Contents
CHAPTER 55: GIGI
Overview
Gigi and Knox spend the night at Helena Thorp’s estate awaiting answers about the Crucible. Knox opens up about his abusive past and the divide with Calla, deepening his character. A note summons Gigi alone to the parlor at 9 a.m., signaling Helena’s controlled, high-stakes engagement.
Summary
Gigi and Knox awaken after an unplanned night at Helena Thorp’s estate, where Gigi had arrived seeking information about the Crucible. They banter about security and possible responses from Toby Hawthorne and Slate, whose fresh betrayal by Eve looms over everyone.
As they wait, Gigi tries to draw Knox out of his guarded silence. Knox initially shuts down comparisons between Slate’s situation and his own history with Calla Thorp, but Gigi remains beside him, offering quiet support.
Prompted by the setting and memories, Knox reveals more of his past: the Landry family’s reputation, his abusive mother who prioritized the dogs over him, and the lifelines offered by Severin, Brady, and Brady’s mother. He contrasts that with Calla’s upbringing in St. Adelaide Parish—privileged and “destined for greater things”—exposing the gulf he felt between them.
The mood shifts when a knock at the door yields no person, only a tray with coffee and a handwritten note: “Parlor, 9 AM. Just the girl.” Knox moves to protect Gigi, but the message makes clear Helena will speak only to Gigi.
Gigi and Knox register the stakes: Helena is ready to talk about the Crucible but on her terms, isolating Gigi and setting the stage for a pivotal, high-risk conversation.
Who Appears
- GigiSeeks information on the Crucible; comforts Knox; receives Helena’s note to meet alone at 9 a.m.
- Knox LandryBodyguard and friend; reveals abusive upbringing and insecurity versus Calla; protective as Helena summons Gigi.
- Helena ThorpUnseen host; provides lodging and leaves a note commanding Gigi to the parlor alone.
- Calla ThorpFigure from Knox’s past; her privileged world contrasts with Knox’s, deepening his internal conflict.