CHAPTER 47: GRAYSON

Grayson approaches the bank fearing that Sheffield Grayson’s safe-deposit box may contain evidence tying Sheffield to Avery’s surveillance, the bombing of Avery’s plane, travel before Avery’s kidnapping, or a deeper grudge against the Hawthornes. The fake identification bearing the name Tobias Davenport seems to confirm that the box could expose dangerous truths, so Grayson decides that Gigi and Savannah cannot be allowed inside it.

To protect control over the box’s contents, Grayson secretly switches the real key with a decoy while walking beside Savannah. When Savannah demands the key, Grayson hands over the decoy and immediately feels guilty, particularly because Gigi has treated him like a friend.

Inside the bank, Savannah takes charge and asks to access her father’s safe-deposit box under the name Tobias Davenport. She presents identification, Sheffield’s information, and what appears to be a signed and notarized statement granting her access. Grayson realizes the notarization may be forged, while the young bank employee becomes increasingly antagonistic after Savannah’s cold, controlled manner challenges him.

The employee refuses access because Savannah is not listed on the account. Savannah continues pressing him, not to get inside the box but to provoke a disclosure. The employee finally reveals that only Tobias Davenport and Acacia Grayson are authorized to access the safe-deposit box.

Once they leave, Grayson understands that Savannah’s real goal was information, not entry. Savannah tells him she is a realist and reminds him that she and Gigi do not need him to control or protect them. Grayson claims he is not her enemy, but he privately knows that his deception with the key makes that claim false.