Episode 6 of "The Better Sister" kicks off with a haunting flashback to Adam in the confessional, where he scorns Ethan for his prodigal tendencies. He accuses Chloe of enabling Ethan's nefarious deeds, insisting that he is the lone crusader striving to mend his son's wayward path.
In the present day, Nicky attempts to confront Chloe, who seems more consumed by superficialities. Their altercation escalates into a physical skirmish, prompting Nancy to intervene, ultimately landing a blow and cuffing Nicky. Michelle, realizing the chaos, commands them to cease and devises a new strategy. She tasks Nicky with portraying the role of the neglectful mother, hoping Ethan will appreciate Adam's parenting by contrast. As for Chloe, her mission is to delve into Adam's files and uncover another suspect. She hastily gathers whatever she can from Adam's office, narrowly escaping detection by Bill, managing to conceal a USB drive in the nick of time.
Nancy seeks solace and advice at her former mentor, Clark's bar. He cautions her to tread carefully, reminding her that her reputation is already tarnished and she can ill-afford another slip-up. He suggests a psychological evaluation to quell the authorities' concerns and discusses the case, surmising that Nicky's chaotic demeanor might be a calculated act to deflect attention from Ethan.
Another flashback transports us to a disturbing scene where Nicky arrives at her mother's place, thoroughly intoxicated. While others are alarmed, Sheila tenderly nurses Nicky back to composure.
Switching back to the present, Nicky attends an AA meeting, where she reflects on how Chloe and Adam once seemed to be shielding Ethan from her influence. Yet, she is distressed to find that they have similarly derailed his path, threatening her bond with him once again. After the session, she converses with her friend Debbie about some pending orders, her mind still tumultuous with emotions.
Meanwhile, Matt arrives at the FBI Headquarters, attempting to identify the agent accompanying Chloe but is reluctantly compelled to depart. Concurrently, Chloe encounters Agent Olivero and hands him the USB. To her dismay, he declines to assist in Ethan's case and even issues her a threat. Distressed, she dashes away and dials Michelle's number.
Switching to Nicky, she strolls with Ken, their conversation drifting to Adam. She reveals Adam's resentment towards Ethan's dependence on her and his violent outbursts when she indulged in alcohol. Ken underscores that Adam and Chloe deserted her instead of offering aid, urging her to acknowledge her anger towards them. In a moment of vulnerability, she dives into the water for a skinny dip, her mind revisiting the harrowing day at the pool.
On Chloe's end, she confides in Jake about the FBI's scrutiny on Gentry, her frustration evident as she learns of his prior knowledge. She implores him to testify against Gentry, but he declines, citing their immense power. Jake expresses his helpless wish to aid her, leading to an intimate encounter between them.
Chloe's scheming is palpable as Dom receives a tip warning of a bombshell from the sisters during their testimonies. He scorns Nancy, who reminds him that he himself instructed them to discard leads unrelated to Ethan.
Back at their residence, Chloe and Nicky break into Adam's briefcase, uncovering the gun. Nicky suggests making themselves suspects to throw off suspicion, but Chloe pleads with her to heed Michelle's advice. She acknowledges Ethan's need for them, touching Nicky's heart. Chloe admits her mistake in excluding Nicky from their efforts.
Prior to the upcoming hearing, Michelle informs Ethan that a plea bargain is his best option despite his innocence. Ethan wishes he had physically harmed his father, to which Michelle offers solace. Bill and Jake arrive to lend their support, while Chloe feigns gratitude. Catherine brings forth individuals Chloe has assisted and sponsored, creating a spectacle. Ken advises Nicky to speak her truth and move forward.
Nicky mounts the witness stand, meticulously portraying Adam as a paragon of virtue, discipline, and philanthropy. She believed that his influence could transform her, acknowledging that Adam was a positive force for Ethan, unlike herself, which prompted her to relinquish her custody rights. However, Dom's cross-examination takes a damaging turn as he brandishes a burner phone to demonstrate Ethan's capacity for deceit. Since Ethan concealed the gun and the trolling account from Nicky, she finds herself unable to vouch for his innocence unequivocally.
The narrative shifts with Chloe's chilling testimony. She recounts urging Ethan to switch from prosecution to a private firm, which led to his resentment towards her and their superficial, pretentious lifestyle. His frustration culminated in physical abuse, a dark secret shared only with Jake, who was also entangled in an affair with Chloe. Additionally, Jake harbored resentment towards Adam. Nicky appears impressed by Chloe's revelation, while Jake is visibly upset at being implicated.
Called to the stand, Jake is treated with suspicion by Michelle. It transpires that he was the recipient of Chloe's burner phone texts on the night of the murder. His demeanor is melancholic yet resigned to his role in Ethan's defense, declining to answer every inquiry, including the direct accusation of murdering Adam.
In her closing argument, Michelle reminds the jury of the absence of a murder weapon and concrete proof placing Ethan at the crime scene on the night of the murder. She contends that the prosecution's case hinges on hearsay and conjecture, suggesting Jake as a more plausible suspect.
During the recess, Nicky weeps in the bathroom, her vulnerability comforted by Chloe's reassuring handshake. Relief washes over Nicky's face as the verdict acquits Ethan. Solitary in her departure, she harbors a secret—the murder weapon tucked away in her purse.
Back at Ethan's place, Nicky prepares a meal while Chloe retrieves his belongings. Ethan apologizes for the hateful comments, and Chloe understands his anger stemmed from their strained relationship and his resentment towards Adam. Despite Ethan's concerns for Jake, Chloe remains indifferent. Intrigued by the mention of bloody shoes, she learns that Ethan orchestrated the entire scenario to shield her. Confounded by his belief in her guilt, the episode of "The Better Sister" concludes on a cliffhanger, leaving viewers eager for more.
