After someone shoots at Avery and Jameson in the Black Wood, Avery goes into shock while Oren calls for a security team. Oren reports the shooter’s approximate location and trajectory, then prioritizes moving Avery and Jameson under cover instead of treating Avery’s wound immediately.

Two armed security men arrive on ATVs, and Oren directs them with precise coordinates. When one asks whether Oren is taking Avery and Jameson back to Hawthorne House, Oren says they are going to Wayback Cottage instead, which makes Avery realize Oren may not trust everyone at the House.

On the way to the cottage, Avery processes the implications: the estate is walled and guarded, so Oren likely suspects an insider rather than an outside attacker. Avery’s thoughts turn uneasily to the Hawthorne family and the staff, including the Laughlins, whose loyalty to the Hawthornes makes Avery question whether they might protect or kill for them.

At Wayback Cottage, Mrs. Laughlin calmly ushers the group inside and prepares tea while Oren stitches Avery’s wound. Avery remains panicked and distrustful, even wondering whether the tea is safe, until Oren drinks from her cup first to reassure her. Mrs. Laughlin’s attitude softens into maternal concern once she sees Avery injured.

Mr. Laughlin returns with mud on his boots, prompting Avery to wonder whether he came from the woods. He asks Oren about security protocols, and Oren confirms they are in full force. Mr. Laughlin then asks where Rebecca is, surprising Jameson with the revelation that Rebecca is at the cottage, while Mrs. Laughlin directs Avery to clean up.