The Inheritance Games, #4
The Brothers Hawthorne
by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Contents
CHAPTER 80: GRAYSON
Overview
Grayson's attempt to protect Gigi is threatened when Mattias Slater, Eve's spy, approaches Gigi in Phoenix. Mattias reveals that Vincent Blake has had a severe heart attack, potentially putting Eve in danger and pulling the Texas conflict back into Grayson's path.
The encounter also exposes that Grayson believes Eve tipped off the FBI, sharpening his focus on Eve as an active threat. Gigi's curiosity about both Mattias and Eve complicates Grayson's efforts to keep his sister away from dangerous Hawthorne-Blake games.
Summary
Grayson Hawthorne rushes through the Phoenix lobby after learning that someone approached Gigi while claiming to be his friend. Because Grayson does not have friends in Phoenix, the claim immediately signals danger.
Grayson finds Gigi standing close to Mattias Slater, the operative connected to Eve. Gigi treats the tense encounter playfully, but Grayson physically places himself between Gigi and Mattias and orders Gigi to go inside.
When a valet notices the confrontation, Grayson asks that Mattias be removed. Before security can intervene, Mattias delivers news: Vincent Blake has suffered a severe heart attack and is in surgery, and Eve has summoned Mattias back to Texas because Eve may now be in danger as Vincent's heir.
Mattias slips past Grayson long enough to warn Gigi that Grayson is playing his own game and that Gigi could get burned. Grayson nearly attacks him, then restrains himself because Gigi and security are watching.
As Mattias leaves, Grayson tells him to inform Eve that Grayson knows Eve tipped off the FBI, and that if Eve wanted Grayson's attention, Eve now has it. After Mattias disappears, Gigi admits she can tell he is bad news but seems intrigued, then asks who Eve is; Grayson delays answering by ordering Gigi upstairs.
Who Appears
- Grayson HawthorneProtects Gigi from Mattias and declares Eve has gained his hostile attention.
- GigiGrayson's sister; playfully engages Mattias and becomes curious about Eve.
- Mattias SlaterEve's spy; approaches Gigi, reports Vincent's heart attack, and warns her about Grayson.
- EveAbsent but central threat; summons Mattias after Vincent's heart attack and is accused by Grayson.
- Vincent BlakeAbsent heir-maker whose severe heart attack may endanger Eve and shift Blake power dynamics.