The Next Mrs. Parrish

Amber rushes to leave her hotel and catch a nonstop flight to New York, instructing her driver to speed through traffic. With 45 minutes before boarding, Amber settles into the first-class lounge and reflects on her ongoing battle with Jackson. She decides to get even by taking Jax away and ensuring that Jackson never sees his son again. She fantasizes about sending Jackson taunting postcards and brainwashing Jax into despising his father.

When she arrives at her dark and silent former home, she is unsure whether Jackson is asleep and considers surprising him. She cautiously approaches the bedroom door, only to find the bed empty. Startled by the sound of heavy footsteps, she turns around and is confronted by Chloe, who thought that Amber was a burglar. Chloe explains that Jackson has gone to Dallas to pursue Daphne, who fled with their daughters two nights ago. He has mobilized the police and FBI and issued an Amber Alert, but there has been no sign of Daphne and the girls.

The next morning, Amber wakes early. She realizes that with Daphne on the run and Jackson in Dallas, there is nothing left for her in Bishops Harbor, so she decides to flee the country with Jax. She retrieves their passports and books two first-class tickets to the Maldives, imagining her new persona as a wealthy American widow. Before leaving, Amber retrieves three hidden pink diamonds that Jackson knew nothing about. She feels a surge of satisfaction to know that the diamonds will secure her financial future. With everything in place, she is ready to disappear and leave Jackson behind to suffer the consequences of underestimating her.

Daphne stands in shocked disbelief, realizing that her supposed ally, Daisy Ann, has set her up. Jackson storms into the house and taunts Daphne, threatening her with the promise of retribution, but Tallulah fiercely defends her mother and accuses Jackson of mistreating Daphne. Jackson becomes furious when Tallulah refuses to believe his excuses. Daphne then reveals her trump card: the existence of the incriminating recording, which her lawyers are already using to indict him.

Jackson attempts to intimidate Daphne by claiming that the FBI is coming to arrest her for kidnapping their children. Daisy Ann reluctantly confirms Jackson’s statement, and right on cue, there’s a knock on the door. Daisy Ann lets in four federal agents, who announce that they are from the fugitive task force. Jackson smugly instructs the agents to arrest Daphne, but the lead agent informs Jackson that he is the one under arrest. The charges against Jackson include perjury, assault, public corruption, parental interference, and bribery of a judge.

Jackson turns on Daisy Ann, accusing her of tricking him. Daisy Ann coldly admits that she never intended to honor any deals with an abuser like him. Daphne, amazed and grateful, learns that Daisy Ann has collaborated with Meredith to expose Jackson’s crimes. Daisy Ann discovered damning evidence against Jackson, which was enough to exonerate Daphne and expose the true nature of Jackson and Amber’s deceit.

The FBI agents begin to escort Jackson out, and although he attempts to escape, he is swiftly apprehended and handcuffed. With Jackson in custody, Daphne learns that the charges against her have been dropped. Daisy Ann comforts Daphne and explains that she was skeptical of Jackson’s claims that Amber framed him and stole his money. Daisy Ann discovered that Jackson had transferred $4.5 million into her account as part of a fake stock deal, using money that likely had illegal origins. Now, Daphne and Daisy Ann discuss what to do with the funds and decide to donate half to a women’s shelter and put the other half in a trust for Jackson and Amber’s son, Jax, who is now effectively orphaned. Daphne is relieved yet anxious about returning to Bishops Harbor and worries about potential repercussions from the Department of Children and Families, but she is determined to protect her children and hopes for a future that is free from Jackson.

Eager to witness Amber's arrest by the FBI, Daisy Ann drives to the hotel where she believes Amber to be staying. As she drives, Daisy Ann reflects on her first interaction with Jackson Parrish, which occurred a little over a month ago. Jackson had reached out to her, claiming that they had a common enemy in Amber. Although Daisy Ann was wary, Jackson’s claim that Amber had confessed to murdering Daisy Ann’s father caught her attention. Jackson offered to testify against Amber in exchange for her help in reclaiming the millions of dollars that Amber had allegedly stolen from him.

Jackson elaborated on Amber’s scheme to take over Daisy Ann’s company, revealing that Amber had manipulated Wade Ashford, who planned to sell his shares to a shell company controlled by Amber. Jackson proposed that Daisy Ann pretend to go along with the sale and allow him to transfer $4.5 million to her company. In return, Daisy Ann would issue fake stock certificates and then return the money to him. This plan, according to Jackson, would help them both to get revenge on Amber.

However, as Jackson described the details of her father’s murder, Daisy Ann noticed inconsistencies and suspected that Jackson was merely using her to get his money back from Amber. Daisy Ann decided to play along with Jackson’s plan but knew that she had to act cautiously. When Meredith later called Daisy Ann to reveal Jackson’s abusive history and attempts to control Daphne, Daisy Ann’s suspicions were confirmed. Daisy Ann and Meredith devised a plan to expose both Jackson and Amber.

Daisy Ann agreed to work with Jackson, but her true goal was to help Daphne and get revenge on Amber. With Meredith’s help, Daisy Ann ensured that both Jackson and Amber would lose the millions they schemed to steal.

Now, arriving at the Rosewood Hotel, Daisy Ann relishes the prospect of finally seeing Amber pay for her crimes and is determined to be present at every step of Amber’s trial. However, Daisy Ann’s anticipation is abruptly shattered when she receives a text message from her husband, who informs her that Amber checked out of the hotel the day before; the authorities are now searching for Amber. Shocked and frustrated, Daisy Ann realizes that Amber may have slipped away once again.

Amber starts to worry that Jackson might have set a trap for her, as his sudden trip to Dallas makes no sense. Her paranoia grows as she suspects that Jackson and Daphne might be conspiring against her. She calls her friend Remi, explaining that she needs to hide from Jackson, and asks to use Remi’s New York apartment as a temporary refuge. Remi agrees and offers to help further, but Amber insists that she just needs a place to stay until her flight. After ending the call, Amber disables the location services on her phone to prevent Jackson from tracking her.

Amber carefully packs her essentials in a large Prada tote bag and tells Chloe that she is taking Jax to the park; this is a ruse to cover her escape. Amber retrieves cash from a safe deposit box and boards a train to Grand Central Station in New York City. Upon arriving at Remi’s apartment, Amber remains on edge, worrying that Jackson might still find her. She occupies herself by feeding and playing with Jax, and eventually, the time comes to head to the airport.

At the airport, Amber resists the temptation to turn her phone back on. Finally, boarding begins, and as Amber hands her documents to the gate agent, the agent nods to someone behind Amber. Two large men in dark jackets identify themselves as federal marshals and arrest her on charges of murder. Jax is taken from her as the marshals handcuff Amber. Her humiliation intensifies when she sees Daisy Ann standing nearby with a smug expression. Daisy Ann reveals that the authorities have solid evidence against Amber and that her real identity, Lana Crump, is now known.

Amber tries to convince herself that this is all a bluff. She believes that Daisy Ann has bribed someone and that the murder charges will eventually be dropped. However, Amber knows that once her fingerprints are taken, her real identity will be exposed, and she will have to answer for her past crimes. Still, she remains determined to find a way out of this mess.

Daphne anticipates returning to California with her daughters after a stressful DCF investigation that has now been closed, with all charges deemed unsubstantiated. The final paperwork is all that remains before they can return to California. Her sense of relief is shattered when she receives an unexpected phone call from Jackson, who smugly informs her that the charges against him have been dropped. He explains that the perjury charges were dismissed due to the suspicious death of a key witness, and her recording has been ruled inadmissible in court. He is now a free man and intends to pursue full custody of their children. He is confident that he will be able to convince the children that Daphne is unstable. Despite her fear and anger, Daphne refuses to let Jackson intimidate her. As she disconnects the call, she declares that Jackson has already lost and that his attempts to control her are over. She feels a renewed sense of determination and defiance and is ready to fight for her children and her freedom.

This chapter is narrated from Jackson’s third-person perspective. He is in a state of disorientation and confusion as he struggles to understand his surroundings and his condition. He hears muffled voices and is aware of beeping machines and a throbbing pain in his head, but he cannot open his eyes or speak. He recognizes Daphne’s voice among the sounds but cannot fully comprehend what is happening to him.

Jackson’s memories begin to resurface. He recalls a recent evening swim and the aftermath of his interactions with Daphne and his children. He also recalls a tense confrontation with a dangerous figure in a Kiton suit. This man, whom Jackson had hoped to avoid, came for the stolen diamonds that Jackson had failed to safeguard. The situation escalated, resulting in a violent attack on Jackson. He vividly remembers the man’s enforcers beating him. The blow from a tire iron eventually rendered him unconscious.

Now, as Jackson drifts in and out of consciousness, he overhears a conversation between Daphne and a doctor. The doctor explains that Jackson has suffered a brain stem stroke due to a vertebral dissection from neck trauma. This injury has caused significant damage to his brain stem, which controls essential functions like movement and speech. The doctor explains that Jackson is likely suffering from locked-in syndrome, a condition in which a person is cognitively aware but cannot move or communicate.

Jackson’s despair deepens as he processes the implications of his condition. Daphne’s questions reveal the severity of Jackson’s situation and the need for long-term care, which will be managed by a social worker. Jackson feels a profound sense of injustice and blames Amber for his downfall. He regrets the choices that led him to this point and feels that death would have been preferable to the life he now faces, completely reliant on others and unable to engage with the world.

Daisy Ann visits her father’s grave, reflecting on the recent events and her feelings of guilt and responsibility. Daisy Ann places flowers on the graves of her parents and speaks to her father, telling him that justice is being served. She also expresses her sorrow over her failure to prevent the wrongdoing that led to his death.

As she talks to her father, Daisy Ann confronts her own sense of guilt. She acknowledges that her father was an idealist who was easily swayed by his heart and genuine in his beliefs. She also recognizes that Amber was a skilled manipulator who exploited her father’s vulnerabilities. Daisy Ann realizes that the guilt she feels is misplaced, as her father would have made his own choices regardless of her presence or opinions. She recognizes that it is not her responsibility to control or save everyone around her. Despite the personal toll on herself and her family, she finds solace in the thought that her investigation of Amber was not in vain. Mason joins her at the grave site and reassures her that her father would be proud of her. They leave the cemetery together, and Daisy Ann looks up at the sky, feeling a sense of connection with her parents and a renewed determination to move forward. She decides to distance herself from the trial and Amber, trusting the legal system to handle the case. 

Daphne’s return to California has been delayed due to Jackson's severe condition. Although she has been cleared of all charges and Jackson’s criminal charges have also been dropped, his inability to care for himself and the lack of clarity around the motive for his assault have kept her tied up with legal and logistical responsibilities. She meets with Florence Crump, Amber's mother, who is distressed by her daughter's actions and burdened with guilt over her own failure to prevent the tragedies. Daphne reassures Florence that Amber's actions were not her fault.

Florence is particularly concerned about Jax. She is relieved to hear that a trust fund has been set up for him, and Daphne promises to have the lawyers contact Florence about the details. She also extends an offer for Jax to spend summers with her family in California. Florence is deeply moved and agrees.

During the flight home, Daphne reflects on the traumatic events of the past few weeks and wonders if returning to Bishops Harbor was the right decision. Despite the recent difficulties, she finds comfort in the new connection between her daughters and Jax. Visiting Jackson in the hospital and seeing him vulnerable and helpless has brought her a wave of grief and nostalgia over their past life together.

Jackson’s will leaves his house and possessions to be divided among her daughters and Jax, with the trust administered by her. The house is now on the market, and the proceeds will be used to cover Jackson’s care and the children’s future. Daphne notes that although her daughters were initially angry with Jackson, seeing him in his current state has brought them to tears. She is determined to support them through their grief. As they finally arrive in California, Daphne feels a profound sense of relief and gratitude. Her mother welcomes them warmly, and Daphne shares the story of meeting Daisy Ann and describes their plans to visit her ranch.

Amber's experience at the Gunnison County Jail is full of frustration and indignity. Stripped of cash and transported from New York to Colorado in handcuffs, she now struggles with the harsh conditions of her cell. The prison uniform itches, and she is constantly irritated by the arbitrary rules, such as the prohibition against removing her uniform. Her attempts to navigate the system have been complicated further by the ineffective representation of a young lawyer. While waiting to post bail, Amber's frustrations are compounded by the realization that Jackson's house is not in her name. This means that she cannot leverage the property to secure her release. Her attorney, Scott Hamon, has told her that she needs $300,000 to cover the 15% bail amount. With her phone confiscated, she must find alternative ways to access her funds.

Amber devises a plan involving an offshore account and a debit card that is hidden in a kayak at the house. She instructs Hamon to retrieve the card and use it to access her funds for the bail. As night falls, she drifts into a fitful sleep and dreams of escaping to Europe. A few hours later, Amber awakens to find that her bail has been posted. Although she is skeptical that her plan could have been implemented so quickly, Amber becomes hopeful at the prospect of regaining her freedom. As she is escorted to a waiting car, she envisions a new life of luxury in Europe. However, her excitement is short-lived. The man who meets her at the car reveals himself to be an associate of Jackson. He ominously remarks that Amber has stolen from him. Amber realizes that she has walked into a trap and is now being held hostage by the men who attacked Jackson.