The Better Sister

Questioned by Olivia in court, Ethan claims that he found his headphones and shoes after reporting them missing. Asserting that he loves Chloe, he explains that his KurtLoMein posts sprang from a desire for his stepmother’s attention as she became increasingly busy with work. Ethan states that he recorded footage of his father because he wanted to confront him over his uncontrolled rage. He cracks under cross-examination, admitting that his father was violently abusing Chloe.

Chloe admits to Nicky and Olivia that Ethan’s testimony is true. Adam’s violent behavior escalated from grabbing her during arguments to hitting her. She felt she could not leave her husband because she had no legal claim to custody of Ethan, and she was too ashamed to tell anyone about the abuse.

Olivia tells Chloe and Nicky that the case has reached a point where reasonable doubt may not be enough to save Ethan. In the circumstances, it would be helpful to present an alternative suspect who had reason to kill Adam. Chloe tells Olivia about her affair with Jake. Unaware of Chloe’s motives, Jake readily agrees to appear as a witness for the defense.