At the Abbott mansion, Billy left another urgent phone message for Jack to check in with the family. Ashley opened the door when Victor arrived. Victor produced a letter from Jabot's legal team from his breast pocket. Victor said that the legal team had requested a review of the surveillance tape to discern whether or not it was authentic. Phyllis and Jack's double, dressed casually in a blue polo shirt, arrived through a back entrance.
Victor confronted the Jack imposter. Victor said, "You broke into the Newman computer system and absconded with very delicate and important corporate data." Victor explained that surveillance cameras had recorded Jack's crime. Phyllis said, "Well, that can't be true! Jack, call his bluff." Jack calmly replied, "I guess I'm going to have to call my lawyer." Victor noted that, for once, Jack had refrained from blaming his misdeeds on an innocent bystander. Billy protested and said that Jack hadn't admitted guilt to any charge.
Victor turned his attention to another legal matter and told Jack that Neil might need moral support in the courtroom. After Victor left, Ashley rebuked Jack for "just rolling over and raising the white flag for Victor." Ashley warned that Victor had video footage of Jack breaking federal laws, and without a defense, they'd be forced to cut a deal with Victor. Billy was taken aback when Jack replied, "Is that really such a bad thing?" A shocked Ashley studied Jack's face while she tried to figure out why her brother seemed so unlike himself.
Phyllis explained that she and Jack had made a pact with Victor in order to get her charges dropped and expose the real culprit, Kelly Andrews. Billy and Ashley asked how long the pact with Victor would remain in place. Jack replied, "The pact is moot. Kelly's dead. We should be saying the same thing for the ongoing battle between Newman and Jabot."
Ashley warned that Victor would get his hands on the Abbott family's life's work. Jack said, "I don't have to share my strategy with you. It's my company, and my call." Ashley and Billy were shocked when Jack said that life was too short to worry about corporate rivalry. Billy and Ashley seemed unable to process what they'd just heard from their sibling's mouth.
After Ashley and Billy left, Jack remained in a lighthearted mood. He kissed Phyllis and asked if she was happy. Phyllis said she felt guilty for not attending the trial to support Neil. Jack flippantly said Neil's family was present. Phyllis admitted she was worried that Victor might send Jack to prison. Jack said he wasn't concerned because he'd hacked Jabot's and Newman's servers to get Victor's secret weapon. Jack added, "Victor is convinced that things are going to work out one way, and I know they're going another."
At the Genoa City Athletic Club, Billy and Ashley discussed Jack's altered behavior. Ashley said, "It's bad enough that he actually hacked into Jabot and Newman. The worst thing of all is that he doesn't think he has to consult with us about any plans on moving forward." Billy replied, "Jack the beachcomber's plan is to sell out to Victor." Ashley noted that Jack had forgotten that Jabot was a family business, so they'd have to band together and remove Jack as CEO of Jabot until he returned to his senses.
Inside an old shack, where Kelly had fastened Jack to an iron bed, using leather restraints, Jack called out to Kelly. Jack, sweating profusely while trying to wriggle fee of his restraints, yelled, "I will never love you! I've made my choice. It's Phyllis. I would never choose you!" Jack rocked his body from side to side in a futile attempt to free his limbs.
After Jack became exhausted, he pleaded with Kelly to show her face and talk to him. John's ghost suddenly appeared and told his son that Kelly wasn't falling for his ruse. John tugged on Jack's restraints and told him that he'd once again fallen into Victor's hands. Jack cried, "It's all my fault." John warned that even if Jack escaped his bonds, he'd still "end up behind another eight-ball unless he used his head to beat Victor at his own game." Jack cried out that he couldn't wait to get his hands on Victor.
When Jack visually searched the room, he discovered that John had vanished. Jack cried out for help. John returned and told his son that there was hope. John told Jack that Houdini had utilized agility, flexibility, and patience to escape. John urged Jack to close his eyes, concentrate, and free one hand. John had once again vanished by the time Jack freed himself. When Jack opened the door, what he saw seemed to shock him.
At the Genoa City Athletic Club, Neil sat at the bar, sipping coffee. Devon joined Neil and said, "Are you ready for court?" Neil said he would face the consequences of his actions while clean and sober. Devon said he was concerned about Neil. Neil replied, "A little late for that, isn't it? Whatever happens won't drive me back to the bottle."
Outside the courtroom, Nikki approached Christine. Nikki tried to convince Christine that Neil would never have intentionally hurt her. Christine rebuffed Nikki's attempt to defend Neil. Christine said that Nikki should be facing a conviction and likely would if not for the Newman name. Nikki seemed taken aback by Christine's scornful accusations. Christine added that Nikki also had Paul on her side because the two shared a son.
At Crimson Lights, Dylan showed Paul a copy of a newspaper bearing a headline foretelling a prison sentence looming in Sharon's future. Paul reminded Dylan that he was the one who'd found Courtney's necklace in the trunk of Sharon's car. Dylan insisted that someone had planted the necklace, which he had later voluntarily handed over to Paul. Dylan said someone had framed Sharon for two crimes she hadn't committed. Paul seemed unconvinced.
Paul asked why Avery wasn't standing by Dylan's side, lending support and defending Sharon. Dylan assured Paul that Avery believed Sharon was innocent. Paul asked why Avery had circumvented authorities when she'd ordered forensics tests on incriminating evidence. Paul added that Avery had backed away after tests had concluded that fingerprints on the tire iron belonged to Sharon and blood stains matched Austin's. Dylan reminded Paul that no evidence existed proving that the tire iron was the murder weapon.
Paul warned Dylan that Avery had placed herself on shaky legal ground in order to assist his unauthorized defense of Sharon. Dylan said he was searching for the truth. Paul replied, "You're obstructing justice." Dylan replied, "Ever since Christine's accident, it seems like that's all you're about is taking names and getting convictions." Paul warned Dylan that he'd end up in jail if he didn't stop interfering.
At the hospital, Avery encouraged Joe to eat his breakfast. Joe showed Avery the cover of the newspaper bearing Sharon's picture and noted that it wasn't too late for Avery to join Dylan to mount Sharon's defense. Dr. Barton stopped by and explained that though Joe's nervous system had sustained severe damage, medical science continued to make breakthroughs. Joe replied, "But you can't guarantee that I'll ever walk again." Avery insisted that Joe would walk again. Dr. Barton told Joe that he would be transferred to therapeutic clinic that offered state-of-the-art treatment.
After Dr. Barton left, Joe told Avery that she should leave. Avery protested. Dylan entered the room, and Joe said, "Claim your prize, McAvoy. You win!" Joe, angry and frustrated, blamed himself for his predicament. Joe's agitation became unrelenting. Avery and Dylan left.
At Crimson Lights, Dylan apologized to Avery for having spent so much time with Sharon. Avery said, "You believe she's innocent." Avery said she understood why Dylan couldn't just walk away from Sharon. Dylan replied, "Just like your gut's telling you that you need to be back at the hospital. I've been where Joe is." Avery said that Dylan should understand why she couldn't turn her back on Joe when he needed a friend.
In the hallway, Dr. Barton ran into Leslie. The couple greeted with a kiss, and Leslie regrettably canceled their breakfast date. Dr. Barton expressed his regrets for not being able to heal all patients. Leslie explained that all doctors and lawyers could do was to give patients and clients their best. Leslie said she was about to face Winston Mobley, a tough prosecutor. Leslie shook her head and added, "That man takes no prisoners."
In a suite at the Genoa City Athletic Club, Winston Mobley buttoned his suit jacket. Hilary, clad in a silk robe, cooed that she'd always admired a man wearing a power suit. Winston, who called Hilary "Ann," replied that the real powers were skill and confidence. Hilary straightened Winston's tie and said, "Well, you have plenty of skill. I can testify to that." Winston replied, "I might have to cross-examine you about that after the trial." Hilary, with her arms wrapped around Winston's neck, said she couldn't wait. Hilary kissed Winston on the lips and wished him good luck as he collected his briefcase and headed out the door.
After Winston left, Hilary opened an armoire and pulled out her own power suit. When Hilary descended the stairs, she ran into Devon. Hilary asked about Neil. Devon replied, "Why do you care?" Hilary explained that she would be testifying on Neil's behalf. Devon said, "Yeah, because you don't want your cash settlement tied up in court while my father sits in prison." Hilary promised to play her part. Devon requested that Hilary show compassion by not exposing details about their affair in front of Neil and the tough prosecutor.
At the courthouse, Lily greeted her dad with an embrace. Neil shook hands with Cane and said he needed all the support he could get. Leslie arrived and offered to review Neil's testimony. Neil refused. Lily pleaded with Neil to accept help when it was offered. Lily urged Neil to remain aware that what Devon said on the stand could make all the difference.
Inside the courtroom, Winston questioned Christine about the loss of her baby and her injuries. Christine explained that she could never have another baby. Winston stepped back and turned over questioning to Leslie. Leslie noted that Christine had argued with Paul before running into the path of Nikki's car. Christine admitted that she'd been upset, but she denied having run into the street.
Leslie said that even after the defendant had admitted responsibility, Christine had continued to blame Nikki, perhaps because Nikki and Paul had a son together. Winston objected. Leslie ended her questions. Christine left the courtroom with Paul. Outside the courtroom, Christine told Paul that she couldn't handle listening to Neil's and Nikki's testimonies. Christine asked Paul to return to the courtroom to seek justice for their baby.
Back in the courtroom, Winston badgered Nikki on the stand. Nikki explained that Neil had grabbed the steering wheel after he'd realized she'd been driving him to a recovery meeting. Paul reentered and sat down. Cane noticed that Hilary had walked in and taken a seat in the back. Winston raised his voice and claimed that Nikki and Neil were two admitted drunks out for a lark without regard for others. Lily and Victor rose from their seats to defend Nikki.
Neil took the stand and admitted that he'd been drunk the evening a sober Nikki had been driving him to a recovery meeting. Devon suddenly shouted that it was all his fault. The judge ordered Devon to sit down and be quiet. Neil admitted that he'd been too drunk to know what he'd been doing. Neil said he wished he could change what had happened, but he knew he couldn't.
Winston ended his questioning. Leslie stood to call her first witness, Mrs. Neil Winters. Hilary rose from her seat and walked forward. Winston was taken aback when he spotted Hilary and realized that the woman he'd thought was named Ann was really Mrs. Neil Winters. Hilary smiled as she approached the witness stand.
In a shack on a tropical island, Jack unstrapped himself from his restraints and staggered over to the door. He whipped it open, and Kelly greeted him, clutching a baseball bat. She clucked that he'd been a bad boy, and she whacked him over the head. Later, Jack awakened and found himself bound and gagged again, and Kelly tended to his head wound. She lectured that they couldn't let it fester, since it could be deadly if left unattended, but she swore she'd never let him suffer like that, even though she was disappointed he'd tried to escape.
Kelly continued that she was doing everything for Jack's happiness, and he'd forced her to resort to violence, but she promised she'd do everything in her power to forgive him. Kelly rambled that she'd forgiven Stitch when she'd thought he'd killed their father, and she was working hard to forgive her mom, since love meant forgiveness and understanding. Inside his head, Jack pledged to get out of there, go home to his wife, and have Kelly locked up in a pit for the criminally insane. Kelly saw the temper in his eyes, and she assured him it would all be worth it once she convinced him they belonged together -- and she had the rest of their lives to do it.
Kelly said she'd a long time to think about how things had been between her and Jack before he'd dumped her for the "redheaded menace," and she babbled about living in Jack's house and feeling like she'd had a family again after she'd suffered so much loss. Kelly thought all the pain and suffering she and Jack been through had happened for a reason, since it had led them to each other, and they'd been meant to fall in love. Jack cringed as he thought to himself that they'd gotten together out of loneliness and desperation, since Phyllis had always been between them, and she still was. Kelly marveled that everything had been perfect until Phyllis had hypnotized Jack into giving up the best thing that had ever happened to him, and she tore up a photo of Phyllis and declared that she had rescued him.
Kelly recalled telling Sam to think of bad or sad events as stories that they could put away and never relive again, and she called Phyllis a horror story that had finally ended. Kelly said the only story she and Jack would tell from then on would be their own, and she caressed Jack's face and walked out. Jack tried to rock the bed to edge it toward a table, and he heard the strains of a violin. A lingerie-clad Kelly returned and purred that their song was playing, and she recalled their first date in the park. She implored Jack to let the music take him back to where their story had begun, and she smiled and loosened her robe.
Kelly cooed that she knew Jack was hurting, but she'd make it all better, and she unbuttoned his shirt. She rubbed his chest and purred that it felt good, and she wanted him to tell her how much he liked it. She offered to take off his gag as long as he didn't say anything hurtful, since she'd been hurt too much already, and she asked if he promised to be good. Jack nodded, and she loosened his gag and leaned in to kiss him. He responded.
At the Abbott mansion, Phyllis wondered why her mysterious, handsome husband wouldn't tell her or his family why he'd hacked into Newman's computer system. Jack's clone amorously chided her for asking questions when they could be doing something else, and he kissed her. Phyllis pulled away from Jack's embrace and asked what was up with his wild man routine, since he seemed to be insatiable since they'd gotten married. He chalked it up to having a honeymoon with a sexy woman, and she admitted that she loved feeling like a teenager with a boyfriend full of hormones, but she also felt like he was avoiding her questions.
Jack groaned that he was tired of talking about business, and Phyllis imagined that Billy and Ashley's heads were spinning because of Jack's cavalier attitude earlier. Jack insisted that he'd tried to set them straight, since he was invested in Jabot's future, but he refused to keep playing the same games with Victor. Phyllis understood that Jack was confident he had the upper hand, and Jack proclaimed that there was no way he was going to prison for cyber theft, but Phyllis wasn't sure his siblings felt the same way.
At the Athletic Club, Billy told Ashley that removing Jack as CEO should be a last resort, but Ashley thought they'd already reached that point. Billy guessed that their brother was still suffering from the aftereffects of a concussion or that Jack was having a midlife crisis, but Ashley didn't think either theory explained why Jack was endangering the future of their family's company. Billy pointed out that Jack had been addicted to pills the last time Jack had put the company in jeopardy, and Ashley thought they should get Jack to rehab if that was the case. Billy noted that Ashley was next in line for Jack's job, and he contemplated whether Ashley was making a power play to gain control of the company.
Ashley defended that she'd never throw her brother under a bus to get a title, and she believed Jack would eventually regain his senses, but they didn't have time when Jack was about to be charged with corporate espionage. She pondered whether it would be worse for Jack to be beholden to Victor or to stand trial, leaving Jabot vulnerable, and Billy asserted that Jack would never put Jabot in a compromising position. Ashley countered that Jack already had, but Billy wondered if Jack had a strategy to beat Victor at his own game, and Jack was just protecting them in case his plan backfired. Billy realized that they were talking about Jack the same way they usually talked about Victor, and Ashley commented that it wasn't a good thing.
Billy groused that he couldn't handle two Victors in his life, and he questioned whether a "mind meld" had taken place when Jack and Victor had been buried at the Underground together. Billy answered a call from Phyllis, who invited him and Ashley to return to the mansion for a belated wedding reception. Billy informed Ashley about the party, and she thought it could be their opportunity to make some hard decisions. Meanwhile, Phyllis told Jack that it had been the right thing to do, and he quipped that he was a slave to his queen.
Later, Kyle and Abby offered their best wishes to Phyllis, who mentioned that she'd spoken to Summer, but she asked how her daughter was really doing. Kyle reported that Summer was spending the day with Faith to distract the girl from Sharon's arrest, and Phyllis hoped Sharon's legal troubles proved Phyllis' fall had been no accident. Billy and Ashley arrived, and Abby sensed that something was wrong. Ashley complained that Jack thought he could just brush off the fact that their world might be crashing down, but Phyllis hoped the get-together would cure the tension. Abby pressed for an explanation, and Ashley confided that Jack had been the culprit who'd hacked into both Jabot and Newman's servers.
Kyle and Abby refused to believe it, but Billy and Ashley explained that they had surveillance footage to prove it, and Victor was threatening to press charges. Phyllis urged everyone to trust Jack, but Ashley announced that she wanted Jack to step down temporarily until they figured out a solution. Jack entered and said he'd intended for the event to be a cocktail party, but apparently, it had turned into his going-away party, since his family wanted him out of the picture. Jack huffed that he was head of the family and the company, so he'd make the decisions, but Ashley argued that his decisions had been questionable.
Phyllis said things weren't as they looked, and Ashley requested that Jack take a leave of absence. Jack preferred to make a deal with Victor, and Billy equated it with making a deal with the devil. Billy sided with Ashley and said Jack should step down, and Jack fired Billy. The Abbotts thought Jack was overreacting, but Jack said anyone who didn't like the way he was running things could find another job. Jack declared that it was a new era for Jabot, and the war with Victor was over, but Ashley suspected Victor hadn't agreed to a truce.
Jack was confident that things would change once he and Victor made a deal, and it would be a new beginning. Billy asked if Jack's behavior seemed normal to Phyllis, and Phyllis replied that she was happy if Jack was happy. Billy wondered if the whole world had gone mad, and he refused to let Jabot crumble because Jack wanted to play nice with Victor. Kyle noted that Jack had always said Jabot was in the Abbotts' blood, and he found it odd that Jack was seemingly unconcerned about Victor. Abby added that she'd love nothing more than to live happily ever after, but she didn't believe in fairy tales. Jack bellowed that they were all traitors, and he ordered his family out of his house.
The Abbotts protested, but Jack opened the front door and barked for them to get out. Ashley warned that he hadn't heard the last of it, and after his relatives shuffled out, Jack suggested he and Phyllis play tennis at the Athletic Club. Phyllis incredulously pointed out that he'd just thrown his family out of the house, and he calmly stated that they'd deserved it. Jack asserted that Victor had helped Phyllis with her legal problems and her health, and Phyllis wondered if Jack felt he had to repay Victor. Jack reminded Phyllis that she'd told him on the plane that she was on his side, and he asked if she'd meant it. "Always," she pledged.
At the Athletic Club, Abby wondered if they were all fired or if only Billy was, and she wailed that she didn't want to lose her job. Ashley assured her that no one was leaving, since she was calling a board meeting to vote Jack out. Abby worried that it wasn't like Jack to play into Victor's hands.
At Neil's hearing, Winston glowered at Hilary when she stated her name on the stand, and she identified herself as Neil's wife. Winston requested a recess, and Leslie argued that Hilary had just begun her testimony, but Winston claimed he had to tend to an urgent matter. The judge said they'd reconvene in 15 minutes, and Leslie told Neil she'd never seen Winston rattled before. Devon approached Hilary and asked why she thought Winston had requested a recess, and Hilary claimed she didn't know. Devon contemplated whether the A.D.A. thought he had no chance at a conviction with a piece of work like Hilary on the stand, since the court would sympathize with Neil.
Hilary stepped aside to take a call, and Winston demanded to know what she was up to. She chuckled, and he concluded that their meeting hadn't been by chance. Winston accused her of manipulating him into bed because she'd known he was prosecuting the case, and she proclaimed that she'd do everything she could to help her husband. Winston sarcastically stated that Hilary's husband was a lucky man to have a wife devoted enough to sleep with the A.D.A. for him, and he hissed that he had only been another notch on her bedpost after she'd had an affair with her stepson. Hilary congratulated Winston for doing his homework, but she taunted that he hadn't done enough to know who she was.
Winston said Hilary was in a class by herself among vicious predators, but Hilary contended that Neil didn't belong in prison, and she expected Winston to make sure Neil didn't end up there. Winston warned that declaring a mistrial wouldn't put an end to it, since Christine had lost a baby, and she'd make another trial happen. Hilary confidently declared that it was exactly why Winston wouldn't recuse himself, but he pointed out that he'd had sex with a defense witness. Hilary threatened that it would take one nanosecond for the news to go viral, and his career would be over. She questioned whether he was willing to trash his future to do the right thing.
Victor grumbled that the delay was a waste of time, and he asked Paul to explain why court was in recess. Paul said he didn't know, but he advised Victor and Nikki not to get their hopes up, since Winston was relentless. Nikki said her heart had gone out to Christine when Christine had testified about losing her baby, and Paul snapped that Nikki and Neil had been responsible for it. Nikki hoped Christine found some peace, and Paul retorted that the only thing that would offer his wife peace would be for Neil to be found guilty.
Lily admonished Neil for making the state's case for them, and Leslie scolded that she couldn't help if Neil was determined to convict himself. Neil asserted that he'd told the truth for Paul and Christine, but Lily implored him to fight for the sake of his own family. Neil said he was anxious to hear what Hilary had to say, and he imagined Hilary wanted to clear her conscience, but Lily spat that Hilary didn't have one.
The trial resumed, and Leslie called Hilary back to the stand. Winston asked to approach the bench, and Leslie joined Winston and the judge. Winston proposed a plea deal, and a stunned Leslie asked what had changed, but he simply asked whether she was interested in making a deal or not. Neil conferred with the judge and the attorneys, and Leslie announced that her client had accepted the terms of the plea bargain. Paul barked that they couldn't do that, but Leslie indicated that Neil had agreed to plead guilty to lesser charges in exchange for two years of probation and community service along with sobriety checks, and he'd be sentenced to prison if he violated the agreement.
The hearing was adjourned, and Devon stared at a smirking Hilary. Lily thanked Leslie, who was in disbelief that the A.D.A. had completely changed gears. Nikki and Victor congratulated Neil, and Victor said he respected Neil's honesty. Victor offered Neil an executive position at Newman, but Neil said nothing more than thanks was necessary. Devon said it was the best outcome they could have hoped for, and he extended his hand to Neil, who shook it and hugged Devon.
Paul confronted Victor and asked if he was the reason why Neil had just gotten away with murder. Victor swore he'd had nothing to do with the A.D.A.'s decision, and he suggested that Paul talk to Winston. Paul stormed off, and Nikki wondered if Victor really had used his influence to control the situation, but Victor maintained that he hadn't been involved. Victor said he had to take a call, and he'd see her at home.
Paul angrily approached Winston, who claimed the case had been going against them, since there had been no foul play involved. Paul demanded to know who had promised Winston something in return for throwing the case, but Winston reiterated that it had been his decision, and Neil hadn't deserved to do time. Paul warned that Christine wouldn't make Winston's job any easier -- if Winston even had a job after that day.
Devon encountered Hilary outside the courtroom, and he theorized that she'd orchestrated the turn of events. He guessed that she'd gotten to Winston, since he'd seen the way she and Winston had been looking at one another. Hilary reminded Devon that she'd said she would do anything to help Neil, and Devon realized she'd used the A.D.A. just like she'd used Devon. Devon coolly congratulated her on getting what she'd wanted, and he declared that he had, too, since he never had to look at her face again. Devon turned to leave, but Hilary blurted out that it hadn't been the same thing, since she'd loved Devon, and she still did.
Neil, Leslie, Lily, and Cane celebrated over cupcakes at Crimson Lights, and Cane and Lily went to the counter to get coffee refills. Leslie sensed that something was bothering Neil, and she asked if he was unhappy with the terms of his plea arrangement. Neil said he was happy to do his part, but he didn't understand why the A.D.A. had flipped. He wondered whether Devon had paid Winston off, but Leslie knew that Winston had big aspirations, and his career trumped his bank account. Neil contemplated whether Victor had done something to blackmail Winston, but Leslie advised Neil to accept the deal as a gift and never look back.
In the confessional, Victor sternly said he wasn't happy Jack's double had returned two days early, and he warned that he wouldn't stand for the imposter to disobey him again. Jack said everything would work out fine, and his family thought he was making a deal with the devil, but he'd show them who the boss really was.
At the Athletic Club, Abby asked if Kyle needed to find a new place to live, but Kyle thought he still had a home. Billy grumbled that Jack had been clear about Billy having no job, and Abby couldn't figure out why Jack had been acting that way. Ashley revealed that she'd called an emergency board meeting, and Kyle protested, since he believed Jack had a reason to join forces with Victor. Ashley said they had no time to figure it out, and Stitch approached and asked if he'd missed a Jabot meeting. Billy huffed that it was an Abbott family meeting for members only.
Abby contended that Stitch had a right to be there, but Billy maintained that it was a family matter. Stitch said he was there to look out for Abby, and Billy suggested that Stitch run home to Victoria -- unless Stitch had forgotten the way. Billy said he'd been spending more time with Victoria than Stitch had, and the men argued. Abby pulled Stitch aside and explained that Jack had just fired Billy, and Ashley was trying to get the board to remove Jack as CEO. Abby asserted that Stitch belonged with Victoria, and he agreed that he and Victoria had things to discuss. Stitch departed.
Ashley said the votes were close to get Jack ousted, and Kyle refused to side against his father. Billy asked if Kyle supported the idea of joining forces with Victor, but Kyle maintained that he supported his dad, and he expected Abby would, too. Abby hesitated to take a side, and Ashley said they had to move quickly. Abby felt like they were ganging up on Jack, but Billy argued that Jack had his own agenda that would destroy Jabot. Ashley pleaded that she was trying to protect the company, and it would be the best thing for all of them, including Jack.
Ashley declared that the Abbotts always stood together as a family, and she asked Kyle to stand with them. Kyle balked at going against his father, and Ashley agreed not to pressure Kyle, but she warned that she was going ahead with the plan. Billy added that it would be with or without Kyle and Abby's help, and Kyle pledged not to let them get away with it.
At home, Victoria cooed to Katie that they both missed Stitch, but at least it had been a good thing that the tot's dad had been spending more time with them. Victor disagreed, and he informed Victoria that the nanny had let him in to drop off presents for the kids, since he'd wanted to be sure they were taken care of, given who their father was. Victoria appreciated the gesture, but she warned him not to knock Billy. Victoria assured Victor that they were all doing fine without Stitch there, and Victor said he'd gotten the feeling she'd been distracted, so he'd wanted to be sure she was on board with the big changes at the company.
Victoria was insulted that her father was implying she couldn't be both a mom and an executive, and he replied that he needed total commitment. She pointed out that he wouldn't tell her what he had planned, and Victor recalled that she'd abandoned him on multiple occasions before. He declared that he wanted to leave a legacy for his children, and she was the most like him out of all his kids. He trusted in her abilities to lead a huge corporation, but he needed her commitment, and she said no one could take his place. They hugged, and Victor asked her to promise to pass his legacy down to Katie. Victoria realized that Victor wanted to be sure the company ended up with a Newman and not an Abbott.
Victor wanted to be sure Victoria's loyalties were in the right place and not with her "useless ex," and Victoria reported that Billy and Chelsea were moving forward with their wedding plans, but she reiterated that Billy would always be in her life. Victor wondered what Victoria thought about Stitch working for Jabot, and Victoria revealed that Stitch was staying at the club to watch out for Abby. Victoria declared that she'd had enough of the men in her life, and Stitch overheard as he arrived home.
Stitch reported that Abby was at an Abbott family powwow, and Billy and Kyle were keeping an eye on her, but Billy had made it clear that Stitch hadn't had any place there. Stitch added that Jack had fired Billy, and he guessed there would be a change at the top of Jabot soon. Victor left, and Stitch told Victoria they needed to talk about where they stood. Victoria coolly stated that Stitch had made it clear that Abby was his priority, and Stitch reminded her that she'd asked him to keep Abby safe. Victoria suspected it had turned into more than that.
Stitch peered into Katie's bassinet and mused that it hadn't been much before then that he'd thought she might be his. He wondered if that would have changed things for him and Victoria, but he recognized that they'd never know. Victoria said she'd always thought Billy being Katie's father would get between her and Stitch, but they'd gotten past it, and they'd been free to focus on their relationship. Stitch swore he'd wanted that, but Victoria pointed out that it had always felt like there had been three people in the room. They recalled that they'd started off as friends who'd consumed too much tequila together, but it had turned into something much more, and they agreed that they still loved one another.
Victoria acknowledged that she and Stitch didn't share the type of love that kept people together, and she thought they needed to be honest with one another. She said she wanted to see him happy, but it was clear she couldn't give that to him, and he deserved to find someone who could. Stitch replied that Victoria deserved to find out if she could find happiness with Billy, and he grew emotional as he told her to take care of herself and Katie. He set his key on the table on his way out.
In the cabin on a tropical island, Kelly grabbed a bottle of Champagne and proposed a toast, but Jack reminded her that he didn't drink. Kelly said she owed Phyllis for getting Jack clean and sober, but enough was enough, and he'd denied himself life's pleasures ever since Phyllis had gotten her hooks into him. Kelly thought his kiss had confirmed that, but Jack countered that Kelly had kissed him. Kelly wondered if he'd been pretending when he'd kissed her back, but she guessed that the wallop with the baseball bat had restored his senses, and the kiss had just been the start of things.
Kelly tempted Jack with the drink, and he reluctantly allowed her to pour a bit of it into his mouth. She crowed that he hadn't burst into flames, and he agreed he'd been denying himself pleasure for too long, but he was ready to put the past behind him. Kelly wanted to believe him, but she pointed out that he'd insisted he still loved Phyllis and always would. Jack claimed he'd been confused about where he'd been, and he'd been shocked to see Kelly when he'd thought she'd died.
Jack added that he'd been afraid to allow himself to believe Kelly was alive, but she was real, and their kiss had been, too. He said he wanted more, and Kelly gushed that all she'd ever wanted was for them to be together. Jack tried to push for information about Victor's plans, and Kelly asked if Jack wanted to talk about the future. She ran off to get a surprise for him, and Jack muttered to himself that he was sure Victor was laughing somewhere, but they would see who got the last laugh.
Kelly gleefully returned with a swatch of fabric, and she recalled that she'd been redecorating their bedroom until Phyllis had returned. Kelly said she'd kept the swatch to remind her of the magical hours she and Jack had spent there, and Jack described intimate details of the times they'd shared. Kelly purred that he'd always known what she liked, but he remarked that he'd never known she'd been into bondage. He questioned whether she didn't want his arms around her, and he implored her to untie him.
Kelly reached for his restraints, but she hesitated until she was positive about Jack's feelings for her, since he'd hurt her badly. Jack said he'd also been hurt, since his head was still throbbing, and Kelly reiterated that he hadn't given her any choice. She refused to let him go until he understood that Phyllis had framed her for everything, and Jack said he'd thought she didn't want to talk about Phyllis. Kelly said she just wanted him to remember what they'd had, and Jack replied that he could prove he did.
Jack offered to tell a love story about a beautiful woman named Kelly and a dashing, infatuated man named Mr. Hinkle. He flashed back to setting up a romantic picnic in Kelly's apartment, and Jack said the love story had continued from there, but he'd had no idea back then that she was much more than he'd ever imagined. Kelly poured more Champagne and prompted Jack to tell more of the story, but he said he couldn't just pick one memory. Kelly suggested that he recount the time he'd chosen her, and she flashed back to him telling her that he'd return from Georgia to the woman he loved, so they could let the past go along with all the pain and heartache.
Kelly said she'd believed Jack, and Jack contended that he'd kept his promise and had returned to her. Kelly whimpered that Jack had loved her, and Jack swore he still did. He softly asked her to untie him, but she threw her drink in his face and laughed. Kelly barked that she remembered how the story had ended, since Phyllis had woken up and ruined everything. Jack asserted that Victor had made it happen, and he cautioned that Kelly would be all alone if Victor's plan went south.
Jack recalled that Victor's past schemes had ended up with Patty being institutionalized and Colleen dead. Jack predicted that Kelly would end up suffering a similar fate unless she turned the tables on Victor, and he begged her to let him help her do it, since revenge was tastier than Champagne, and they could beat Victor together. Kelly said she felt like she was losing control, but she needed to stay clear. She tersely wished Jack a good night as he called after her not to leave him.
At the Abbott mansion, the Jack imposter toasted to himself for making a new man out of Jack, and he chugged a drink. Phyllis called out for Jack, and he explained he'd had an urgent matter to tend to earlier. She inquired whether it had been about his partnership with Victor, but he refused to talk shop, and he amorously stated that their honeymoon didn't have to end just because they'd returned home. They kissed, but she tensed up when she realized he'd been drinking.
Jack disclosed that he'd had one little drink to celebrate, but Phyllis lectured that he was in recovery and always would be. He proclaimed that there were great things on the horizon for him and his company, so it was no time to be worried, but she cautioned that he was on a dangerous path, and she reminded him of everything he'd gone through to kick his addiction. Jack promised he wouldn't lead them down that path again, and he stressed that he was just excited about the future. He swore he loved his life, and he wouldn't do anything to screw it up.
Phyllis thought Billy deserved a second chance, but Jack said his brother had already blown third and fourth chances. Phyllis warned that the move could cut Billy out of Jack's life, but Jack griped that Billy had been responsible for that when Billy had tried to toss Jack out of the company. Phyllis argued that Billy didn't want to be CEO, but Jack ranted that everyone was out for number one. Jack stated that he valued loyalty above everything else, and his family members returned as Billy remarked that Jack had a funny way of showing it. Ashley announced that she'd talked to the majority of the board, and Billy informed Jack that he could exit gratefully or fight it, but either way, Jack was out.
Kyle piped up that he didn't agree with Ashley and Billy, and Jack turned to Abby, but he assured her that he'd never put her in a position where she had to take sides. Ashley said she had the majority of the board behind her, including Traci, who was concerned about Jack. Billy urged Jack to step down, since they were fighting to save the company their dad had spent a lifetime building, and he was glad John wasn't around to see Jack trash the Abbotts' legacy. Phyllis defended that Jack had worked hard for the company to succeed while Billy had been busy drinking and womanizing, and she assumed Billy wanted to take it away, but Billy was adamant that he didn't want to be CEO.
Ashley swore they were trying to stop Jack from doing something he'd regret, but Phyllis accused Ashley and Billy of wanting the company for themselves. Jack requested time with his wife to discuss the matter, and he suggested they meet in Ashley's office in an hour to resolve things. After Jack's family left, Phyllis concluded that the stress caused by Jack's family had led to him taking a drink, and she was surprised he hadn't finished the bottle. He swore that he wouldn't let anyone drive him back to destructive behavior, and he proclaimed that he didn't need booze or pills to beat his siblings.
Jack added that he was John Abbott Jr., and his father had wanted him to lead the company and the family, so nothing would stop him. Phyllis cooed that he was hot when he wielded power, but she worried that Ashley and Billy were determined to force Jack out, and the press would have a field day if that happened. She added that Jabot would be vulnerable to Victor making a hostile takeover, and Jack said he knew exactly what he had to do to stop it from happening.
In the Jabot lab, Ashley wondered why Jack had called the meeting, and Billy thought it proved they were doing the right thing. Ashley thought something didn't feel right. Meanwhile, Kyle guessed Abby was on edge because her bodyguard wasn't there, but she admitted she was more unnerved by Jack having a flashback to his playboy days, while Billy had his head screwed on right. Kyle wasn't as sure, and Abby was reluctant to take either side, but Kyle told her that she was either with him and Jack or against them. She refused to make a choice, and she hurried out.
Stitch was concerned when he found Abby at the Athletic Club bar by herself, and she informed him that the meeting had turned into a battle, but she hadn't stuck around to find out who'd been on the losing end. He understood family drama, and she wished they could all get along. Stitch commented that fighting with people he loved sucked, but it was worse to pretend everything was okay. Abby asked if he'd been pretending that, and he admitted he had been pretending with Victoria but not anymore.
Abby expressed sympathy that Stitch and Victoria had broken up, and she felt terrible for both of them. Stitch said he'd seen it happening for a while, and he hadn't wanted to admit it but hadn't been able to pretend anymore, since they'd both known it had been time to say goodbye. Abby imagined it had hurt, and she asked if he was okay. He said it felt right, and he planted a passionate kiss on her.
Jack entered the lab, and Ashley hoped he'd seen reason. Victor and Victoria followed close behind, and Billy asked how they'd gotten in. Jack revealed that he'd unlocked the doors, and Ashley incredulously demanded to know what he'd been thinking. Victor announced that the restrictions no longer applied to them, and Jack added that he and Victor were partners.
Outside the lab, Billy begged Victoria to tell him she hadn't been in on it, and Victoria said she'd been surprised, but Jack had been fine with the arrangement. Billy wondered if Victoria's judgment had been clouded, but Victoria replied that she was seeing things more clearly than she had in long time. They reentered the lab, and Ashley ordered Jack to say it was a joke, but Victor maintained that it was a legitimate merger. Victor explained that he'd decided to drop the charges against Jack, and Billy surmised that Jack had made the deal to save himself.
Jack admitted that staying out of prison was appealing, but it hadn't been the reason why he and Victor had formed an alliance. Jack asserted that Victor had proven he was a changed man when he'd saved Jack's life, and Victor had gotten Kelly to admit her crimes, so he thought of Victor as an ally more than an enemy. A photographer arrived, and Victor declared that it was about time the world saw that he and Jack had become partners. The men shook hands and smiled for the camera as the Abbotts helplessly looked on.
Stitch woke up in his hotel suite and seemed surprised to find himself alone in bed, and Abby emerged from the bathroom and said she'd been considering what had happened the night before. He wondered if the sex hadn't been good for her, and she confirmed it had been amazing, but she wondered whether it had been right. He unfastened her robe and assured her it had been very right, and they tumbled into bed again.
Abby recalled that Stitch had hated her at first, and Stitch reminded her that she'd been a total brat to him. He said she'd been annoying but appealing, and he found her sexy and sweet. She asked if they could just ignore Stitch's relationship with Victoria, and Stitch said the parting had been mutual, even though it had taken them a while to figure things out. He and Abby kissed, but she pulled away, since they had to get to work. They both checked their phones and found frantic messages from Ashley.
At the penthouse, Billy scornfully perused an online article about Jack and Victor's alliance, and he told Chelsea that the only explanation was that alien imposters had taken over the world. Chelsea contended that it had been Jack's choice, but Billy thought he could make Jack see reason. Billy added that it wasn't all about the Abbotts losing Jabot, since he was more concerned about his brother losing his soul. Chelsea pulled the tablet computer away from Billy, but Billy said he'd had it drilled into his head to protect Jabot and the Abbott family name, so he couldn't turn his back on it. Chelsea urged him to trust Ashley to protect them both from the inside.
Billy wondered what had happened to Gabriel, who had been oddly absent, and he asked if Chelsea had rejected Gabriel one too many times. Chelsea suggested that getting divorce papers had thrown Gabriel off, but she wondered why Billy was making the situation about Gabriel. Billy hoped Gabriel was gone for good, and he resolved to figure out a way to keep "Snidely" from waylaying the Abbott family. Billy departed, and Chelsea left an awkward message for Gabriel, begging him to return home if he cared about Jack and the company. Gloria entered without knocking and asked who had been on the phone.
Chelsea fibbed that she'd been leaving a message for Billy, and she mentioned that her nanny had quit, so she'd been working from home. Chelsea complained that there were too many people jockeying for positions at the office anyway, and Gloria opined that Chelsea should be one of them. Chelsea was confident that her job was safe, but Gloria envisioned John rolling over in his grave after Jack had sold out to the devil. Gloria considered Jabot to be "as good as kaput," and she thought Chelsea's line could suffer the same fate. Gloria pointed out that Chelsea and Victoria had history, and she suspected that Victoria would want to prove who was calling the shots.
Chelsea thought she was the last thing on Victoria's mind after a huge merger, but Gloria cautioned that Victoria would find a way to multitask. Gloria noted that Jack had fired his own brother, and Victor had always had it in for Billy, so Chelsea was guilty by association. Gloria recalled that no one had ever handed Chelsea anything, and she urged Chelsea not to let her guard down, since someone could swoop in and take everything away. Gloria offered to stay with Connor while Chelsea got back in the ring and fought.
At the Jabot lab, Ashley left another message for Abby to talk about how to handle the merger. Jack's imposter entered, and Ashley noted that his tie wasn't one Jack would usually wear. He announced that Victor and Victoria were going to stop by for a visit, and Ashley testily inquired whether they weren't too busy running Newman. Jack sternly stated that she was either with him or against him, and if she chose the latter, she should quit. Victor and Victoria arrived, and Victor proclaimed that Ashley was the best in the business, so Jack didn't want to lose her any more than Victor did.
Jack said he knew Ashley's value to the company, but he didn't want her to be miserable working there. Ashley sarcastically stated that she was incredibly happy, and Victor hoped she'd truly mean it one day. Victor handed over a copy of the company's new logo to Ashley, and she was shocked to see that Jabot had been renamed Newman-Abbott. She ranted that John would have been horrified, but Jack showed no reaction as he checked his text messages. Victor recognized that their families had history and baggage, but he suggested that they move beyond it.
Ashley surmised that Victor was referring to her and Victoria, but she said adults put their differences aside when they had to work together. Victor clarified that Ashley wouldn't be working with Victoria -- Ashley would be working for Victoria. Victor explained that the merger had called for a restructuring, and Victoria would serve as COO. Ashley coolly congratulated Victoria, but she assumed she'd continue reporting to Jack. Victor declared that Ashley would report to Victoria, given Victoria's considerable experience in cosmetics and personal investment in the company, and Ashley scoffed at the insinuation that Victoria was more invested than the Abbotts.
Jack reasoned that Jabot had become part of a larger enterprise, so it was a lateral move, but Ashley huffed that it wasn't lateral for an Abbott to answer to a Newman about Jabot. Ashley reminded Jack that he'd promised to make her co-CEO, but he argued that the merger hadn't been an issue at the time, and Victoria insisted that Newman would provide Ashley and Hex with a larger platform. Victoria understood if Ashley wanted to keep working in the lab to avoid working together, and she implied that the company didn't need leaders who let emotion cloud their judgment. "Welcome to our brave new world," Jack quipped.
Ashley refused to quit, and she vowed to fight for her father's legacy. She glared at Jack and mumbled that someone had to, and Victor maintained that the company needed her to succeed. Jack offered to continue giving Victor a tour of the facility, and the men left. Victoria decided that it was logical for her to set up her home base near the lab, and she asked Ashley to clear her things out of the office as soon as possible. She added that Ashley could relocate to the lab itself, and she asked if that would be a problem. A seething Ashley said she'd make it work.
Jack complained that Victor hadn't allowed Ashley to quit, but Victor insisted that Jack needed his sister. Victor cautioned Jack not to make Ashley question Jack's behavior again, but Jack reported that he'd fooled Phyllis, and he bragged that Phyllis was a tiger. Victor ordered Jack to start acting like an adult, since others were starting to find Jack's behavior to be increasingly cuckoo, and he objected to Jack's choice of tie. Jack said he was having lunch with his wife, but Victor replied that it wouldn't be by himself, and he reminded Jack that Victor called the shots.
Abby and Stitch arrived, and she remarked that the company had become a "Newman-Abbott production," just like her. She asked if Jack was okay with the merger, and Jack replied that things couldn't be better, but he and Victor had someplace they had to be. The men left, and Stitch remarked that a lot of things had changed since the day before. Ashley exited the office, and Stitch and Abby muttered apologies for being late, but Ashley told them to tell it to the boss. Victoria appeared in the office doorway.
Victoria haughtily said it was good to finally see Stitch and Abby, and Abby chirped that it would be cool to work together. Ashley revealed that Victoria was the new COO, and she'd be reporting to Victoria going forward. Victoria said she wanted to meet with them individually to get status reports, and she'd call them into her office when she was ready. Victoria retreated inside, and Ashley whispered that they all had to stick together, but they had to assume "big brother" was watching everything. Abby wondered why Ashley was staying calm, and through gritted teeth, Ashley said her only other choice was to break all the glass in the room. Victoria opened the door and asked to see Stitch in her office.
Stitch tried to explain, but Victoria said she didn't want to hear it. She scolded him for showing up moony-eyed for work when it suited him, and he chided her for speaking to him like he was a little kid who'd been sent to detention. He swore that no one had set out to hurt her, but she pointed out that it hadn't even been one day since they'd broken up. Stitch defended that he hadn't known Victoria would be there, and Victoria suggested they focus on business, since that was all that was left between them.
Ashley asked what Abby had been thinking when she'd waltzed in with Stitch, and Abby informed her mother that Stitch and Victoria had broken up. Abby swore nothing had happened between her and Stitch while he and Victoria had been together, and she hadn't expected to discover that Victoria had planted herself in the lab. Ashley said she was trying to keep the family business from falling apart, and Abby pledged her support to Ashley and Jabot.
Later, Abby knocked on Victoria's office door and cheerfully asked if it was a bad time, and Victoria asked if Abby meant that very minute or the past 24 hours. Abby sincerely said she loved Victoria, who had been her best friend for ages, but some things had changed. Victoria observed that Abby and Stitch shared the same ecstatic glow, and Abby acknowledged that it was awkward, but she'd never wanted to hurt Victoria. Victoria said nothing would ever change the fact that they were sisters, but she expected Abby to be on time and to set a good example for other employees by focusing on her work and not her personal life. Abby agreed, and Victoria half-heartedly said they'd have a good time working together.
Stitch was perplexed that a test seemed off, and Ashley surmised that he was just off his game, since he was working in an environment where he'd broken off a relationship with one sister before he'd hopped in the sack with the other. He retorted that he'd taken a long, hot shower in between, and Ashley snarled that she wouldn't be a problem unless he hurt her daughter, but she anticipated that Victoria would make his life miserable. Ashley cautioned that the war between the Abbotts and the Newmans would get vicious once the truce was over, and both sides would feel entitled to claim Stitch as their own. Ashley said everyone would understand if he resigned, and Stitch declared that he was there as a chemist and an ally, but he offered to leave if it made her uncomfortable. Ashley reconsidered and thought maybe he could be useful.
Ashley asked if Victoria had any problem with her going to lunch, and Victoria said it was fine, but she mused that the artwork in the office felt off. Ashley stated that it was Victoria's office, so Victoria could do whatever she wanted with it. On her way out, Ashley asked Chelsea if she was there to kiss the ring, and she revealed that Victoria was in the office with Ashley's name on the door. Chelsea took a deep breath as she entered the office, and Victoria imagined Chelsea had heard about the changes at Jabot from Billy. Chelsea said the news had been splashed all over the media, and she'd wanted to remind Victoria of how profitable her line was by dropping off some spreadsheets.
Chelsea rambled about Jack firing Billy and Victor hating Billy, and she refused to allow her business to be used as a whip to get Billy to fall into line. Chelsea asserted that other companies had approached her, so she'd be glad to take her sketches and go elsewhere, and Victoria asked if she was finished. Victoria acknowledged the value Chelsea's line gave to the company, so Victoria would have to be stupid to cut the line -- and she wasn't stupid. Victoria understood why Chelsea had thought she'd turn the merger into something personal, but she swore she wouldn't. The women agreed that they'd make great products and lots of money, and Chelsea left, satisfied.
Ashley left a message for Jack and pleaded with him to tell her if he had a plan in place, since what he was doing to their family business wasn't acceptable, and John Abbott's son would never have done it. Meanwhile, Abby was certain Victoria was angry and hurt by what Abby and Stitch had done, and she wondered if they should have waited. Stitch asked if Abby regretted what had happened between them, and Abby replied that there was no way she could. They kissed as Victoria watched them through the door.
At the Athletic Club, Kyle and Phyllis scanned the article about the merger, and Kyle wondered whether Billy and Ashley had been right about Jack going over the edge. Phyllis thought all wars should end that way, but Kyle didn't believe she sounded convinced. She revealed that she'd smelled booze on Jack's breath, and Kyle argued that it could have been an innocent spill, but she said Jack had admitted it. Kyle insisted his dad would never do that, and he worried that Jack wasn't in a good place if he'd acted like taking a drink had been no big deal. Phyllis relayed that Jack hadn't rationalized a slip, but he'd simply explained it as a one-time thing in honor of the merger.
Kyle thought neither the drinking nor the merger made sense, and he wondered if Jack had an endgame in mind. Phyllis divulged that Jack had implied he had one, and he'd asked her to trust him, so that was what she was doing. Kyle was sure that Jack would never let Victor swallow Jabot whole, and he contemplated whether Jack had been self-medicating because he was stressed. Phyllis implored Kyle to trust her and Jack, and Kyle assured her he was on their side, even though he felt uncomfortable. Phyllis wished the rest of the family would have faith, since Jack would be angry if the Abbotts refused to trust his vision.
Billy arrived and asked if Phyllis and Kyle were climbing the walls after seeing Jack and Victor's smiling photos in the press, and Kyle tried to convince himself that Jack had a plan. Billy wondered what would happen if Jack didn't, but Phyllis ordered him to support his brother. Billy pledged to do so by making Jack see that partnering with Victor had been a colossal mistake, and he expected Phyllis and Kyle to help him. Kyle contended that Jack had always done things his own way, but Billy argued that Jack had always had clear priorities -- family, business, and Phyllis -- and he'd just inexplicably handed one over to Victor.
Phyllis guessed that Jack had a plan to topple Victor, and Billy said he'd love to hear it, since the merger was legal and binding. Phyllis theorized that Jack had just wanted peace for once in his life, but Billy thought Jack would find peace by crushing Victor, not bowing to him. Kyle retorted that Jack was his own man who made his own decisions, and Billy conceded that the Jack he'd known had been, but something else was going on. Jack and Victor entered the club, and Jack made a show of kissing Phyllis passionately. Billy said it was adorable that the men had walked in together, and Jack grumbled that it was a private lunch, but Victor invited Billy to stay to hear about how smoothly the transition was going.
Victor reported that Victoria and Ashley were working together, just like he and Jack were, and it was too bad Billy wasn't mature enough to understand. Victor stepped aside to take a call, and Kyle asked to speak privately with Jack. Kyle questioned whether Jack was okay, and Jack declared that it was like he was a new man. Kyle inquired whether Jack had agreed to the merger to keep the peace or to plan to take down Victor, and Jack confided that there was more to the merger than even Victor knew.
Victor asked if Kyle was on board with the merger, and Kyle said it was relief to know things would work out the way they were supposed to. Jack queried whether Phyllis liked his tie, and she approved of him stepping outside his usual comfort zone. Billy prepared to take off, and he asked to speak with Jack alone later. Billy told Phyllis he'd be in touch, and he watched the rest of the group adjourn to a table. Phyllis excused herself to powder her nose, and Jack leered at her as she walked away, but Victor instructed Jack to keep his eyes on Victor.
Victor ordered Jack to stick to the script, since Jack was becoming "un-Abbott-like," and Jack snapped that he'd handle it, but Victor said Jack didn't know what to handle. Jack asked what Victor was drinking, but Victor warned against drinking, since it wasn't a game. Victor recognized that the imposter loved playing with Jack's toys, but he threatened to put the clone back into the Peruvian prison Victor had gotten him released from. Billy and Ashley suspiciously watched the duo from across the room.
At Crimson Lights, Hilary approached Devon, and she said he couldn't avoid her forever. She wondered if he had nothing to say after she'd admitted that she still loved him, and she inquired whether he still loved her. Devon questioned why it mattered, and Hilary replied that it meant everything to her, since he was the best thing that had ever happened to her. She maintained that she'd never stopped loving him, and she couldn't imagine losing him forever.
Devon said he would have given anything to hear Hilary say that after the plane crash, but instead, she'd taunted that she'd used him to get revenge. He chided her for switching her story again, and she swore she was telling the truth. Devon snapped that he wasn't a light switch, and she explained that she'd been attempting to fix things between him and Neil. Devon thought she could have found a way to save his dad without sleeping with the prosecutor, and Hilary said she'd blamed herself for Neil's unraveling, so she had no regrets about what she'd done to keep Neil out of prison.
Devon asked how Hilary expected him to get past it, and Hilary pleaded with him to at least try to find their way back to one another. Devon contended that Hilary's act had worked like a charm, and there was hope for him and Neil, but the men would never reconcile if Devon and Hilary got involved again. Hilary said she understood, and she got choked up as she added that she'd been hopeful. She quietly stated that she'd said what she'd needed to say, and she hurried out. Devon looked pained.
Later, Hilary arrived at Devon's hotel suite, and she said she'd been thinking about the way they'd left things, but she refused to let it end like that. Devon said he'd made it clear they couldn't go back, but Hilary suggested that maybe they could be friends. She proclaimed that he was the love of her life, and she wanted him however she could have him.
At the cottage, Dylan noted that it sounded like Michael was hanging Sharon's defense on getting the tire iron thrown out, and Michael replied that Dylan and Avery had obliterated the chain of evidence, so he was certain it would be tossed. Dylan pressed to know what would happen if it wasn't, and Michael said he could create reasonable doubt by presenting another suspect, but Dylan thought they should try to prove someone was framing Sharon. Michael agreed that it would be ideal to find the real murderer, but the clock was ticking, and all the evidence pointed at Sharon. Sharon overheard and asked if Michael was saying she was a lost cause.
Sharon assumed she didn't have a prayer, and Michael lectured that jumping to the worst outcome wasn't helpful. He declined an incoming call from Dr. Jain, and he explained that he and Dylan had simply been running through different scenarios. Sharon contended that it was hard to stay calm when her lawyer talked about running out of time, and she worried that she could go to prison. Sharon continued to freak out as Lauren stopped by, and Michael suggested they all take a break. Michael invited Lauren to lunch, and the Baldwins left. Sharon ranted that she couldn't take any more false hope, and she ordered Dylan out.
Later, Sharon found Dylan hadn't left her living room, and he argued that she shouldn't be alone when she was like that, but she countered that she was a realist who saw that her future wasn't pretty. She rambled that she had no alibi, the evidence implicated her, and Paul thought she'd had a motive to kill both Austin and Courtney. Sharon continued that the press would reinstate the death penalty for her if they had their way, and Dylan was a fool if he thought she'd get out of it. Dylan bellowed that he'd been working his butt off to prove she was innocent and to keep her from giving up, but he'd realized why she'd panicked -- because she was guilty.
Sharon incredulously asked if Dylan had just called her a murderer after he'd claimed he'd believed her, and she insisted that he knew she'd never do anything like that. Sharon recounted that Michael had told her she should never even have been arrested with such weak evidence, and Dylan proclaimed that Sharon would beat the charges if she remained feisty instead of wallowing in negativity. He apologized for throwing her, but he was happy she'd reacted that way. A relieved Sharon said it had felt like she'd lost her best friend for a moment, and Dylan implored her not to let her doubts overwhelm her.
In Joe's hospital room, Avery told someone on the phone that she wasn't taking on new clients, and after she hung up, Joe urged her not to sacrifice her work for him, but she contended that she already had plenty of work she didn't need. Joe informed her that he'd decided not to fight the doctor's suggestion to transfer him to a nursing home, and Avery clarified that it was an excellent rehabilitation facility that specialized in spinal injuries. Joe grumbled that he'd be popping wheelies in no time, and he asked her to pack up his apartment while he was gone. Avery asked if he wasn't planning to return to Genoa City.
Joe said he hadn't decided where he'd end up, since he didn't know how long he'd be at the rehab facility, and he figured it would be best to put his stuff in storage and not worry about it. Avery thought it might motivate him to have a home to return to, but Joe said it had just been a place to crash, and he apologized for burdening her with the request. She swore that she was happy to help, and she imagined that it would be overwhelming to get settled into a new place, so she volunteered to go with him.
Joe appreciated Avery's generous offer, but he didn't want her to uproot her life. She reasoned that it would be good for him to have someone there to advocate for him and to run errands, especially since she was the reason he was in the predicament. She added that she'd talked to Barton, who had indicated that having someone there to support Joe could make a difference. Joe agreed that it would be nice to have her there, and she declared that it was settled. Joe guessed she hadn't spoken to Dylan about it yet, and he wondered how her fiancé would feel about it.
Avery called Dylan and informed him that Joe was being transferred to a rehab facility in Chicago, and she wanted to accompany Joe to get him settled. Dylan inquired whether it had been her idea or Joe's, and Avery said it had been hers, but she knew Dylan might have an issue with it. She explained that Joe's spirit had been broken since the accident, and she thought Joe shouldn't have to face what was ahead alone. Dylan said he understood her need to help Joe, and Avery thanked him. They exchanged declarations of love, and they hung up. Avery returned to Joe's room, and Joe assumed Dylan had said no, but Avery reported that Dylan was okay with her making the trip.
Sharon sensed that Dylan really wasn't fine with Avery's decision, but he replied that it would happen whether he liked it or not. He pointed out that Avery had accepted that he wanted to be there for Sharon, and Sharon guessed that Dylan had given Avery the answer she'd wanted instead of unloading the truth. Sharon recommended that he take his own advice and tell Avery how he really felt.
At the Athletic Club, Lily and Cane kissed, and she said she missed seeing him during the day. Cane mentioned that Lauren had a big shipment arriving at the boutique, so he thought he'd surprise his beautiful wife while he was there. He acknowledged that they hadn't had much time together since he'd taken the job, and Lily suggested that they have dinner together that evening. Jill overheard and surmised Lauren had been working Cane to the bone, and she cautioned Cane to careful what he wished for.
Cane said things would settle down at the new job soon enough, but Jill warned that retail hours were brutal. Lily countered that at least Cane wasn't frustrated, and Cane was sure Jill enjoyed running Chancellor all by herself, but Jill was skeptical that helping in a family business was enough for Cane. Cane pointedly stated that Lauren trusted him and was receptive to his ideas, so it was like a real partnership, and he couldn't be happier.
Lauren and Michael arrived at the club, and she noted that he had been living in a tense environment. Lauren informed Cane that a reporter who they were supposed to meet with the next day had needed to reschedule for that evening in order to catch a red-eye flight, and Cane didn't want to cancel his dinner plans with Lily, but Lily said it was fine. Lauren offered to take the meeting by herself, but Michael mentioned that the reporter was from a national magazine, and he thought Cane should be there to talk about his new role at Fenmore's. Lily agreed, and Cane said he'd be there.
Over lunch, Lauren asked if Michael would continue to second-guess her work decisions, but Michael reasoned that it would be good press for Cane to be at the meeting. Lauren found it lovely that Cane had wanted to spend time with his wife, and Michael assumed that Lauren was comparing Cane's behavior to Michael's. Lauren complained that Michael had barely made an effort to keep in touch since he'd moved in with Sharon, and Michael argued that he'd made a major commitment to act as Sharon's guardian. Lauren said it was also a great way to hide from her and his oncologist, and she relayed that Dr. Jain had left a message at their house about Michael missing an appointment.
Lauren observed that Michael looked "like hell," and she worried that he wasn't taking care of himself. She felt like he was holding something back, and Michael admonished her for treating him like a child. He yelled that he didn't need her grilling him about every decision he made, and Jill and Cane stared from across the room. Cane reported that the deliveries had arrived, and he asked Lauren to shoot him a text message when she was done with lunch. Lauren suggested they take care of it right away, and she glared at Michael as she snapped that they all knew they had to put work first.
Jill expressed concern to Michael about his public fight with Lauren, but Michael replied that it wasn't Jill's business. Jill said they were her family, so it made it her business, and she asked why he was pushing Lauren away. Michael divulged that he'd had to move in with Sharon as a condition of her bail, and Jill questioned why he'd needed to be the appointed babysitter. Jill pointed out that Michael's treatment had been successful, and Lauren had stuck by him through thick and thin, so Jill didn't understand why he was burying himself in work. Jill demanded to know what was going on in his head.
Michael said he needed space to deal with what he was going through, and Lauren had been too focused on his illness. Jill understood that concern and questions could be stifling sometimes, but she warned him that Lauren thought she and Michael were drifting apart. Michael admitted he'd felt like he'd been keeping Lauren down, so he'd been encouraging her to focus on work and to have a friend in Cane. Jill praised Michael for explaining it to her calmly and beautifully, and she suggested that he explain it to Lauren instead of avoiding her and biting her head off. Michael realized Jill was right, and he excused himself to apologize to Lauren.
Colin approached Lily and noted that she'd graciously changed her plans so Cane could dine with Lauren, and Lily clarified that it was a business dinner, but Colin suspected that Lily was more upset than she was letting on. Lily said she wished she and Cane could spend more time together, but she was happy that her husband was excited about his new job. Colin warned that it was easy for a man to be distracted when things were messy at home, and Lily wondered if he was implying that Cane looked at Lauren as more than a business associate. Colin was sure Cane was loyal, but he thought Lauren was another matter.
Lily found the idea of Cane and Lauren together ridiculous, but Colin pointed out that Lauren had cheated on Michael before. Lily argued that the Baldwins' marriage had been under a huge strain at the time, and it was an entirely different situation. Colin lectured that pain was pain, and Lauren might look for another shoulder to cry on. He added that Lauren was an alluring woman, and he advised Lily to keep a close eye on her husband.
Colin informed Jill that he'd told Lily that it looked like Cane and Lauren were getting too cozy, and Jill wished Colin hadn't, since Cane was happy to have Lily back. Colin agreed that Cane wasn't interested in another woman, and Jill realized he was implying Lauren would stray. Jill recalled that Michael had insinuated that Lauren would be happier in Cane's company than in his own, and Colin asked if she thought Michael was pushing Lauren into Cane's arms. Jill said it would be crazy, but she looked worried.
Lauren and Cane unpacked the shipment, and she picked up a necklace and said she hadn't been expecting that at all. She began to sob that it was disappointing, and it wasn't the way it was supposed to be. Cane gently touched her shoulder and looked sympathetic, and Lauren asked Cane to forgive her, but he said there was nothing to forgive. She confided that she and Michael weren't in the best place, and Cane joked that he'd thought she simply hadn't liked the merchandise. She made fun of the necklace, and Michael peered in and saw Lauren and Cane laughing, but he walked away.
Lily entered the boutique and announced that she wanted to take her husband to dinner after all, and Cane asked Lauren if that was okay. Lauren promised she'd let the reporter know how valuable he was, and she told the Ashbys to have fun.
Dylan entered Joe's room, and Joe informed him that Avery had stepped out. Joe guessed that Dylan was there to put him on notice, and Dylan replied that he didn't trust Joe and never would. Joe admitted he'd done everything Dylan had accused him of to win Avery, and he confessed that he'd put the moves on her on the balcony, but he told Dylan to look at where it had gotten Joe. Joe said there was no need to pretend anymore, since everything had changed after the fall, and he knew Avery would never be his.
Joe contended that Avery only looked at him with guilt and pity, but she'd always wanted Dylan. Joe noted that as much as Dylan hated him, Dylan had never lost faith in Avery, and what Dylan and Avery had was real. Joe swore he didn't want the trip to cause trouble, and he implored Dylan just to say so if he objected, but Dylan said Avery made her own decisions.
Avery stopped by Sharon's house to find Dylan, and she was surprised to learn he wasn't there. Avery remarked that she thought Sharon couldn't be left to her own devices, and Sharon explained that she was under house arrest but didn't need constant surveillance. Sharon imagined that Avery thought she needed to be under heavy guard, and Avery commented that the truth would eventually surface. Sharon recalled that Avery had believed in her when she'd been accused of murder before, and Avery said she'd been proud to be Sharon's defense counsel, but she'd gotten to know Sharon better since then.
Sharon concluded that Avery would have considered it an acceptable outcome if Sharon had been locked up already, but Avery hoped Sharon was found not guilty for Dylan and Michael's sakes. Sharon surmised that Avery wouldn't be alone with her if Avery believed she was capable of double homicide, and Avery countered that she hadn't thought Sharon had been capable of burning down the ranch or falsifying Summer's paternity, either. Sharon stopped Avery from leaving and snapped that Avery had no clue about her fiancé, since Dylan had gone to tell Avery that he wasn't okay with her going on a trip with Joe.
Sharon reported that Dylan had obviously been upset, and Avery argued that a trip to a rehab center was hardly a romantic tryst. Sharon barked that Joe was a big boy who didn't need Avery to hold his hand -- unless Avery really wanted Joe, not Dylan. Avery thought Sharon would love it if Avery wanted Joe, since Dylan would be available to constantly rush over to be Sharon's white knight. Sharon retorted that Avery had been living by Joe's bedside, and Avery spat that Sharon couldn't go two minutes without a man to lean on.
Avery taunted that Sharon had gone through all the men in the Newman family, and a pale, sweaty Michael walked in as Sharon lunged at Avery. Avery dared Sharon to violate her parole by assaulting Avery, and Michael weakly asked them to stop. As the women continued to argue, Michael collapsed in a chair.
