Fresh-faced Lou seems like a naive Hollywood newbie when she starts interning for CEO Joyce Holt. Motivated by a dark obsession with Holt, Lou is ready and willing to do whatever it takes to help her new boss, and quickly proves herself capable of holding her own.

Lou finds herself on the outs, until her after-hours overachieving yields fruitful results. A highly anticipated transfer of power doesn't go as planned. As Lou moves up in the world, things don't go as well for her co-workers.

Lou gets a promotion in the wake of tragedy, and Travis grows suspicious of her. The Fountain Pictures executives exchange barbs. The dark side of Lou's ambition begins to rear its head; meanwhile, Joyce's dreams of motherhood hang in the balance.

Facing devastating personal losses, a vulnerable Joyce relies on Lou's support. They escape to Malibu, where Lou takes Joyce's mind off her struggles by exploring their sexuality. Back at the office, Lou continues making herself indispensable by devious means.

Lou masterminds an unbreakable bond between Joyce and herself. Joyce continues to fight for control, both personally and professionally. Meanwhile, Travis' dogged determination to dig into Lou's past uncovers dark secrets and even darker deeds.

The revelation of her deception and obsession sends Lou into a tailspin. Lou recalls her tragic upbringing, while Joyce distances herself from the controversy, focusing on her career. Acts of desperation ensue.