I actually love the Louis and Regina subplot because it really is a continuation of the way Louis has always treated women, as a source of emotional labour that he can throw money at and have them make him feel better. It’s Miss Lily all over again, it’s “paying a whore to sit in a room and talk with him”. Making Claudia was always about Louis’ feelings under the pretence of saving her from the fire. He wants to save Regina from poverty but it’s all to make himself feel better. She sees through him but she’s so broke that she can’t afford to say no