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When the Lights Went Dead by Riley Shore 3 Summary In this chapter, the tension escalates as the doctor reveals to Ethan that he is not the biological son of the Simmons family, a truth that shocks and devastates him. The news also deeply unsettles the narrator's mother, while the narrator remains composed. The father sternly instructs the doctor to keep the matter confidential, warning Ethan about the consequences if the secret leaks. Back at home, the atmosphere is heavy and silent as the family gathers in the study.
The father announces a press conference to publicly declare that Vivian is officially part of the Simmons family, explaining that there were triplets at birth and one was taken away. This plan mirrors the narrator's previous life, and despite Vivian's attempt to speak, the father's authority silences her. Ethan, though not truly a biological son, is kept as the heir for the family's reputation, and no disputes are allowed outside the home. The narrator is tasked by her father to help Vivian adjust and teach her family manners, while also supporting Ethan despite knowing he is an impostor.
This arrangement leaves the narrator feeling hollow, recalling how her father had once abandoned her when she was labeled the impostor. The father's cold favor toward Ethan stirs a deep chill within her, yet she is expected to uphold the family's image. At the press conference, the father manipulates the reports so all three children are declared biological Simmons, quashing any rumors with swift intimidation. Vivian begins using the Simmons name, but both she and Ethan harbor resentment toward the narrator.
Ethan mutters in frustration, blaming her for his lost status, while Vivian openly expresses bitterness and hatred, refusing to learn the family's etiquette. Despite their mutual dislike, Vivian and Ethan unite against the narrator, making her life increasingly difficult as they force themselves to cooperate out of shared animosity. Continue Regular Chapter Reading Below Chapter 3 I watched as the doctor dragged Ethan off for a blood test , his face contorted with frustration , and a quiet sense of satisfaction stirred inside me.Ethan Simmons , this is what you deserve .
While we waited , Vivian kept gazing tearfully at my mother , while I sat beside my father , perfectly composed . The only one pacing back and forth anxiously was Ethan . His footsteps echoed endlessly down the hallway until the doctor finally opened the door . " What's the result ? " Ethan rushed forward , almost snatching the report from the doctor's hand , but years of discipline under my father's watch kept him from losing all decorum . " Mr. Simmons , the report shows that Ethan is not the biological son of you and Mrs. Simmons .
" That single sentence made Ethan's eyes go dark ; he nearly collapsed on the spot . " This ... this can't be true ... " My mother turned pale , swaying in her chair . I reached out and steadied her , gently rubbing her back to calm her breathing . My father stared coldly at the report , his tone low and sharp . " I expect no one to know about what happened today except for us and you . Otherwise , be careful with your job . " The doctor broke into a cold sweat but nodded quickly . " Yes , Mr. Simmons . " When we returned home , the air was heavy with silence .
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My father dismissed all the servants to their rooms , leaving the five of us sitting in the study , staring at one another . At last , my father spoke . " Tomorrow , I'll hold a press conference and release the reports . " " We'll announce that there were triplets at birth and one was taken away . Vivian will be officially registered as part of the Simmons family . " Chapter 3 33.33 % MoboReader 4.3 FREE ? Elite Businesswoman Returns to Rescue Abused Sister from Cruel Relatives Google Play INSTALL It was exactly the same arrangement as in my previous life .
Vivian opened her mouth to speak , but one look from my father's stern face silenced her . Ethan didn't even try to protest . Of course , why would he ? Even if he wasn't truly one of us , my father had already decided to keep him . There was nothing left for him to say . " Clara and Ethan have both done well in school , and their graduation banquet has already been held . " " The Simmons family must not lose face over this . I expect all of you to understand - no fighting or discord outside this house . Do I make myself clear ? " We all nodded quietly . Before I left , my father stopped me .
" Clara , you're the elder sister . Vivian may need time to adjust now that she's home . You should look after her and teach her our family manners . " I nodded . " I understand , father . " " And although Ethan is not your real brother , he has been raised as the heir to the Simmons Group . Everyone knows this . You must support him as you always have , understood ? " I bowed my head in agreement , though my heart felt hollow .
In my last life , once I was labeled the impostor , my father had abandoned me without hesitation , treating me as a a fragile , dependent woman who couldn't stand on her own . Now , even knowing Ethan was the impostor , he chose to protect him for the sake of the family's reputation . After eighteen years of pretending that he valued me equally , while favoring the son in secret , I could not help feeling a chill deep inside . My father rose and placed a hand on my shoulder . " Clara , don't disappoint my trust . " When the press conference was held , it caused an uproar .
My father had somehow arranged for Ethan's report to be altered , and in the official statement , all three of us were declared the biological children of the Simmons family . Chapter 3 33.33 %/> MoboReader Elite Businesswoman Returns to Rescue Abused Sister from Cruel Relatives 4.3 FREE Google Play INSTALL Anyone who tried to stir rumors was quickly silenced . My father would never tolerate anything that might threaten the reputation of our family - or the corporation . Vivian was officially registered under the Simmons name and began using it as her own .
Though Ethan remained acknowledged , the fear and humiliation in his heart soon turned into resentment toward me . Sometimes , when I passed his room late at night , I could hear him muttering to himself . " It's all Clara's fault . If she'd just admitted it back then , I'd still be the perfect Simmons heir . Now , every time something happens , I can't help wondering if my secret's been exposed . " Vivian was even more direct . I was ordered by my father to teach her how to act like a proper young lady of the Simmons family , yet she refused to learn .
Instead , she stared at me with eyes full of hatred . " We're both their daughters . Why wasn't it you who was taken away back then ? " " If I hadn't been switched , I wouldn't have ended up like this - having to relearn everything from scratch ! " I accepted all her resentment without complaint , keeping the door open while I taught her every bit of etiquette I knew , making sure the servants passing by could hear every word clearly . Unknowingly , her bitterness spread through the household , and before long , both she and Ethan found common ground in their dislike of me .
After all , for enemies , nothing binds stronger than a shared hatred . To make my life miserable , they swallowed their disgust and forced themselves to get along . Chapter Conclusion The chapter closes on a heavy note, capturing the complex emotional landscape that now defines the Simmons family. Clara's quiet strength and composure contrast sharply with the turmoil surrounding Ethan and Vivian, whose resentment and bitterness only deepen the fractures within the household.
Despite the outward appearance of unity and the careful maintenance of the family's reputation, the undercurrents of jealousy, betrayal, and unspoken pain ripple through every interaction, leaving Clara isolated yet resolute in her role. Amidst the tension and hidden wounds, Clara's acceptance of her responsibilities and her determination to support both Vivian and Ethan reveal a poignant sense of duty and sacrifice. The chapter underscores the fragile facade that the family maintains, hinting at the emotional costs of preserving appearances.
The uneasy alliance between Vivian and Ethan hints at a brewing storm that could challenge Clara's carefully maintained composure and her father's strict control over the family's image. Emotions will run high as Clara strives to uphold her father's expectations while grappling with the cold reality of favoritism and betrayal she has long endured. The pressure to maintain appearances may force difficult choices, and the simmering hostility within the household could erupt in unexpected ways.
Readers can anticipate a chapter filled with subtle power plays, emotional confrontations, and the deepening of complex relationships that will shape the course of the Simmons family's future.
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