LYNNE brings PAUL some paperwork to complete but he is restless and can't concentrate on anything but his mother and father. He's so afraid that Mary will get hurt because her Faith is like the Rock of Gibraltar. CHRIS stops by to check on Paul because she knew that he was worried. Paul apologizes for his terrible mood. He's so concerned about how his mother will react when she finds out about Ruth. He is also worried about Charlie. Chris tells him that the matter is simply out of their hands now and regardless of what happens, someone is going to get hurt. Paul sees CHARLIE standing in his office doorway and realizes that he overheard some of their conversation. Charlie admits that he couldn't help overhearing and the reason he's there is because of his concern for Mary's well being. He has purposely stayed away so that Mary could absorb the shock of Carl's sudden appearance. In fact, he's on his way over to see Mary now. Paul insists that Charlie not visit now because his father is there. Charlie wonders if Carl has remembered anything else and Paul tells him no. Charlie realizes that Paul wants to see his father and mother together and Paul admits that he does. Chris tries to explain that since she found Carl in Norfolk last year there have been mixed emotions. Having thought that Carl re-appeared on his own, Charlie is furious and accuses Paul and Chris of playing games. Paul encouraged Charlie's relationship with Mary and even accepted their engagement knowing that Carl was alive and living elsewhere. Charlie won't stand by and watch as Mary gets hurt. He feels she's suffered alone for too long and they've found happiness together -- a happiness that he won't even let Carl Williams take away from them. As Charlie turns to leave, Paul begs him not to interfere with Carl and Mary's visit. Charlie looks back at him in anger but promises nothing.

Nothing is familiar to CARL. MARY tells him that she can't believe it's been ten years since he was in this house. She describes how Carl would come home from work tied up in knots over some case and how they would talk about things to calm him down. Then he'd sit in his easy chair, Mary rubbing his taut shoulders, and he's finally begin to relax. It was almost like a ritual between them. Carl remembers nothing that Mary shares with him and explains that for the past ten years he's led an entirely different life as "Jim Bradley." There is so much that Mary doesn't know. Mary won't accept that and goes on to describe the man Carl says is Jim Bradley as a kind, decent man who is generous to his neighbors and loves children. He's the man that comes home from a day of work and turns on the evening news, only to be angered at the injustice that seems to prevail in the world. Carl admits that Mary knows him well but insists that there are still things that Mary needs to know. All that Mary cares to know is that Carl wants to have his life back again but he doesn't answer her immediately which causes Mary to become quite concerned. Finally, Carl has to admit that he's not sure what he wants right now. He has a life with Ruth and they've lived together as husband and wife in every way since she found him nearly beaten to death and nursed him back to health. The force of this statement hits Mary like a bomb and she realizes that she did not exist for Carl all these years. Numbly, she tells him he'd better go. Before she falls apart in front of him, she excuses herself and flees to the solitude of her room. Carl stands in the living room, torn with the reality of what he has and what he once had.

Dressed in tropical garb, NIKKI stands on the patio of the hotel room and listens to the island music in the background. VICTOR joins her with news of his shutout wins over the hotel's tennis pro. They express their love for one another. Victor loves being away from everyone and everything because it gives them time to seduce one another. A while later, they are dressed and sitting by their private pool. Nikki tells Victor that when he talked about "getting away from it all," this was not what she had in mind. Raising an eyebrow, Victor guesses that she was thinking they'd nestle on a secluded beach in a tiny hut. She smiles and tells him that being here with no interruptions is absolutely divine. Victor admits that he's actually felt relieved to have no work and no office that requires his attention. He hasn't thought of much else but Nikki since they arrived but Nikki knows that he's dying to get back and pluck the reins from Jack and Brad. Nikki wonders if Victor isn't too hard on Jack but Victor feels that he's not hard enough on him. Nikki shares that she thinks that Jack doesn't always make wise decisions in his personal life, siting Jack's current revived relationship with Diane, but applauds him for his and Brad's excellent business savvy. Victor has to admit that Jack has kept the company in the black but he felt he needed to hire Brad to keep an eye on Jack's work ethics. Nikki wants Victor's undivided attention for the next several days and Victor promises her that he is all hers, "the rest of the world be damned -- and that goes double for Jack Abbott!" They lose themselves in a hungry kiss.

OLIVIA insists that they need a chance to get their priorities straight and MALCOLM argues that they can't work on this problem if they are in separate apartments. Telling him that he brought all this on himself by wrapping himself in Callie's career and personal life, Olivia says she sees no other alternative since Malcolm decided to lay his life on the line for his ex-girlfriend. Malcolm can't believe that Olivia still thinks that Trey was behind his beating and explains that Trey visited him, tearing Callie's contract up and solving the problem. If that's the case, then Callie should move on. "It's time you asked Callie to leave," states Olivia firmly. "Tell her to go, Malcolm. Please." Malcolm says he can't ask her to leave and angered, Olivia turns to storm out of the room. Catching her by the arm, Malcolm pulls her back. Olivia tells him that it's clear now that his priorities do not lie with his family. Malcolm says that he's going to come home and that's all there is to say about it. Olivia threatens to take Nate and leave if he does because they need time apart.

BRAD paces in his office before picking up the phone and calling JILL, who is meeting with a client at Gina's. He tells her to cancel her appointment and come to the office for a Board meeting. Jill isn't thrilled with this request and asks if Brad has contacted the other Board members. When he tells her that Victoria has gone on a much needed vacation and that Neil is away on company business, she informs him that Neil is sitting across the room from her at Gina's. Stunned, Jill tells him she'll enlighten Neil and they'll be there as soon as possible. After he hangs up, Brad wonders why Neil isn't in Seattle and how they are going to pull this off.

Jill approaches NEIL and informs him of Brad's urgent message. Confused, Neil asks if she knows what this is all about but Jill is in the dark about the agenda. Neil states that before he leaves he has something critical to handle and he'll be at NE shortly. When Jill has gone, Neil asks GINA if she will help him with Callie. He states that Malcolm's marriage and happiness hang in the balance. He hints that Gina should convince Callie to move out now that her contract with Trey has been cancelled. Gina tells him that she'll think on it.

When CALLIE comes in with new sheet music for her repertoire, Gina tells her that they need to talk. Gina feels that Callie's had a whole New World open up for her and that someone with her talent should be in NYC or L. A. where her talents can be showcased. She's even made a few phone calls with Danny's connections. It's obvious to Callie that perhaps someone has asked Gina to send her on her way. Tearfully, Gina tells her that she honestly feels like it's best for everyone if Callie moves on with her life. It's time for Callie to go -- for her own good.

Malcolm's nurse passes Callie on her way to collect his discharge paper. Callie wonders how to say good-bye to him. When she enters the room, she finds Malcolm in a glum stupor. She tells him to cheer up because he'll soon be out of the hospital and home with his family. Malcolm shocks her when he tells Callie that Olivia refuses to let him come home.

Bearing a kiss and an apology, JACK comes to DIANE'S apartment. Diane missed him last night. Jack tells her that a situation came up that kept him at work until well past midnight. Then he warns her that a Board of Director's meeting has been called, although he doesn't think her attendance will be necessary. She asks if there will be a vote on an issue. Jack states that there may be and if he does call, she should hurriedly make her way to Jabot. All she has to do is vote with him. As Jack is leaving, Diane wishes him luck. He looks back at her, smiles, and quips, "Thanks, sugar."

When Jack enters the conference room, Brad tells him that they will need Diane's vote because Neil did not go to Seattle. Infuriated, Jack wants to know why Neil's not there but Brad can't give him the answer. Brad comforts Jack that despite the fact that both Neil and Jill are in attendance, they still have the votes they need with Diane. However, Jack wishes they could sway Jill or Neil because the vote would present itself better. Strutting into the room quite annoyed, Jill tells them that Neil will arrive presently and demands to know what's going on. Neil does arrive on her heels and Brad opens the meeting. He reviews why Victor decided to step down from the company because of tabloid pressure and that he entrusted NE to him and Jack. He also reviews the marvelous job he and Jack have done in repairing client and employee relations with NE. Having said that, he launches into the deal that Forrester Creations presented to them and why he and Jack turned it down. Jill and Neil are aware that Brooke Logan Forrester superceded them and made a deal with Victor. What they don't know is the kind of deal Victor made with her and the type of monetary commitments he's penned for this collaboration without Board approval. Jill reminds them that Victor owns the company and can do whatever he wishes. Neil guesses that Victor pledged $10 to $20 million and Jill adds that this amount is quite reasonable. Brad then passes out the budget printouts for the Newman-Forrester deal. Jill and Neil are outraged when they see that Forrester's line of credit if $200 million. "It's clear that Victor is out of control," states Jack. "He's lost his grip." Neil says that Victor has some serious explaining to do but Brad feels it goes much further than that. NE is in trouble according to Brad. He prefaces his next statement, explaining that he has great respect for Victor and even left a comfortable job in Rome to come back and work for the man. However, he feels that Victor's personal life has been in such upheaval that it has clouded his ability to make sound and critical judgments for this company. The world has seen that NE is a powerful force again in the business world and because of that, Brad can't allow decisions like the one Victor made about Forrester to happen again. Brad puts forth the motion that the Board should vote to replace Victor as CEO of Newman Enterprises. Jill and Neil stand open-mouthed in utter disbelief at what they've just heard.

Directed by Sally McDonald

GRACE paces restlessly in MICHAEL'S office as they wait for Alice and Al. She is worried about protecting Cassie but Michael asks her to trust him. In the corridor outside, AL warns ALICE not to get dewy-eyed over Cassie because they have to make Grace and Michael believe that all Alice wants is money. Alice knows what is expected of her. When they enter his office, Michael asks Al and Alice to sit wherever they feel comfortable and they occupy the two chairs in front of Michael's desk. Michael begins to summarize Cassie and Alice's situation, but Alice takes umbrage when she thinks that Grace and Michael are implying that she abandoned Cassie. She explains that although Millie may seem like a harmless old woman now, she was a horrible mother who never showed Alice any love. After high school, Alice's life was a mess and she thought that a baby would give her someone to love. A lawyer she knew helped her to adopt Cassie but she found that a baby was a bundle of neediness that she couldn't handle. The best thing she felt she could do for Cassie was to allow Millie to care for her. All she wants now is to make a fresh start for herself and Cassie. Cassie is with people who love her and Alice could make a fresh start with some money. Michael asks her to state her position again for the record and tearfully Alice repeats that even though it sounds awful, all she wants is the money. Michael says he thinks he can help her.

CASSIE eagerly makes a "Welcome Home Daddy" sign for Nicholas. SHARON tries to take this time to explain the situation with Nick to her but Cassie's enthusiasm overflows. She'd like to bake chocolate chip cookies for him and can't wait until they can eat dinner tonight and maybe watch a little television together. While Cassie is upstairs putting the finishing touches on her sign, NICK returns. The air turns tense between him and Sharon and they start to argue. Cassie breaks the anxiety with her exuberance for their reunited family. Before Nick leaves for work, he calls Jack's secretary and finds that he's in the executive boardroom. After he leaves for NE, Sharon brings down pillows, sheets, and blankets to make up the couch for Nick. Cassie doesn't understand so Sharon explains that even though Nick is moving back home, things aren't 100% up to par between her and Nick. This is sort of an experiment, states Sharon. Cassie likes experiments because it's like a surprise or a game where you learn new things. She's sure that they all are going to learn to be a family again.

VICTOR and NIKKI dance to the gentle music of a tropical breeze and the ocean waves. When Nikki looks at Victor she accuses him of thinking about business but Victor is only thinking of their future together. He has a big project for her to embark upon when they return to Genoa City -- Nikki is to plan their wedding. The whole world watched as they lost each other, Victor states, and he wants the whole world to watch as he makes Nikki his wife again -- this time forever. Nikki is overcome with joy but tells Victor that he doesn't have to go to all that trouble. Victor encourages Nikki to plan the "biggest wedding that damn town has ever seen."

CALLIE can't believe that Olivia won't allow MALCOLM to move back home. Malcolm explains that her former husband left Olivia scarred and Olivia suggests that she' making Malcolm pay for Nathan's sins. Malcolm doesn't agree and says that he to what is necessary to save his marriage. For what it's worth, he's glad Callie came to Genoa City because it gave them a chance to put old ghosts in their graves. Callie is talented and deserves to be performing in a place that can showcase her talent, Malcolm tells her. Callie agrees and informs him that, through Danny, Gina is setting up interviews for her. She's come here to finally say good-bye to Malcolm. Malcolm wishes her the best and they embrace. They've finally come clean with each other and are friends, says Malcolm. Before she leaves, she turns around and emotionally tells him if they really can be honest with one another, she must admit that she loves him and she always will. After she leaves, Malcolm's eye fill with tears and his spirit is torn.

NINA answers the door in her gown and robe, finding Chris on the doorstep. Chris enters, confessing that she's been trying to get in touch with her for days now and wonders what Nina is doing in her bedclothes mid-morning. Is Nina slipping back into her depression, inquires Chris? At that moment, BRETT exits Nina's bedroom in his boxers. While everyone is thoroughly embarrassed, Brett re-enters the bedroom and Nina breaks the awkward pause when she quips, "No, I'm definitely not depressed." Brett joins them moments later, wearing only his jeans, and speaks to Chris. Smiling at the happiness her friend seems to be enjoying, Chris watches as Brett and Nina cuddle. He turns down coffee to take a shower. After he departs for his scrub, Chris asks how long this has been going on and Nina says they've only been involved for a short time. She and Brett aren't seeing other people and they are definitely compatible, so does Chris still want to be her chaperone? Chris' cell phone interrupts their chat. Sharon tells Chris that she's at home and she's made a decision. Chris tells Nina to have fun as she leaves to take care of her client. After his shower, Brett re-joins Nina and they share a laugh about Chris' visit. Nina doesn't quite know how this happened, but she's reveling in it. They envelop themselves in each other.

Descending the stairs in DIANE'S apartment, MARISSA tells her boss that she's cleared the decks for her. Diane, who is pacing around the phone, absentmindedly says, "Thanks, Riss." She wonders how the Board meeting is going even though she doesn't know what they are talking about. She loves Jack; therefore she has to trust him to do what's right for her. Diane just hopes that the topic of the meeting doesn't cause more friction between Victor and Jack.

In the Executive Boardroom, a tempest is building. BRAD declares that they have no choice but to oust Victor. He reminds them that Victor has committed $200 million to a deal without bringing it before the Board. JILL rages that Victor isn't even here to pull the knife out of his own back. Brad further reminds them that Victor bought a television production company without Board approval just to fire its star as a vendetta when his personal life was in brought into question by the public. Now Victor has overturned a decision Brad and Jack made just to throw his weight around and embarrass them. Combined with everything else Victor has done to alienate NE from its employees and clients, the Forrester deal is the last straw, according to Brad. NEIL wonders if it could be a typographical error, but JACK tells him that they've checked. Jill is suspicious, but Brad tells her that according to Forrester Creations' financial division, the printouts show the correct amount. Unable to resist the bait, Jill and Neil are reticent to side with them, Brad asks Jack if they should tell them their last bit of information. Jill and Neil demand to know the whole story. Brad then reveals that shortly after they turned Brooke Logan Forrester down, she flew to GC to meet with Victor -- a meeting that Jack and Brad happened to interrupt, finding Brooke parading in front of Victor in only her underwear. Jill finds it hard to believe and Brad warns her that Victor is not thinking with his head, but with another part of his anatomy. When Jack leaves the Boardroom, Jill asks him angrily if they've made him queasy. He returns several minutes later and Jill is brandishing Brad, telling him that she thought he had more integrity than to allow Jack to brainwash him. He assures Jill that no one forced him to make this decision. Diane joins them and Jill tells her this is a private meeting -- for Board members only. When Jack introduces her as the newest Board member, via her recent divorce settlement from Victor, Jill explodes. "You low-down, devious...," Jill begins wailing, but Brad tells her there will be no name-calling. Neil respectfully tells Diane that it would behoove her to sit this vote out, due to the nature of her relationship with Victor. Diane tells Neil that if they'll bring her up to speed, she's sure she can render a valid opinion and vote accordingly. This brings yet another eruption from Jill, who now sees that this is a set up. Neil questions the whereabouts of Victoria. Brad proffers that he spoke with Victoria early today and she's leaving on vacation. "One less supporter for Victor," spouts Jill snidely. Neil suggests they table this ludicrous discussion until Victor is back but Brad objects, siting that Victor would not look at this objectively. "He'd just pull his Mussolini act," states Brad firmly. Brad calls for a vote to remove Victor as CEO of Newman Enterprises. Jack, Jill, and Neil are arguing when an unexpected guest, Nick, joins them. "What's going on?" asks Nick, unaware that he's just asked the $64,000 question.