Avery takes her first flight with Libby and lets herself imagine travel far beyond Texas, a sharp contrast to her usual life and scholarship plans. Libby enjoys first class and takes a selfie with Avery, but asks Avery not to post it online, implying continued fear that Drake might find out where Libby is.

Avery uses the plane’s Wi-Fi to update Max, then researches Tobias Hawthorne. Avery learns that Tobias was not merely rich but worth 46.2 billion dollars, the ninth-richest person in the United States and the richest man in Texas. This discovery shifts Avery’s question from why Tobias left her anything to how much he might have left.

After landing, Avery and Libby are met by Alisa Ortega, a poised young woman from McNamara, Ortega, and Jones. Alisa notes that Avery has been difficult to reach, and Avery bluntly explains that she lives in her car, prompting Libby to deny it protectively. Alisa tells the sisters they are guests of the Hawthorne family and that she will serve as their liaison during their time in Texas.

In the car, Avery asks Alisa what is in the will, but Alisa says she does not know and that everyone will find out at Hawthorne House. Alisa explains that the estate has more than thirty bedrooms and was expanded by Tobias over decades, presenting it as an extraordinary place rather than a simple family home.

When Avery asks about Tobias, Alisa reveals that her father was Tobias Hawthorne’s attorney and that Alisa grew up spending time at Hawthorne House. Avery asks why Tobias would have left her anything, and Alisa tests possible explanations by asking whether Avery is a world-saving type or has had her life ruined by a Hawthorne. Avery says no to both, and Alisa’s restrained response suggests there may be darker history around the Hawthorne name.