Avery wakes at dawn to find Oren stationed directly outside her door. Because the news about Toby has become public, Oren tells Avery that she is on a strict six-foot security leash and that Oren personally will not leave Avery's side until the danger passes.

Oren explains that the situation has escalated sharply: Carlos and Heinrich are guarding the entrance to Avery's wing, have already turned away Zara, Constantine, and both Laughlins, and Skye has caused a scene at the gates in front of the paparazzi. The press presence has doubled because the public is now fascinated not only by Avery as the accidental heiress but by the possibility of a lost Hawthorne heir.

Oren reveals that Eli has been removed from Hawthorne House. Avery realizes that Eli was guarding Avery when Avery spoke with Mrs. Laughlin about Toby, and Oren confirms that Eli leaked the photos. Oren also believes Eli was probably responsible for the heart and snake left for Avery, likely because Eli wanted to be closer to Avery for access, possibly for a payout from the press.

The betrayal forces Avery to confront a frightening reality of her inheritance: people around Avery may see intimacy with Avery as a way to make money. Oren blames himself for trusting Eli and offers to step aside if Avery wants Alisa to hire new security, but Avery refuses because Avery believes Oren's loyalty is truly to Avery.

The chapter ends with Oren taking a message through his earpiece and ordering his team to let someone through the gates. Oren tells Avery that Libby and Nash have arrived, bringing Avery back to the urgent mystery of what they found while searching for Toby's trail.