Cady finally recalls that she and the Liars burned Clairmont to the ground because they were angry at the aunts for arguing over property and for trying to force Mirren, Cady, and Johnny to help them get Granddad's property. She goes to Cuddledown and talks to Johnny, who tells her as much. She now knows that the memory of Granddad with the glow of fire on his face is from the night when Clairmont burned down.

Cady now has more memories. Her mother tried to get her to write to Granddad to get her inheritance. Her mother wants her to present herself as a "well-rounded person, a credit to the family" (155). The aunts also fight over small things like tablecloths. Both Mirren and Cady's mothers ask them to ask Granddad for them.

Cady and Gat go night swimming and feel love for one another. At a birthday party for the twins, a fight breaks out over property. Granddad asks the Liars for advice about what to do with his property. He wants to fund a student center at Harvard, rather than leave anything to his family. Cady realizes he’s making a threat.