CHAPTER 44 "The Acorn"

Elizabeth is stunned and suspiciously asks why Avery never came forward earlier. She explains that she sent Wilson, her foundation lawyer, in her place, but the bishop lied to Wilson and told him Calvin was dead. Avery then gave the home funding for science and sports since Calvin's father was a rower. Avery cut funding and started writing to Calvin after seeing Calvin on Chemistry Today's cover. Elizabeth suddenly recalls that the sad mother's letters were signed "Avery Parker".

After learning the truth, Avery approached Calvin cautiously. Avery had learned that Elizabeth and Calvin were together, so Wilson arrived at Hastings to fund Elizabeth's research. Donatti initially tried to steer Wilson away, but eventually lied about Elizabeth being a man. Elizabeth's work stopped when Calvin died before Avery or Wilson could approach him. Avery and Wilson attended Calvin's funeral, and the article afterward described Calvin as a difficult man who held grudges after Elizabeth was misquoted as saying she barely knew him. At this, Elizabeth breaks down, saying she loved Calvin and he was the best thing that ever happened to her. Elizabeth sobs on Avery's shoulder for the first time.