After Avery reports the discovery of human remains at Hawthorne House to the authorities, Jameson and the others question why Avery would give up the body that seemed meant for a trade with Vincent Blake. Avery explains that Blake asked her to bring him the remains, but if Avery had moved the body illegally, Blake could have used that crime as leverage against her. By involving the authorities first, Avery ensures the remains will eventually be returned without giving Blake another weapon.

Thea challenges Avery's motives, pointing out that the truth matters deeply to Rebecca because Mallory's past is Rebecca's family history. Rebecca admits she long believed there was something wrong with her because Emily had been her mother's whole world while Rebecca felt like a shadow. Thea reassures Rebecca that the neglect was never Rebecca's fault, and Rebecca decides she is done living in shadows and wants the truth brought into the light.

Avery reveals privately through action that reporting the body is only the first step. Avery needs to control the narrative, so she calls Landon, her former publicist, and pitches the story of the century: Tobias Hawthorne killed a man forty years ago and covered it up. Avery deliberately decides to sacrifice Tobias's reputation because Tobias used Avery, and because blaming a dead man protects the living people Avery is trying to shield.

After the call, Avery heads for the vault to retrieve something she needs before confronting Vincent Blake. Jameson follows and asks if Avery's plan is risky. When Avery says it is extremely risky, Jameson approves, recognizing that defeating Blake will require bold play, and he makes clear that he believes Avery will win.