The Inheritance Games, #4
The Brothers Hawthorne
by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Contents
CHAPTER 22: GRAYSON
Overview
Grayson overhears Acacia arguing with Kent Trowbridge and learns that Acacia is under pressure, trying to shield her daughters from investigators while lacking money and support. Kent’s behavior toward Acacia appears invasive and possibly manipulative, prompting Grayson to intervene with deliberate Hawthorne intimidation. Rather than question Acacia directly, Grayson leaves and activates Zabrowski, shifting his investigation toward Kent and the threats surrounding the Grayson family.
Summary
After leaving Sheffield Grayson’s house, Grayson heads toward the Ferrari while Gigi remains at the front steps. He overhears Acacia arguing with Kent Trowbridge near the portico about someone having left Gigi somewhere overnight without calling Acacia.
Grayson silently moves closer and listens. Acacia insists that Kent has no right to teach her daughters lessons, while Kent implies he intervened to prevent worse consequences. Their exchange reveals that Gigi saw investigators and that Acacia is trying to protect her daughters despite lacking money, family support, and her husband.
Kent’s tone becomes increasingly personal and controlling as he tells Acacia he is there for her if she will let him be. When Kent places a hand on Acacia’s shoulder too close to her neck, Grayson deliberately makes his presence known, interrupting the moment and causing Kent to pull away.
Grayson introduces himself to Kent Trowbridge with calculated confidence, notices Kent’s reaction to the Hawthorne name, and makes clear that he already knows who Kent is. Grayson does not confront Acacia about what he overheard, but after Kent leaves and Grayson drives away, Grayson calls Zabrowski and demands that Zabrowski prove his usefulness, signaling that Grayson intends to investigate further.
Who Appears
- Grayson HawthorneOverhears Acacia and Kent, intervenes when Kent oversteps, and initiates further investigation.
- Acacia GraysonArgues with Kent about protecting her daughters, investigators, money, and family vulnerability.
- Kent TrowbridgeLawyer who pressures Acacia, references her lack of resources, and behaves too familiarly.
- Gigi GraysonSees Grayson out; her earlier encounter with investigators drives Acacia’s concern.
- ZabrowskiRetained investigator or contact whom Grayson calls to prove his usefulness.