The chapter is told from Alex Volkov's perspective at Josh Chen's farewell party. Alex fends off advances from a blonde woman and her brunette friend, reflecting on his strict, emotionless sexual preferences and his general disdain for social gatherings. He observes the party with detached boredom, noting Josh's easygoing charm with women—a stark contrast to his own cold, guarded demeanor.

Alex's attention drifts to Ava Chen, Josh's younger sister, whom he regards as relentlessly sweet and naive. He reflects on the masks people wear and suspects Ava's warmth is genuine. When Ava catches him staring, she blushes, and Alex's mind involuntarily flashes back to the earlier car ride when her wet shirt revealed her bra. He quickly suppresses the fantasy, reminding himself she is Josh's sister, innocent, and the opposite of his type.

Josh approaches Alex with a serious request: he wants Alex to look after Ava while he's away in Central America. Josh explains that Ava recently broke up with her ex-boyfriend, who has been harassing her, and he worries about her safety and trusting nature. Despite his reluctance, Alex agrees, understanding that a promise from him means total commitment. As he accepts the responsibility, he is seized by a vivid, traumatic flashback—blood everywhere, three bodies on the floor of his childhood living room, a cream rug ruined—before snapping back to the present.

Alex then steps outside to take a phone call from his uncle Ivan Volkov, who is the official CEO of Archer Group, the Fortune 500 real estate company Alex effectively runs as COO. They discuss a long-running revenge plan targeting the person who destroyed Alex's family sixteen years ago. Ivan reassures Alex that the family will be at peace soon. Alex reveals his strategic mind, noting the company was built largely on his vision, and that he remains COO for flexibility while pursuing his vendetta.

After the call, Alex returns to the party and tells Josh he has an idea related to looking after Ava. Throughout, Alex's internal world is revealed: he is driven by vengeance, emotionally walled off, yet bound by loyalty to the few people he cares about—Josh and his uncle Ivan.