Montag's connection with fellow cast member Lauren Conrad was shattered as a result of their romance. The following animosity between the three became the series' principal theme, and it was carried over into each successive season. Their first on-screen interaction occurred in the pilot episode, when Lauren confronts Montag about his lack of employment after leaving her design firm. She tells him that she believes in him and that he can succeed on his own without her help. However, this declaration is somewhat hollow, since she has no intention of letting him go. Later, during a party at which Spence is expected to make an appearance, Lauren excuses herself to use the bathroom. When she returns, she finds Montag kissing another woman! Filled with rage, she attacks both of them and calls police. During the subsequent trial, it is revealed that Spence is actually a wealthy socialite who pays people to pretend to be his friends. He uses Lauren as a cover because he knows she will never talk. After the trial, Montag is sentenced to one year of probation and must attend anger management classes. In the second season, it is revealed that Spence paid a criminal organization to blow up Lauren's car, causing her to lose her job. He then steals $10,000 from her account to fund his new lifestyle.