On a Thursday, Evie positions herself at a gas station to intercept Ryan, noting he follows a routine. Aware Mr. Smith sent her on a high-risk assignment to test or break her, she resolves to proceed strictly by the book and absorb whatever he throws at her before striking back.

Evie executes a staged-flat gambit, approaches Ryan for help, and calibrates her presentation to draw his interest. While Ryan changes the tire, Evie forges LSU-adjacent familiarity by invoking mutual acquaintances, lowering his guard and recasting her as someone from his social orbit.

Ryan suggests dinner, and Evie agrees. At a cozy bistro patio, they talk easily. Evie nearly shares genuine details about her mother and childhood but instead sticks to her script, telling a curated story of orphanhood while letting more truth than usual slip in. Physical closeness heightens the pull when Ryan reaches for her hand.

Recognizing the danger of emotional entanglement with a mark, Evie gently withdraws, maintaining connection without surrendering control. She reminds herself that Ryan is a target and that this job may be a trap from Mr. Smith. She ends the night recommitted to the con and ready to work.