For rubber baron Walter Blackett and his family, 1941 Singapore is full of wealth and privilege, where the horrors of war-torn Europe are a distant whisper. But when their power and stability are rocked by new arrivals and the looming threat of a Japanese invasion, Walter has a cunning plan.

Matthew adjusts to life in Singapore and acquaints himself with his father's rubber trade, but is troubled when he discovers that dubious practices are taking place. After an evening of Singaporean entertainment with the Blacketts, Matthew, exhausted and fever-ridden, finds himself torn between two women, and America joins the war.

The Blacketts intensify their campaign to secure Matthew's allegiances and Walter remains obstinate, despite the Japanese bombing Singapore. Vera nurses Matthew through his fevered delirium while the Major is warned not to trust her. Charlie, Sylvia's brother, re-joins his regiment and Ehrendorf volunteers, and Matthew makes a momentous decision.

Ehrendorf arrives at Slim River as an officer under British secondment where he has news for Sylvia's brother, Charlie, and the underprepared defenders. Walter and his rival Solomon come to an agreement. Matthew declares his intentions to Vera.

When tragedy strikes, Walter spots an opportunity to turn the situation to his advantage. As bombs rain down on Singapore, Ehrendorf treads on new ground. After Matthew resolves to help Vera escape, the duo face a race against time.

Despite the crushing attacks on Singapore, the British army are instructed to continue fighting at all costs. Walter, still reeling from recent news, struggles to face the harsh truth and his grip on reality weakens. Matthew hears devastating news about Vera and races to save her from danger, but not without a struggle. As the British surrender to the Japanese, unprepared for the challenge to their way out of Singapore, tragedy will affect all involved.