Adam Macintosh was killed by Nicky, Chloe's sister and Adam's ex-wife, in self-defense after Adam attacked her. Nicky then fled the scene and later confessed to Chloe. Together, they framed Bill Braddock, Adam's boss, for the murder to protect themselves and expose his criminal activities.

Chloe and Nicky are sisters. Adam was married to Nicky and later married Chloe. Ethan is Adam and Nicky's son, but Chloe is raising him. The complex family dynamic is central to the plot, with Chloe having married Adam after betraying Nicky years earlier.

After Adam's death, Chloe is questioned by detectives and Ethan, Adam's son, is arrested because his DNA was found under Adam's fingernails. The police contact Nicky, Ethan's biological mother, who becomes his legal guardian. Chloe is interrogated extensively, and the investigation reveals family secrets and leads to framing Bill Braddock for the murder.

Bill Braddock is Adam's boss and a villainous character involved in a human trafficking ring. Chloe and Nicky plant the murder weapon in his office and gather evidence against him, leading to his arrest. This framing serves as a key plot device to resolve the murder case.

Initially estranged, Chloe and Nicky grow closer as they confront the murder investigation and family secrets. Nicky drives from Ohio to confront Adam, kills him in self-defense, and confesses to Chloe. They collaborate to frame Bill Braddock and later co-parent Ethan, write a book together, and leverage Chloe's magazine to expose police misconduct, ending on a relatively positive note.