Never Lie Chapter 34 (Chapter 35) Summary & Analysis

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This page contains detailed plot points from Chapter 34 of Never Lie. If you haven't finished the book, proceed with caution.

Summary

Adrienne has drugged EJ with Ativan mixed into his wine. After he loses consciousness, she takes his phone, uses his thumbprint to unlock it, and locates the blackmail video of her slashing a tire. She then calls Luke for help. Luke arrives and, despite his moral objections, deletes the video from EJ’s phone. Adrienne hands him EJ’s house keys so he can break into EJ’s home and delete the video from his computer. Luke initially resists but eventually agrees after Adrienne’s emotional plea. While Luke is away, Adrienne watches over the unconscious EJ, fearing he might have received too much sedative. After over an hour, Luke texts that the job is done, but his cold tone suggests their relationship may be damaged. Adrienne reflects on her fear of losing Luke and realizes she wants him to move in permanently.

Key Events

Adrienne successfully drugs EJ with Ativan in wine; he becomes unconscious.
She takes EJ’s phone, unlocks it with his thumbprint, and finds the blackmail video.
Adrienne texts Luke to come downstairs and asks him to delete the video from EJ’s phone.
Luke deletes the video from the phone; Adrienne gives him EJ’s house keys to break into the computer.
Luke hesitates, referencing the Milgram experiment, but eventually agrees under emotional pressure.
Adrienne monitors EJ’s pulse, fearing she may have overdosed him; he stirs but remains asleep.
Luke returns after one hour, confirming the computer video is deleted, but his distant behavior worries Adrienne.
Adrienne realizes she deeply loves Luke and wants him to move in with her permanently.

Character Development

Adrienne becomes increasingly ruthless in protecting herself, willing to drug and manipulate others. Her emotional vulnerability emerges as she fears losing Luke, revealing a desire for intimacy and stability.
Luke is torn between his moral compass and his loyalty to Adrienne. He complies with her illegal requests but shows clear disapproval, suggesting a potential rift in their relationship.
EJ remains a passive, unconscious victim throughout the chapter, highlighting how Adrienne has turned the tables on her blackmailer.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

The Milgram Experiment is explicitly referenced by Adrienne to justify her actions. She interprets the experiment to mean that anyone can commit terrible acts if pushed hard enough—foreshadowing her own moral descent and Luke’s reluctant complicity.
Control and Power Dynamics: Adrienne seizes control from EJ (drugging him, taking his phone, sending Luke to his house) only to risk losing control over Luke. The balance of power in her relationships is fragile.
Secrets and Moral Compromise: The video represents Adrienne’s past wrongdoing; deleting it requires further wrongdoing (breaking and entering, drugging). The chapter explores how covering up a misdeed can lead to greater crimes.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter marks a turning point where Adrienne fully commits to unethical actions to protect herself. The strain on her relationship with Luke introduces emotional stakes beyond the blackmail plot. The Milgram experiment reference provides a psychological lens for understanding the characters’ decisions and foreshadows the possibility of further moral compromises.

Study Questions & Answers

1. Why does Adrienne reference the Milgram experiment? She uses it to argue that ordinary people will follow orders to do terrible things when pressured by an authority figure—in this case, herself pressuring Luke. It also reflects her belief that anyone, including herself, is capable of extreme acts under duress.

2. What does Adrienne’s treatment of Luke reveal about her character? She prioritizes her own survival over his comfort and ethical boundaries. Yet her later regret and desire for him to move in show a deep emotional neediness that contrasts with her controlling exterior.

3. How does the chapter set up future conflict between Adrienne and Luke? Luke’s cold tone and refusal to talk about what he did suggest he may no longer trust or respect Adrienne. This emotional distance could lead to a breakup or, worse, Luke becoming a threat to her secrets.