The epilogue opens with Ava and Alex enjoying an extended Thanksgiving weekend at a Vermont farm belonging to Ralph, Alex's former Krav Maga instructor, and Ralph's wife Missy. At dinner, Alex and Ralph banter about a sparring match Alex won, while Missy teases the couple about their obvious chemistry. Missy shares raunchy anecdotes and expresses delight at seeing Alex so in love, noting she'd never seen him look at anyone the way he looks at Ava. Alex and Ava engage in flirtatious, sexually charged banter that embarrasses Ralph enough to flee the table.

While their hosts are briefly away, Alex pulls Ava into his lap and they share an intimate moment before Missy and Ralph return. The evening continues with pie—Missy insists Alex eat a slice of all three varieties—and Ava and Alex walk back to their rented cabin. Ava reflects on the strain with Josh, who still refuses to speak to Alex and keeps his relationship with Ava tense after learning they reunited. Alex admits he misses Josh too, though he expresses confidence Josh will eventually come around. On the moonlit walk, Alex reluctantly agrees they might return to Vermont next year, and they exchange declarations of love.

The narrative shifts to Alex's point of view back in Washington, D.C. He reveals he was reinstated as CEO of Archer Group four months earlier, with the stock jumping twenty-four percent upon his return. Ava has moved into his Logan Circle penthouse and works as a junior freelance photographer for World Geographic. Alex has hired a permanent bodyguard for Ava after a major fight and compromise. He reflects on the fates of his enemies: Michael Chen is in prison and monitored; Madeline's father faces prison after Alex leaked damaging information about Hauss Industries; Madeline herself now works at a diner after her family's assets were frozen; and Camo is dead, with rumors about his fate deterring others from threatening Ava.

Alex notes how Ava has transformed his penthouse with art, flowers, and photos, and how she's pushed him toward healthier habits like giving up coffee and keeping a sleep schedule. His insomnia has improved, which he attributes to having Ava beside him. When Ava emerges from the shower, Alex directs her attention to breaking news: Crown Prince Nikolai of Eldorra has abdicated the throne to marry an American flight attendant, making Princess Bridget—Ava's close friend—first in line to become queen. Alex observes news footage of Bridget leaving the Plaza Hotel with her bodyguard Rhys, and he detects a charged, intimate connection between them, filing this away as potential leverage. The chapter ends with both Ava and Alex stunned by the news, setting up the next book's storyline.