Betty finds that everything is changing as she begins her new job as associate features editor, especially since her boss is her ex-boyfriend, Matt Hartley, who is still unhappy about their breakup. In addition, Betty's new officemate, Megan, openly resents her, while Marc is constantly undermining her because he felt he was more deserving of the promotion. Meanwhile, without Betty as his assistant, Daniel is adrift, still mourning the loss of his wife, Molly. Betty tries to help Megan out on an assignment and connects with a thoughtful insect jewelry designer, Olivia, while Justin starts high school and is victimized by bullies-but won't tell his mom, Hilda. Claire Meade is finding that her power struggle at the company has her sitting pretty - for the moment -- opposite Wilhemina, who lost her claim to the Meade throne last season. But Wili has perhaps an even bigger problem than job security - she is harboring a secret at home that is driving Marc to distraction.

Betty gets to run her own Mode photo shoot at the United Nations to promote their anti-malaria initiative, "Nothing but Nets," but her big opportunity becomes a baptism by fire when Daniel's neediness takes its toll, and Matt openly demoralizes her. Meanwhile, Amanda does some soul-searching when she bonds with Daniel's new temp, Helen, a career receptionist as fabulous as Amanda is. Wili makes it her personal mission to protect a loved one, and Hilda reaches out to Marc to figure out how to help Justin.

At Wilhelmina's fund-raiser for Tibetan orphans Matt asks someone to be his partner. Daniel hires Natalie as his assistant, making Betty feel unneeded. Daniel finds out that Claire has a secret.

Daniel hands over the power to the Community of the Phoenix to run Mode. Betty steps in to help Daniel with Bennet. She comes up with an cunning plan with the help of Claire. Wilhemina goes out in public wearing sweats creating mayhem with the media trying to get a scoop.