Avery is getting ready to attend the fundraiser in Emily’s honor. She has a makeup and stylist helping her get ready, while her media coach Landon is helping her prepare for possible journalist questions. Landon says Avery shouldn’t talk about her mother but doesn’t explain why. Max discovers a tabloid is suggesting that Avery’s mother was living under a fake name. Avery asks Max to join her at the fundraiser.

Avery and Max go to the gala. Skye is there with Ricky. At the bar, Avery grabs an empty beer bottle of Ricky’s. She brings it to Alisa, telling her, “I want a DNA test” (131).

Rebecca’s/Emily’s mother makes a scene at the fundraiser, knocking things over. When Libby tries to help the woman, Rebecca’s/Emily’s mother accosts her: “I saw you with him. That Hawthorne boy. […] Never trust a Hawthorne […]. They take everything” (135).