The Inheritance Games, #4
The Brothers Hawthorne
by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Contents
CHAPTER 18: GRAYSON
Overview
Grayson enters the Grayson mansion and is forced to confront memories of Sheffield, who saw him as a liability rather than family. Gigi reveals that unknown men in suits once visited her mother, adding a darker possibility to Sheffield’s secrets and the safe-deposit box mystery.
Gigi decides that Trowbridge’s files may hold the fake name needed to access the box, while Grayson continues planning to control or sabotage her search. Her impulsive next step—a party with someone who can help—pulls Grayson deeper into the Grayson family’s hidden business.
Summary
Grayson arrives at the Grayson mansion, noting its precise, expensive symmetry and remembering his only meeting with Sheffield Grayson. The memory reinforces that Sheffield viewed Grayson not as a son, but as a potential risk.
Gigi appears unexpectedly and immediately shares a new theory: Mr. Trowbridge may know the false name Sheffield used for the safe-deposit box. Grayson questions the logic, but Gigi pushes ahead, linking Sheffield’s precautions to mysterious men in suits who once came to the house to speak with her mother.
Gigi explains that after the suited men left, her mother cried, though Savannah dismissed the incident as nothing. Grayson recognizes that the visit could point to serious trouble and privately notes that Zabrowski should be fired, implying Grayson believes important information was missed.
Gigi proposes getting access to Trowbridge’s files, finding the alias, and returning to the bank. Grayson privately reminds himself that his own goals are to steal Gigi’s key and undermine her search, but he continues letting Gigi lead.
When Gigi declares their next move is a party, Grayson resists, but she pulls him into the mansion. The house stirs another painful memory of Sheffield’s words about his nephew being the closest thing he would ever have to a son. Gigi introduces her cat, Katara, then rushes off, saying she knows someone who can help.
Who Appears
- Grayson HawthorneArrives at the Grayson mansion, hides his agenda, and processes painful memories of Sheffield.
- Gigi GraysonProposes targeting Trowbridge’s files and reveals suited men once upset her mother.
- Sheffield GraysonAbsent but central; remembered by Grayson as a father who viewed him as a risk.
- Mr. TrowbridgePotential source of Sheffield’s safe-deposit alias and Gigi’s proposed next target.
- Savannah GraysonMentioned as dismissing Gigi’s concern about the men who visited their mother.