Sloane goes on additional dates with Kurt, but they mutually decide that they are not ready to date anyone else. When Kurt admits that he is in love with her sister, Maeve, with whom he had a fling with last summer, he and Sloane agree to be friends and part ways. Suddenly, Sloane is attacked in her car by a man in a black ski mask who delivers a final warning: “Leave Upshaw where she belongs […] or you will get hurt” (454). His voice is pleading, as if he doesn’t wish to hurt her. Sloane calls Nash after the man leaves and visits Mary Louise in prison. Mary Louise has been beaten by another prisoner and also urges Sloane to drop her case. Nash calls Lucian to request extra security for Mary Louise and the woman’s son, Allen.

Two weeks later, Lucian moves Mary Louise to a new prison and places Allen under full-time security. Sloane stays late at the library to get ahead on social media and newsletters for the patrons while trying to distract herself from Lucian. Eventually, she begins looking at foster care options in case she is unable to have children by the time she finally settles down with someone.