At Emily Laughlin’s fundraiser in the Heights Country Day Commons, Avery takes in the elaborate purple-and-gold decorations, the chapel sketch, and Emily’s photograph. Emily’s image unsettles Avery because both Jameson and Grayson loved Emily, and Avery is relieved the two boys are not present.

Alisa manages the evening as damage control, pairing Avery with Xander to show that Avery is on good terms with the Hawthornes. While Max is distracted by food, Alisa steers Avery toward wealthy guests Christine and Michael Terry, who have been talking with Skye Hawthorne. Michael jokingly asks whether Avery might sell the Lone Stars, implying Skye has been spreading the idea that Avery is willing to part with assets.

Skye escalates the situation by presenting Ricky Grambs, dressed in an expensive suit, as Avery’s father. Ricky’s appearance rattles Avery despite her belief that Ricky may not actually be her father. When Xander spots Rebecca with the Laughlins and a woman who appears to be Emily and Rebecca’s mother, he leaves Avery, giving Skye the chance to announce that Ricky will soon file for custody of Avery.

Later, Avery sees Ricky heading for the bar and has Max distract Alisa so Avery can confront Ricky alone. Ricky tries to charm Avery with old nicknames, says Avery was supposed to be named Natasha, and orders her a drink despite her being underage. When Avery snaps at him, Ricky warns Avery to smile for the press, reminding her that making a scene would damage the public narrative Alisa is trying to build.

Avery quietly tells Ricky that he is not Avery’s father and accuses Ricky of wanting only money. Ricky insists he is there to make things right and tries to take credit for Libby caring for Avery after Avery’s mother died, but Avery points out that Ricky never signed Avery’s birth certificate. When Ricky does not deny it, Avery takes Ricky’s empty beer bottle to Alisa and asks for a DNA test; Alisa agrees indirectly by sending Avery to bid in the silent auction.