Contents
Part Four — Chapter Twenty
Overview
Theo exits the Grove and is confronted by Max Berenson, who furiously blames him for Alicia’s coma and threatens consequences. Tanya intervenes, exposing Max’s raw attachment to Alicia. The scene escalates tensions around Alicia’s fate and underscores volatile external pressures closing in on Theo.
Summary
Theo leaves the Grove moments after the chaos surrounding Alicia’s overdose. As he lights a cigarette, someone calls his name; expecting Jean-Felix, he instead sees Max Berenson charging toward him.
Max, enraged about Alicia’s condition, accuses Theo of negligence and raises a fist, threatening violence. Tanya rushes in, scolding Max and defending Theo, but Max ignores her and continues to demand how this could have happened under Theo’s care.
Max breaks down crying, openly revealing his deep feelings for Alicia. Tanya appears drained, tacitly acknowledging his attachment, and returns to their car without further argument.
Max keeps shouting blame and threats—calling Alicia “my girl”—while Theo disengages and walks away, leaving Max’s fury behind and heightening the pressure surrounding Alicia’s crisis.
Who Appears
- Theo FaberNarrator; leaves the Grove and is confronted by Max, then disengages and walks away.
- Max BerensonGabriel’s brother; furiously blames Theo for Alicia’s coma, reveals profound attachment, and threatens consequences.
- TanyaAccompanies Max; intervenes to stop his aggression and tacitly acknowledges his feelings for Alicia.