The Inheritance Games, #3
The Final Gambit
by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Contents
CHAPTER 7
Overview
Eve’s resemblance to Emily shocks Grayson so deeply that Grayson fears Grayson is hallucinating, forcing Avery to reveal Eve’s identity and Toby’s connection to the Laughlin bloodline. Grayson learns that Avery and Jameson kept Eve secret, creating new tension while Eve’s urgent concern for Toby redirects the group toward finding him.
The chapter turns Eve from a shocking arrival into an immediate crisis, linking Toby’s disappearance, Grayson’s trauma, and Avery’s secrecy into one escalating problem.
Summary
Grayson reacts violently to Eve’s appearance because Eve looks almost exactly like Emily. When Avery approaches, Grayson pulls back and warns Avery that he is not safe to be around, believing that Grayson may be hallucinating or breaking down again.
Avery steadies Grayson and forces Grayson to look at Avery instead of Eve. Avery tells Grayson that Eve is real, not Emily, and explains that Eve is Toby’s daughter. Avery connects Eve’s resemblance to Emily to their shared Laughlin bloodline through Toby’s biological mother.
Grayson realizes that Avery already knew about Eve and demands to know who else knew. Avery admits only Jameson was aware, justifying the secrecy by saying Toby wanted Eve kept hidden from the Hawthorne world.
Grayson then faces Eve directly instead of hiding from the pain her resemblance causes. Eve, exhausted, dirty, scared, and angry, cuts through the emotional tension by asking whether Avery will bring Eve inside and have security search for Toby.
Grayson notices Eve is hurt, but Eve insists she is angry. Avery recognizes that every delay keeps Oren’s team focused on protecting Avery rather than finding Toby, so Avery brings Eve into the SUV to return to Hawthorne House, sensing that Eve’s arrival may unleash dangerous consequences.
Who Appears
- Avery Kylie GrambsCalms Grayson, reveals Eve’s identity, and decides to bring Eve into Hawthorne House.
- Grayson Davenport HawthorneShaken by Eve’s resemblance to Emily and hurt that Avery kept Eve secret.
- EveToby’s injured daughter; resembles Emily and demands help finding her missing father.
- OrenSecurity chief whose team must protect Avery while responding to Toby’s disappearance.
- TobyEve’s father; missing after apparently being taken, prompting the chapter’s urgent crisis.
- Jameson HawthorneAbsent but identified as the only person besides Avery who knew about Eve.