# Chapter 28 Summary: Key Events and Analysis

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.

Let's explore.

Summary

The chapter opens with Avery finding Jameson at the climbing wall, where he's scaling a treacherous height. She tells him that his grandfather left her a game, and without hesitation, Jameson drops from the wall, landing safely in a crouch. Avery expresses her dislike for his risky behavior, and Jameson deflects with a quip about his childhood, mentioning that his mother Skye only noticed him when he was bleeding. He then apologizes for the previous night, but Avery brushes it off, steering the conversation back to the game. She reveals that she's solved the first clue and is now searching for a chess set. Jameson mentions that there are six chess sets in the game room, which are used for Hawthorne chess, but Avery has already found all six and wonders if there's a seventh elsewhere. Jameson suggests she check the binder Alisa made detailing her inheritance.

In the binder, Avery finds an entry for a royal chess set valued at nearly half a million dollars, made of white gold and encrusted with black and white diamonds—nearly ten thousand of them. She realizes this set must be in the Hawthorne vault and calls Oren to take them there. Inside the vault, they search through steel drawers. Avery is momentarily distracted by a stunning scepter, which makes her wonder if they're not looking for a chess set at all, especially when Jameson murmurs, “Long live the Queen,” and she thinks of the “Queen's Gambit.” But then Jameson opens another drawer and reveals the chess set.

Avery examines each piece, starting with the white pawns and working up to the king, then the black pieces. She notices a seam on the bottom of the black queen. Using a jeweler's loupe, she sees a gap, and with a file and tweezers, she carefully extracts a strip of black paper. The paper bears golden ink handwriting that she recognizes as Tobias Hawthorne's. The message is short: “Don't breathe.” Avery reads it aloud to Jameson.

Key Events

Avery finds Jameson at the climbing wall and tells him about the game Tobias left her.
Jameson drops from the wall, showing his characteristic risk-taking, and they discuss the game.
Avery reveals she solved the first clue and is looking for a chess set.
Jameson mentions six chess sets in the game room, but Avery has already found them all and asks about a seventh.
Jameson suggests checking Alisa's binder, where Avery finds a royal chess set worth nearly half a million dollars.
Avery calls Oren to take them to the vault.
In the vault, they search drawers and encounter a scepter that makes Avery question the chess set theory.
Jameson opens a drawer containing the royal chess set.
Avery examines the pieces and finds a seam on the bottom of the black queen.
Using a jeweler's loupe, file, and tweezers, she extracts a strip of black paper with golden ink handwriting from Tobias.
The message reads “Don't breathe.”

Character Development

This chapter deepens Avery's role as the puzzle-solver. She's methodical and observant, noticing the seam on the black queen that others would miss. Her determination is evident as she works carefully to extract the paper without tearing it, showing her respect for the game and her desire to honor Tobias's legacy. Jameson, meanwhile, is supportive and collaborative, offering tools and encouragement. His willingness to drop from the wall without hesitation reflects his impulsive nature, but also his trust in Avery's judgment. The apology he offers for the previous night shows a softer side, and his comment about his mother hints at a need for attention that he masks with bravado. The dynamic between Avery and Jameson is one of partnership, with Jameson deferring to Avery as the “Heiress” and letting her take the lead on the puzzle. This chapter also reinforces Avery's growth from an outsider to someone who is fully engaged in the Hawthorne world, using her intelligence and intuition to navigate its secrets.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Legacy and Inheritance: The chess set is a physical manifestation of Tobias's legacy, a treasure that Avery must uncover. The hidden message inside the black queen symbolizes the layers of secrets that Tobias left behind, and Avery's careful extraction shows her respect for that legacy.
Beauty and Power: The scepter and the chess set are both described as beautiful and dangerous, combining elegance with threat. This motif reflects the Hawthorne family itself—glamorous on the surface but full of hidden dangers.
Puzzle-Solving and Intellect: The chapter emphasizes the importance of observation and deduction. Avery's ability to spot the seam and her methodical approach highlight the intellectual challenge at the heart of the inheritance game.
Secrets and Revelation: The message “Don't breathe” is a cliffhanger that underscores the theme of secrets. It suggests that the game is far from over and that Tobias has more to reveal, but also that danger may be imminent.
Trust and Partnership: Avery and Jameson work together, with Jameson providing tools and support while Avery leads. Their collaboration shows that trust is essential in navigating the game.

Why This Chapter Matters

Chapter 28 is a pivotal moment in the inheritance game. It moves the plot forward by revealing the first tangible clue from Tobias—a hidden message inside a chess piece. This message, “Don't breathe,” is cryptic and ominous, setting up the next phase of the game and raising the stakes. The chapter also deepens the relationship between Avery and Jameson, showing them working as a team. The discovery of the chess set and the message reinforces the idea that Tobias's game is intricate and personal, designed specifically for Avery. This chapter also highlights Avery's growth as a puzzle-solver and her ability to handle the pressure of the Hawthorne legacy. It's a turning point that shifts the narrative from setup to active investigation, making it essential to the overall story.

Study Questions and Answers

Why does Avery initially think they might not be looking for a chess set after seeing the scepter?

The scepter's design, with its intricate metalwork and combination of beauty and danger, makes Avery think of the “Queen's Gambit” and wonder if the clue might be pointing to something other than a literal chess set. The scepter's regal symbolism and the phrase “Long live the Queen” from Jameson lead her to consider alternative interpretations.

How does Avery manage to extract the hidden message from the black queen?

She notices a seam on the bottom of the black queen, which she examines with a jeweler's loupe. She sees a gap and uses a small file to wedge into it, then uses tweezers to carefully pull out a strip of black paper. The process is painstaking, and she is careful not to tear the paper.

What does the message “Don't breathe” suggest about the game's nature?

The message is cryptic and ominous, implying that the game may involve danger or that Avery must be extremely cautious. It suggests that Tobias has more secrets to reveal and that the next steps could be risky. It also reinforces the theme of secrets and the need for careful, deliberate action.