Eli shadows Avery throughout the school day under Oren’s tightened security protocols. When Avery tries to get space, Eli refuses to let Avery out of sight, making clear that Avery can no longer go anywhere without an escort.

After school, Oren picks Avery up, and Alisa is waiting in the SUV. Alisa shows Avery a photo from the hotel of Avery and Jameson looking intimate, paired with a headline suggesting conflict between Avery and the Hawthorne family. To control the public narrative, Alisa has arranged for Avery and the Hawthorne brothers to attend a memorial fundraiser at Country Day the next evening.

Alisa then gives Avery a petition for emancipation. Alisa explains that Avery is seventeen, has housing and money, has Libby’s consent, and has legal backing, so the process should be easy. Although Avery worries because Libby had sounded unhappy about the papers, Alisa argues that emancipation is necessary now that Ricky is involved.

Oren adds the practical reason: once emancipated, Avery can sign a will. Avery realizes this would remove Ricky’s potential gain from Avery’s death, so Avery signs the petition.

Finally, Alisa gives Avery Max’s new phone number and reveals that Alisa secretly bought Max a phone. Alisa tells Avery that Avery needs someone to rely on, but warns that the person should be Max, not a Hawthorne, especially given the rumors and tension surrounding Avery and Jameson.