Contains spoilers for this episode and earlier episodes.
Paulie returns from prison to a welcome-home party, but his resentment toward Tony persists. He continues confiding in Johnny Sack, who encourages him with claims of Carmine's regard. At the party, Brian becomes involved with Tony's circle and subsequently explains a housing fraud that Tony and Ralph decide to pursue. They enlist an appraiser, Zellman and Maurice Tiffen to use inflated property values and a supposed charitable project to obtain federal housing money. The plan includes violently clearing squatters from the buildings. Tony rewards Brian with a watch. Paulie passes information about the new scheme to Johnny, extending New York's access to Tony's affairs.
Adriana watches a television drama and concludes that marrying Christopher might prevent the FBI from making her testify against him. Her disclosure that she may be unable to have children initially drives Christopher away. After consulting Tony and Silvio, he returns and agrees to marriage, but a lawyer undermines Adriana's belief that marriage guarantees protection. She remains unhappy at her bridal shower. Meanwhile, Zellman tells Tony that he is dating Irina. Tony initially acts accepting and says the relationship is no problem. Later, drunk and unable to leave the matter alone, he goes to Zellman's home. Tony beats him with a belt in front of Irina, humiliating the assemblyman despite his earlier assurances.