Contains spoilers for this episode and earlier episodes.
Vera demands that Elliot hack him out of prison, using Shayla's abduction to force compliance. His brother Isaac and accomplice DJ keep Elliot under watch while he searches for a way into the prison network. Darlene helps by leaving an infected USB drive for a guard to find, but that attempt fails before Elliot can take control. Elliot visits Vera and proposes opening every cell, disguising the escape within a larger breakout. He also threatens to expose Vera's operation if anyone harms him or Shayla again. Vera's need to leave immediately becomes clearer when Elliot discovers that Isaac has arranged to have him killed.
Elliot uses that knowledge to keep Isaac from stopping the escape, then gains access through a police vehicle's computer while Darlene distracts its occupant. Angela, meanwhile, seeks help reopening the case against E Corp over her mother's death. Lawyer Antara Nayar explains that proving the company's responsibility requires someone who witnessed its decisions; Colby initially refuses to meet her. At the prison, Elliot triggers the release and Vera escapes among the other inmates. Vera has Isaac killed and hands Elliot the car keys when he asks for Shayla. Elliot opens the trunk and finds her body with her throat cut. The successful breakout has bought Vera his freedom, while the rescue Elliot believed he was negotiating was already impossible.