The Inheritance Games, #3
The Final Gambit
by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Contents
CHAPTER 4
Overview
Avery’s eighteenth birthday begins with Jameson orchestrating a lavish but personal day of adventure, romance, and escape from public scrutiny. The celebration returns to Hawthorne House as an “introvert’s ball,” revealing that Avery’s loved ones understand her far better than the public spectacle Alisa seemed to be planning.
The chapter strengthens Avery and Jameson’s bond while gathering Avery’s chosen circle around her at a major milestone. Grayson’s return at the end adds emotional weight, signaling that unresolved Hawthorne tensions are about to reenter Avery’s life.
Summary
On the morning of Avery Grambs’s eighteenth birthday, Avery wakes to find a striking midnight-green ball gown hanging in her doorway with a note reading, WEAR ME IF YOU DARE. Avery first assumes Alisa is behind it, but the handwriting tells Avery otherwise.
Avery finds Jameson Hawthorne at the edge of the Black Wood, dressed in a white tuxedo and waiting beside a hot-air balloon. Jameson wishes Avery a happy birthday, kisses her, and brings Avery and Oren into the balloon. As they rise over Hawthorne House, Jameson tells Avery that a person cannot steer a hot-air balloon, only read the wind and plot a course.
Jameson’s birthday plans continue through a hidden picnic, a helicopter ride to the Gulf, an escape from paparazzi, dancing on the beach, and a day full of wagers, dares, and vivid memories. Avery feels that Jameson has given Avery the perfect birthday because it avoids the public spectacle Avery has dreaded.
When the helicopter returns to the Hawthorne estate at sundown, Avery sees lights, a dance floor, and a Ferris wheel below. Avery realizes Jameson got Avery away from the House so others could prepare a party, but Oren explains that he vetted the guest list and rejected most of it. The result is an intimate “introvert’s ball” with only Avery’s circle present.
Libby reveals the party’s small, carefully chosen cast: Nash at the grill, Mr. and Mrs. Laughlin overseeing the Ferris wheel, Thea and Rebecca slipping away together, Xander managing a surprise, and Zara and Nan attending. Nan insults Avery’s neckline in a way that also signals approval, and Max appears as an unexpected birthday surprise, delighting Avery.
As Max jokes about college and a chaotic Xander-style Ferris wheel game, Grayson Hawthorne arrives in a black tuxedo. Avery is struck by the fact that Grayson has come home after their painful last encounter, and Grayson calmly observes that “Ferris Wheel Leapfrog Death Match” never ends well.
Who Appears
- Avery Grambscelebrates her eighteenth birthday with Jameson and an intimate party tailored to her wishes.
- Jameson Hawthorneplans Avery’s adventurous birthday, from hot-air balloon ride to private celebration.
- Orenguards Avery throughout the day and quietly limits the party guest list.
- Libbyhelps present the introvert’s ball and welcomes Avery into the intimate celebration.
- Maxarrives as Avery’s surprise guest and jokes about college and party games.
- Grayson Hawthornereturns home in a black tuxedo, stirring Avery’s memory of his earlier pain.
- Nangreets Avery with a sharp insult that doubles as approval.
- Zaraattends Avery’s private birthday party with Nan, observing with austere amusement.
- Xander Hawthornekeeps watch over Avery’s surprise and inspires the chaotic Ferris wheel game.
- Nash Hawthornerejects the fancy food and takes charge of the grill.