Hedda manipulates Thea with false kindness to learn of the relationship between Thea and Lovborg. When Hedda gains the trust of Thea, it makes it very easy to stab her in the back and ruin all her hopes and dreams with her comrade Lovborg. .
In Act II, Hedda and Brack converse about the idea of a triangular friendship in which Brack can jump in at any time to fulfill his sexual desires. Hedda lingers with the concept of having control over Brack, "Yes, I have many a time longed for some one to make a third on our travels. Oh "those railway-carriage tete -tetes--!- (28). Hedda cannot bear the thought of ruining her reputation by having a public affair with Brack, but since he is a trusted friend of both Mr. and Mrs. Tesman it would make it very easy for him to come and go as he pleased. Hedda flirts with Brack and leads him to think she would like to be more intimate, but she laughs to herself over the control she now has gained over him.
Before the evening party in honor of Tesman at Judge Brack's home, Thea joins Lovborg and Hedda in the parlor. Hedda offers Lovborg and Thea cold punch and both refuse. She then taunts Lovborg for feeling insecure and says that Tesman and Brack also noticed his lack of self confidence. Lovborg still refuses to drink and Hedda then says to Thea, "Firm as a rock! Faithful to your principles, now and for ever! Ah, that is how a man should be! Well now, what did I tell you, when you came to us this morning in such a state of distraction--- (42). With that said Lovborg drank to Thea's frank confidence in him. Hedda once again influences Lovborg for she still holds some portion of his love and power. With the knowledge gained from Thea, Hedda is able to undermine Thea and Lovborg's relationship, allowing her to regain back his full admiration and power over him. Lovborg posed a threat to Hedda's social growth since he became a contender for her husband's position in an academic post.