After his disastrous business decisions, Michael is declared bankrupt. He accepts it philosophically but he is upset when he is told that his business, house and its contents were bought by Donald Farfrae. Donald offers him assistance but he is to proud to accept charity. However, he accepts a job working for Donald. After 21 years of abstinence, Michael starts drinking again. When drunk he threatens harm to Donald and, despite the warnings, Donald ignores them. Then Donald is elected mayor. He then threatens to fully expose to Donald the contents of Lucetta's letters that she wrote to Michael. Overhearing this, she tries to get them away from him.
—jem