CHAPTER 19: GRAYSON

Grayson follows Gigi through the Grayson house while memorizing its layout. In the hallway, he notices two large paintings labeled as works by Savannah and Gigi at age three, a detail that forces him to recognize the family history he is walking through.

Gigi brings Grayson to a mirrored half-court room where Savannah is shooting baskets to loud classical music. Savannah, dressed elegantly rather than athletically, makes every shot with precision, then leaves without speaking. Gigi interprets Savannah’s silence as an instruction to meet on the patio in ten minutes.

On the expansive patio, Grayson notices more signs of the twins’ childhood, including tiny handprints in cement near the pool. Savannah arrives and coolly assesses him. Gigi introduces Grayson as someone helping her look for their father, but Savannah insists Sheffield Grayson simply left.

Gigi asks Savannah for help arranging a party and reveals that she needs Duncan Trowbridge, Savannah’s boyfriend. Savannah sends Gigi to fetch her phone, clearly creating a chance to speak to Grayson alone.

Once Gigi is gone, Savannah orders Grayson to leave. She reveals that she knows who Grayson Hawthorne is and, more importantly, what he is to her. Grayson tells Savannah that Gigi was arrested and that he got Gigi out of jail, but Savannah insists protecting Gigi is not his job. Savannah points to Grayson’s existence as proof that their father cheated, then tells him he is not wanted.

Grayson refuses to be moved and even critiques Savannah’s intimidation tactics. The confrontation ends when Acacia Grayson appears at the kitchen doors. Acacia makes clear that she already knows the truth and sends Savannah to check on Gigi so Acacia can speak with Grayson alone.