After purchasing the company contracted to publish Caress' book, ""Sister Dearest,"" Alexis savors crushing her sister's grandiose dreams of literary fame and fortune. Jackie learns that her birth certificate lists her father as ""unknown."" Dominique, called to testify at Blake's trial, has no time to explain and Jackie leaves in tears. Vying for the inheritance he was denied, Ben accuses Blake of maliciously turning their father against him. Blake's rise to power is exposed by the incriminating testimony of those closest to him. Despite Ben's inflammatory accusations, Blake's case remains strong until Alexis takes the stand against him.

Blake's hopes are renewed when a key witness, Franklin, admits that Alexis paid him to alter his testimony. But Franklin later arrives in court intoxicated and is unable to answer any questions. Angered by the drunken witness, the judge rules in favor of Ben, and Blake is forced to surrender one-fourth of the family estate. Blake vows to appeal and is determined to track down the mysterious woman who can clear his name. Bart is dropped from the senatorial race when newspaper headlines announce his homosexuality. Bart is relieved, but Steven is outraged and argues with a remorseless Adam. Bart's father, Buck, turns to Blake for advice. Dex offers Clay Fallmont a job on the pipeline. As Blake and Dex review construction particulars, a rancorous ex-employee orchestrates a potentially fatal accident. Buck Fallmont's wife, Emily, is ready to confess that she and Ben met the night of Ellen Carrington's tragic death. Fearing discovery, Ben warns Emily of the scandal that would result if she d

Alexis signs a legal document relinquishing all control of Denver-Carrington and the mansion back to Blake, as his promise to use Emily's incriminating letter has its desired effect. Battling Alexis for equal control of Colbyco, Ben threatens to reveal the truth behind their deceitful crusade against Blake. Blake approaches his maligned brother with an offer of reconciliation, only to have Ben vow to continue his vendetta against him. Steven, recovering from a hangover induced by an old acquaintance's proposition, is forced to confide his gay past to Claire. A mutual alliance between Michael Culhane and Alexis to seek vengeance against Blake is sealed with a champagne toast. Upon reading a slanderous column in Alexis' newspaper, Dominique confronts the deflated empress and a good old cat-fight ensues. Remembering the affects of the mysterious phone calls from Australia on Ben, Alexis sends Adam to Sydney to learn more of Ben's sordid past.