Back at Hawthorne House after Monica's interview, Avery tries to process the public exposure of the Toby theory and Grayson's on-air kiss. Max checks on Avery and teases Avery about whether Avery kissed Grayson back, but the conversation exposes Avery's deeper confusion about Grayson, Jameson, and what Avery actually wants.

Max suggests a visualization exercise meant to reveal whom Avery longs for, but Avery imagines herself alone. Later, Avery searches the news and finds that headlines are calling Toby the lost heir, Skye is already giving interviews, and online commenters are attacking Avery with sexual rumors about Grayson and other Hawthornes.

The public shaming hurts Avery and reminds Avery of insults once aimed at Avery's mother. Avery turns to the postcards Avery's mother gave her—Hawaii, New Zealand, Machu Picchu, Tokyo, Bali—as a reminder that their shared dreams were about freedom and adventure, not being defined by romance.

Late at night, Avery hears movement behind the fireplace and arms herself until Jameson identifies himself. Jameson enters through the secret passage, acknowledges the interview, and interrupts Avery's attempted explanation about Grayson's kiss by giving Avery riddles, including one that echoes their first meeting and another that points to a tunnel.

As Jameson moves closer, Avery worries that Jameson's visit might be about rivalry with Grayson rather than Avery herself. Instead, Jameson reveals that Avery has missed an important message because Avery turned off Avery's phone: Libby and Nash found something and are on their way back to Hawthorne House.