Episode 7 of "The Better Sister" unfolds with a poignant flashback to the eve of Chloe's event, where Adam, weary of their celebrity lifestyle, ignites a contentious argument. He pushes her boundaries and unfairly casts the blame for his frustration solely on her shoulders. Meanwhile, Ethan, engaged in conversation with Nicky, inadvertently witnesses the entire altercation.
In the present timeline, Chloe confides in Ethan, asserting with conviction that despite her anger, she did not take Adam's life. The following morning, Ethan finds himself entertained as Nicky and Chloe reminisce fondly about their childhood, recounting how they transformed a solemn prayer into an exhilarating ghost story. For Chloe, the prayer's narrative conclusion resided at Wallace Lake, whereas Nicky preferred the eerie allure of Shadow Lake.
The police investigation returns to its starting point, as Jake presents an unassailable alibi. The lieutenant, keenly aware of the case's high-profile nature, insists that they must swiftly identify the perpetrator.
Elsewhere, Michelle spends time with Jake, and their interaction is devoid of any lingering animosity. They share lighthearted jokes about the chaotic and shadowy world of affluent whites, with Michelle cautioning him to steer clear of the Macintoshes. Unbeknownst to them, Chloe arrives to apologize but inadvertently eavesdrops on their conversation. After Michelle departs, Jake's demeanor shifts to one of defeat. He's heartbroken that Chloe has manipulated his feelings for her, confirming that their sexual encounter before the second hearing was their inaugural intimacy, and no affair had transpired. He requests that she leave him.
As Chloe makes her way back, she encounters Matt, who reveals that he's been trailing her. He warns her to be vigilant regarding Olivero, his intense focus leaving her unnerved and puzzled.
The police finally gained a breakthrough when Clark disclosed that Arty had been ejected from the bar at 7 PM following a contentious altercation. A vivid flashback unfolds, revealing Adam sheltering within the bar's confines, forsaking Chloe's party. Chloe, prompting Clark to eject him from the premises.
Nancy proceeds to her psychological evaluation, unearthing the depths of her traumatic past. She had been relentlessly pursuing a trafficker and, after an exhausting investigation, finally pinned him down. Impetuously, she attacked him instead of awaiting backup, nearly paying with her life. The therapist emphasizes the necessity of a supportive network that can empathetically comprehend her struggles.
Returning to their NYC apartment, Arty's face lights up with relief upon seeing Ethan back home. Chloe expresses gratitude for his vigilance over the boy, then proceeds to inspect Adam's computer, her mood darkening as she discovers Bill has expunged all files pertaining to Gentry.
Ethan makes the poignant decision to scatter Adam's ashes, delivering a heartfelt eulogy. Adam, a tempestuous father, instilled fear in Ethan. Yet, beneath the anger, Ethan knew there was love.
Nancy trails Nicky relentlessly, cornering her at an AA meeting and cunningly pocketing one of Nicky's cigarettes for a DNA analysis, only to find herself outmaneuvered by her adversary. In a stroke of ingenuity, Nicky enlists Kevin to shadow Nancy discreetly.
Elsewhere, Chloe unveils her intention to return to work to Catherine, who expresses empathy towards Nicky's plight. Chloe acknowledges that severing ties with Nicky was a pragmatic decision but now harbors regrets. Catherine proposes a novel solution: penning a book about the ordeal, donating the royalties to Nicky, and thus inviting her into their exclusive circle as a gesture of redemption.
Concurrently, Nicky ventures into an assisted living facility where Nancy is visiting Eddy, a disabled resident. Inquiry from a nurse reveals a disturbing truth – Nancy is implicated in Eddy's injuries and pays sporadic visits under the guise of concern.
Chloe, meanwhile, crosses paths with Bill who vows for a clean slate, insisting his innocence in deleting files and cautioning her to steer clear of the FBI. Skeptical of his sincerity, Chloe exits, leaving Bill to scheme with his assistant. Partially prescient, Bill's warning is echoed by Agent Olivero's unwelcome visit to Jake's place. Olivero, who has been blackmailing Adam and Jake to dig dirt on Gentry, employs brute force when Jake hesitates to comply.
Elsewhere, Nancy confronts Arty, grilling him about his alibi, which he validates with tales of an extramarital affair. Though the affair checks out, Arty's revelation that Nicky is caring for Adam's mother in Ohio stuns Nancy. Simultaneously, Olivero meets Matt, deepening the web of intrigue.
Amidst the tension, Chloe receives her usual death threats, while Nicky attempts to infuse levity into the grim atmosphere. Their conversation is abruptly halted by Ethan, who has requested files related to the pool incident. The report reveals that Ethan remained coherent despite the chill, while Nicky was found under the influence of pills and alcohol, muttering the Wallace Lake prayer when Adam discovered her.
Thus, the narrative deepens, with each thread intertwining to form a tapestry of deceit, redemption, and intrigue.
The trio is left stunned, realizing that Ethan's survival defies their initial fears of drowning. Chloe had confided in Adam about the Wallace Lake prank, unaware that Nicky had crafted her own variation at Shadow Lake. The truth dawns on them: Adam has been deceitful.
A montage from the past unfolds, depicting Nicky placing Ethan in a float and lounging around the house. Adam enters the scene, disturbed to find Ethan floating solitary in the pool. Without hesitation, he spikes her lemonade with a sedative. Once Nicky consumes it, she slumps unconscious into the water. Adam promptly dials 911, falsely declaring an emergency – his wife and son in peril.
In the present, Chloe engages in a heated exchange with Hallucination Adam, who insists that Nicky's intentions toward Ethan were致命的, merely a matter of time. He justifies his actions, claiming to have done it for his son. He further asserts that Chloe's life would have taken a drastically different turn had Nicky remained in their lives. Chloe, filled with regret over her involuntary restraint, weeps openly.
Nicky steps in to soothe her, confessing that she stumbled upon those damning files years ago. Though angry with Adam, she acknowledges that Chloe has been Ethan's superior mother. Her heart shattered when Adam also destroyed Chloe's life. This personal tragedy compelled her return to safeguard Chloe. Chloe is taken aback by Nicky's heartfelt revelation, as "The Better Sister" Episode 7 draws to a poignant close.
