Chase is heartbroken after Alex's desertion to take the tour Chris Keller advised, yet overcomes his bitterness toward Keller, who pleads her artist temperament was a lost case from the start. Julian is near despair about the unused studio until a TV series project comes within reach. Alas coaxing the studio proves tragically incompatible with paternal duties, while Brooke charms investors for her boys fashion project with her father. Clayton's problem is worse then thought, as Quinn discovers spying on him. Haley now runs Karen's café, but her cook is sick, so Dan steps in but that costs some bigot customers, and a mystery competitor opens across the street.

Dan enlists Julian to help in his search for Nathan. Mouth fills Clay in about Nathan, as Haley explains Nathan's disappearance to Jamie. Brooke gets an idea of how to bring patrons to an empty Karen's Café, and Chris Keller confronts Chase about Tara.

Haley seeks help from Lucas as Nathan makes an escape attempt. Brooke comes face-to-face with Xavier. Julian uncovers evidence that assists Dan in his search for Nathan. Clay makes a connection with another patient.