Holden Merriweather, the editorial assistant posing as an editor named Rufus Beaumont, is alone in the cottage on Skelbrae. He can’t sleep due to a headache and an uncomfortable bed. He admits to himself that he’s afraid of the dark and went to the main house earlier because the power outage panicked him. Unable to find any Tylenol, he considers his reflection, noting his nonprescription glasses, which he wears to look “studious,” and his secret wish for a “rakish” scar like his older brother, Wyatt. He reflects on his career path, which led him to his uncle’s publishing house after he failed to become an actor.

While trying to make tea, he’s startled by a loud knock at the door, causing him to drop and shatter his mug. He recalls that he’s supposed to remain isolated, but a familiar voice reveals that the visitor is his boss, senior editor Ava Paulson, who’s undercover as a writer named Priscilla. She pushes past him into the cottage and accuses him of nearly ruining their plan.

The narrative flashes back three weeks to the New York office of Merriweather Press. Holden is working as Ava’s assistant when the powerful literary agent