A Reason for the Season

I know this trip didn't work out as we hoped.

But I don't want you to be worried.

Not one bit.

Every "no" from an investor gets us one step

closer to a "yes".

I know with all my heart that Lane Cosmetics

is gonna be a big deal someday.

Thank you, sir.

There you go. You are very welcome.

Thank you very much.

I would rather spend Christmas Eve with

the people in this room...

than with the finest people I know.

To the town council.

To the town council.

But for now, we're gonna take a moment to regroup

and start fresh once you're here.

I can't wait to meet you.

Now, for the big question.

What are we gonna name you?

What about Kate?

Kate like... oww!

Okay.

That's a big no on Kate.

I'm gonna get us some help.

Sorry to barge in like this.

The snow is really coming down,

and I think I'm going into labor.

- Okay. - Okay.

Believe it or not, you've come to the right place.

I'll grab my emergency bag.

I'm doctor Austin.

Let's get you laying down so we can see what's going on.

Can you get some hot water and clean towels?

Yeah, I'm on it.

What's your name, dear?

Elizabeth.

Elizabeth Lane.

How far along are you?

A little over eight months.

The baby wasn't supposed to be here till the new year.

Oh, well... you and I know that,

but I think this baby has other plans.

Is this your first?

Yeah, it's, um... a little girl.

Alright.

All good.

Well...

The good news is that your little girl

is gonna be here in time for Christmas.

The even better news, I have personally delivered

over 100 babies since I started my practice.

You're working with a pro.

Deep breath. One more push.

That's it. That's it.

Have you given any thought to a name?

Yeah.

I was gonna go with Alex.

But, under the current circumstances...

I think I'm gonna have to go with Evie.

Evie Lane.

It's perfect.

Would it be alright if we document this special occasion?

A keepsake for when Evie is old enough to appreciate it.

Yeah, I'd like that very much.

You've all been so wonderful.

I can't imagine a better Christmas present.

Okay. Everyone say "Merry Christmas".

Merry Christmas.

Let's get one more, just in case.

Okay. Always the lawyer, playing it safe.

Uh-huh. Well, you can thank me later.

Merry Christmas.

I just need to do Evie's first checkup. Okay?

Okay.

Okay. Come here, sweet girl.

Hello, sweetheart.

- Okay, come on. -

Okay.

How are you doing?

It's hard to let her go.

Oh, I can't imagine.

You did so good.

I'm going to need an escort to the hospital.

The roads are still pretty bad out there.

Roy, I'll drive with you.

What?

Elizabeth, Evie may have an abdominal obstruction.

- Stay with me. - What?

You need to be strong for your baby.

I'm going to be right by your side the entire time.

I promise.

Hey, it's okay.

So, instead of spending Christmas Eve at home,

with my grandma Helen, I was at a hospital

while my daughter underwent emergency surgery.

If it had happened anywhere else along the way...

I would've lost her.

Those generous, thoughtful people delivered my baby,

got us to a hospital,

and took up a collection to cover my bills.

Their support helped keep my dream alive.

And that dream became Lane Cosmetics,

a billion dollar, multinational company.

But that pales in comparison...

to my greatest success.

No.

Please stand up, sweetheart.

Everyone, please welcome my daughter, Evie,

to her first ever trailblazer talk.

- - Excuse me, sorry.

Come on up, sweetheart.

Thanks, Mom.

On my journey, I realized that overcoming challenges

doesn't have to be a solo act.

It's a collective effort,

strengthened by the support of my friends, my daughter,

and the good people that I met on that night.

Let's be a community of support

and help each other fulfill our dreams.

Together, we will continue to shatter ceilings,

build female-driven businesses,

and create a world where every woman's voice matters.

Thank you, Aspen.

Thank you.

So... what did you think of my trailblazer talk?

Equal parts inspiring and embarrassing.

I had no idea you were gonna talk about me.

It's only because I'm so proud of you.

I wasn't too sure after my La-La-Lane fashion-wear sales.

Well, the main thing is you were able to express yourself creatively.

Thanks, Mom.

Yeah, I do love my fashion design.

You've always been so supportive.

Well, you deserve every opportunity in the world.

Do you have time for a coffee?

Of course.

Great. I have an early birthday gift for you.

Mom, seriously, you spoil me.

Trust me, I know.

This is for you.

Mom.

A polaroid?

Taken the night you were born.

I found it last week in my old sample box.

It triggered a lot of memories, and I'll admit...

some soul searching about you, and myself as a parent.

You've been an incredible mother.

I say this to you with nothing but love.

I have always done what I thought was best for you.

But you've been spoiled.

Spoiled?

No, I'm just well-cared for.

You're almost 35, and you still depend on your mother.

That is spoiled.

I didn't realize it was a problem,

you've never said anything.

It isn't a problem.

I just worry that in trying to give you

a better life than I had, I've given you too good a life.

I protected you from reality.

You don't know what it's like to be around normal people

doing normal things.

I need you to prove that you are ready to handle

the responsibility that comes

with the fortune you stand to inherit.

Mom...

I want you to experience what I experienced.

I want you to find out who the people are in this photo

and try to repay their kindness.

Why would they even care? They're strangers to me.

Their willingness to help this stranger in need

is the reason you're alive today.

Why not build them a library or a school or something?

You know, make a big to-do? Get some press for the brand.

This isn't about me or the brand.

This is about you understanding where you came from.

And meeting the good people that are responsible

for the blessed lives we lead.

I have made your rewarding their kindness a condition.

Precedent to you taking charge of your trust fund.

Seriously?

This will explain all the rules,

including using an alias.

While in Brookswood,

you must keep your true identity hidden.

All to be completed before midnight on Christmas Eve.

On my birthday? You've gotta be kidding me?!