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The book revolves around the story of Evie, a complex and calculating individual who is embedded in a life of deception and manipulation. She is involved with a mysterious employer, Mr. Smith, who assigns her various missions to gather information and influence the lives of others. Evie's latest target is Ryan Sumner, a charming and successful man who is unaware of Evie's true intentions. As Evie navigates her mission, she must also contend with a mysterious woman named Lucca Marino, who is impersonating her and seems to be working for the same employer. Throughout the story, Evie's past and true identity are slowly revealed, and she must use her skills and resources to stay one step ahead of her employer and his associates. Along the way, Evie forms alliances with other characters, including Devon and Amy, who help her in her quest to take down Mr. Smith and gain control over her life. The book is a thrilling tale of cat and mouse, with Evie constantly walking a fine line between truth and deception. Ultimately, Evie is able to outsmart her employer and start a new life, but the story suggests that she may not be ready to leave her old ways completely behind.
The story revolves around Evie, who is now deeply embedded in her partner Ryan's life, as evidenced by the small touches she's brought to his home. As she meets his childhood friends for the first time, Evie is aware that she's being scrutinized and judged by the group. Despite their polite conversation and inquiries, Evie is cautious about revealing too much about her past, which is markedly different from theirs. She carefully navigates their questions, revealing only limited information about herself. As the evening progresses, Evie's relationship with Ryan is put on display, and it's clear that he's invested in their future together. The chapter culminates with Ryan asking Evie to make his home her own, and she agrees, symbolizing a significant step forward in their relationship. Throughout the chapter, Evie's thoughts and feelings reveal a deeper complexity to her character, including her insecurities and her observations about the social dynamics at play.
The protagonist is preparing to move in with her partner, Ryan, and is busy packing up her old apartment. However, it becomes clear that she is not just packing her belongings, but also staging her old apartment to create a certain impression. She is careful to leave behind certain items, such as perfume bottles and books, to make it seem like she has been living there for a while. Meanwhile, the apartment complex's manager, Shawna, pays her a visit, seemingly to snoop around and gather information. The protagonist is able to deflect Shawna's curiosity and assert her boundaries, but it's clear that she is hiding something and is trying to control the narrative of her life. As she finishes up her preparations, she is eager to complete the illusion and start her new life with Ryan, but the truth about her past and her motivations remains unclear.
As Evie moves into Ryan's home, she is warmly welcomed by his neighbors, the Rogerses, who are eager to get to know her better. Ryan is excited to start their new life together and decides to cancel the moving truck, opting to collect the rest of Evie's belongings himself. They visit her old apartment, where Ryan is shocked by the conditions and takes charge, packing up the remaining items. As they go through the apartment, Evie's past and her true personality are slowly revealed, and Ryan's protective instincts are triggered. Evie is careful about what she shares with Ryan, and he, in turn, is mindful of his words, making their interactions feel weighted and heavy with unspoken meanings. Despite this, they share tender moments, and Ryan's desire to know Evie better is palpable, leaving Evie wondering if he is choosing his words as carefully as she chooses hers.
The protagonist makes a secretive visit to a location, likely a mailbox rental store, where she accesses a mailbox using a code. She wears casual, nondescript clothing and takes measures to avoid being clearly captured by a security camera. After navigating through a chaotic scene in the store, she reaches the mailbox, accesses it, and deposits a small envelope that she had been carrying concealed on her person. She then quickly exits the store, locking the mailbox behind her and leaving no record of her after-hours visit. The protagonist's actions suggest she is trying to maintain secrecy and avoid detection, hinting at a mysterious and potentially clandestine aspect of her life.
Evie meets Ryan's friends, Sara, Beth, Allison, and Rachel, for lunch at a small restaurant downtown. The group's dynamic is evident as they try to get to know Evie better, but she remains cautious and controlled in her interactions. Evie deliberately crafts a persona, sharing a fabricated story about her past, including a tragic accident that killed her parents, in an effort to garner sympathy and deflect further questioning. As the lunch progresses, Rachel's persistent probing tests Evie's patience, but she skillfully navigates the conversation, eventually turning the tables on Rachel. The encounter ends with Evie feeling assured that she has successfully managed the situation, having created a convincing narrative about her identity and past. After the lunch, Evie takes a moment to verify that her online presence supports the story she told, having apparently created a digital trail to back up her false claims.
Evie is working at the gallery, preparing for an upcoming luncheon, when Ryan visits her in the workroom. They share a tender moment, and Ryan expresses his concern about Evie's encounter with his friends at lunch earlier. Evie reassures him that she can handle herself, but Ryan's offer to hire her to work for him hints at a deeper desire to be closer to her. As they interact, it becomes clear that both Evie and Ryan are hiding things from each other. After Ryan leaves, Evie makes a call to Rachel, one of Ryan's friends, to extend an olive branch and diffuse any tension between them. However, Evie's true intentions and backstory remain unclear, and she is aware that Rachel is suspicious of her and may be investigating her past. The chapter ends with Evie reflecting on the need to keep a close eye on Rachel, suggesting that their truce may be temporary and that Evie's secrets are still at risk of being exposed.
Evie attends a Derby party with Ryan, where she meets his friends and acquaintances. As they mingle, Evie is introduced to a woman named Lucca Marino, who bears a striking resemblance to her. As they converse, Evie discovers that Lucca claims to be from the same small town in North Carolina where Evie is actually from, and shares similar life experiences, including the loss of her mother to breast cancer. However, Evie knows that Lucca's stories are false, and that she is actually impersonating Evie's own identity. Evie becomes increasingly unsettled and panicked, eventually excusing herself to collect her thoughts in the privacy of a bathroom stall, where she struggles to maintain her composure and process the shocking revelation.
This chapter delves into Lucca Marino's past, ten years prior to the present events. It reveals her life as a 17-year-old high school senior, living with her ailing mother in a trailer. Lucca has taken on the responsibility of caring for her mother and finding ways to make ends meet, including working at a flower shop and creating custom jewelry. However, she also leads a secret life, using her skills and knowledge to steal valuable jewelry from wealthy women's homes during parties and events. Lucca carefully crafts a different persona for herself, using wigs, makeup, and disguises to avoid detection. She targets women who are well-off but not excessively wealthy, and uses her job at the flower shop to gather information about her potential targets. After a successful heist, Lucca returns home to care for her mother, who is struggling with cancer. The chapter provides insight into Lucca's resourcefulness, determination, and complex personality, shaped by her difficult circumstances and the need to protect her mother.
Evie's encounter with a woman who claims to be from her hometown and shares a similar past sets off alarm bells, and she becomes determined to uncover the truth about this mysterious woman's intentions. As Evie navigates the Derby party with Ryan, she carefully gathers information about James, the woman's companion, and his troubled past. Evie's friends are shocked to hear about James' appearance, and they warn Ryan about his troubled history, including a past incident where James stole money from him. Meanwhile, Ryan is in high spirits after winning a significant amount of money betting on the race and suggests a spontaneous trip to Mexico, which Evie plays along with. As they leave the party and drive home, Ryan reveals that the mysterious woman made a comment that has left him cautious, and Evie must think quickly to deflect his attention and maintain her cover. She uses her charms to distract Ryan, ensuring that the conversation about the woman is forgotten in favor of more intimate and distracting thoughts.
The protagonist visits a UPS store on a Sunday morning, using a code to gain access to a mailbox. She is looking for information about her current job, which involves assuming the identity of "Evie Porter" to gather information from a target, Ryan Sumner. The protagonist recalls the details of her assignment, including Ryan's background and her own fabricated backstory. However, her plans are complicated by the arrival of a woman named Lucca, who is impersonating the protagonist's true identity. The protagonist is unsure of how to proceed, as she has been taught to consider every possibility, but her instincts suggest that Lucca may be working for the same people who sent her. She is hesitant to call for help, as it would be an admission of defeat, and instead finds herself in uncharted territory, navigating a complex web of identities and loyalties.
Lucca Marino's past is explored eight years prior to the present events. She is working as a server at a fundraiser in Raleigh, where she has installed a credit card scanner on one of the machines to steal valuable information. However, her plan is discovered, and she is caught by the organizers and the police. Just as she is about to be taken away, a detective intervenes and takes her into his custody, revealing that he has been watching her and is impressed by her skills. He offers her a deal: in exchange for her freedom and the return of her stolen equipment, she must work for him on a job that utilizes her unique abilities. Lucca is hesitant but eventually agrees to meet with the detective's associate, Matt Rowen, who presents her with an offer to join their team and use her skills for profitable endeavors. Lucca is torn between accepting the offer and trying to go straight, but ultimately decides to join them, seeking to learn and improve her skills in order to achieve her goals.
The protagonist, still reeling from the encounter with a woman who claims to be her, discovers that this imposter, Lucca Marino, has been making waves in the community, befriending the protagonist's acquaintances and even gaining the admiration of James's family. The protagonist's investigation into Lucca's true identity and intentions leads her to Lucca's social media profile, where she finds a post that confirms Lucca's knowledge of the protagonist's past. The protagonist reports her findings to her boss, Mr. Smith, who reveals that he sent Lucca to motivate the protagonist to complete her job successfully. With a sense of urgency and a desire to prove herself, the protagonist decides to go off script and revisit her surveillance of Ryan's business in East Texas, using Ryan's out-of-town meeting as an opportunity to conduct her own investigation without arousing suspicion. She rents a car and sets out on her mission, feeling a sense of determination and focus.
The protagonist, still investigating Ryan's business, arrives at his trucking company in Glenview, Texas, disguised as a man. She sneaks into the warehouse and makes her way to the office, where she hides in a shower stall as Ryan and his employees discuss a betrayal by one of their own, Freddie, who tried to make a side deal with one of Ryan's clients. Ryan's ruthless side is revealed as he threatens Freddie and has him taken away to face the client, Robert. The protagonist is surprised by Ryan's brutal behavior, but also impressed by his effectiveness in handling the situation. As she escapes and returns to her rental car, she receives a message from Ryan, who is unaware of her true activities, and they exchange texts about their plans for the evening. The protagonist is struck by the contrast between Ryan's charming persona and his ruthless business dealings, and she wonders if he expects her to be honest with him, even as she continues to deceive him.
The protagonist spends a relaxing morning with Ryan, watching him attempt to fix a lawn mower and later accompanying him to Home Depot to buy a new one. As they browse the store, they run into James and the woman who has been impersonating the protagonist, Lucca. The encounter is tense, but Lucca appears not to recognize the protagonist as her opponent, and instead, they exchange small talk. The protagonist invites James and Lucca to dinner, seemingly trying to gather more information about Lucca's intentions. Ryan is also aware of the uncanny resemblance between the protagonist and Lucca, and the atmosphere is filled with unspoken tension. The protagonist's invitation may be a ploy to get closer to Lucca and uncover her true motives, setting the stage for a potentially dramatic confrontation.
The narrator, aliases as Izzy Williams, is on her first job for Mr. Smith, tasked with retrieving a valuable item from the Kingston's house. She has been working as a nanny for their son, Miles, and has been gathering information about the family. After days of searching, she finally finds the item, a red flash drive, in a safe in Jenny's bedroom. However, she is caught by Jenny, who is drunk and falls, hitting her head and bleeding. The narrator escapes, leaving behind a fake drive and calling Greg to inform him of the situation. She then meets with Matt, who is angry about the close call, and later receives a call from Mr. Smith, who criticizes her for being reckless and reminds her that her job is to complete the task, not to get attached to the people involved. The narrator reflects on the experience, realizing that she needs to be more careful and detached in her future jobs, and that she is truly alone in her line of work.
The protagonist, Evie, hosts a dinner party for Ryan's friends, James and Lucca, who bears a striking resemblance to her. As they engage in small talk, Evie carefully observes Lucca's behavior, noticing that she seems to be gathering information and snooping through their belongings. Evie had intentionally left a false trail of clues, including a spreadsheet with fake credit card numbers, for Lucca to discover, in an attempt to convey a message to their shared boss, Mr. Smith. As the evening progresses, Evie confronts Lucca, revealing that she knows Lucca is working for Mr. Smith and warning her to stay out of her way. The conversation is tense, but Lucca recovers quickly, denying any knowledge of Evie's accusations. As the night ends, Evie and Ryan walk their guests out, and the tension between them is palpable. Evie's actions suggest that she is trying to take control of the situation and assert her dominance, while also warning Lucca about the dangers of becoming too deeply embroiled in their line of work.
The protagonist, Evie, wakes up early on a Sunday morning, still reeling from the events of the previous night. She and Ryan watch the news, which reports on a car accident involving James and Lucca, who were at their house for dinner the night before. The police arrive at James's parents' house, where Evie and Ryan have gone to offer condolences, and begin asking questions about the events of the previous night. Evie tries to provide vague but helpful answers, while also trying to gather information about Lucca's true identity and intentions. As they spend more time at the house, Evie takes the opportunity to snoop through James and Lucca's room, where she finds a hidden envelope with instructions from her boss, Mr. Smith, detailing Lucca's mission to gather information about Evie. The instructions reveal that Lucca was sent to engage with Evie again and search her belongings, and Evie realizes that her boss is desperate to gather more information about her. With this new knowledge, Evie decides she needs to talk to someone who can help her decide what to do next.
The narrator, alias Mia Bianchi, is working on a job for Mr. Smith, embedded in Andrew Marshall's political campaign as he runs for governor of Tennessee. Mia has gained Andrew's trust and is now his closest advisor, but she knows that her true purpose is to gather information and create leverage for Mr. Smith. As she prepares for a conference in Hilton Head, South Carolina, she receives instructions from Matt, who has planned a weak and unrealistic scheme to compromise Andrew's integrity. Mia decides to take matters into her own hands and creates a new plan with the help of Devon, a tech expert she has been working with. She hosts a private cocktail party in Andrew's suite, inviting a group of influential and corrupt politicians, and spikes Andrew's drink, making him pass out. As the party continues, Mia sets the stage for a potentially compromising situation, all while maintaining her cover and ensuring that her true intentions remain hidden.
The protagonist, Evie, is trying to make sense of the recent events, including the death of Lucca Marino, a woman who was impersonating her. She meets with her ally, Devon, to discuss the situation and tries to understand the motivations behind Mr. Smith's actions. Devon is concerned about Evie's safety and suggests that they bail on the job, but Evie is determined to see it through. She reveals that she has been altering the information she provides to Mr. Smith to help Ryan, her mark, and plans to continue doing so. Devon is unaware of Evie's actions and warns her to be careful, as Mr. Smith is unlikely to give up on his goals. The chapter ends with Evie leaving to drop off the latest set of information, while Devon reminds her that her current life is not her real home.
Evie is taken into custody by the police due to a material witness warrant from Atlanta PD in connection with the death of Amy Holder. As she waits in the interrogation room, she remains calm and composed, revealing little information to the detectives. Her lawyer, Rachel, arrives and Evie requests her to represent her, signing a document to confirm their professional relationship. Rachel reveals that the police have a photo of Evie at the scene of Amy's death and that they believe she may have knowledge about the events leading up to the death. Evie admits to knowing Amy but under a different name, Regina Hale. Rachel discoveres that Evie's current identity, Evelyn Porter, has a thorough backstory, including a student ID, driver's license, and passport, all with Evie's picture but the name Evelyn Porter. Evie refuses to reveal her true identity, instead asking Rachel to call a man and mention a specific date and location, which seems to be a coded message. Ryan visits Evie in the interrogation room, and she is relieved to see him, but their conversation is cautious due to the presence of cameras and microphones. After Ryan leaves, Rachel returns and reveals that she made the call, which seems to have been successful, and they wait for Evie's release.
Lucca Marino, six years prior to the current events, is reflecting on her recent job where she was tasked with gathering dirt on Andrew Marshall, a politician running for governor. However, she took matters into her own hands and instead gathered compromising information on Senator Nelson, a more valuable target. Lucca meets with her handler, Matt, and demands to speak directly with their boss, Mr. Smith. She reveals her success in gathering information on Senator Nelson and asserts her desire to work directly with Mr. Smith, bypassing Matt. Mr. Smith agrees, and Lucca is given a new assignment in Florida. As she leaves, she sends a message to several influential politicians, revealing that she has compromising information on them, effectively creating a network of allies who will owe her favors in the future. This bold move showcases Lucca's resourcefulness, determination, and ability to think on her feet, as she navigates the complex world of espionage and manipulation.
The protagonist, Evie, is released from police custody after agreeing to meet with detectives in Atlanta to answer questions about the death of Amy Holder. She returns home with Ryan, who is supportive and patient, but Evie is preoccupied with the recent events and the mysterious actions of her boss, Mr. Smith. Upon arriving home, Evie discovers an origami swan on her nightstand with a message from Mr. Smith, revealing that he has evidence of her presence at the scene of Amy's death and demanding that she retrieve the contents of a safe deposit box in Atlanta. Evie calls Mr. Smith, and they engage in a tense conversation, during which he reveals that he has been manipulating her and using her for his own gain. Evie is forced to confront the reality of her situation and the danger she is in, and she begins to formulate a plan to take control of her life and protect herself from Mr. Smith's threats. As she navigates her complex emotions and loyalties, Evie finds comfort in Ryan's presence, but she knows she cannot rely on him to save her and must take matters into her own hands.
Evie is preparing to head to Atlanta to meet with detectives about the death of Amy Holder, but she wants to go alone. However, Ryan is insistent on coming with her, and after some negotiation, Evie agrees to let him join her on the condition that she makes all the decisions and he doesn't argue if she needs to handle something on her own. As they leave, Rachel is frustrated that Ryan is going with Evie, but Evie is determined to keep her plans private. Along the way, Evie secretly communicates with her ally, Devon, through a coded message on social media and a handwritten note left at a gas station. As they drive through the Mississippi Delta, Evie and Ryan have a tense but revealing conversation about their pasts and their motivations, with Ryan sharing his experiences with his troubled friend James and Evie hinting at her own self-sufficiency and independence.
The narrator, alias Wendy Wallace, is working on a job for Mr. Smith, tasked with gathering information about Mitch Cameron, a college football coach. She assumes the identity of a student and gathers intel on Mitch's daily life, as well as his interactions with high school football prospects. As she delves deeper, she discovers that the job is not just about gathering information, but about removing Mitch from his position without causing a scandal. She uses her skills and resources to manipulate the situation, targeting a wealthy booster named Phil Robinson, who is secretly paying players to commit to the college. By threatening to expose Phil's wrongdoing, Wendy is able to convince him to use his influence to have Mitch removed from his position. The plan is successful, and Mitch is let go from the university. After completing the job, Wendy receives her payment and is given a new phone, indicating that she will be contacted for her next assignment. Before leaving, she visits one of the high school prospects, Tyron, and advises him to be cautious and smart about his future, warning him that someone is always listening. The chapter ends with Wendy discovering that Mitch may have had prior knowledge of his removal, which raises questions about the true nature of the job and the motivations of the characters involved.
The protagonist, Evie, and Ryan arrive in Oxford, Mississippi, where Evie has a secret mission to complete. She instructs Ryan to go to a rooftop bar while she meets with Mitch Cameron, a former college football coach. Evie reveals to Mitch that she was the one who helped him get out of his coaching job in Florida and demands money from him as repayment. Mitch refuses and Evie deliberately provokes him, making a scene before leaving. Unbeknownst to Mitch, Evie had planted a device on his porch that allows her to monitor his phone activity. She discovers that Mitch contacts her former boss, Mr. Smith, through a message board for a 1970s band, and she uses this information to her advantage. Evie and Ryan leave Oxford and head to Nashville, where they spend the night in a motel. Evie receives a message from her ally, Devon, and responds, while also sharing intimate moments with Ryan. As they grow closer, Evie's secrets and lies threaten to tear them apart, and she wonders if Ryan will still care for her if he knows the truth about her past.
The story follows Helen White, an alias for the protagonist, as she takes on a job to retrieve a stolen painting worth millions from the home of oil tycoon Ralph Tate in Fort Worth, Texas. The job is complicated by the fact that Mr. Smith, her boss, has sent multiple people to retrieve the painting, making it a competition. Helen works with her ally, Devon, to devise a plan to bypass the security system and retrieve the painting. They attend a Fourth of July party at the Tate residence, where Helen uses her charm and disguise to gain access to the house. Meanwhile, Devon works behind the scenes, disabling the security cameras and helping Helen navigate the system. They successfully retrieve the painting, and Helen returns to her normal life, awaiting her next job and payout from Mr. Smith. The chapter also explores Helen's backstory and her relationship with Devon, highlighting their trust and camaraderie. Additionally, the story touches on the themes of identity, deception, and the blurred lines between reality and performance, as Helen navigates her various aliases and roles.
The protagonist, Evie, meets with her ally, Devon, at a hotel in Nashville, where they discuss their plan to take down Mr. Smith, who has been manipulating Evie and using her for his own gain. Evie had previously met with Governor Andrew Marshall, who owes her a favor, and is hoping to use this leverage to her advantage. Meanwhile, George, a man who works for Mr. Smith, appears and warns Evie that Mr. Smith is getting desperate and will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Devon and Evie review the evidence that Mr. Smith has against her, including photos and a video, and discuss their next move. They are trying to identify Mr. Smith's true identity and gather evidence to bring him down, while also staying one step ahead of him and his associates. Evie is determined to see her plan through and take control of her life, but the risks are high and the stakes are getting higher.
The protagonist, Evie, arrives at a motel with her partner Ryan, and as she's getting ready for a shower, she overhears a conversation between Ryan and a man named George, which reveals that Ryan is secretly working with George and discussing Evie's situation. Evie is shocked and feels betrayed, realizing that Ryan has been playing her all along. She struggles to maintain her composure and continues to pretend to be unaware of Ryan's true intentions. As they spend the evening together, Evie's emotions are in turmoil, and she grieves the loss of the relationship she thought they had. She decides to continue playing along, all while planning her next move to protect herself from Ryan and George's manipulation. The chapter ends with Evie and Ryan in bed together, but Evie's mind is racing with thoughts of revenge and escape.
The protagonist, Evie, is on the run after discovering that her partner Ryan may be her boss, Mr. Smith. She sneaks out of their motel room and abandons her phone, using a burner phone to contact her ally Devon. They discuss their plan to take down Mr. Smith and Evie's intention to meet with detectives in Atlanta to answer questions about a death. Devon warns Evie to be cautious and reminds her that it's never too late to bail if things go wrong. Evie returns to her hometown of Eden, where she completes a task for Devon by uploading files to a server in a doctor's office. After confirming the upload, Evie receives a screenshot from Devon revealing the true identity of Mr. Smith. Evie is shocked and determined to see her plan through, prioritizing her meeting with the detectives and then dealing with the consequences of her discoveries.
The narrator, alias Regina Hale, sets a hotel room on fire after retrieving a black duffel bag, presumably containing important belongings of a woman named Amy. Regina then contacts her boss, Mr. Smith, to report the incident, claiming that Amy was already on fire when she entered the room and that she was unable to recover any useful information. Mr. Smith is skeptical, suggesting that Regina may have found something that could be used against him. The conversation is tense, with Mr. Smith implying that Regina may be hiding something. After the call, Regina appears shaken and drives to a nearby bank, where she parks and presumably takes a moment to collect herself. The chapter reveals the narrator's resourcefulness and ability to think on her feet, as well as her complex and potentially troubled relationship with her boss, Mr. Smith.
The protagonist, Evie, arrives at the Westin hotel in Atlanta to meet with detectives about the death of Amy Holder. Her lawyer, Rachel, has arranged the meeting to take place in a hotel conference room instead of the police station. Evie is prepared to answer questions and has a fabricated story about her past, including a toxic relationship and a fake identity. The detectives, West and Crofton, show her a security video of Amy Holder entering the hotel on the day of her death, and Evie is barely visible in the background. However, the detectives then show a second video, taken by an eyewitness, which clearly shows Evie in Amy's hotel room, dressed in a housekeeping uniform, just before the fire starts. The video appears to have been edited to include audio, and Evie recognizes it as a setup by her boss, Mr. Smith. Rachel challenges the authenticity of the video, but Evie knows she has been caught and must think quickly to come up with a new plan to protect herself.
The protagonist, Evie, meets with detectives to answer questions about the death of Amy Holder. She convincingly identifies the woman in a security video as Lucca Marino, a woman who had been impersonating her. Evie provides a fabricated alibi, claiming she was at a friend's house, Tyron Nichols, on the night of the death. Tyron confirms Evie's story when the detectives contact him, further solidifying her innocence. After the meeting, Evie's lawyer, Rachel, seems skeptical but drops the matter. Evie then contacts her ally, Devon, to inform him that she has cleared her name with the police. However, she soon finds herself face-to-face with George, a man working for her boss, Mr. Smith, who demands that she retrieve the contents of a safe deposit box. Evie is forced to accompany George to the bank, knowing that once she enters, there's no turning back. Devon, who is monitoring the situation, advises Evie that walking away is still an option, but she chooses to follow George into the bank, setting the stage for a potentially dangerous confrontation.
The narrator, alias Regina Hale, sets a hotel room on fire after retrieving a black duffel bag, claiming that the occupant, Amy, was already on fire when she entered the room. She then contacts her boss, Mr. Smith, to report the incident, but their conversation is tense, with Mr. Smith implying that Regina may be hiding something. Regina appears shaken and eventually goes to a bank to collect herself, suggesting that she may be trying to cover her tracks or access resources. The chapter reveals Regina's resourcefulness and ability to think on her feet, as well as her complex and potentially troubled relationship with Mr. Smith.
The protagonist, Evie, accompanies George to a bank to access a safe deposit box. However, instead of finding the expected information, they find an origami swan, revealing that Evie has been playing George, who is actually her boss, Mr. Smith. Evie confronts Mr. Smith, revealing that she discovered his true identity and has been planning to betray him for years. She reveals that she has information about Mr. Smith's double-crossing of the Connolly crime family and has set him up to be confronted by them. As Mr. Smith is taken away by the Connolly family, Evie meets up with her ally, Devon, and Amy Holder, who is revealed to be alive. Evie is exhausted and relieved that the ordeal is over, and she finally feels safe enough to rest.
Lucca Marino, four years prior to the current events, is on a mission to meet with Amy Holder, another individual who works for the same mysterious employer, Mr. Smith. Lucca has discovered that Mr. Smith was eliminating other employees who worked on a job in Fort Worth, Texas, and she believes that she and Amy are the only ones left. She tracks down Amy to a small beach town in Florida and arranges a meeting with her. Lucca reveals to Amy that she has been investigating the other employees who worked on the job and has found that they all died under suspicious circumstances shortly after. She proposes that they work together to take down Mr. Smith, gathering evidence and information to use against him. Amy is initially hesitant and fearful, but Lucca's determination and conviction eventually win her over, and she agrees to join forces with Lucca to bring down their employer.
The protagonist, Evie, has finally completed her long con and is feeling a mix of emotions now that it's over. She's exhausted and relieved, but also struggling to come to terms with the consequences of her actions. Evie meets with her allies, Devon and Amy, to discuss the details of their plan and how they were able to take down their boss, Mr. Smith. They reflect on the risks they took and the challenges they faced, including the use of Amy as a sacrificial lamb to gather evidence against Mr. Smith. Evie also learns that Ryan, her partner, was not as deeply involved with Mr. Smith as she had thought, and that his business dealings with Mr. Smith were limited. As Evie prepares to start her new life, she's undecided about whether to continue her relationship with Ryan, and her friends predict that she'll return to her old ways soon. Devon, who has been digging through Mr. Smith's files, leaves the cabin, and Amy follows soon after. Evie stays behind, enjoying the quiet and contemplating her future, but it's clear that she's not ready to leave her past life completely behind.
The chapter flashes back to four months prior, when the protagonist, Evie, first meets Ryan Sumner at a gas pump. She has been sent by her boss, Mr. Smith, to gather information from Ryan, and she plays the role of a damsel in distress with a flat tire. Ryan is charming and helpful, and they strike up a conversation, exchanging stories and connections. As they go on a date, Evie sticks to her scripted backstory, but finds herself wanting to reveal more about her true self to Ryan. She is drawn to him, but reminds herself that he is just a job and that she needs to maintain her distance. The chapter sets the stage for Evie's complex and calculating interactions with Ryan, as she navigates her mission to gather information from him while also dealing with her growing feelings for him.
Evie visits Ryan at his home, three months after the events in Atlanta. They sit in the backyard, and Evie begins to open up about her past and her true identity. Ryan shares his side of the story, revealing that he was warned by an associate about someone infiltrating his operation and selling his shipment information. He discovered that the information provided by his associate, who was actually Evie's boss, was altered, and he began to doubt the associate's claims. Evie explains that she was playing a game, trying to lose her boss's trust, and that she altered the details of Ryan's shipments to protect him. As they talk, Evie and Ryan grow closer, and Evie finally feels comfortable sharing her secrets with him. The chapter ends with Evie and Ryan settling into a routine together, with Evie working from home and Ryan traveling for business. Evie makes a call to her ally, Amy, using a secured line, and they discuss new messages on a message board, hinting at a new adventure or mission.