The group’s disdain for her is palpable, and Michelle responds by unleashing a verbal barrage that leaves no one spared. Her parting shot at Bryce targets his deceased wife, implying that she had an affair with multiple IT employees - a secret that would follow her to the afterlife. As Michelle departs, her steps falter, and she tumbles down a concrete staircase. The group of onlookers is shocked that she emerged unscathed from the ordeal.

Meanwhile, Renault’s henchman captures the entire debacle on video and shares it with his boss in a sleek limousine. He notes that he’s thrilled that Michelle’s former colleagues were as cruel to her as they were, since he had paid them to be so. Back at home, Michelle nurses her wounds while Claire is away at work, lamenting the widespread adoration for Martha Stewart despite her prison stint. Rachel steps in to care for Michelle, bringing her favorite treats - delectable brownies that she’s been told were baked by Claire herself.

When Claire returns from her shift, Michelle volunteers to accompany Rachel to a meeting of the Dandelions at a local school. The group is already in session when they arrive, with their leader (Kristen Schaal) regaling them with tales of her feline friend Spaghetti’s miraculous recovery. A nearby attendee can’t stop gushing about her admiration for the cat, leaving Michelle feeling increasingly uneasy.

As the meeting shifts to a discussion of cookie sales and the thousands of dollars generated by the group, Michelle begins to see an opportunity to turn her baking skills into a lucrative venture. However, Helen (Annie Mumolo), a fellow attendee, reminds Michelle that her criminal record makes her unwelcome at the gathering. Undeterred, Michelle attempts to rally the crowd with her ideas, while simultaneously whispering vicious insults at Helen - a threat that hangs in the air like a challenge waiting to be met.

As the clock struck the witching hour, Michelle roused Claire from a peaceful slumber, proposing a lucrative venture: monetizing Claire’s exceptional brownie-making skills. Rachel, ever the opportunist, sauntered into the living room, where the trio converged to discuss their business plan. Michelle launched a scathing critique of Dandelions, a non-profit organization that, in her opinion, prioritized trinkets over tangible benefits for its young participants. Claire defended the organization’s value, citing the personal growth and confidence it instilled in its members.

The conversation turned to Rachel, who shared her own badge-earning experience: starting a conversation with a stranger and maintaining a 30-minute chat as a gracious hostess. This prompted Michelle to pose an incendiary question: if Dandelions was truly committed to empowering young women, why not feature a logo that depicted a woman subserviently bent over a kitchen counter? Claire’s hesitation only strengthened Michelle’s argument, who proposed a 50/50 partnership, with a significant portion of the profits earmarked for the young girls involved. The promise of financial independence resonated deeply with Claire, who ultimately agreed to join forces.

The next day, Michelle and Rachel set their sights on recruiting new talent at school. They zeroed in on a towering figure amidst a group of tough kids, impressing Rachel that Michelle was allowing her to indulge in a forbidden coffee, albeit one laced with bourbon. As Rachel prepared to tackle the challenge of approaching potential recruits, she confessed to feeling lethargic and dizzy. Michelle’s sharp eyes spotted the mix-up: Rachel had mistakenly consumed Michelle’s own beverage, which contained a generous helping of bourbon.

As the Dandelions leader delivers a solemn announcement about the demise of Spaghetti, Michelle and Claire seize the opportunity to pitch their innovative idea to sell delectable brownies to the young girls in attendance. With an offer of five percent profit sharing, Michelle presents her proposal, only for Claire to astutely point out that they had previously agreed upon a ten percent share, leaving Michelle visibly displeased. Helen rises to defend the Dandelions’ honor, but Michelle counterattacks by highlighting the organization’s tendency to undertake peculiar endeavors, such as constructing nests for small animals - a fact the leader begrudgingly confirms is indeed on their agenda.

Undeterred, Michelle implores the girls to join her venture, promising they can earn real money towards their college fund and avoid a life of stripping. In a subtle yet telling remark, she also alludes to Helen’s daughter’s potential lesbianism. As a sweetener, Michelle leaves behind an assortment of brownies, which a small coterie of mothers and daughters follow suit to sample. Helen herself is won over by the treats’ irresistible charm.

As the girls’ entrepreneurial endeavors take off, they successfully peddle their brownies door-to-door, as well as targeting unconventional establishments like marijuana dispensaries. Michelle lives up to her word, distributing a portion of the profits to her young team members. When they venture into a wealthy neighborhood, she advises them to capitalize on the affluent crowd’s skepticism towards inexpensive brownies by pricing each box at twenty dollars.

However, Helen and the Dandelions suddenly appear, accusing Michelle of encroaching on their territory. The two women engage in a heated debate that rapidly escalates into a violent street brawl, captured in slow-motion cinematography. As the chaos unfolds, the street erupts into flames, accompanied by the desecration of some of the Dandelions’ cookies - an outcome Michelle dryly comments on, saying, “That batch is burnt.”

Michelle later pays Claire a visit at her workplace, informing her that their brownie supply has run out. Claire reminds Michelle of their initial agreement to allow both jobs, but Michelle points out that Claire’s cubicle confines her to a tiny space, suggesting it’s an unenviable situation. Just then, Claire’s boss returns, effusively praising Michelle as one of his favorite personalities. Mike attempts to counsel Claire on doing what’s best for herself and reminds her of the ill-fated pity date she almost agreed to. Michelle retorts that Mike should embrace pity dates since they’re the only kind he can hope to secure.

With Claire finally deciding to quit her job, she asks Mike out to dinner - marking a turning point in their relationship.

As Claire prepares for her evening out, Michelle and Rachel engage in a spirited discussion about her attire, with Michelle’s critiques centering around the nursing bra underneath the sweater. The debate takes an amusing turn as Michelle playfully manipulates the straps and lifts up Claire’s breasts, demonstrating where a traditional bra would have placed them. The topic of fondling arises, and both women indulge in a lighthearted exploration of each other’s bodies. When Rachel enters, they attempt to downplay the moment, but ultimately, her mother is advised not to wear the sweater.

Later, Mike arrives at the apartment to pick up Claire, leaving Michelle to babysit with Rachel. The latter suggests watching “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” while their friend is away, but their conversation takes an unexpected turn as they discuss a scene where a character narrowly escapes being cut by a chainsaw - although this occurs much earlier in the film.

As the brownie business flourishes, Michelle pays a visit to Kathy Bates at her expansive estate to discuss potential investment opportunities. Despite past animosity on television, Kathy expresses admiration for Michelle’s tenacity and agrees to support female entrepreneurs. To celebrate their financial success, the trio enjoys a meal at an upscale sushi restaurant, where Michelle arranges for a pizza to be delivered to Rachel, who doesn’t share her love of raw fish. Michelle orders the notoriously deadly puffer fish, warning that improper preparation could result in paralysis - a claim that is soon put to the test as her mouth becomes numb and she falls limply backwards, only to recover after ten seconds. She declares the dish effective due to its proximity to paralysis.

As Rachel presents Michelle with a heartfelt, hand-painted frame featuring the trio, she expresses gratitude for their bond, likening it to that of a family. This sentiment triggers an unsettling response from Michelle, who abruptly departs, insisting on paying the bill as she exits.

As the day unfolds, Claire finds herself tasked with collecting Rachel from school, a duty necessitated by Michelle’s unexplained absence. Despite Rachel’s claims that they had exchanged 50,000 texts, Michelle remained a no-show, leaving Claire to ponder the significance of their friend’s sudden withdrawal. Upon returning home, they are met with a note from Michelle, thanking them for their hospitality and expressing hope that they would soon acquire a safer couch. Claire cannot help but feel a sense of disconnection in the impersonal tone, given the strong bond they had formed over the preceding months.

Meanwhile, Renault indulges in one of Claire’s renowned brownies on his private jet, accompanied by his loyal henchman, who obliges him with copious amounts of milk poured directly into his mouth. The indulgent treat has a profound effect on Renault, and he becomes resolute in his desire to acquire the enterprise, citing his willingness to even personally hold the glass of milk to quaff its contents.

As time passes, Claire and Rachel make their way to a venue, lamenting Michelle’s recent distance. Claire is left in the dark about Michelle’s plans, only learning about the impromptu press event when it’s too late. Outside the building, Renault awaits in his limousine, intercepting Claire with an offer to purchase the business. Unbeknownst to them, Michelle watches from within the venue, unable to eavesdrop on their conversation. When Claire finally arrives, she is met with a frosty demeanor from Michelle, who reveals her latest venture: a state-of-the-art facility designed to produce mass quantities of the company’s products, effectively eliminating Claire’s role as a baker.

Claire protests vigorously, citing her 50/50 partnership and demanding that decisions be made in conjunction with her. However, Michelle responds with icy detachment, claiming she was attempting to do something kind but it went unappreciated. With that, she storms out of the building, declaring that she never wants to see Claire or Rachel again. The usually stoic Rachel is reduced to tears.

Michelle’s guilt eventually gets the better of her, and she embarks on a solitary journey through Chicago, fueled by intoxication. She arrives at Renault’s office, prepared to present him with a business proposal. Back at Claire’s apartment, Rachel unleashes a verbal tirade against Michelle, while at her own residence, Michelle sips wine alone at an imposing table before eventually phoning herself out for being an “asshole.” In a moment of introspection, she replaces the giant painting that had dominated her living space with a small framed photograph of herself, Claire, and Rachel.

As Mike’s evening visits to Claire’s home became more frequent, the atmosphere in her household took on a new dimension. One late night, as Rachel carelessly swung open the closet door, her expletive-filled outburst sent shockwaves through the space. Claire, now an integral part of this domestic scene, rushed over to join Rachel in her frantic declaration: “Holy shit!” The sudden commotion revealed Michelle, huddled and unseen, in the depths of the closet. Her explanation for her nocturnal presence was one of caution - not wanting to disturb Mike and Claire, she had planned a stealthy exit to collect her belongings, only to be startled by their conversation and inadvertently taking refuge in the closet.

As Michelle’s tears flowed, she confessed her deep-seated fear of becoming embroiled in a family situation, stemming from her troubled youth. Her apology for reacting poorly to this new reality was heartfelt, and Claire, empathetic and understanding, quickly forgave her. However, Michelle’s revelation about selling the company to Renault sent shockwaves through the room once more. Citing her observations of Claire and Renault discussing a potential deal, she felt compelled to act, unaware that the conversation had actually revolved around Claire declining an offer.

With the weight of this misunderstanding lifted, Michelle grasped the opportunity to rectify the situation. She proposed that they sneak into Mike’s office on Sunday morning, before anyone was aware of the deal, and claim the contract as their own. Claire cautioned that Mike would likely have already scanned and emailed the document to his lawyers, but Michelle countered with a plausible explanation - Mike’s trepidation about digital transactions due to his fear of being hacked.

In this tense, unfolding drama, Michelle’s words carried a sense of urgency, as the clock ticked away towards Monday morning. The stakes were high, and the fate of the company hung precariously in the balance, as these three women navigated the complexities of their relationships and the consequences of their actions.

As the clock strikes midnight, Mike, Claire, and Michelle converge on Renault’s office building, their mission to infiltrate and pilfer the coveted contract. As they approach the entrance, Claire cautions Michelle against bringing firearms, but the latter remains adamant about her decision not to arm herself. When Mike chimes in, citing the leniency of a minimal sentence for those caught unarmed versus a harsher punishment for those harboring weapons, Michelle reveals a handgun which she promptly disposes of in the trash. With the plan unfolding before their eyes, Michelle outlines the strategy: Claire and Michelle will scale the stairs with Michelle’s impressive gymnastic feats on full display, while Mike will distract the security guard with an unconventional diversion.

Claire and Mike are taken aback by this unorthodox tactic, prompting Mike to inquire about the necessity of such a move. Michelle explains that she is the mastermind behind the operation, and Claire doesn’t want to participate in the charade; Mike similarly declines, leading to a heated debate about whether he should indeed engage in this peculiar behavior. After some deliberation, Michelle ultimately scraps the plan, expressing frustration at having spent considerable time developing it.

Undeterred, the trio settles on an alternative approach: Mike will don a red and yellow bird costume, complete with balloons, and present himself at the front desk as if attending a birthday party – in the dead of night. The security guard, taken aback by this unusual attire, confirms that Renault’s office is just one door away. With his claim that he’s there to celebrate a special occasion, Mike’s bird costume seems to have an unexpected effect on the usually stoic guard, who begins to flirt shamelessly with the costumed interloper.

Meanwhile, Michelle and Claire slip past security, making their way up the stairs as the distracted guard remains enamored with Mike.

As they reach the pinnacle of their mission, Michelle (Michelle) finds herself thwarted by an unforeseen obstacle: the locked entrance to the top floor. Fortunately, her quick thinking and cunning allow her to pilfer the guard’s key card, gaining them access to the restricted area. Upon entering the lobby, they can’t help but be struck by Renault’s eclectic decor, which features a striking samurai-inspired statue at its center. Michelle observes that her adversary has a penchant for memorabilia related to these ancient warriors, and she wryly notes that he once employed his samurai sword to devastating effect in Puerto Rico.

Their reconnaissance mission takes them next to Renault’s office, where they futilely search for the coveted contract. Just as they’re about to abandon their efforts, Michelle and Mike are startled by an approaching figure - only to find it’s none other than Renault himself, finishing a Skype conference call with high-powered businessmen in Japan. The unexpected interruption proves to be the catalyst for chaos, as Renault catches them red-handed, attempting to make off with his prized contract.

Claire intervenes, pointing out that the document is invalid due to her equal ownership stake in the company - a fact Michelle tactfully downplays by revealing that the 50/50 partnership was little more than an abstract concept that never made it onto paper. Renault’s true motives are laid bare when he confesses his desire for revenge against Michelle, who had long ago usurped his role at the firm.

Enraged, Renault seizes a katana from his office wall and charges at Michelle with reckless abandon, reminding her of his deadly exploits in Puerto Rico. Mike, ever the loyal ally, rallies to their cause, issuing a defiant challenge: “I’ll suck his dick!” Michelle’s response is swift and decisive - a warning to Claire to beware Renault’s eagerness for retribution. As tensions escalate, Michelle finds herself forced to defend herself against Renault’s attacks using nunchucks, which she employs with questionable skill, ultimately striking herself in the head.

Undeterred, Michelle retrieves a nearby bo staff and boasts about her former life as a baton girl - a claim that was once met with ridicule but now seems to have been vindicated by her impressive display of martial prowess. However, Renault is unfazed, slicing her bo staff in two with ease. With their escape route compromised, Michelle and Mike are forced to flee the scene, pursued by an enraged Renault and his loyal henchman.

As Claire and Michelle’s group reaches the rooftop, Claire’s anxiety becomes palpable, but Michelle’s reassurance that she’s had experience with helipads calms her nerves. However, their respite is short-lived as Renault’s relentless pursuit of Michelle culminates in a violent push that sends her tumbling off the roof. Claire finds herself cornered by Renault, who underestimates her determination; she seizes the opportunity to send him crashing down to the floor below, where he lands softly among a pile of bags alongside Michelle.

The unlikely reunion between the former lovers sparks a whirlwind of emotions as they reminisce about their past, their lips meeting in a passionate kiss despite Claire’s urgent warnings. Meanwhile, Renault’s henchman attempts to intimidate Claire, only to face her unyielding fury as she delivers a swift punch that sends him reeling.

Time has passed since the rooftop encounter, and Claire is now preparing for a housewarming party to celebrate her new home, acquired through the success of her brownie business. As guests mingle and admire the upgraded furnishings, Michelle takes particular notice of the plush new couch, which she reveals was actually donated to charity by Claire. The camera cuts to Helen, the Dandelions’ mother, who gloats to her daughter about receiving a sofa from Michelle, viewing it as a symbol of victory. However, her triumphant pose is short-lived, as she tumbles violently through a window and into the backyard, where her daughter is busy pounding away at a heavy bag.

As the credits roll, a series of hilarious bloopers plays out during the mid-roll sequence.

Michelle Darnell, the self-help guru whose meteoric rise to fame was fueled by her bestselling guide on achieving wealth, finds herself at the mercy of a bitter former lover who had been wronged by her in the past. This erstwhile coworker-turned-nemesis masterminds Michelle’s downfall by orchestrating her arrest for insider trading and subsequently seizing all her assets when she emerges from prison after serving four long months. With no close allies to turn to, Michelle is forced to seek refuge with Claire, a former assistant who had once been loyal to her. As Michelle navigates the unfamiliar terrain of Claire’s life, she finds herself drawn to the wholesome world of Dandelions, where she discovers the joy of baking and the importance of community. The seeds of entrepreneurship are sown when Michelle accompanies Claire’s daughter to a meeting and is inspired by the group’s cookie sales. Before long, Michelle’s brownies become an overnight sensation, prompting Claire to leave her job behind and dedicate herself full-time to their joint venture. As Michelle’s confidence grows, she begins to feel the pangs of maternal warmth towards Claire and her daughter, but her troubled past as a ward of the state makes it difficult for her to reciprocate their affection. In an attempt to distance herself from the emotional entanglements that are threatening to overwhelm her, Michelle turns to an investor’s funds to launch a factory operation, effectively sidelining Claire from the business they had built together. However, this calculated move ultimately backfires when Michelle sells the company to her arch-rival, leaving Claire devastated and feeling betrayed. In a dramatic turn of events, Michelle seeks to rectify the situation by breaking into her rival’s office and pilfering the contract, only to find herself face-to-face with her adversary in a fierce and unexpected battle that culminates in a passionate kiss. As the dust settles on this tumultuous chapter of their lives, Claire is able to move out of Michelle’s small apartment and into a beautiful new home, thanks in large part to the financial success of their beloved brownie business.