Evie arrives early at the Redbloom Tavern dressed in her drabbest clothing to remain inconspicuous, though her corset draws unwanted attention. While waiting for The Villain, she is approached by Rick, a handsome but insufferable ex-lover. Rick's condescending remarks imply Evie is too much of a burden to attract a real partner, which wounds her deeply and ignites her desire to prove him wrong.

When The Villain enters the tavern, Evie impulsively throws her arm around him and introduces him to Rick as her lover. The Villain is visibly stunned but plays along stiffly, placing an arm around her. As Rick departs with a sarcastic "good luck," The Villain grips Rick's shoulder hard enough to cause pain and warns him never to bother Evie again, sending Rick scrambling away in fear.

Once seated together, Evie and The Villain share drinks and conversation while waiting for the tavern owner. Evie reveals she enjoys reading dirty romances, which catches her boss off guard. She asks why he brought her specifically, and he explains that her familiarity with the tavern provides useful cover and that she is one of the few people he can trust—though Evie notices his eyes flick to her loyalty tattoo, dampening any flattery. When Evie self-deprecatingly calls herself ordinary, The Villain firmly tells her she is chronically underestimated and that underestimating a woman like her would be a fatal mistake.

Their target finally arrives: the tavern owner Malcolm, a surprisingly young and friendly-looking man. The Villain instructs Evie to call him over casually. She does so by loudly shouting his name across the room, exasperating her boss. Malcolm approaches with a warm smile for Evie, but his expression drops the moment he recognizes The Villain. He exclaims in shock, calling The Villain "brother," revealing a previously unknown family connection.