The Inheritance Games, #2
The Hawthorne Legacy
by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Contents
CHAPTER 4
Overview
Avery’s public debut as the Texas Lone Stars owner overwhelms her, and Grayson gives her refuge in Tobias Hawthorne’s private viewing room. There, Avery reveals that Harry may be Toby Hawthorne, prompting Grayson to warn that Toby’s existence could threaten the will and Avery’s inheritance.
Jameson’s arrival renews the competitive tension around the mystery, but a fireworks display triggers Avery’s trauma from the Black Wood shooting. Both brothers protect and steady Avery, deepening the emotional stakes while making the search for Toby feel more urgent and dangerous.
Summary
At Avery’s first Texas Lone Stars game as owner, the owner’s suite becomes less about football than spectacle. Avery is introduced to celebrities, politicians, business elites, and even royalty, while feeling like a dressed-up curiosity on display. Alisa notices Avery’s overwhelm and steers Avery toward her seat before kickoff.
By halftime, Avery escapes the suite, but Grayson intercepts Avery and leads Avery to a private upper viewing room. Grayson explains that Tobias Hawthorne used the room when he could no longer tolerate mingling and that only Grayson and his brothers were allowed to join their grandfather there. The quiet room contrasts with the chaotic stadium below.
Grayson asks why Avery did not attend with Jameson, noting that Avery and Jameson have been spending time together. Irritated, Avery reveals that Avery and Jameson have a bet: Toby is alive. Avery explains that Avery recognized Toby from Nan’s locket as Harry, the homeless chess partner Avery knew in New Castle.
Grayson reacts with alarm and warns Avery not to tell anyone. Grayson explains that Skye, Zara, and the Hawthorne lawyers have no grounds to challenge Tobias Hawthorne’s will, but a living Toby might be able to break it. Avery realizes that Avery and Jameson have focused on the mystery without considering the legal and financial danger Toby’s return could create.
Jameson arrives unexpectedly and teases both Avery and Grayson about risk and the bet. Before the conversation can continue, loud explosions trigger Avery’s panic, reminding Avery of the shooting in the Black Wood. Jameson gets down beside Avery and calms Avery by explaining that the sounds are only halftime fireworks, while Grayson also reassures Avery that they will not let anything hurt Avery.
After Avery regains control, Jameson shifts back into flirtation, claiming he has made excellent progress on their bet. His closeness unsettles Avery, and Avery resolves that for Avery’s own sanity, Avery needs to solve the Toby mystery before Jameson does.
Who Appears
- Avery Kylie GrambsNew team owner; reveals Toby theory to Grayson and suffers a trauma response to fireworks.
- Grayson HawthorneWarns Avery that Toby’s survival could endanger the will and Avery’s inheritance.
- Jameson HawthorneArrives in the private box, teases Avery, and comforts Avery during the fireworks panic.
- Alisa OrtegaManages Avery’s public appearance and guides Avery through the owner’s suite.
- Toby HawthorneAbsent but central; Avery identifies Harry as the supposedly dead Hawthorne heir.
- Tobias HawthorneDeceased patriarch whose private stadium room and contested will shape the chapter’s stakes.
- NanPreviously present when Avery recognized Toby in the locket; potential holder of the secret.
- Zara Hawthorne-CalligarisAbsent but named as someone Grayson says must not learn that Toby may be alive.
- Skye HawthorneAbsent but named by Grayson as unable to challenge the will unless Toby changes matters.