Empire (2015) s03e14 Episode Script
Love Is a Smoke
1 Previously on Empire It's the devil's chord.
And she told me you didn't even want to use it.
- CANDACE: Do you love Angelo? - COOKIE: I think so.
- Think? - I don't want to lose him.
And that's why I have to come clean about what happened.
No, no, no, no, no.
You just went Cookie crazy.
TV REPORTER: We are prepared to call the Democratic mayoral primary for Angelo Dubois.
We'd like to know when you're gonna find the time to wear this wire.
Get Tariq to fess up to all his illegal tactics.
I've been working on an investment deal for Empire artists in Las Vegas.
Why don't you play the song you wrote for me, Lucious.
You tell me why I shouldn't kill you right where you're standing.
I think you might be the only person that's ever played this old piano.
Who knows? Maybe it was put here just so I could write a song about you.
Oh, euphoria I'm so glad I found you How you changed my life To a sky so blue, ah 'Cause you crept in my heart Turned my whole world apart Your love is all I need Hey, hey Mountains high With the valley low She can make a man lose all control That's hot.
Who's it for? Nobody.
Just a 15-year-old demo that I never quite finished.
"Crazy, Crazy 4 U"? I was a bit of a romantic then.
Was it before or after you divorced me? Does it matter? I mean, we both know that love and romance is all bull, right? Well, it's hot.
Thank you.
But don't worry, I'm not gonna put it on Inferno, or nothing like that.
I mean, you and Jamal got that corny sentimental corner locked up with that When Cookie Met Lucious.
So so, what's up, Cook? I need to run something by you.
But, uh, you know what, now might not be the time.
What are you talking about? You're already here.
Might as well spit the damn thing out.
(sighs) Well (clears throat) Angelo has been hinting that, uh, if he wins the primary, he would propose to me.
And he won it.
Good.
Maybe you and him will have a much smoother ride than we did.
So, you're not gonna try and burn it down if I say yes? Uh (sighs) whatever you and him got, it ain't nothing compared to what we had.
I mean, y'all ain't torn up a room, let alone a whole damn building.
But if he asks you and you do say yes, um I'll fall back.
Have you spoken to the boys about it? I plan on talking to them next.
Good.
'Cause you and me, we need to have a "coming to Jesus" moment with Andre about this whole Vegas deal.
Vegas is moving ahead, Lucious, what why do you want to kill it? Because this woman Andre is dealing with is a very dangerous woman.
Where the hell is Tory? We need to get Nessa on point before that gaming commissioner gets here.
SHINE: Why are we even dealing with a junkie ex-pop star, anyway? Because that junkie ex-pop star is a genius songwriter, and that's what Nessa needs.
Look, guys, the head of the Vegas Gaming Commission has flown out here as a personal favor to me.
We're gonna have to present facts, figures, revenue projections and hit songs by our headliner.
If Commissioner Frost doesn't think this is a viable enterprise, guess what.
We get no gaming license.
And you know what that means? We are sunk from jump.
Does that make sense? You're two hours late.
Oh, shoot, I meant to make it three.
GIULIANA: Hello, I'm Giuliana.
My friends call me Giusi.
(chuckles) We're not friends.
(clears throat) Let me guess, you were a big fan of my generic pop anthems.
They made you feel empowered.
No, actually, I liked your first EP, Rat Juice.
Back when it felt like you were actually singing for something.
It's too bad.
I don't perform anymore.
It kills my sobriety.
ANDRE: Tory, we want you to write a song for Nessa, for a show she's doing in Las Vegas.
That could actually be kind of cool.
Unfortunately, Lucious has me under lock and key for Inferno.
GIULIANA: Well, maybe you and Lucious - can do something together.
- ANDRE: No.
Hell no, that's not happening.
You know, I would really appreciate it if you don't interrupt me when I'm speaking, because I actually know what I'm doing.
(scoffs) Co uh, Andre, come on, man.
What is this? - It was Giusi, right? - Yeah.
Maybe we could be friends.
I'm sure that I could sneak one past Lucious.
I like the way you think.
TORY: Just give me a day or two, I have a couple of things I've been working on.
Great.
(sighs) What is it with you and my father? I saw you trying to talk to him the other night.
What's going on? We met a long time ago.
I saw him the other night, he didn't remember me, so clearly I didn't leave much of an impression.
SHINE: Well, for future reference, me and Andre is doing this deal.
We don't need Lucious.
GIULIANA: Okay, Shiny.
Calm down.
I got it.
(funky instrumental playing) Hey, you know where a brother can get one of them Coocious T-shirts at? (laughing): You stupid.
I don't think that's suitable for the next mayor of New York, my friend.
Yeah, you're probably right.
One step at a time, though.
One step at a time.
And speaking of steps (clears throat) I am about to take a pretty big one.
Um, and I don't I don't want to put a foot wrong with your moms.
So, I figured that I would come and-and speak with you first.
(clears throat) Wait, you you asking me for my mother's hand in marriage? - (laughing): You how did - Angelo, - that's amazing.
Really? - But one step at a time, though.
I'm-I'm actually here to ask you if - I-if I should ask her.
- Yes! Hell yes.
Why would you even hesitate? Well (chuckles) well, for starters No.
No, no, no, no, no.
Come on.
Look.
Old pictures, old news, a'ight? Coocious is over.
- For real? - I'm telling you.
Okay.
(sighs) Okay.
(laughs) That's that's all I really wanted to hear.
That's amazing, man.
Wait, wait, wait, hold up, look.
Look, a little advice, all right? Stop.
You know, with the whole "one step at a time" thing.
My mom is the one, so get her.
She likes showmanship, drama, big gestures, so bring it.
Of course.
Okay.
Good looking out.
- Stepdaddy.
- (laughs) (door opens) I'm putting all of Empire's department heads to work.
Wardrobe, PR, Art Department, everybody.
Wow, that sounds pretty damn ambitious.
I mean, something of that size would require approval of both CEOs, and nothing came across my table.
Did you cosign something like that? No, I did not.
Andre, you gonna introduce me? Ma, this is Giuliana Green.
I thought you two met the other night.
No.
I was too busy celebrating Angelo's win.
But I feel like we met.
Not that I recall.
Lucious, you haven't changed a bit.
You look almost as good as when we met.
I was like, good gracious, ass is bodacious, uh Flirtatious, trying to show faces I'm waiting for the right time to shoot my steez You know Waiting for the right time to flash them keys Then, um, I'm leaving Please believin', oh Me and the rest of my heathens Check it, got it locked at the top of the Four Seasons Penthouse, rooftop, birds I'm feeding No deceiving, nothing up my sleeve and No teasing I need you to get up, up on the dance floor My name's Lucious.
As if everyone in here doesn't know who you are.
Then, what's the problem? I mean, you saw me looking at you.
Why you walk away? Well, time is money.
Maybe I decided you're not worth my time.
(laughs) You about as shady as you are beautiful.
What's your endgame? I'm my own endgame.
CROUPIER: Spin coming up.
You look a little trepidatious.
Excuse me, let me show you how the big boys do it.
CROUPIER: Place your bets, ladies and gentlemen.
This is for you.
No more bets, please.
No more bets.
What good is all the fame If you ain't (gasps) the models? I see you drivin' sports cars Ain't hittin' the throttle (crowd cheers) Winner, double zero.
Exit 106 and parked it Ashtray, flip gate, time to spark it Gucci collar for dollar Ain't I gonna get a thank you kiss or nothing? (chuckles) I'll bet you don't know the difference between a biased wheel and a house edge.
Teach me.
You're with a winner, so, baby, you can't lose I'm Giuliana.
My friends call me Giusi.
Well, I'm going to call you Giuliana.
Because we're going to be much more than friends.
It's getting hot in here.
COOKIE: Wait.
You two know each other? We met once a long time ago.
I'm surprised Rafael let you leave Vegas.
I mean, normally, he keeps a tight-ass leash on you.
He knew Rafael? - Who's Rafael? - Rafael is Why is Shine referring to Rafael in past tense? Rafael Green was a big player in Vegas.
A very corrupt, ruthless, and despicable human being.
Giuliana is or, I'm sorry, was his wife.
And therefore under no circumstance will my business or my family have anything to do with her.
Mm.
I know we've met.
Andre, we'll talk.
If it's love that you're running from JAMAL: Ma, this from the place in Flatbush? - Mm-hmm.
- I thought they hated you.
No, you know I can't stay mad at them Jamaicans for too long.
Love that jerk chicken.
Look, baby, I ordered extra plantains.
I know how much you love 'em.
Okay, cool.
All right, boy, let it out.
Let what out? Keem, you stopped talking the moment I mentioned marrying Angelo.
So you're in your feelings about something.
Let's talk about it.
Ma, I don't care.
You are so obvious, man.
I'm too old to be having a stepfather, okay? - Oh.
Goodness.
Hakeem, brother, you need to grow up, for real.
- You grow up.
- No, 'cause it's not about you, it's not about me.
It's about Mom and her happiness.
- Thank you.
- I'm saying it's about damn time that she got through with Dad and she found herself a good dude.
Hear, hear.
All I know is, the last track on When Cookie Met Lucious is gonna be about our mother finding happiness, the happiness that her father dreamed for her.
That's amazing.
That's what's important.
Thank you, Mal.
That's so sweet.
So that means I have your support, too, Andre? I'm in full support of you, Mom.
And, in turn, I want you to support my Vegas deal, no matter how hard Lucious pushes against it.
And now it's about you.
Hey, I'm asking all of you to back me.
It's a big opportunity.
Giuliana's club's gonna be the perfect spot for us.
Hakeem, you can do a residency in Vegas.
And I know how important it is to both of you to beat Inferno.
So what about this? What if we launch a visual album on XStream, with a party in Vegas? I'm proposing all of that, for all of us, to the gaming commissioner in a few days.
That goes well, we will have broken into a town Dad's been too afraid to crack.
THIRSTY: I-It just seems weird.
She didn't say anything else about Rafael? We could've had this conversation between the two of us, Lucious.
And you never spoke to him? Not once? I already told you.
No, Thirsty.
Now, the only reason I'm not smacking you out of that "buy one, get one free" suit you got on right now is out of respect for Lucious.
But you keep comin' at me like that.
Thirsty is the eyes in the back of my head in this place.
And if he's asking you questions, it's 'cause I'm asking them.
BECKY: Lucious, holy I'm sorry, am I interrupting something? Yeah, we're in the middle of something right now.
Well, I'm sorry.
It's just that I'm in the studio with Tory, and you have to hear this.
(sighs) Listen, I mean, the only reason that I'm not gonna read anything into you referring to this dude as in the past tense is 'cause I'm taking you on your word, Shine.
Just do me a favor and find out what really happened with this dude, man.
You got it.
Thank you, boss.
And if you're waiting for me to stop You gon' be stickin' to the clock like glue 'Cause I'm the kind of girl that wants the spotlight And the big dreams, you do it, I can do it better I can, yeah And when you aim high and you dive deep There ain't nothing that can measure 'Cause I'm-a keep on Keep on giving till I get it Because I just might take the world And I'm-a play it till I win it Because I just might be the girl To play the world Whoa I might play your world Whoa I might play the world.
- (music stops) - Hey, uh, Brandon, let's take that next bit up and see if Nessa can hit it, all right? So, this was just supposed to be a demo, but do you hear those vocals? Look at you, Miss Becky with the Good Damn Ear.
I mean, nobody in the world would ever suspect that Tory Ash is a soul singer.
A white girl like that blowing through black pipes, - that's money for Empire.
- I know.
What I could do is I could take this and polish it up and release it on Empire XStream.
And that's what you're gonna do.
Except Andre commissioned this demo for Nessa's Vegas show.
- Really? - Yeah.
Well, that's not a problem.
That's a solution to a problem.
Look, this is what we're gonna do.
You're gonna release this tonight.
We're gonna get Hakeem and Tiana to introduce it.
I mean, I think they'll enjoy serving up a little karmic retribution for Andre and Miss Nessa.
To play the world Whoa I might play the world.
(knocking) - Hey.
- Come on in.
I was careful.
Trust me.
- (crying) - COOKIE: Aw, you up already? Come on, come on, I know.
Woo-woo-woo-woo-woo-woo-woo.
Yes, indeed.
You come on over here.
Shh, now, be quiet.
We need to listen in on something.
If you can't keep her quiet, - I can hold her I want to - Hush up.
I don't want to miss this.
She not even fussing.
You just make sure boo boo kitty does what boo boo kitties do.
"Boo boo kitty.
" I ain't heard you say that in a while.
Yeah, well, I'm in a good mood today.
ANIKA (over computer): So, this is, um this is where all the the magic happens, huh? - You hear your mommy? - It's going down.
What magic? You know, the, um solving the cases and stuff.
(clears throat) You seem a bit nervous.
Are you scared of Lucious, or are you scared of me? (chuckles) No, Tariq.
No, it's just, um I'm just wondering if maybe we might be making a mistake.
Now, it's only a mistake if you try to play a brother.
ANIKA (scoffs): No.
The truth is, you're all I've got right now.
I mean, you know what kind of animal I'm dealing with here.
She never lied about that.
Because your granddaddy is a savage beast.
- Don't be telling her that.
- Yes, he is.
It's the truth.
Yeah, you're in a tight spot.
But you serve Cookie up on a platter, they'll lift my suspension.
Suspension? But I I didn't know that you were suspended.
How can you protect me if you're suspended? This is gonna get me reinstated.
TARIQ: Trust me.
Well, that's a wrap on his ass.
Are you sure? You can't work on a case while you're suspended.
I mean, Thirsty can get him thrown out of the FBI and thrown in jail.
Hmm.
Anika stepped up for us.
- Yeah.
- I got to give her props for that.
- And she gave us Bella.
- (Cookie chuckles) (phone buzzing) Oh, take her.
That's Angelo.
Come here.
Come to Granddaddy.
Hello.
Uh, how come I'm at your apartment right now, and you are not? Uh, something came up.
Okay, you remember I told you I needed to speak to you - about something, right? - All right, why are you getting so testy? Well, be-because it's important.
- Tell me now.
- Cookie, face to face.
That's how important news is delivered.
Okay, you ain't got to get all gangsta on me.
(chuckles) I'll come right now.
Well, apparently Angelo has something he has to tell me now.
I-I have to go.
Sounds like he's about to propose to you.
You think so? Probably, so you might want to get over there before he change his mind.
Now that, um, Anika's stepped up to the plate, you gonna make her family again? She was never family.
We're just kind of freaky together, you know? That should work out fine for you, 'cause you ain't nothing but a freak.
(chuckles) Well, you're the one that taught me.
(sighs): Shut up.
There's only been two women who could deal with you, Lucious, and that's been me and Anika.
And I'm about to be off the market.
Don't remind me.
You're kind of a hard act to follow.
(chuckles) Bye, baby.
(phone buzzes) Shine.
Hey, I'm a little busy right now, man.
SHINE (on speaker): You ain't too busy for this.
Go ahead.
I found out what happened to Rafael.
I'm listening.
It's probably something we shouldn't talk about on the phone.
Why don't you meet me at your office? Done.
All right, I'll let you in, but after that, whatever happens, happens.
Come on, Thirsty will finish monitoring that stuff right there.
What about Shine? You just gonna roll over there? No, Shine is in check.
He's no threat at all.
Well, if you need me to roll, just give me the pistol.
You got a man that's about to propose to you.
Go on.
- (easy jazz music playing) - ANGELO: All right, come on over here.
Girl, take this.
Okay.
(clears throat) Been waiting all evening for this.
Let me get this chair for you.
There you go.
All right.
(clears throat) How was your day? It was good.
- It was good? Excellent.
- Mm-hmm.
Ooh.
(clears throat) Uh, you had something you wanted to ask me? Mm-hmm.
Yes.
(clears throat) - Cookie.
- Mm-hmm.
I have received a very coveted spot on The Grant Kelly Show tomorrow, and I would like you to be by my side.
Are you proposing that I, uh, be on TV with you? - On TV with me, yes, please.
- Yeah? I mean, it's it's a huge show, and this would finally put all that Coocious mess to rest.
You know, show the world that it's about you and me.
Yeah.
Mm-hmm.
Of course.
- You will? Ah.
- Yes, yes.
(laughs) - Thank you.
- Mm.
- All right.
- (laughs) - (gun cocks) - Lucious.
I don't want to shoot you.
Well, that gun in my face is saying something different.
It's the only way I could get your attention.
You got my attention.
Sit down.
(Giuliana laughs) I am about to make all of our wildest dreams come true.
Look around.
This place.
I'm buying it.
In a minute, this is gonna be the hottest club in Vegas.
Empire Vegas.
- (sighs) - (chuckles) Look, I didn't want to say too much, but you got to know, I never thought I would ever feel like this about anybody ever again.
(chuckles) - Give me a minute, all right? - Sure.
BUNKIE: It's all there $10 million.
You sure about this, Lucious? It's pretty much all we got, and ain't none of it exactly clean.
Get the cash.
Uh, just give me just give me my girl.
Your girl? That's my wife.
You have any idea what I had to do to get that money? How many bridges I burned? How many of my friends I hurt? Yes, I lied to you, yes, I stole from you.
But you have no idea what I've been through.
(crying) Rafael was an evil bastard.
Yeah, but you chose to stay with him, huh? It took me 15 years to figure out how to get out of that.
He was coming to take you down again.
I'm sorry about all your little boo-boos.
But last time I checked, you owe me $10 million.
Uh, I don't have $10 million.
Rafael took all of it.
The only way (sighs) The only way I can pay you back your money is if you sign off on this deal.
I need you, Lucious.
The gaming commissioner is coming to Laviticus tomorrow to look over Andre's business plan, and I need you to sign off on it.
Lucious, I killed my husband for you.
So if the commissioner doesn't like, um Andre's plan, it puts you and him in a really bad spot, right? Yes.
Yes.
Yeah.
(sighs) (knocking) It's a new day, Anika, and I have some exciting news.
Oh.
Um (clears throat) - Good morning.
(laughs) - Good morning.
Wow.
It's been such a long time since I've, uh, - stayed up all night talking.
- TARIQ: Yeah.
ANIKA: I'm so glad we held off.
You know, um, thanks for letting me take it slow.
What's the news? - Spoke to Agent Sweetwater.
- Oh.
She got Washington on board.
Oh, okay.
We're handing Lucious and Cookie - Uh-huh.
- on a silver platter.
- Great, great.
- Mmm.
We'll both be free of them, huh? - Great, great, great.
- (laughs) Wow.
I, um You know what? I felt really close to you last night.
Mm.
Um, just-just let me go to the bathroom.
I-I - I really need to freshen up.
- TARIQ: No, come on, - I've been waiting all night for this, - Oh, God.
ANIKA: No, no, no, I got morning breath, and-and - I just want to clean up.
- Oh, damn, - damn, damn, damn, damn, damn.
- TARIQ: Why you acting so skittish? You don't got to be nervous with me, Anika.
Sweetwater, wake your ass up.
What's wrong? Is there something wrong? - (phone buzzing) - No, no, no, no, uh, no.
I What up, Agent Sweetwater? Yeah.
Yeah, I know the place.
Yeah.
All right.
See you at noon.
The ASAC is here from D.
C.
He wants to meet at a hotel in Jersey.
I got to get going.
- Anika.
- Hmm? We're almost there.
(chuckles) Yes, we are.
HAKEEM: Only thing better than breaking a new track on XStream? Screwing over Andre and Nessa at the same damn time.
DIRECTOR: And we're live.
Action, Hakeem.
We got something special for y'all.
A new voice, a new talent.
Some white-hot, blue-eyed soul about to take Empire and the music world by storm.
This is Tory Ash like you've never heard her before.
So remember where you were.
Tory, what's good? I might play the world I might play the world And I was singing They told me every star's gotta fall But I'm loaded up and ready to shoot While they sit around Holding up the wall I'll be struttin' In these high-heel boots No slowing down Till I make it to the top 'Cause this is what I came to do And if you're waiting for me to stop You gon' be stickin' to the clock like glue 'Cause I'm the kinda girl that wants the spotlight And the big dreams Hey You do it, I can do it better I can, yeah And when you aim high And you dive deep There ain't nothing that can measure 'Cause I'm-a keep on Keep on giving till I get it Because I just might Take the world And I'm-a play it till I win it Because I just might be the girl To play the world Whoa I might play your world Whoa I might play the world.
Okay, that's how you do.
I like that.
Dressed to impress, yes Yo, bro, did you see Tory? She was dope.
Who's this caramel macchiato right here? Tinashe, that's my brother, Hakeem.
- TINASHE: Hi.
Tinashe.
- HAKEEM: What's good? You want to come party with us or what? TINASHE: Oh, thanks, but, um, I'm actually in the middle of laying down some tracks.
I'm helping Jamal with his visual album.
- Yeah.
- Well, I'm down to do a duet.
- I'll put Schoolboy Q on notice.
- (laughing): Okay.
Good luck with that.
Me and Jamal will talk about it.
I'll see you tomorrow.
- JAMAL: No doubt.
All right.
- Bye, guys.
- Hakeem, what is all this? - What? You're not supposed to be around this with your recovery.
I wasn't partying, if that's what you're thinking, okay? You're not supposed to be around it.
I can handle myself.
Come on, man, aren't you gonna give me props? - Finally found my voice.
- Uh, yeah.
No doubt, I'll give you props for that, but not for putting yourself in danger.
Oh, I see.
So it's perfectly fine for Jamal Lyon to courageously kick his pill habit and have his major comeback, but not for Tory Ash, right? Keep on talking out your ass, Tory.
See, you're problem is - you just can't handle any competition.
- Mm.
Even from your own father.
No, don't be scared to show your skin Want to get out of here? - Yeah.
- Hold up, hold up, hold up Hold up, hold up.
Agent Sweetwater? You're late.
(gun cocks) Traffic on that Verrazano must've been a bitch, huh? Put that away, little brother.
You know how many people know we're here? - Where's Anika? - You mean my wife? Who recorded every illegal and pathetic move you tried to make against me? (chuckles) She was wearing a wire.
But you were so horny to get at her, you didn't even stop and check for a moment.
I took the liberty of calling the FBI ahead of time.
They're on their way.
I packed you something.
Something to give you a fighting chance.
I offered you an opportunity to be a part of the family, but apparently you weren't interested, so now you got to run.
GRANT: Mr.
Dubois, not only have you bounced back from what could have been an enormous scandal, you're now seen as the front-runner.
That's quite a turnaround.
Yes.
Yes, I'm thankful.
Uh, I also have to thank my team.
My team and, quite frankly, I have Cookie to thank as well.
Ms.
Lyon, you are being called the breakout star of this campaign.
You drove up Angelo's poll numbers after your first public appearance with him.
- You ever thought of running yourself? - Hell (Angelo and Cookie chuckle) I'm sorry.
Uh, no.
I believe in this man, and I I think he will make a great mayor for New York City.
Tell me, because I know that this question is on the forefront of everyone's minds.
With the prospect of Gracie Mansion in your future, do the two of you have any plans to solidify your commitment? Well, we take it one step at a time.
Right, Angelo? Yes, yes.
We've, we've been discussing this.
Uh, as a matter of fact (clears throat) Uh I know that you like grand gestures, so (sighs deeply) (spectators gasp) I want to spend the rest of my life with you, Cookie.
WOMAN: It's gorgeous.
Will you marry me? (murmuring) (Cookie exhales) Oh, my God.
(laughs) (chuckles) Oh, boy.
(applause) (laughing): There you have it, folks.
Angelo Dubois just got engaged to Cookie Lyon right here on The Grant Kelly Show.
Congratulations, Mr.
Soon to be Mayor.
ANGELO: Thank you, sir, I appreciate it.
GRANT: My pleasure.
You do understand that Nessa can't screw this up.
She's not gonna screw this up.
Nessa's gonna be one of Empire's biggest stars.
I'm telling you.
I don't think you understand.
I have made some big promises on this deal.
So have I, Giuliana.
(slot machines chiming) What the hell? - Did you know about this? - No.
- Who is that? - Charlotte Frost, - the most powerful person in Vegas.
- They have live shows, but our show itself is the show.
We're going to be filled with all of hip-hop's latest artists, telling their own personal stories about the history of hip-hop from right here.
I mean, Birdman and Snoop is already filed in as investors.
So we've got a ton of other people on there.
Giuliana.
Lucious.
Well, this is Charlotte Frost, as you know, the head of the gaming commission.
Say hello.
How are you, Giuliana? GIULIANA: I'm wonderful.
And you? - I'm good.
- Andre.
You and Nessa are out.
Wanted to share that with you.
CHARLOTTE: I'm impressed.
Did not expect this.
Lucious, when Giuliana told me I had to come to New York, I was prepared to be irked if it wasn't worth my while.
But this this crosses the threshold into interesting.
"Interesting.
" She said you would call it interesting.
Initially, I was going to bore you with a bunch of charts and graphs, but Giuliana said that we should put on a live-action show.
So you can get - a tangible experience from it.
- Yes.
Uh, Thirsty? What's up? Would you mind taking care of our guest? Absolutely.
Great job.
- Thank you.
- Thank you so much.
Do a little gambling, maybe? Well, aren't you just full of surprises? (exhales) What were you thinking, putting me on the spot like that? Wait a minute, J-J-J Jamal said that you liked showmanship.
I like a man who can think for himself, Angelo.
Well I need a minute, okay? I just, I need time to think about this.
This is just happening too fast.
Think about it? What's there to think about, baby? What, are you scared? 'Cause, uh we can talk about it.
Do you want to talk about it? (sighs) Oh, Angelo.
I've been trying to right my past.
- Right your past? - Yes, the mistakes I made in my past.
With my father.
Trying to please him.
By being with a man like you, because the relationship with Lucious, that's what killed him.
Lucious.
I should've known this was about his ass.
You're still in love with him.
It's not about Lucious at all.
(crackles) COOKIE (over mic): It's about me.
And I'd be lying to you if I didn't say that.
I still have feelings for him.
You still have feelings for Lucious.
COOKIE: I wanted to be honest with you.
I don't want to hide that.
We kissed.
It was just a kiss.
One time.
And I have been trying to tell you.
No.
Okay, wait, now shh! (grunts) I compromised my integrity.
I compromised the integrity of my campaign over and over for you! I got that Freda what's-her-face out of jail for Jamal! Fraudulently, Cookie! Shh.
I broke the law for your ass! The, the illegal handgun! Th-The parole violation! I did all of that for you, Cookie! And now you're gonna tell me that you still have feelings for that greasy Hot mic, baby, hot mic.
(phone buzzing) My mama was right.
Your whole family is poison.
All of y'all are garbage.
Every last one of y'all.
(phone buzzing) Um, this is, this is my son.
I need to take this.
Take it outside.
(phone continues buzzing) Angelo.
Angelo, it's okay.
- No.
- It's gonna be all right.
Mama, how is everything gonna be all right? You have done nothing wrong.
That ungrateful bitch blindsided you.
She's wrecked everything, but listen to me.
- Listen to me.
- Okay.
I'm taking charge now.
And I will not rest until I see the Lyons groveling in the dirt, begging for a merciful death.
They messed with the wrong clan.
They're going down.
(crowd cheering) Ladies and gentlemen, please direct your attention to center stage, where you will see the eighth wonder of the world, the legendary Tory Ash! (crowd cheering) Crazy love, I can't go without you Got us doing things we ain't supposed to do Boy, you crept in my heart, turned my whole world apart And now you're all I need You're all I need Hey-hey, hey-hey Mountains high and the valley low He can make a woman lose all control And God only knows what this trouble road Lies in front of me In front of me, hey-hey But, my darling, there's no limit to my loving You got everything I need and that I'm wanting I'm not used to giving my heart and soul Just to be hanging around for love Aw, aw, baby, I'm such a fool First she steals my song, now she's standing in my spot, Shine.
Now, tell me you did not know about this.
No.
Neither did your punk-ass boyfriend.
Get your men together.
We're gonna take him out.
'Cause of you, boy, what the hell did I do? I'm crazy, crazy for you Angel smile Do, do With those devilish eyes Do, do Boy, you took me, you took me by surprise It's a beautiful song.
It's haunting.
Yeah, I wrote it for her.
I meant every word of it.
Oh, but, my darling, there's no limit to my loving You got everything I need and that I'm wanting I'm not used to giving my heart and soul I do them all 'cause of you Boy, what the hell did I do? I'm crazy, crazy for you.
And she told me you didn't even want to use it.
- CANDACE: Do you love Angelo? - COOKIE: I think so.
- Think? - I don't want to lose him.
And that's why I have to come clean about what happened.
No, no, no, no, no.
You just went Cookie crazy.
TV REPORTER: We are prepared to call the Democratic mayoral primary for Angelo Dubois.
We'd like to know when you're gonna find the time to wear this wire.
Get Tariq to fess up to all his illegal tactics.
I've been working on an investment deal for Empire artists in Las Vegas.
Why don't you play the song you wrote for me, Lucious.
You tell me why I shouldn't kill you right where you're standing.
I think you might be the only person that's ever played this old piano.
Who knows? Maybe it was put here just so I could write a song about you.
Oh, euphoria I'm so glad I found you How you changed my life To a sky so blue, ah 'Cause you crept in my heart Turned my whole world apart Your love is all I need Hey, hey Mountains high With the valley low She can make a man lose all control That's hot.
Who's it for? Nobody.
Just a 15-year-old demo that I never quite finished.
"Crazy, Crazy 4 U"? I was a bit of a romantic then.
Was it before or after you divorced me? Does it matter? I mean, we both know that love and romance is all bull, right? Well, it's hot.
Thank you.
But don't worry, I'm not gonna put it on Inferno, or nothing like that.
I mean, you and Jamal got that corny sentimental corner locked up with that When Cookie Met Lucious.
So so, what's up, Cook? I need to run something by you.
But, uh, you know what, now might not be the time.
What are you talking about? You're already here.
Might as well spit the damn thing out.
(sighs) Well (clears throat) Angelo has been hinting that, uh, if he wins the primary, he would propose to me.
And he won it.
Good.
Maybe you and him will have a much smoother ride than we did.
So, you're not gonna try and burn it down if I say yes? Uh (sighs) whatever you and him got, it ain't nothing compared to what we had.
I mean, y'all ain't torn up a room, let alone a whole damn building.
But if he asks you and you do say yes, um I'll fall back.
Have you spoken to the boys about it? I plan on talking to them next.
Good.
'Cause you and me, we need to have a "coming to Jesus" moment with Andre about this whole Vegas deal.
Vegas is moving ahead, Lucious, what why do you want to kill it? Because this woman Andre is dealing with is a very dangerous woman.
Where the hell is Tory? We need to get Nessa on point before that gaming commissioner gets here.
SHINE: Why are we even dealing with a junkie ex-pop star, anyway? Because that junkie ex-pop star is a genius songwriter, and that's what Nessa needs.
Look, guys, the head of the Vegas Gaming Commission has flown out here as a personal favor to me.
We're gonna have to present facts, figures, revenue projections and hit songs by our headliner.
If Commissioner Frost doesn't think this is a viable enterprise, guess what.
We get no gaming license.
And you know what that means? We are sunk from jump.
Does that make sense? You're two hours late.
Oh, shoot, I meant to make it three.
GIULIANA: Hello, I'm Giuliana.
My friends call me Giusi.
(chuckles) We're not friends.
(clears throat) Let me guess, you were a big fan of my generic pop anthems.
They made you feel empowered.
No, actually, I liked your first EP, Rat Juice.
Back when it felt like you were actually singing for something.
It's too bad.
I don't perform anymore.
It kills my sobriety.
ANDRE: Tory, we want you to write a song for Nessa, for a show she's doing in Las Vegas.
That could actually be kind of cool.
Unfortunately, Lucious has me under lock and key for Inferno.
GIULIANA: Well, maybe you and Lucious - can do something together.
- ANDRE: No.
Hell no, that's not happening.
You know, I would really appreciate it if you don't interrupt me when I'm speaking, because I actually know what I'm doing.
(scoffs) Co uh, Andre, come on, man.
What is this? - It was Giusi, right? - Yeah.
Maybe we could be friends.
I'm sure that I could sneak one past Lucious.
I like the way you think.
TORY: Just give me a day or two, I have a couple of things I've been working on.
Great.
(sighs) What is it with you and my father? I saw you trying to talk to him the other night.
What's going on? We met a long time ago.
I saw him the other night, he didn't remember me, so clearly I didn't leave much of an impression.
SHINE: Well, for future reference, me and Andre is doing this deal.
We don't need Lucious.
GIULIANA: Okay, Shiny.
Calm down.
I got it.
(funky instrumental playing) Hey, you know where a brother can get one of them Coocious T-shirts at? (laughing): You stupid.
I don't think that's suitable for the next mayor of New York, my friend.
Yeah, you're probably right.
One step at a time, though.
One step at a time.
And speaking of steps (clears throat) I am about to take a pretty big one.
Um, and I don't I don't want to put a foot wrong with your moms.
So, I figured that I would come and-and speak with you first.
(clears throat) Wait, you you asking me for my mother's hand in marriage? - (laughing): You how did - Angelo, - that's amazing.
Really? - But one step at a time, though.
I'm-I'm actually here to ask you if - I-if I should ask her.
- Yes! Hell yes.
Why would you even hesitate? Well (chuckles) well, for starters No.
No, no, no, no, no.
Come on.
Look.
Old pictures, old news, a'ight? Coocious is over.
- For real? - I'm telling you.
Okay.
(sighs) Okay.
(laughs) That's that's all I really wanted to hear.
That's amazing, man.
Wait, wait, wait, hold up, look.
Look, a little advice, all right? Stop.
You know, with the whole "one step at a time" thing.
My mom is the one, so get her.
She likes showmanship, drama, big gestures, so bring it.
Of course.
Okay.
Good looking out.
- Stepdaddy.
- (laughs) (door opens) I'm putting all of Empire's department heads to work.
Wardrobe, PR, Art Department, everybody.
Wow, that sounds pretty damn ambitious.
I mean, something of that size would require approval of both CEOs, and nothing came across my table.
Did you cosign something like that? No, I did not.
Andre, you gonna introduce me? Ma, this is Giuliana Green.
I thought you two met the other night.
No.
I was too busy celebrating Angelo's win.
But I feel like we met.
Not that I recall.
Lucious, you haven't changed a bit.
You look almost as good as when we met.
I was like, good gracious, ass is bodacious, uh Flirtatious, trying to show faces I'm waiting for the right time to shoot my steez You know Waiting for the right time to flash them keys Then, um, I'm leaving Please believin', oh Me and the rest of my heathens Check it, got it locked at the top of the Four Seasons Penthouse, rooftop, birds I'm feeding No deceiving, nothing up my sleeve and No teasing I need you to get up, up on the dance floor My name's Lucious.
As if everyone in here doesn't know who you are.
Then, what's the problem? I mean, you saw me looking at you.
Why you walk away? Well, time is money.
Maybe I decided you're not worth my time.
(laughs) You about as shady as you are beautiful.
What's your endgame? I'm my own endgame.
CROUPIER: Spin coming up.
You look a little trepidatious.
Excuse me, let me show you how the big boys do it.
CROUPIER: Place your bets, ladies and gentlemen.
This is for you.
No more bets, please.
No more bets.
What good is all the fame If you ain't (gasps) the models? I see you drivin' sports cars Ain't hittin' the throttle (crowd cheers) Winner, double zero.
Exit 106 and parked it Ashtray, flip gate, time to spark it Gucci collar for dollar Ain't I gonna get a thank you kiss or nothing? (chuckles) I'll bet you don't know the difference between a biased wheel and a house edge.
Teach me.
You're with a winner, so, baby, you can't lose I'm Giuliana.
My friends call me Giusi.
Well, I'm going to call you Giuliana.
Because we're going to be much more than friends.
It's getting hot in here.
COOKIE: Wait.
You two know each other? We met once a long time ago.
I'm surprised Rafael let you leave Vegas.
I mean, normally, he keeps a tight-ass leash on you.
He knew Rafael? - Who's Rafael? - Rafael is Why is Shine referring to Rafael in past tense? Rafael Green was a big player in Vegas.
A very corrupt, ruthless, and despicable human being.
Giuliana is or, I'm sorry, was his wife.
And therefore under no circumstance will my business or my family have anything to do with her.
Mm.
I know we've met.
Andre, we'll talk.
If it's love that you're running from JAMAL: Ma, this from the place in Flatbush? - Mm-hmm.
- I thought they hated you.
No, you know I can't stay mad at them Jamaicans for too long.
Love that jerk chicken.
Look, baby, I ordered extra plantains.
I know how much you love 'em.
Okay, cool.
All right, boy, let it out.
Let what out? Keem, you stopped talking the moment I mentioned marrying Angelo.
So you're in your feelings about something.
Let's talk about it.
Ma, I don't care.
You are so obvious, man.
I'm too old to be having a stepfather, okay? - Oh.
Goodness.
Hakeem, brother, you need to grow up, for real.
- You grow up.
- No, 'cause it's not about you, it's not about me.
It's about Mom and her happiness.
- Thank you.
- I'm saying it's about damn time that she got through with Dad and she found herself a good dude.
Hear, hear.
All I know is, the last track on When Cookie Met Lucious is gonna be about our mother finding happiness, the happiness that her father dreamed for her.
That's amazing.
That's what's important.
Thank you, Mal.
That's so sweet.
So that means I have your support, too, Andre? I'm in full support of you, Mom.
And, in turn, I want you to support my Vegas deal, no matter how hard Lucious pushes against it.
And now it's about you.
Hey, I'm asking all of you to back me.
It's a big opportunity.
Giuliana's club's gonna be the perfect spot for us.
Hakeem, you can do a residency in Vegas.
And I know how important it is to both of you to beat Inferno.
So what about this? What if we launch a visual album on XStream, with a party in Vegas? I'm proposing all of that, for all of us, to the gaming commissioner in a few days.
That goes well, we will have broken into a town Dad's been too afraid to crack.
THIRSTY: I-It just seems weird.
She didn't say anything else about Rafael? We could've had this conversation between the two of us, Lucious.
And you never spoke to him? Not once? I already told you.
No, Thirsty.
Now, the only reason I'm not smacking you out of that "buy one, get one free" suit you got on right now is out of respect for Lucious.
But you keep comin' at me like that.
Thirsty is the eyes in the back of my head in this place.
And if he's asking you questions, it's 'cause I'm asking them.
BECKY: Lucious, holy I'm sorry, am I interrupting something? Yeah, we're in the middle of something right now.
Well, I'm sorry.
It's just that I'm in the studio with Tory, and you have to hear this.
(sighs) Listen, I mean, the only reason that I'm not gonna read anything into you referring to this dude as in the past tense is 'cause I'm taking you on your word, Shine.
Just do me a favor and find out what really happened with this dude, man.
You got it.
Thank you, boss.
And if you're waiting for me to stop You gon' be stickin' to the clock like glue 'Cause I'm the kind of girl that wants the spotlight And the big dreams, you do it, I can do it better I can, yeah And when you aim high and you dive deep There ain't nothing that can measure 'Cause I'm-a keep on Keep on giving till I get it Because I just might take the world And I'm-a play it till I win it Because I just might be the girl To play the world Whoa I might play your world Whoa I might play the world.
- (music stops) - Hey, uh, Brandon, let's take that next bit up and see if Nessa can hit it, all right? So, this was just supposed to be a demo, but do you hear those vocals? Look at you, Miss Becky with the Good Damn Ear.
I mean, nobody in the world would ever suspect that Tory Ash is a soul singer.
A white girl like that blowing through black pipes, - that's money for Empire.
- I know.
What I could do is I could take this and polish it up and release it on Empire XStream.
And that's what you're gonna do.
Except Andre commissioned this demo for Nessa's Vegas show.
- Really? - Yeah.
Well, that's not a problem.
That's a solution to a problem.
Look, this is what we're gonna do.
You're gonna release this tonight.
We're gonna get Hakeem and Tiana to introduce it.
I mean, I think they'll enjoy serving up a little karmic retribution for Andre and Miss Nessa.
To play the world Whoa I might play the world.
(knocking) - Hey.
- Come on in.
I was careful.
Trust me.
- (crying) - COOKIE: Aw, you up already? Come on, come on, I know.
Woo-woo-woo-woo-woo-woo-woo.
Yes, indeed.
You come on over here.
Shh, now, be quiet.
We need to listen in on something.
If you can't keep her quiet, - I can hold her I want to - Hush up.
I don't want to miss this.
She not even fussing.
You just make sure boo boo kitty does what boo boo kitties do.
"Boo boo kitty.
" I ain't heard you say that in a while.
Yeah, well, I'm in a good mood today.
ANIKA (over computer): So, this is, um this is where all the the magic happens, huh? - You hear your mommy? - It's going down.
What magic? You know, the, um solving the cases and stuff.
(clears throat) You seem a bit nervous.
Are you scared of Lucious, or are you scared of me? (chuckles) No, Tariq.
No, it's just, um I'm just wondering if maybe we might be making a mistake.
Now, it's only a mistake if you try to play a brother.
ANIKA (scoffs): No.
The truth is, you're all I've got right now.
I mean, you know what kind of animal I'm dealing with here.
She never lied about that.
Because your granddaddy is a savage beast.
- Don't be telling her that.
- Yes, he is.
It's the truth.
Yeah, you're in a tight spot.
But you serve Cookie up on a platter, they'll lift my suspension.
Suspension? But I I didn't know that you were suspended.
How can you protect me if you're suspended? This is gonna get me reinstated.
TARIQ: Trust me.
Well, that's a wrap on his ass.
Are you sure? You can't work on a case while you're suspended.
I mean, Thirsty can get him thrown out of the FBI and thrown in jail.
Hmm.
Anika stepped up for us.
- Yeah.
- I got to give her props for that.
- And she gave us Bella.
- (Cookie chuckles) (phone buzzing) Oh, take her.
That's Angelo.
Come here.
Come to Granddaddy.
Hello.
Uh, how come I'm at your apartment right now, and you are not? Uh, something came up.
Okay, you remember I told you I needed to speak to you - about something, right? - All right, why are you getting so testy? Well, be-because it's important.
- Tell me now.
- Cookie, face to face.
That's how important news is delivered.
Okay, you ain't got to get all gangsta on me.
(chuckles) I'll come right now.
Well, apparently Angelo has something he has to tell me now.
I-I have to go.
Sounds like he's about to propose to you.
You think so? Probably, so you might want to get over there before he change his mind.
Now that, um, Anika's stepped up to the plate, you gonna make her family again? She was never family.
We're just kind of freaky together, you know? That should work out fine for you, 'cause you ain't nothing but a freak.
(chuckles) Well, you're the one that taught me.
(sighs): Shut up.
There's only been two women who could deal with you, Lucious, and that's been me and Anika.
And I'm about to be off the market.
Don't remind me.
You're kind of a hard act to follow.
(chuckles) Bye, baby.
(phone buzzes) Shine.
Hey, I'm a little busy right now, man.
SHINE (on speaker): You ain't too busy for this.
Go ahead.
I found out what happened to Rafael.
I'm listening.
It's probably something we shouldn't talk about on the phone.
Why don't you meet me at your office? Done.
All right, I'll let you in, but after that, whatever happens, happens.
Come on, Thirsty will finish monitoring that stuff right there.
What about Shine? You just gonna roll over there? No, Shine is in check.
He's no threat at all.
Well, if you need me to roll, just give me the pistol.
You got a man that's about to propose to you.
Go on.
- (easy jazz music playing) - ANGELO: All right, come on over here.
Girl, take this.
Okay.
(clears throat) Been waiting all evening for this.
Let me get this chair for you.
There you go.
All right.
(clears throat) How was your day? It was good.
- It was good? Excellent.
- Mm-hmm.
Ooh.
(clears throat) Uh, you had something you wanted to ask me? Mm-hmm.
Yes.
(clears throat) - Cookie.
- Mm-hmm.
I have received a very coveted spot on The Grant Kelly Show tomorrow, and I would like you to be by my side.
Are you proposing that I, uh, be on TV with you? - On TV with me, yes, please.
- Yeah? I mean, it's it's a huge show, and this would finally put all that Coocious mess to rest.
You know, show the world that it's about you and me.
Yeah.
Mm-hmm.
Of course.
- You will? Ah.
- Yes, yes.
(laughs) - Thank you.
- Mm.
- All right.
- (laughs) - (gun cocks) - Lucious.
I don't want to shoot you.
Well, that gun in my face is saying something different.
It's the only way I could get your attention.
You got my attention.
Sit down.
(Giuliana laughs) I am about to make all of our wildest dreams come true.
Look around.
This place.
I'm buying it.
In a minute, this is gonna be the hottest club in Vegas.
Empire Vegas.
- (sighs) - (chuckles) Look, I didn't want to say too much, but you got to know, I never thought I would ever feel like this about anybody ever again.
(chuckles) - Give me a minute, all right? - Sure.
BUNKIE: It's all there $10 million.
You sure about this, Lucious? It's pretty much all we got, and ain't none of it exactly clean.
Get the cash.
Uh, just give me just give me my girl.
Your girl? That's my wife.
You have any idea what I had to do to get that money? How many bridges I burned? How many of my friends I hurt? Yes, I lied to you, yes, I stole from you.
But you have no idea what I've been through.
(crying) Rafael was an evil bastard.
Yeah, but you chose to stay with him, huh? It took me 15 years to figure out how to get out of that.
He was coming to take you down again.
I'm sorry about all your little boo-boos.
But last time I checked, you owe me $10 million.
Uh, I don't have $10 million.
Rafael took all of it.
The only way (sighs) The only way I can pay you back your money is if you sign off on this deal.
I need you, Lucious.
The gaming commissioner is coming to Laviticus tomorrow to look over Andre's business plan, and I need you to sign off on it.
Lucious, I killed my husband for you.
So if the commissioner doesn't like, um Andre's plan, it puts you and him in a really bad spot, right? Yes.
Yes.
Yeah.
(sighs) (knocking) It's a new day, Anika, and I have some exciting news.
Oh.
Um (clears throat) - Good morning.
(laughs) - Good morning.
Wow.
It's been such a long time since I've, uh, - stayed up all night talking.
- TARIQ: Yeah.
ANIKA: I'm so glad we held off.
You know, um, thanks for letting me take it slow.
What's the news? - Spoke to Agent Sweetwater.
- Oh.
She got Washington on board.
Oh, okay.
We're handing Lucious and Cookie - Uh-huh.
- on a silver platter.
- Great, great.
- Mmm.
We'll both be free of them, huh? - Great, great, great.
- (laughs) Wow.
I, um You know what? I felt really close to you last night.
Mm.
Um, just-just let me go to the bathroom.
I-I - I really need to freshen up.
- TARIQ: No, come on, - I've been waiting all night for this, - Oh, God.
ANIKA: No, no, no, I got morning breath, and-and - I just want to clean up.
- Oh, damn, - damn, damn, damn, damn, damn.
- TARIQ: Why you acting so skittish? You don't got to be nervous with me, Anika.
Sweetwater, wake your ass up.
What's wrong? Is there something wrong? - (phone buzzing) - No, no, no, no, uh, no.
I What up, Agent Sweetwater? Yeah.
Yeah, I know the place.
Yeah.
All right.
See you at noon.
The ASAC is here from D.
C.
He wants to meet at a hotel in Jersey.
I got to get going.
- Anika.
- Hmm? We're almost there.
(chuckles) Yes, we are.
HAKEEM: Only thing better than breaking a new track on XStream? Screwing over Andre and Nessa at the same damn time.
DIRECTOR: And we're live.
Action, Hakeem.
We got something special for y'all.
A new voice, a new talent.
Some white-hot, blue-eyed soul about to take Empire and the music world by storm.
This is Tory Ash like you've never heard her before.
So remember where you were.
Tory, what's good? I might play the world I might play the world And I was singing They told me every star's gotta fall But I'm loaded up and ready to shoot While they sit around Holding up the wall I'll be struttin' In these high-heel boots No slowing down Till I make it to the top 'Cause this is what I came to do And if you're waiting for me to stop You gon' be stickin' to the clock like glue 'Cause I'm the kinda girl that wants the spotlight And the big dreams Hey You do it, I can do it better I can, yeah And when you aim high And you dive deep There ain't nothing that can measure 'Cause I'm-a keep on Keep on giving till I get it Because I just might Take the world And I'm-a play it till I win it Because I just might be the girl To play the world Whoa I might play your world Whoa I might play the world.
Okay, that's how you do.
I like that.
Dressed to impress, yes Yo, bro, did you see Tory? She was dope.
Who's this caramel macchiato right here? Tinashe, that's my brother, Hakeem.
- TINASHE: Hi.
Tinashe.
- HAKEEM: What's good? You want to come party with us or what? TINASHE: Oh, thanks, but, um, I'm actually in the middle of laying down some tracks.
I'm helping Jamal with his visual album.
- Yeah.
- Well, I'm down to do a duet.
- I'll put Schoolboy Q on notice.
- (laughing): Okay.
Good luck with that.
Me and Jamal will talk about it.
I'll see you tomorrow.
- JAMAL: No doubt.
All right.
- Bye, guys.
- Hakeem, what is all this? - What? You're not supposed to be around this with your recovery.
I wasn't partying, if that's what you're thinking, okay? You're not supposed to be around it.
I can handle myself.
Come on, man, aren't you gonna give me props? - Finally found my voice.
- Uh, yeah.
No doubt, I'll give you props for that, but not for putting yourself in danger.
Oh, I see.
So it's perfectly fine for Jamal Lyon to courageously kick his pill habit and have his major comeback, but not for Tory Ash, right? Keep on talking out your ass, Tory.
See, you're problem is - you just can't handle any competition.
- Mm.
Even from your own father.
No, don't be scared to show your skin Want to get out of here? - Yeah.
- Hold up, hold up, hold up Hold up, hold up.
Agent Sweetwater? You're late.
(gun cocks) Traffic on that Verrazano must've been a bitch, huh? Put that away, little brother.
You know how many people know we're here? - Where's Anika? - You mean my wife? Who recorded every illegal and pathetic move you tried to make against me? (chuckles) She was wearing a wire.
But you were so horny to get at her, you didn't even stop and check for a moment.
I took the liberty of calling the FBI ahead of time.
They're on their way.
I packed you something.
Something to give you a fighting chance.
I offered you an opportunity to be a part of the family, but apparently you weren't interested, so now you got to run.
GRANT: Mr.
Dubois, not only have you bounced back from what could have been an enormous scandal, you're now seen as the front-runner.
That's quite a turnaround.
Yes.
Yes, I'm thankful.
Uh, I also have to thank my team.
My team and, quite frankly, I have Cookie to thank as well.
Ms.
Lyon, you are being called the breakout star of this campaign.
You drove up Angelo's poll numbers after your first public appearance with him.
- You ever thought of running yourself? - Hell (Angelo and Cookie chuckle) I'm sorry.
Uh, no.
I believe in this man, and I I think he will make a great mayor for New York City.
Tell me, because I know that this question is on the forefront of everyone's minds.
With the prospect of Gracie Mansion in your future, do the two of you have any plans to solidify your commitment? Well, we take it one step at a time.
Right, Angelo? Yes, yes.
We've, we've been discussing this.
Uh, as a matter of fact (clears throat) Uh I know that you like grand gestures, so (sighs deeply) (spectators gasp) I want to spend the rest of my life with you, Cookie.
WOMAN: It's gorgeous.
Will you marry me? (murmuring) (Cookie exhales) Oh, my God.
(laughs) (chuckles) Oh, boy.
(applause) (laughing): There you have it, folks.
Angelo Dubois just got engaged to Cookie Lyon right here on The Grant Kelly Show.
Congratulations, Mr.
Soon to be Mayor.
ANGELO: Thank you, sir, I appreciate it.
GRANT: My pleasure.
You do understand that Nessa can't screw this up.
She's not gonna screw this up.
Nessa's gonna be one of Empire's biggest stars.
I'm telling you.
I don't think you understand.
I have made some big promises on this deal.
So have I, Giuliana.
(slot machines chiming) What the hell? - Did you know about this? - No.
- Who is that? - Charlotte Frost, - the most powerful person in Vegas.
- They have live shows, but our show itself is the show.
We're going to be filled with all of hip-hop's latest artists, telling their own personal stories about the history of hip-hop from right here.
I mean, Birdman and Snoop is already filed in as investors.
So we've got a ton of other people on there.
Giuliana.
Lucious.
Well, this is Charlotte Frost, as you know, the head of the gaming commission.
Say hello.
How are you, Giuliana? GIULIANA: I'm wonderful.
And you? - I'm good.
- Andre.
You and Nessa are out.
Wanted to share that with you.
CHARLOTTE: I'm impressed.
Did not expect this.
Lucious, when Giuliana told me I had to come to New York, I was prepared to be irked if it wasn't worth my while.
But this this crosses the threshold into interesting.
"Interesting.
" She said you would call it interesting.
Initially, I was going to bore you with a bunch of charts and graphs, but Giuliana said that we should put on a live-action show.
So you can get - a tangible experience from it.
- Yes.
Uh, Thirsty? What's up? Would you mind taking care of our guest? Absolutely.
Great job.
- Thank you.
- Thank you so much.
Do a little gambling, maybe? Well, aren't you just full of surprises? (exhales) What were you thinking, putting me on the spot like that? Wait a minute, J-J-J Jamal said that you liked showmanship.
I like a man who can think for himself, Angelo.
Well I need a minute, okay? I just, I need time to think about this.
This is just happening too fast.
Think about it? What's there to think about, baby? What, are you scared? 'Cause, uh we can talk about it.
Do you want to talk about it? (sighs) Oh, Angelo.
I've been trying to right my past.
- Right your past? - Yes, the mistakes I made in my past.
With my father.
Trying to please him.
By being with a man like you, because the relationship with Lucious, that's what killed him.
Lucious.
I should've known this was about his ass.
You're still in love with him.
It's not about Lucious at all.
(crackles) COOKIE (over mic): It's about me.
And I'd be lying to you if I didn't say that.
I still have feelings for him.
You still have feelings for Lucious.
COOKIE: I wanted to be honest with you.
I don't want to hide that.
We kissed.
It was just a kiss.
One time.
And I have been trying to tell you.
No.
Okay, wait, now shh! (grunts) I compromised my integrity.
I compromised the integrity of my campaign over and over for you! I got that Freda what's-her-face out of jail for Jamal! Fraudulently, Cookie! Shh.
I broke the law for your ass! The, the illegal handgun! Th-The parole violation! I did all of that for you, Cookie! And now you're gonna tell me that you still have feelings for that greasy Hot mic, baby, hot mic.
(phone buzzing) My mama was right.
Your whole family is poison.
All of y'all are garbage.
Every last one of y'all.
(phone buzzing) Um, this is, this is my son.
I need to take this.
Take it outside.
(phone continues buzzing) Angelo.
Angelo, it's okay.
- No.
- It's gonna be all right.
Mama, how is everything gonna be all right? You have done nothing wrong.
That ungrateful bitch blindsided you.
She's wrecked everything, but listen to me.
- Listen to me.
- Okay.
I'm taking charge now.
And I will not rest until I see the Lyons groveling in the dirt, begging for a merciful death.
They messed with the wrong clan.
They're going down.
(crowd cheering) Ladies and gentlemen, please direct your attention to center stage, where you will see the eighth wonder of the world, the legendary Tory Ash! (crowd cheering) Crazy love, I can't go without you Got us doing things we ain't supposed to do Boy, you crept in my heart, turned my whole world apart And now you're all I need You're all I need Hey-hey, hey-hey Mountains high and the valley low He can make a woman lose all control And God only knows what this trouble road Lies in front of me In front of me, hey-hey But, my darling, there's no limit to my loving You got everything I need and that I'm wanting I'm not used to giving my heart and soul Just to be hanging around for love Aw, aw, baby, I'm such a fool First she steals my song, now she's standing in my spot, Shine.
Now, tell me you did not know about this.
No.
Neither did your punk-ass boyfriend.
Get your men together.
We're gonna take him out.
'Cause of you, boy, what the hell did I do? I'm crazy, crazy for you Angel smile Do, do With those devilish eyes Do, do Boy, you took me, you took me by surprise It's a beautiful song.
It's haunting.
Yeah, I wrote it for her.
I meant every word of it.
Oh, but, my darling, there's no limit to my loving You got everything I need and that I'm wanting I'm not used to giving my heart and soul I do them all 'cause of you Boy, what the hell did I do? I'm crazy, crazy for you.