CHAPTER 13: JAMESON

After Ian leaves the crypt, Oren confirms that Jameson and Avery are alone. Jameson considers their next move and asks Avery whether she feels up to making a call. Avery understands that Jameson wants to use her public profile to draw the Proprietor’s attention, so she calls Alisa Ortega and agrees to attend a high-profile London event Alisa had been urging her to accept.

Jameson recognizes the strategic value of the plan: the event will attract wealthy, powerful, connected people, exactly the kind of arena where Avery’s presence can become leverage. Avery refuses to tell Jameson the destination outright, teasing him with the promise of surprise.

Later, Jameson dresses for a very formal event in a navy morning jacket, pale-green waistcoat, and top hat. Nash appears and comments on Jameson’s hat choice, but the conversation quickly turns serious. Nash warns Jameson that meeting a biological father is not the same for everyone, reminding Jameson that Nash met Jake Nash and walked away, but Jameson may not be able to do the same with Ian.

Jameson rejects the concern and insists that blood does not define family because he already has Avery and his brothers. By ending the conversation and choosing the hat Nash recommended, Jameson avoids admitting how Ian’s reappearance might affect him.

Jameson then goes to Avery’s dressing room and is struck by her formal white lace outfit and black-accented hat. Their attraction and shared anticipation sharpen the sense that the next move is beginning. When Avery asks whether Jameson has guessed their destination, Jameson answers that they are going to the races.