EPISODE 381
Written by: Bre L Drew
February 25, 2026
Last Time on Town and Country
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The day of the board meeting arrives, and Jacques’ employment fate hangs in the balance because of his alleged role in the disastrous Miami land deal. Unbeknownst to him, the entire situation is a scheme orchestrated by Daniel, with assistance from Tommy, to oust him from the company.
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The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office continues deciding whether to indict Jolene for her role in Wade’s death. She claims self-defense after Wade holds her and Tricia hostage. Meanwhile, Jes and Jolene’s attorney actively works to strengthen and maintain her defense strategy as the legal uncertainty looms.
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While searching Tommy’s phone for something specific, Thora unexpectedly reveals to Jordan that she previously saw Tommy and Tanner making out. The confession leaves Jordan in stunned silence as the weight of the revelation settles in.
JESMINDER CHOUDHURY AND ASSOCIATES
The morning continues, and a mostly cloudy winter sky stretches beyond the eighth-floor windows of the Covington Tower in downtown Radcliffe. Jes Choudhury stands in her office, where her law firm is located, positioned behind her desk in what has become a ritual of sorts—especially when she is working on a case that makes it difficult to find anything that sheds light on her client's situation.
This one is for Jolene.
Jes knows it is self-defense. Jolene pulls the trigger on her monstrous husband, Wade, after he holds her and Tricia hostage in a fit of rage, refusing to let her leave him again. Jolene has been a victim of domestic abuse for years.
Jes, dressed in a dark purple turtleneck sweater and dark slacks, her hair half in a ponytail with the rest hanging just past her shoulders, stares down at the scattered notes and paperwork covering her desk.
“What the hell am I missing?” she mutters to herself.
A rapid knock pounds against her office door.
“What?!” she calls out impatiently.
The door opens, and the person entering looks slightly surprised at her tone.
“You good? Or do I need to come back?” Antoine Hall asks.
The bar manager stands in a gray jacket and jeans.
Jes quickly moves around the desk to stand closer to her lover.
“No, I’m sorry. I’m just stressing out trying to clear Jolene.”
“I figured,” he says. “That’s why I popped over to check on you. I know you workin’ on the case, but it’s been a minute since we hung out.”
His admission causes Jes to pause. It makes her reflect on what is and is not unfolding between her and Samuel, and she forces herself to get out of her head for a while.
“I’m sorry,” she says, more grounded now.
Antoine studies her carefully. “What’s wrong?”
Jes doesn’t answer right away.
HOME FARM: GUEST HOUSE
In several ways, Jordan Covington feels as if the air has been rapidly sucked out of the room as her mother, Thora McKnight, abruptly reveals that she saw Tommy and Tanner kissing late last year.
Although words rush to the forefront of her mind, she finds herself speechless—a rare occurrence for the young, spirited woman. She stands frozen in the living room of the two-story guest house on her husband’s family property, known as Home Farm. Coincidentally, just minutes before her mother arrives, Jordan is going through Tommy’s phone, trying to see if anything has been happening behind her back.
Thora’s voice cuts through her thoughts, snapping her back to reality.
“Jordan? Jordan, did you hear what I just said?”
“When did you say it happened?” Jordan finally manages, her voice clumsy and strained.
Thora shifts uncomfortably, attempting to ease the awkwardness that hangs in the air. “Uh, remember when all of us were at The Chateau for Martha’s show?”
Jordan finds herself unable to respond again. A hard, dry lump forms in the back of her throat that refuses to go down no matter how hard she swallows.
“I was heading to the restroom when I saw them,” Thora continues. “And with the way they were going at it, something tells me they probably have been carrying on behind your back for a while now.”
Thora stops herself from adding that she also saw Tanner walk into the café earlier. She knows mentioning that would only add fuel to an already blazing fire.
Jordan remains quiet. She places one hand on her hip, trying to steady herself.
“Maybe you should take this as a sign… a sign that you need to finally see him for who he really is,” Thora says, her tone blunt but not unkind.
Jordan stands there, stunned and silent—verbally verklempt—absorbing everything her mother has just said.
COVINGTON GROUP
In a way, time feels as if it is standing still inside the expansive boardroom on the twentieth floor of Covington Tower, headquarters of the Covington Group. Several board members occupy each side of the long conference table as the session begins—its purpose clear: to determine whether Jacques Laurent will retain his position after the alleged mistake of conducting a land deal that turned out to be an unprofitable acquisition of a wetland.
Jacques feels the weight of peripheral eyes on him, wordlessly judging, even though he went through the deal with a fine-tooth comb in what he believed would be a gainful investment.
At the helm of the table, Board Chairman Ron Harper clears his throat and begins the formal roll call.
“Thomas Covington,” Ron calls evenly. “Aye or nay to remove Jacques Laurent from his position within the Covington Group?”
Tommy shifts in his chair, glancing first at his father, then at his grandmother, and finally toward his aunt’s husband. He knows his role in getting to this point. He knows what is expected of him.
“Aye,” Tommy says at last.
Jacques does not suspect it—at least not outwardly.
“Deirdre Covington,” Ron continues. “Aye or nay?”
“I vote aye as well,” Deirdre replies, her tone controlled but edged with the quiet satisfaction of someone long accustomed to maneuvering through social and corporate battlefields.
Jacques tallies the votes mentally. He knows he will need a miracle. For now, he would settle for his wife, who promised she would attend. He glances toward the door. She has not yet entered. He tries not to appear anxious.
“Maximillian Covington was unable to attend,” Ron announces. “However, his proxy states: ‘Nay.’”
Daniel keeps his expression neutral, though he does his best to suppress the flicker of excitement at the thought of his opportunistic brother-in-law being forced out.
Ron then turns his attention down the table.
“Courtney Covington Sullivan.”
She does not hesitate. “Nay.”
Daniel and Deirdre exchange a quick look. Her vote does not surprise them. Even as CEO, she is still giving Jacques the benefit of the doubt.
Jacques allows himself a small smirk in her direction. Their relationship has been tense lately—particularly after Miami.
More names are called. Most votes fall as ayes.
The boardroom doors open, and Emma Covington Laurent breezes in, slightly out of breath. She immediately senses from her husband’s expression that the tide has not been in his favor. She had business elsewhere before arriving at her family’s company.
“Emma Covington Laurent,” Ron calls. “Your vote?”
“Nay,” she answers firmly. “Whatever mistake occurred, my husband is not at fault—even if he is being accused of it.”
A quiet murmur ripples through the room.
Finally, Ron looks toward Daniel.
“Daniel Covington.”
Daniel leans back slightly. “I’m going to have to cast aye,” he says with a shrug.
Jacques rolls his eyes. That vote, at least, he expected.
Ron glances down at the tally. The count is clear. Still, it must be spoken aloud.
“With the majority of nays,” Ron states formally, “Jacques Laurent is hereby terminated from the Covington Group, effective immediately. This meeting is adjourned.”
Conversations erupt in hushed tones as board members begin filing out.
Jacques wastes no time. He strides after Daniel, catching up to him in the hallway just outside the boardroom.
“I don’t know how,” Jacques says, his French cadence sharpened by anger, “but I know you orchestrated this, Daniel.”
Daniel does not conceal his contempt.
“Whatever gets you through the long, jobless days,” he replies coolly.
Jacques steps closer, nearly chest to chest with him, fury blazing in his eyes. Before the confrontation escalates, Emma intervenes, placing a firm hand on her husband and pulling him back.
Off to the side, Tommy stands silently, watching the aftermath of something he helped set into motion.
JESMINDER CHOUDHURY AND ASSOCIATES
Eventually, Jes folds her arms across her chest and sighs, exasperated.
“I apologize for being preoccupied since the new year. It’s just… I got a lot riding on this case. Not only is Jolene’s freedom at stake, but it’s also my first big case here in Radcliffe, and I don’t want to earn a reputation as some terrible attorney from the big city,” she admits.
Antoine’s gaze softens. “You sure that’s all that it is?”
Jes simply nods, not wanting to get into anything about her and Samuel.
Antoine steps closer, looking her directly in the eyes, licking his lips smoothly before speaking.
“Let me tell ya somethin’, okay? You doin’ your best to straighten everything out for Jolene, which everybody who knows her and Tricia appreciates. And even though people in Radcliffe got long memories, nobody’s gonna blame you, a’ight?”
Jes does her best to seem motivated by his pep talk.
“Speaking of New Year’s,” she says, changing the subject, “from the latest photos Max showed us of Keri, she’s becoming more and more adorable, isn’t she?”
“Yeah, she is,” Antoine replies, knowing he could’ve been her father because of that one-night stand he had with Shauna months earlier. “And what we gonna do ’bout Mae and Gus?”
During New Year’s at The Waterfall, Gus proposes to Mae, but the bar owner turns him down—even though they have been together for quite some time.
“Well, I hope they will work it out,” Jes says as she returns to her chair behind her desk.
Antoine dips his head in agreement. “You and me both. I hate when people don’t get to be with the person they're supposed to be with.”
That statement makes Jes think about the situation she has been trying to avoid.
The bar manager stuffs his hands into his jacket pockets. “So, I guess askin’ you out for an early lunch ain’t gonna happen?”
Jes looks at her desktop screen, then back at him. “That sounds so tempting, but I need to get back to it. I need to stay focused on the case.”
“I get you need to do what you can, but is there anything else you can do?” Antoine asks curiously.
“Well, I was able to subpoena Jolene’s past medical records from California that back up her abuse, not to mention affidavits—including one from her next-door neighbor, Mrs. Montez—in her defense. However, the prosecutor’s office is focused on the fact that Jolene shot the man four times instead of trying to run out of there, which makes all of my work circumstantial at best.”
Antoine scratches the back of his head. “Well, I ain’t no detective or nothin’, but have you checked into that Wade clown’s background? Guys like that usually leave somethin’ behind.”
That statement causes Jes to pause, her mind beginning to formulate an idea.
“I’ll get outta here and let you do your thang, but will I see you anytime soon?”
Jes gives him a warm smile. Antoine leans in for a kiss, charismatic as ever, but it’s lukewarm—mostly on her end. He considers asking what is really wrong, then lets it go, knowing pushing her would not help right now.
Jes turns back to her desk, exhales, and tells herself to refocus. She picks up her phone and makes a call related to the case.
COVINGTON GROUP
While most members of the board depart the building, a few linger in the hallway of the Covington Group, curious enough to witness the heated exchange between the newly terminated Jacques and Daniel.
“Jacques, take this advice from someone who was in your shoes not long ago—accept what you’ve done and move on,”
Daniel remarks, referencing the time he himself was voted out due to his role in manipulating Jordan into believing she was not in the right mind-frame to be a good mother to Jeremy.
Jacques lets out a low chuckle as Emma keeps a protective hand against her husband’s chest. “Of all people to lecture someone about doing the right thing,” Jacques replies.
By now, Deirdre steps in. “Much as my son is right, it is not tasteful imagery for the company’s founding family to be arguing in front of employees.”
“Well, I guess we can’t have people finding out the Covington's are far from perfect, now can we, mother?” Emma fires back.
“In this situation, Grandmother is right. Let’s not get into all of this right now,” Courtney interjects diplomatically.
But Deirdre cannot resist one more jab. “Well, Emma, with your husband’s current employment status, will you now be financially supporting him?”
Emma stiffens. Jacques feels a sharp twinge of shame, though he knows Deirdre’s words are meant purely to insult. Still, there is an uncomfortable realization in what she says—especially considering Deirdre once arranged for him to come to town initially as part of a financial payout to end things between her and Will Jackson.
Daniel slips his hands into his coat pockets. “I think we should allow Mr. Laurent ten minutes to clear out his office before security has to get involved.”
Emma grips the strap of her purse and fixes her gaze on her brother. “Whatever my husband chooses to do next, I will support him one hundred percent.”
She turns to Jacques, who is quietly stunned by her loyalty, particularly given the strain in their marriage as of late. She takes his hand, maintaining direct eye contact with Daniel and Deirdre.
Courtney offers her aunt’s husband a sympathetic look, which he silently acknowledges.
The couple walks down the hallway together. Meanwhile, Deirdre subtly pulls Daniel aside as Courtney and Tommy drift off to process everything that has just unfolded.
“Phase one complete,” Deirdre whispers to her eldest son. “So how are you going to take back control of the company from Courtney?”
Part of Daniel’s long-term scheme has always been to reclaim the CEO position, believing he rightfully belongs there and that his daughter is not ready. He glances toward Ron Harper, standing near the elevator, before looking back at his petite mother.
“Don’t worry about things. I think I know a way. Excuse me.”
Daniel makes his way over to the older chairman, who greets him warmly with a handshake.
“Long time no see, Daniel.”
“Oh, same to you. How have you been lately?”
“I’ve been fine. And you?”
“Well, I just dislike having the board get involved in my family’s business misstep.”
“At least things have been taken care of,” Ron replies, none the wiser.
Daniel discreetly checks to see if anyone is within earshot before lowering his voice. “I have a particular question for you. In all honesty, how does the board feel about my daughter’s performance as CEO presently?”
Ron clears his throat.
“Well, when we voted her in to succeed you, we believed she had what it took to run the company successfully despite her lack of experience.”
Daniel senses what is coming. “But?”
“But even before this incident involving Jacques Laurent, some members of the board have expressed concerns.”
Daniel shifts his stance slightly. “I believe I might have something that could remedy those concerns.”
Meanwhile, across the hallway—
“Another thrilling board meeting, huh?” Tommy says sarcastically to his sister.
Courtney tucks a strand of brown hair behind her ear. “I suppose I shouldn’t be shocked at the outcome, but I still believe Jacques did not cost us millions due to his own negligence.”
“Courtney, I know you think you understand this guy on some deep emotional level that I’ll never fully grasp, but I believe the right decision was made.”
She exhales. “We’re just going to have to agree to disagree on this matter.”
“Something like that,” Tommy replies good-naturedly.
Courtney studies her brother carefully. “I just don’t want this to affect our relationship.”
“No, we can’t let it.”
Tommy knows he is partially responsible for the result. Nevertheless, he harbors no regrets about having Jacques removed from the company, believing the man wormed his way in to begin with.
He reaches into his blazer pocket—and freezes.
“Damn.”
“What is it?” Courtney asks.
“I thought I had my phone on me. I must’ve left it in the car or something.”
“Well, just call it when you get back to your office,” Courtney suggests.
Tommy nods, choosing—for now—to bury what he has done and focus on whatever comes next.
HOME FARM: GUEST HOUSE
With a mix of fear and concern, Thora reaches out and softly places a hand on her daughter’s back.
“Did you hear me? You should take your husband’s affair with your ex-best friend seriously. You have the power to not stand for it anymore and get out with your dignity, sweetheart.”
Somehow, Jordan finds her voice again.
“You never liked Tommy, so of course you couldn’t wait to throw this in my face!” she snaps, her tone sharp enough to make Thora visibly taken aback by the venom in it.
“I know this isn’t what you want to hear,” Thora says carefully, “but as your mother, you ought to know that your husband is in love with another woman. And not just that—you’ve known that for years now. But this time they aren’t exactly hiding it. Please don’t blame me for telling you what you need to know.”
Jordan runs her hands through her blonde hair and begins to pace.
“Damn it, mother, you have no right to preach to me about the sanctity of a marriage that has long since become loveless—let alone say you care about me. I mean, it only took Dad throwing me out when I was pregnant to make you start to give one damn about me.”
Thora silently absorbs the blow. She sees the sheer pain behind Jordan’s words—not just from the revelation about Tommy and Tanner, but from old wounds she herself helped create. She knows she was not the perfect mother, especially after the death of her eldest son, and she carries that failure with her.
She starts to reach for Jordan again, wanting to offer comfort, but realizes this is not the time.
“I know it seems daunting, but you will get through this,” Thora says gently. “And Jeremy won’t have to live in a house full of tension and acrimony.”
“If you don’t mind, I need you to leave, mother,” Jordan says coolly.
As much as Thora wants to embrace her daughter, she knows better. She gives a small tilt of her head and quietly exits the house, closing the door behind her.
Left alone, Jordan braces herself, trying to stop the trembling in her body.
“I’ll be damned if I let Tanner destroy my family,” she mutters. “I’m not letting you go, Tommy. You think you know what you want, but I will do whatever I have to do to keep you, Jeremy, and me as a family. Tanner, if you want a fight, I’m going to bring one, bitch.”
Her gaze drifts back to Tommy’s phone, still sitting nearby. Whatever answers it holds now feel secondary to the resolve hardening inside her.
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END OF EPISODE
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ON THE NEXT EPISODE OF TOWN AND COUNTRY
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Steven and Courtney reconnect.
Tommy confides in Max.
Samuel gets envious.
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