The Inheritance Games, #4
The Brothers Hawthorne
by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Contents
EPILOGUE: EVE
Overview
After Vincent Blake's death, Eve inherits his empire but feels isolated and resentful as she watches Avery Grambs announce the beginning of the Grandest Game. Avery's confidence, public admiration, and Hawthorne support intensify Eve's belief that Avery stole the life Eve should have had. Freed from Vincent's restraints, Eve recruits Slate to help her reach Savannah Grayson, signaling that Eve is beginning a dangerous game of her own.
Summary
After Vincent Blake dies of a second heart attack, Eve calls emergency services, deals with the authorities and the body, and retreats that night into the Blake mansion. Numb with grief, Eve watches Avery Grambs being interviewed on television, painfully aware that Vincent was Eve's family and that Eve is now alone.
Slate warns Eve not to keep watching, but Eve dismisses Slate by reminding him that he works for her and that she has inherited Vincent's security team and fortune. As Avery discusses giving away most of Tobias Hawthorne's money, Eve compares Avery's fortune to Vincent's and decides the real difference between them is that Avery has the Hawthornes.
Avery speaks publicly about Tobias Hawthorne's love of puzzles and his Saturday challenges for his grandsons. Eve feels bitter because Tobias knew about Eve but did not raise Eve at Hawthorne House, and Eve sees herself as the betrayed granddaughter who only ever tried to survive.
When Avery announces an annual contest with life-changing prize money and says the first game starts immediately, Eve is stung most by Avery's admission that Avery will have help. Eve recognizes that, besides Toby and Slate, Eve has no one, and Avery's public power and support sharpen Eve's jealousy and resolve.
Eve turns off the television and decides that Vincent's death has freed Eve from his code of honor. Eve offers Slate one of her seals and a place among her heirs if Slate helps arrange a private conversation with Grayson's sister—not Gigi, but Savannah Grayson—about Savannah's father. Eve frames this as her own game, set against Avery's.
Who Appears
- EveInherits Vincent Blake's empire, grieves alone, resents Avery, and begins plotting through Savannah.
- SlateEve's protector and employee; warns her against acting, then accepts her dangerous assignment.
- Avery GrambsTelevised heiress announcing the Grandest Game, provoking Eve's jealousy and competitive resolve.
- Vincent BlakeDies before the epilogue's main action, leaving Eve his fortune, security, and freedom.
- Savannah GraysonGrayson's sister and Eve's intended target for a private talk about her father.