The Crown makes a devious move against James Delaney, while the Company has its own reasons for frustrating the plot. As London begins closing its doors to him, James sets out to protect his business by any means necessary.

With empire and mayhem in mind, James adds Cholmondeley, a depraved Chemist, to his company with explosive consequences. Meanwhile, Lorna aims to prove she's anything but a weak link, and buried secrets become a matter of yet more intrigue and violence.

As James Delaney's trading plans start to unravel, a family revelation drives him into dark and haunted places, both real and emotional. Those around him, his household and family included, seem to be spiraling out of control, with terrible prices being paid. Meanwhile, at the East India Company, a frustrated Sir Stuart Strange calls for all-out war against James, threatening to destroy all he has built. As James reacts to this upsurge of chaos, things take a dire turn.