Lyra descends from the upper floors after meeting Avery and finds that the foyer has been transformed for an elaborate masquerade gathering. Chocolate fountains, food-laden columns, open doors, and instrumental music lead her into a grand room overlooking the Pacific at twilight, where fairy lights line the rocky shore.

Inside the Great Room, Lyra surveys the ball and immediately shifts into competition mode. She spots Odette in black velvet and a white feathered mask, recognizes Savannah by her platinum braid and ice-blue gown, and notes that some masked Hawthorne brothers must be present. Rohan approaches silently, teasing Lyra for staring, then draws her attention to the maze-like pattern in the wooden wall panels.

Xander Hawthorne interrupts with theatrical charm and asks Lyra to dance. As they circle through an old-fashioned dance, Lyra asks whether Xander has a clue, but Xander answers with nonsense phrases and a playful question about muffins, scones, and chocolate. The exchange stays light until Xander is suddenly replaced by Grayson Hawthorne, whom Lyra recognizes instantly despite his plain black mask.

Grayson cuts in and uses the dance to bring up Lyra's earlier questions about whether Tobias Hawthorne had any role in her father's death. Grayson reveals that Tobias kept a capital-L List of enemies and people he had wronged, and that a scant file on someone named Thomas Thomas matched details Lyra had once given about her father's death. The revelation rattles Lyra because it suggests a possible connection between her father's death, Tobias Hawthorne, and the strange notes she has seen.

Grayson explains that the file led nowhere because nearly every detail beyond the description of the death was fabricated, and he claims he had no way to find Lyra afterward. Lyra rejects this, believing Grayson could have found her if he had truly wanted to, and she insists she is in the game for the money, not because of a vendetta against the Hawthornes. When Grayson says she wants him to stay out of her way, Lyra confirms it, and Grayson ends the dance by agreeing.

The music stops as Avery and Jameson move to the front of the room. Avery removes her mask, briefly looks at Lyra, and formally welcomes everyone to the second annual Grandest Game, signaling that the next stage of the competition is about to begin.