The Inheritance Games, #3
The Final Gambit
by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Contents
CHAPTER 52
Overview
Eve separates herself from Hawthorne House by staying with Mallory at the cottage, deepening Avery’s uncertainty over whether Eve is hurt, dangerous, or both. At the estate, Alisa uses damaging financial and gossip coverage to push Avery toward a trust, making Avery reconsider the warning “Don’t trust anyone” as possibly aimed at Alisa’s agenda. The chapter closes with Jameson learning about the burning clue and recommitting to the puzzle as the threat around Toby escalates.
Summary
Oren arranges decoy SUVs to return Mallory, Rebecca, and Thea to Hawthorne House, but Eve and Mallory do not come back. Rebecca reports that Eve is staying at the cottage with Mallory, and Thea adds that Eve plans to investigate the mysterious number herself from there. Avery feels guilty for possibly hurting Eve, but the warning to trust no one keeps Avery suspicious.
Oren updates Avery on the security measures: one guard on Eve, one on Mallory, six at the gates, four around the immediate perimeter, and three inside the House besides Oren. The heavy protection should reassure Avery, but instead it reinforces the sense that danger could come from anywhere.
Inside the foyer, Alisa is waiting. Libby chases the new puppy, and Xander names the Hawthorne dog Tiramisu. Alisa makes a cutting remark about Nash leaving what he loves, prompting Libby to leave angrily. Alisa then shows Avery a Market Watch article questioning Avery’s ability to control the Hawthorne fortune, using the bad press to renew pressure for Avery to establish a trust.
Avery hears the warning “Don’t trust anyone” differently and wonders if Tobias Hawthorne intended a double meaning about a financial trust. Jameson arrives and defends Avery, arguing that advisors are enough, but Alisa insists perception matters. Alisa then shows a gossip article implying Avery is romantically involved with multiple Hawthornes, using photos of Avery with Jameson, Grayson, and Xander. The photo from Rebecca’s porch makes Avery suspect their enemy may have eyes everywhere.
Avery demands progress on identifying the person behind Toby’s kidnapping, but Alisa says the suspect pool is enormous among wealthy people. Grayson enters and says connections matter, then asks where Eve is, making Avery feel judged when he learns Eve is at the cottage. Oren explains that Toby’s captor is becoming more aggressive, and Xander lets slip that there was a fire. Avery tells Jameson about the new envelope, the message that burned on contact with air, and the seven-number clue. Jameson takes Avery’s hand and declares the game on.
Who Appears
- Avery Kylie GrambsStruggles with guilt, suspicion, media attacks, and the implications of the new clue.
- Jameson HawthorneDefends Avery against Alisa and eagerly joins the puzzle after hearing about the burning message.
- Alisa OrtegaUses financial and gossip coverage to pressure Avery into establishing a trust.
- OrenCoordinates extensive security around Hawthorne House, Eve, Mallory, and the estate perimeter.
- EveChooses to stay at the cottage with Mallory and investigate the number away from Avery.
- Xander HawthorneProvides levity with the puppy, then accidentally reveals there was a fire.
- Grayson HawthorneEnters the conversation, focuses on connections, and reacts sharply to Eve’s absence.
- Rebecca LaughlinReports that Eve stayed at the cottage with Mallory.
- Thea CalligarisAdds that Eve intends to investigate the mysterious number herself.
- Libby GrambsChases the new puppy and leaves angrily after Alisa’s remark about Nash.
- Mallory LaughlinRemains offsite at the cottage with Eve under Hawthorne security watch.
- TiramisuThe new Hawthorne puppy, named by Xander, brings brief comic relief.