The DNA Test That Will Shatter Their Lies Novel

When the Lights Went Dead by Riley Shore 5 Summary In this chapter, the narrator reflects on the nature of cruelty, believing that the worst way to destroy someone is to quietly clear the path for their downfall rather than confronting them directly. She contrasts this with Vivian's childish schemes, which only succeed because the narrator allows them to happen. A sudden scream from Vivian's room signals a dramatic event: Ethan, drunk and naked, is found on top of Vivian, who accuses him of trying to force himself on her.

Their parents arrive, and after a slap from their father, Ethan realizes the gravity of his actions and apologizes, while the parents decide to end the matter quietly, advising Ethan to drink less. After the parents and Ethan leave, Vivian expresses her anger that their father seems indifferent to her reputation. The narrator comforts her and explains that Vivian's approach is naive; real power lies in reputation and strategic manipulation, like their father's tactics in business where he uses scandal and public opinion as weapons.

She reveals that their father has always favored Ethan and now spoils Vivian to make up for lost time, leaving the narrator feeling sidelined. The narrator admits her own struggles with feeling unimportant compared to her siblings but hopes that when Vivian eventually inherits the family business, she will leave her a way to live. Vivian, confident and pleased, promises to take care of the narrator once she gains their father's love. The chapter ends with a subtle moment of connection between the sisters, marked by a faint smile from the narrator.

Continue Regular Chapter Reading Below Chapter 5 I had long believed that the cruellest way to destroy someone was not to strike them yourself but to clear the path beneath their feet and watch them walk into the abyss.Vivian , however , never understood that . Her schemes were childish , and if I hadn't quietly cleared the path for her , she wouldn't have been able to get even half of what she wanted . It was a pity that in my last life , I had been foolish enough to fall for such naïve tricks . A scream tore through the silence of the night . It came from Vivian's room .

The moment I heard it , I knew she had made her move . By the time I strolled over , a group of servants was already gathered at her door , and my father and mother stood there , weary - faced . " Clara , you're just in time . " Father gestured for me to open the door . I stepped forward , turned the handle , and pushed it open . Inside , Ethan was sprawled naked on top of Vivian . I froze , momentarily forgetting to send the servants away . The moment Vivian saw the door open , she cried hoarsely , tears choking her voice . " Father , Mother , Sister - help me ! He ...

he tried to force himself on me ! " My father's face changed instantly . He dismissed the servants with a wave of his hand , then went in with my mother to pull the drunken Ethan off her . His palm cracked across Ethan's face . That slap seemed to sober him . Realizing what he had done , Ethan's face flushed crimson , his darting everywhere but forward . " F - Father , I ... I must have gone into the wrong room . I didn't mean ... eyes Father let out a long , heavy sigh . After a moment , he said quietly , " That's enough . Let's end it here . Ethan ... drink less next time .

" Vivian's shoulders shook as she sobbed , then stilled for a moment . I looked at her with concern . " Father , let me stay and keep my sister company . " He nodded and left with my mother - who was still too shocked to speak - and Ethan . Chapter 5 55.56 % MoboReader Elite Businesswoman Returns to Rescue Abused Sister from Cruel Relatives 4.3 FREE Google Play INSTALL As soon as the door closed , Vivian wiped her tears away , her voice trembling with fury . " How could he not care about his own daughter's reputation ? " I reached out and gently patted her back . " Too little .

" Vivian blinked , confused . " What do you mean , too little ? " My tone was gentle . " You still lack experience . " The " These petty tricks inside the house will never cause a real stir . " Vivian stared at me blankly . For the first time , she seemed pliant - easy to guide . " Do you know how Father deals with rival companies when he runs the Simmons Group ? " I asked . Vivian shook her head . " He uses reputation as a weapon . He leaks stories about the rival executives ' scandals , lets the news drive their stocks down , and turns public opinion against them .

" " And while chaos brews , Father hides behind the curtain , wearing a mask of sorrow and righteousness to win everyone's sympathy . " I looked at her seriously . " It's a dirty tactic , but you can't deny - it works . " Vivian listened , almost convinced , but suddenly her eyes narrowed in suspicion . " So you used that tactic on me too ? " I shook my head , with a downcast look on my face . " Father has always favored Ethan . Now that you're back , he'll spoil you to make up for the eighteen years you were gone . I've never been the important one .

" I caught the flicker of satisfaction on her face and pressed her a little further . " All I want is something simple . When you inherit the Simmons Group one day , I just hope you'll Chapter 5 MoboReader 55.56 % D Elite Businesswoman Returns to Rescue Abused Sister from Cruel Relatives 4.3 FREE Google Play INSTALL leave me a way to live . " " I know I've never been able to compete - first with Ethan , and now with you . " Vivian smiled , pleased . " Don't worry , Sister . Once Father comes to love me , I'll take care of you .

" Hearing her promise , I lowered my head and let a faint smile curve at the corner of my lips . Conclusion The chapter closes on a poignant note of reluctant understanding and fragile alliance between the sisters. Clara's cold recognition of the family's ruthless dynamics and Vivian's naïve yet hopeful resolve highlight the complex interplay of power, love, and survival within their fractured household.

Despite the pain and betrayal, there is a subtle shift as Vivian begins to see the harsh realities that Clara has long endured, and Clara, in turn, finds a glimmer of hope in Vivian's promise to protect her when the tides turn. This moment of tentative connection underscores the theme of resilience amid emotional turmoil, showing that even in a world shadowed by manipulation and favoritism, bonds can still form and offer a measure of solace.

The delicate balance of trust and manipulation will be tested, revealing just how far each sister is willing to go to secure her place. Emotions will run high as past wounds and unspoken resentments resurface, challenging the fragile alliance between Clara and Vivian. The shadows of favoritism and betrayal loom large, and readers can expect moments of vulnerability intertwined with calculated moves. The question remains: will their newfound understanding be enough to withstand the storms ahead, or will the abyss Clara once spoke of finally claim them both?