Landon stages a mock interview in the tea room to prepare Avery and Grayson for the televised exclusive meant to undercut Skye and Ricky’s paid interview. Grayson follows Landon’s direction with polished composure, but Avery becomes self-conscious when she instinctively mirrors his movement and realizes she is still drawn to him.

Landon coaches Grayson to emphasize that the Hawthorne family has suffered but that some things happen for a reason. Avery struggles with the expected grateful, awestruck tone and instead says she does not believe events are guided by fate, pointing out that people’s choices often cause harm.

Grayson unexpectedly supports Avery’s answer, reframing the message around responsibility, power, and Tobias Hawthorne’s deliberate decision to choose Avery. Avery privately thinks that she and the others may know more about Tobias’s reasons than they can admit publicly, so she follows Landon’s advice to tell a truth when she cannot tell the truth.

Avery says she wishes she knew Tobias’s reasons and remarks that Hawthornes always seem so sure. Grayson replies that they are not sure of everything, and the exchange makes Avery realize she may be able to make Grayson question himself, including his decision to keep distance between them.

Landon praises the moment as natural and relatable, then reviews the interview strategy: avoid long answers about the attempts on Avery’s life, let Grayson appear protective, and have Avery deny knowing about her mother’s past or doing anything to get into the will. Landon also instructs Grayson to talk about Tobias and his brothers while Avery projects gratitude, humility, and future dreams, including helping people and traveling the world.