Frankie Troupe calls Monique Grant into her office and reveals that Evelyn Hugo’s team has offered an exclusive interview, likely related to Evelyn’s high-profile gown auction benefiting the American Breast Cancer Foundation. The potential story could be a major cover for Vivant, but Evelyn’s team will only confirm that she “has something to say.”

The surprise intensifies when Frankie shows an email stipulating that the interview must be done by Monique or Evelyn will walk. Neither Frankie nor Monique can explain why, so Monique texts her mother to check for any family connection through her father, a former still photographer. Her mother confirms there is no connection.

Frankie wonders if Evelyn’s team selected a lower-profile writer to control the narrative. Weighing her stalled trajectory at Vivant against the opportunity, Monique decides to seize it. She pushes back confidently, insisting that Frankie convince her to take the assignment, and after a tense pause, Frankie agrees and entrusts Monique with the interview.

Before Monique leaves, Frankie suggests Evelyn may have read Monique’s celebrated physician-assisted suicide article from her previous job at the Discourse—work that showcased Monique’s depth and voice. Monique reflects on that piece and the validation it represented, bolstering her resolve to deliver a fearless, headline-making cover.

The chapter closes with Monique committing to “ace” the assignment, aware of the stakes: a career-defining chance with a legendary, enigmatic subject who specifically chose her.