Cover of The Gilded Blade

The Gilded Blade

by Jennifer Lynn Barnes


Genre
Young Adult, Mystery, Thriller
Year
2026
Pages
353
Contents

CHAPTER 65: JAMESON

Overview

After rejecting Skye and Zara as answers, the brothers process Alice’s possible designs and Toby firmly denies any chance Hannah is the Watcher. A phrase triggers Jameson’s realization about a racing clue. He, Grayson, and Xander head to London to pursue Lady Monoceros, while Nash remains to protect Libby and keep Lyra hidden.

Summary

In the SUV after visiting Skye, Jameson presses for impressions. Nash concludes Skye knows nothing. Jameson wonders if Zara could be Alice’s heir, but Nash and Grayson dismiss it. The brothers debate Alice’s long game and whether she ever chose an heir for the Hawthorne line.

Toby suggests Alice’s past offer to Hannah might have been to send Hannah through the Crucible without ascending, bargaining for Toby’s safety while preserving the line. Overcome, Toby rejects any hope that Hannah is alive or the Watcher, insisting Hannah would never have left Avery and that he never wanted the Hawthorne fortune.

The brothers reflect on Tobias Hawthorne’s choice of Avery, noting he believed it was his own decision, even if Alice’s design influenced it. Jameson’s urgency spikes as Avery’s danger centers his thinking.

Xander jokes about Jameson’s “Bad Idea Races,” triggering Jameson’s realization about something on the boards: “off to the races.” He calls Alisa for a plane to London. Alisa agrees but warns Nash cannot leave Libby. Jameson plans to go alone, but Grayson insists on accompanying him; Nash stays to protect Libby and ensure Lyra remains safe at Hawthorne House.

Xander declares he is coming. Grayson leaves a ring box with Nash for Lyra and reminds Nash of Lyra’s and Grayson’s “no cliffs” pact. The trio—Jameson, Grayson, and Xander—set course for London to pursue a lead tied to the racehorse Lady Monoceros.

Who Appears

  • Jameson Hawthorne
    POV; fixates on a racing clue, calls Alisa for a plane, leads a rush to London to pursue Lady Monoceros.
  • Grayson Hawthorne
    Insists on accompanying Jameson to London; leaves a ring box for Lyra and enforces the plan to keep her safe.
  • Xander Hawthorne
    His “Bad Idea Races” quip triggers Jameson’s realization; eagerly joins the London trip.
  • Toby Hawthorne
    Emotionally rejects the idea Hannah is the Watcher; suggests Alice’s plan involving Hannah and the Crucible.
  • Nash Hawthorne
    Drives; stays behind to protect Libby and ensure Lyra remains at Hawthorne House.
  • Alisa Ortega
    Takes Jameson’s call; arranges a plane and cautions that Nash cannot leave Libby.
  • Lyra Catalina Kane
    Offstage but central; must remain hidden at Hawthorne House for safety; recipient of Grayson’s ring via Nash.
  • Avery Kylie Grambs
    Offstage; her safety drives the urgency as the brothers reconsider Tobias’s choice and Alice’s influence.
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