Phyllis gathers Nick, Summer, and the extended Newman family under the guise of a casual brunch, but the tense atmosphere signals that something life-altering is coming. She reveals a DNA test she secretly ordered, admitting she should have spoken up years earlier. Phyllis explains that the results show Summer is not Nick’s biological daughter. The revelation lands heavily, shocking everyone in the room. She then drops the bombshell that Adam Newman is Summer’s biological father. Summer immediately denies it, insisting the test must be wrong. Phyllis admits she had the test done twice to be sure. Nick struggles to process the betrayal and demands answers. Phyllis claims she acted to protect Summer and remove Adam’s leverage. The family reels as their sense of identity and trust fractures instantly.

Nick confronts Phyllis with fury, accusing her of lying and manipulating the truth for years. Summer questions why her mother waited so long to reveal something so devastating. Phyllis insists she wanted to control the narrative before Adam could use it against them. Nick’s anger escalates as he accuses her of destroying their family. Overwhelmed by rage and grief, Nick suddenly lunges at Phyllis and grabs her by the throat. The room erupts as Summer and others rush to pull him away. Sharon and Nikki intervene, begging Nick to stop. Nick releases Phyllis and flees in horror at what he has done. Phyllis collapses, shaken and injured, while the family is left stunned. The incident marks a violent turning point that no one can undo.

Police later respond to the domestic disturbance, and Nick is consumed by shame and grief. Phyllis seeks medical attention and legal counsel, knowing the fallout will be severe. Summer demands a second independent DNA test, clinging to hope. The results confirm Adam is indeed her biological father. Adam reacts cautiously, acknowledging the truth without triumph. Public opinion fractures, condemning Nick’s violence while sympathizing with his pain. The district attorney weighs charges as Nikki and Sharon advocate for Nick. Summer files a formal complaint and obtains a restraining order, forcing everyone to confront the damage. Nick begins therapy and submits to legal consequences, admitting responsibility for his actions. The family is pushed into painful conversations about anger, truth, and accountability.

Phyllis apologizes publicly and privately, questioning whether her confession was courage or betrayal. Adam offers Summer honesty and a presence only on her terms. Summer asserts her need for time and insists the people who raised her still matter most. Nick faces misdemeanor domestic violence charges and is ordered into anger management and therapy. Months pass as the family struggles through setbacks and slow progress. Nick volunteers and works to rebuild trust through consistent change. Summer attends therapy and begins redefining her identity beyond biology. Phyllis dedicates herself to repair and accountability rather than control. Gradually, fragile connections begin to form again. In a quiet moment, Nick and Summer share pizza and conversation, choosing patience, boundaries, and the difficult work of healing over denial.