Emily Thorne is the newest arrival in the Hamptons. By all appearances, she's a friendly and sophisticated "girl next door," but with a dark family history, Emily is anything but what she seems. Seventeen years ago, her father was framed for a crime by neighbors he trusted, and sentenced to life. Emily never saw her father again, and spent her childhood consumed by rage, loss and betrayal. Now she's returning under an assumed identity with one goal - REVENGE -- every social overture a carefully planned chip at the foundation of her sworn enemies. Victoria Grayson is the glamorous matriarch of the Grayson family and reigning Queen of the Hamptons who holds a dark secret -- her culpability in the events that destroyed Emily's life. Conrad Grayson is the head of the Grayson family, a man willing to do whatever it takes to slither out of scandalous situations. Daniel Grayson is the Graysons' son who finds himself unable to resist Emily. Charlotte Grayson, their daughter, fits right in with the "mean girls" of the Hamptons, but is also drawn to boys from the "wrong side of the tracks." Nolan Ross shares a link to Emily's past, her present and her secret. Jack Porter has spent his life helping his father manage the Stowaway Tavern, and when fate brings Emily into his life, he's unable to shake a déjà vu-like connection to her. Declan Porter, Jack's kid brother, is intrigued by the wealthy world of these elite vacationers and finds a target in Charlotte Grayson. Emily's closest friend, Ashley Davenport, is the go-to event planner who hopes to gain entrée into Victoria's good graces and solidify her status among the Hamptonites.

With unexpected assistance from her new ally, Nolan, Emily makes it her mission to destroy the political and professional life of the district attorney who convicted her father. Victoria very privately grieves the loss of her only true love while plotting to confirm her suspicions about Emily's past. Meanwhile, Daniel exposes a side of himself that Emily finds impossible to resist.