In a desperate attempt to maintain control of his empire, Steve convinces ex-con Carl Ramone to help him hire someone to firebomb a competing nightclub. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, Steve and Nick's relationship deteriorates dramatically, each convinced the other's actions are destined to destroy the business. In 1987, an assailant enters Nick's New York City office and fires a single shot into his forehead, killing him instantly.
Even though he is now the sole owner of the Chippendales empire, Steve's paranoia remains. He accuses Dave, the Chippendales nightclub manager, who until this point has remained Steve's most loyal employee, of stealing money from the club. Steve gives notice and sets off with several key Chippendale dancers to England to launch a rival club. Convinced that eliminating the competition is his only answer, Steve hires another contract killer to travel to London and inject his former employees with cyanide. The hired killer tells federal authorities about the planned murders, which leads to the arrest and conviction of Steve Banerjee for the murder of Nick Denoia and the attempted murder of his former employees. Steve pleads guilty, but commits suicide in his jail cell the day before his formal sentencing.
