In the third episode of "Family Matters," titled "Cat Claw," viewers are taken on a rollercoaster ride of emotions as the Kim family's past and present collide, leading to a series of dramatic revelations and confrontations. The episode begins with a haunting flashback to the night when Young-soo and her family made their daring escape from the Training Centre. Young-soo's bravery is on full display as she returns to save Gang-sung, only to find herself trapped in Ahn So-jin's office. The tension is palpable as Ahn So-jin threatens Young-soo's life, but her powers ultimately turn the tables. Gang-sung's intervention prevents a fatal outcome, and as they flee, Ahn So-jin's vow of revenge casts a shadow over their future.
The present-day narrative picks up with Young-soo questioning Gang-sung's decision to release Ho-chul. Grandpa Kim's rationale is rooted in his belief that facing adversity can strengthen familial bonds. He had known about the body in the trunk all along and saw it as an opportunity to unite the family. However, Chul-hee and Young-soo are skeptical, fearing that the situation could endanger the children. Their concerns are not unfounded, as the episode unfolds to reveal just how dangerous the circumstances truly are.
At school, Ji-woo takes charge, announcing her and Ji-hoon's commitment to aiding Kyu-tae's victims. Her declaration marks a significant turning point, as she firmly rejects Jae-goon's influence and pledges to put an end to bullying. This act of defiance sets the stage for a confrontation with Jae-goon, who is revealed to be merely a pawn in a larger, more sinister game.
During dinner, Young-soo fulfills her promise to Ji-hoon by gifting him a laptop. Unbeknownst to her, Ji-hoon has been hiding three other laptops, which he uses to delve deeper into the dark web of Jae-goon's operations. His investigation leads to a shocking discovery: No-won is the mastermind behind the exploitation of women, including his own secretary, whom he manipulates by threatening her father. This revelation adds a layer of complexity to the story, as it exposes the depth of corruption and the lengths to which some individuals will go to maintain power.
Meanwhile, Ho-chul's research uncovers Kyu-tae's connection to Deacon Joe, a revelation that sets off a chain of events. Ho-chul's decision to inform Deacon Joe about Young-soo's family and to send him a secretly recorded video proves to be a catalyst for revenge. Deacon Joe's quest for retribution is fueled by Kyu-tae's ongoing suffering from phantom pain, a condition that leaves him in a state of perpetual agony with no hope of cure.
Detective Jung-hwan and his partner, Joong-man, follow a lead that brings them to a vet shop, where No-won's secretary seeks treatment for her cat. Chul-hee's empathetic nature allows him to sense the secretary's distress, but he is unable to offer immediate assistance. As the police arrive at the vet shop, Gang-chul cleverly misdirects them to a local bar that Deacon Joe is attempting to purchase. The bar owner's reluctance to sell leads to a brutal confrontation, which is interrupted by the police's arrival. Deacon Joe's quick thinking and the police's inability to find incriminating evidence allow him to evade suspicion, but Jung-hwan's recognition of Deacon Joe's church bracelet hints at a deeper connection.
As the day progresses, Ji-hoon confronts Jae-gon about No-won's involvement, while No-won continues to terrorize his father's secretary. Young-soo's anxiety grows as she awaits news from her children, and Ji-hoon's call reassures her of their safety, albeit temporarily. No-won's secretary returns to the vet shop, and Chul-hee and Young-soo manage to gain her trust. She shares the harrowing details of her abuse at No-won's hands, revealing his manipulative tactics and his insistence on meeting her at a hotel.
The episode reaches its climax when Deacon Joe kidnaps Ji-hoon and Min-jung, mistaking Min-jung for Ji-woo. He demands that Ji-woo bring her parents in exchange for their release. Young-soo and Chul-hee's fury knows no bounds, and they decide to split their efforts to rescue the children and confront Deacon Joe. Young-soo instructs Ji-woo to stay home while Chul-hee sets off to save Ji-hoon and Min-jung. She offers to assist No-won's secretary and heads to the hotel.
No-won's encounter with Young-soo is both shocking and exhilarating for him, as he believes he has found a new victim. Young-soo's swift and decisive action leaves him reeling, and she ushers the secretary and her father into the room. Meanwhile, Chul-hee's determination to rescue his children is unwavering. As he removes his glasses, the episode concludes with a sense of impending retribution, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats, eager to see how the Kim family will navigate the challenges that lie ahead.