The Inheritance Games, #3
The Final Gambit
by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Contents
CHAPTER 74
Overview
Avery finds the remains Vincent Blake wants, but the situation shifts when Alisa calls to reveal that Blake released her in exchange for Grayson. With Toby and Grayson now in Blake's hands, Avery recognizes that Blake's goal extends beyond proof of the past to an attack on her fortune and legacy.
Instead of reacting emotionally, Avery takes Tobias Hawthorne's warning seriously and decides Blake's underestimation of her may be her only advantage. She begins planning a Queen's Gambit-style move, accepting the need to appear to lose control in order to outplay him.
Summary
Avery and the others find the remains that Vincent Blake has been demanding as proof of what happened to his son. Avery prepares to call Blake, believing she can use the discovery to end the hostage crisis.
Before Avery can make the call, Alisa phones her. Alisa is alive and has been released, but Alisa explains that Vincent Blake freed her because Grayson traded himself for her. Avery realizes that Grayson deliberately stayed behind and made one of his self-sacrificing grand gestures.
Avery tells Jameson, Xander, Nash, and Oren what happened. Oren arranges for Alisa to be picked up, while the others argue over their next move. Jameson warns Avery that Vincent Blake still holds the advantage because Blake now has both Toby and Grayson.
Avery considers simply handing over the remains, but Tobias Hawthorne's final message makes her rethink that instinct. Avery understands that Blake is not only after the truth about his son; Blake is also coming for the Hawthorne fortune, Avery's inheritance, and Avery herself.
Realizing that Blake underestimates Avery as a reactive "little girl," Avery forces herself to stop and think ahead. Avery returns mentally to the Queen's Gambit, recognizing that giving up control and accepting an apparent loss can become strategy. With that in mind, Avery forms a plan and makes a call.
Who Appears
- Avery Kylie GrambsFinds the remains, learns Grayson was traded, and forms a strategic plan against Blake.
- Alisa OrtegaCalls Avery after being released by Blake in exchange for Grayson.
- Grayson HawthorneSacrifices himself to Vincent Blake so Alisa can go free.
- Vincent BlakeHolds Toby and Grayson, seeking proof, power, and leverage over Avery.
- Jameson HawthorneWarns Avery that Blake still has the upper hand despite Alisa's release.
- OrenCoordinates Alisa's pickup and shows relief that Alisa is alive.
- Xander HawthornePresent when Avery reveals that Grayson has traded himself to Blake.
- Nash HawthorneAppears during Alisa's call and joins the tense discussion over next steps.
- Tobias HawthorneHis final warning guides Avery's understanding of Blake's larger attack.