After throwing her cheating husband out of the house, a young mother named Mildred Pierce tries to find suitable work in Depression-era California.

With her pie side-business thriving, Mildred sets in motion a plan to start a business for herself and falls for a handsome stranger named Monty Beragon.

In the wake of tragedy, Mildred opens her new restaurant and reconnects with Monty, whose lethargy tests the bonds between Mildred and Veda.

Mildred opens a profitable new restaurant but her good fortune is tempered by Veda's manipulation of a smitten society bachelor and his wealthy family.

In this mini-series finale, as Veda's singing career takes off, Mildred's efforts to reconcile with her estranged daughter finally pay off, though at a painful price.