1989: Paul was rude to his mother’s employee, designer Hank Eliot, after everyone found out he was gay. Barbara scolded her son for his obnoxious behavior, while Kim guessed that Paul’s attitude could be traced back to his father. While living in a frat house on the college campus, Paul attended his mother’s fashion show in New York, where he continued to insult Hank. Hal criticized Barbara for being too indulgent with her son. A fugitive James followed them to New York, and Paul arranged to meet with his father. Concerned, Hank followed Paul to the rendezvous and was shot by Stenbeck, Sr., whose helicopter was then downed by the N.Y.P.D.
The truth about his father finally dawning on him, Paul apologized to Hank. (Stenbeck, Sr. was now presumed dead again.) Emily, who was always looking for a way to get even with Barbara for their past run-ins, offered Paul a summer job at the company she ran with Craig. He took it and grew closer to his father’s ex, who was then in a bad relationship with Brock. After one of their big blow-ups, Paul came over and found her inconsolable. His comfort led to a kiss … and another … until Emily took his virginity. After that, a lovesick Paul started sending Em flowers and romantic notes, but she told him that what they had was a one-night stand and resumed her affair with Brock. Still alive (no surprise there), James lurked around town and was upset to overhear Paul say he hoped his father was really dead. James planned to kidnap Paul again, so he stopped by Emily’s place — and read his son’s love letters to her. Enraged, James attacked her, and Paul walked in on the fracas. He grabbed a gun and shot his father to save Emily. James was dead again, and this time, they believed it was for real. Jessica defended Paul in the trial, where he testified that he and Emily were lovers. After he was found not guilty, Paul officially changed his last name to Ryan and dropped out of school to “find himself.”
