Iris is stunned to meet Roman's father alone in her shabby flat, because she had imagined any first meeting with the Kitt family would happen under happier, more dignified circumstances. Mr. Kitt immediately makes clear that he has come for information about Roman and expects Iris to help bring him home. As Iris steadies herself, she realizes he likely followed her, entered her home without permission, and already suspects she knows more than she wants to say.

Mr. Kitt produces a copy of the Inkridden Tribune with Iris's front-page report on Dacre's attack at Avalon Bluff. He says that reading Iris's work finally explained why Roman left the Oath Gazette, broke his engagement, and defied his family. According to Mr. Kitt, Roman has always been drawn to stories and writing, and Iris's words "bewitched" him into choosing her and the Tribune over the life his family wanted for him.

Iris replies that Roman's words hold the same power over her, and when she touches her wedding band, Mr. Kitt notices it. Rather than accept their marriage, he asks if Iris is pregnant and implies that she trapped Roman for his inheritance, while insulting her class and appearance. Iris refuses to endure more abuse: she names his offenses, including following her and breaking into her flat, and orders him to leave.

At the door, Mr. Kitt says Roman cannot hide behind Iris forever and tells her to pass along that Roman's parents want him home and that he is forgiven. Iris must decide how much to reveal; trying to protect Roman while facing a powerful man, she says only that Roman is not in Oath. Mr. Kitt correctly infers that Roman is still in Avalon Bluff and cruelly suggests Iris saved herself by leaving him there. After he departs, Iris locks the door and collapses to the floor, overwhelmed by anger, grief, and guilt.