Chance arrived at Devon's penthouse to drop off Dominic earlier than expected. Chance explained that he had gotten called in on a case and had no one to cover for him. Abby assured Chance that she and Devon always loved having Dominic stay at their home. Chance shared his concerns about Dominic being bounced from home to home, explaining that their son would become fussy and had difficulty calming down immediately after arriving.
Abby, concerned, asked Chance if he was proposing altering their custody agreement. Chance suggested that Abby and Devon both move into the Chancellor mansion, so Dominic could have room to play and grow. Chance said he would schedule his visits with Dominic at the home where their boy had first lived. Chance assured Abby and Devon that he had no desire to alter the custody agreement and would understand if they did not embrace his idea of moving into the Chancellor mansion.
After Chance left, Devon told Abby that he embraced the idea of creating a single home for Dominic, so he would not have to be carted back and forth. Devon asked Abby if living at the Chancellor mansion would be difficult for her whenever Jill or Nina was present. Abby recalled that Nina had told her exactly how she felt about Abby having broken Nina's son's heart. Abby asked Devon how he felt about giving up his home, even if doing so was the best choice for Dominic.
Devon recalled that Hilary had initially not welcomed his grand gesture after he had purchased the penthouse without first consulting her. Devon told Abby that he had created good and also sad memories involving Neil and Hamilton-Winters at the penthouse, the place where Neil had passed away. Devon fondly reminisced about the day at his penthouse when he and Abby had first realized they were in love. Abby was in favor of Dominic being raised in the home where he had spent the beginning of his life.
At the Genoa City Athletic Club, Ashley told Tucker that Traci had meant well when she had entreated Ashley and Jack to put down their swords, though their sister's efforts had not worked. Tucker discussed with Ashley her unrelenting hatred for Diane. Ashley claimed that her love for Jack and the family was the reason she struggled with Diane. Tucker told Ashley that she had convinced herself that she was obligated to save Jack.
Ashley agreed, explaining that Diane remained a present danger. Tucker, becoming increasingly frustrated, insisted that Jack did not need to be saved, especially by Ashley. Tucker told Ashley that if Jack's association with Diane ruined his life and caused chaos at Jabot, then it should not be her concern. Ashley, miffed, reminded Tucker that her father, not his, had built Jabot.
Tucker suggested that Ashley build her own legacy with him. Ashley sighed and recalled that she and Jack had grown close growing up and had protected each other since the day their mother had left them. Tucker pleaded with Ashley to purge her hatred for Diane. Ashley insisted she could not turn off her anger for Diane like a light switch because Diane remained a threat. Tucker complained that Ashley's obsession with Diane was interfering with her and Tucker's relationship.
Ashley apologized and explained that she could not walk away from Jabot because it was in her DNA. Tucker proposed that if Jack's involvement with Diane brought down Jabot, as Ashley predicted, then he and Ashley could swoop in, scoop up Jabot, and fold it into their own company to make it stronger. Ashley was hesitant and feared that Jack, Traci, and Billy would feel as if she had stabbed them in the back if she destroyed the family company.
Tucker suggested that Ashley allow Diane to crash and burn on her own, which would prove to Jack that she had been a threat all along. Ashley reminded Tucker that during the time she had retreated to Paris, she had created her own successful company based on her patents. Tucker enticed Ashley to join forces with him by promising that together, they would be unstoppable. Ashley smiled as she listened to Tucker imagine their newly created company. Tucker persisted in his efforts to woo Ashley to join forces with him.
Tucker suggested naming their company Simply Ashley, assuring her that people all over the world associated beauty with Ashley's name. Tucker vowed that together, he and Ashley would set the beauty industry on fire. After Ashley mentioned teaching Jack a lesson, Tucker bristled and demanded to know whether or not Ashley was committed. Ashley cavalierly replied, "Of course." Tucker slapped the table in a show of victory and ordered the bartender to serve a bottle of fine Champagne to him and his new business partner. Ashley shushed Tucker, instructing him to hold down his voice as he grinned from ear to ear.
After Tucker and Ashley retreated to a suite upstairs to make love, Tucker explained that they should also consider a corporate name. Tucker proposed the name McCall-Abbott Industries, under which Simply Ashley would operate. Ashley replied, "Oh, I don't like that at all. It should be Abbott-McCall Industries." Tucker proposed humorous mashups of their names. Ashley insisted she was not in favor of company names with universal or global, explaining that both sounded too expansive. Ashley told Tucker she was interested in imagining the dynamic between them in running a company together. Tucker assured Ashley they would be equals and rely on each other's strengths.
After Tucker bragged about his remarkable business acumen, Ashley reminded him that his so-called acumen had tanked McCall Unlimited. Tucker admitted he had taken his eye off the ball, but he would not make the same mistakes again with Ashley as his business and romantic partner. Tucker asked Ashley if his assurances had convinced her. Ashley served Tucker a glass of Champagne, kissed him on the lips, and said, "Here's to new beginnings."
Jack met with Diane at Society after she summoned him. Diane admitted that efforts to broker peace between Kyle and Summer had gone horribly wrong. Jack asked Diane what she had done to make things worse. Diane explained that Summer had enlisted her help, explaining that doing so would help make amends between them. Diane told Jack that after Kyle had shown up, he had joined the discussion.
Diane recalled having informed Summer and Kyle that Harrison had been getting up after bedtime to seek her comfort because he blamed himself for making his mommy and daddy upset. Diane claimed that she had not previously said anything because she had believed the situation between Kyle and Summer would work itself out. Jack said he hated that Harrison had blamed himself.
After Jack asked Diane why she had not told him, she admitted she had made up the story about Harrison in hopes that it might help Kyle push past his anger for Summer. Jack, miffed, replied, "You lied to Kyle again?" Diane insisted she had merely told a white lie, though she believed that Harrison had picked up on the tension between his parents. Jack replied, "You don't know that. He hasn't said that to you, has he?" Diane explained that her aim had been to enlighten Kyle about the impact his anger might be having on Harrison.
Diane related to Jack a memory of Kyle believing her story about Harrison. Kyle had then become upset, thinking that Summer had failed to tell him about Harrison's distress. Summer, however, had assured Kyle that she'd been unaware of Harrison's anguish because she had been sleeping in the pool house. Kyle had told his mom he could not believe Harrison had felt troubled, explaining that something seemed off about her claims. Diane told Jack that at that point in her earlier discussion with Summer and Kyle, she had been honest about having overblown the situation. Jack pointed out that Diane had tried to convince Kyle that his son had been suffering. Diane agreed, recalling that Summer had followed Kyle after he had angrily stormed out.
Diane admitted to Jack that she felt partially responsible for the issues between Kyle and Summer. Jack assured Diane that she was not to blame for Summer's actions. Diane explained that Jeremy Stark had gone to Genoa City to get back at her and had used Phyllis in a scheme to exact revenge. Jack again defended Diane and recalled that Summer had gone off the rails emotionally. Diane noted that Summer had felt compelled to protect her mother by doing whatever was necessary to help Phyllis return to Genoa City. Diane told Jack she would try to help Kyle understand why she had involved Harrison in her ploy to help Summer.
At the Abbott home, Summer pleaded with Kyle to talk to her after he had stormed out of Society. Summer begged Kyle to speak up if he was unwilling to take steps to reconcile. Kyle suggested that he and Summer take some time apart from each other until they could figure things out. Summer asked Kyle if he was proposing a formal separation. Kyle reminded Summer about the weeks of frustration he had endured, feeling he was failing to offer comfort, when all the while, she had been lying to him. Summer admitted she had handled the situation all wrong, recalling that she had been protecting her mother. Summer told Kyle she had also felt betrayed when he had worked with Victor behind her back. Kyle insisted the two situations were not the same.
Kyle accused Summer of throwing his expressions of love and sympathy back in his face simply because she had not trusted him to help her. Summer told Kyle they could get past their troubles because they loved each other. Kyle cried, "You chose your mother over me." Kyle blasted Summer for being willing to let his mother suffer and possibly spend the rest of her life behind bars. Summer insisted she would not have let the situation go too far. Kyle accused Summer of having set up the meeting at Society with his mother and using Harrison to manipulate him. Summer denied having suggested that Diane tell the story about Harrison, though admitting she had asked Diane to help convince Kyle to offer forgiveness. Summer cried that if Kyle loved her, then they should be able to work things out.
Summer asked Kyle if he was asking her to move out of the house completely. Kyle subtly nodded, explaining that Summer visited the main house even while staying at the pool house. Summer cried that Kyle was asking her to move out while he contemplated a divorce. Kyle again accused Summer of betraying his trust. Summer asked Kyle to consider what he might have done had the situation been reversed. Kyle insisted that Diane would never have stooped as low as Phyllis had. Summer cried that Diane had stooped just as low when she had faked her death and left Kyle when he'd been far younger than she and Daniel were when Phyllis had left. Summer added that Diane had even been willing to let Nikki take the blame.
Kyle suggested that Summer's behavior was more about her grudge against Diane than it was about protecting Phyllis. Summer, stunned by Kyle's accusations, replied that perhaps she should move out. Jack and Diane returned home. Jack and Diane told Summer they wished to speak privately with Kyle, so she stepped out. Jack, having overheard Summer, said he hoped Kyle had not asked Summer to leave. Kyle, fuming, told his mom that her meddling had made things between him and Summer worse. Kyle walked out the front door.
After Kyle left, Diane, sounding disgruntled, asked Jack how long it would take for her to finally pay her dues. Jack assured Diane that Phyllis was to blame, recalling that she had left them all scrambling to regain their footing. Jack defended Diane, claiming that using the story about Harrison had not been malicious. Diane suggested that Phyllis was perhaps staying away because she knew that the scheme she had set in motion was tearing the family apart.
Jack told Diane she should embrace the positive, reminding her that they would marry in a couple of months and that they would be working together at Jabot. Diane expressed fear that her presence at Jabot would create conflicts with Ashley and maybe even with Billy. Jack insisted he did not care, and he showed Diane a proposal of a press release announcing her new position at Jabot. Diane approved and instructed Jack to publish the announcement. Jack told Diane that if his family did not approve, it was their problem. Diane kissed Jack on the lips, and he embraced her.
Kyle sought solace at the Athletic Club, where he drank alone at the bar. Audra soon joined Kyle and mentioned that he didn't appear to be in a much better state of mind than he had been the previous time they had met at the bar. Kyle offered to buy Audra a drink. Audra offered to talk to Kyle about what was troubling him, but Kyle said he did not wish to talk about the disaster his week had been.
Kyle proposed shutting out everything and pretending that nothing was happening. Audra said she understood all too well how Kyle felt. Audra told Kyle she would be happy to help him. Audra lifted her glass and said, "Salud." Kyle lifted his glass, touched Audra's, and replied, "Salud."
Summer retreated to the patio at Crimson Lights. Summer sent a text message to Phyllis, stating that she wished she knew where her mother was and that she missed her. Chance, sitting alone in the main dining area, watched Summer. Chance observed that Summer seemed upset. Chance joined a distraught Summer on the patio. Chance told Summer that she looked as if she needed someone to talk to.
At the cottage, Sharon spoke with Faith over the phone. Sharon jumped when there was a knock at the door, and Adam called out to let her know it was him. Sharon told Faith that she'd pass along a message from Faith to Adam, and she ended the call. Sharon let Adam in, and he apologized for startling her. She testily asked what kind of jerk showed up at a crime victim's house that late at night without calling first. Adam was taken aback.
Sharon revealed that she'd simply repeated Faith's words, and Adam conceded that Faith had been right. Adam asked how Sharon was doing, and she insisted she was fine. He offered to apologize to Faith, but Sharon informed him that her daughter was back in Michigan. Adam voiced concern about Sharon being there alone after everything that had happened, but she joked that she had friends stopping by late at night. Adam considered Sharon lucky that she'd bounced back that quickly.
Sharon firmly stated that she hadn't let Cameron break her when he'd been alive, and she wouldn't let him do it when he was dead. Adam advised that it would be easier to process if she got some distance from the killing, noting that he knew what it was like. Sharon asserted that she didn't need distance, since she'd only done what she'd needed to do to keep her daughter safe, and she'd do it again in a heartbeat.
Sharon hesitantly asked if it was too soon to talk about the baby. She empathized that the hurt never really went away, and Adam sarcastically replied that it was good to know how much he had to look forward to. She cautioned that pushing one's feelings down didn't work, either, and he muttered that it was doing wonders for her. Sharon sensed that losing the baby and Sally all over again was breaking him, and she guessed that he hadn't been eating or sleeping. Adam called it a survival mechanism.
Sharon accepted that Adam might not want to be honest with himself about what the loss was doing to him, but she urged him to think about Sally. Adam replied that Sally had Nick, but Sharon argued that Adam and Sally needed one another because they'd lost a lot together. Sharon advised Adam to talk to Sally about how they could celebrate or memorialize their daughter, but Adam said he couldn't. Sharon implored him to find a way to forgive himself. Adam wondered how he was supposed to do that when Sally hated him.
Adam recounted that he'd gone back to see Sally to pour his heart out, hoping to make her understand why he'd done what he'd done. Sharon found it interesting that he'd chosen to save Sally. Adam swore that he'd wanted both Sally and the baby, but he'd made the decision with the information he'd had. Adam reasoned that Sally could have other children someday if she wanted to, but Sharon gently pointed out that those children wouldn't be with him. Adam insisted that Sally was the only one that mattered, and life would go on -- just not the life he'd wanted. Adam left over Sharon's protests.
Nick accompanied Sally back to her hotel suite. He peppered her with questions about how she was doing and what he could get for her, and she snapped that his hovering was making her uncomfortable. Nick recognized that it was the last thing she needed. Sally explained that it was a reminder that everything wasn't okay, which was far worse than any physical pain.
Sally said she was sorry for pushing Nick away when he'd been nothing but sweet and attentive. Nick swore that he would only stop if she kicked him out, but he understood if she needed space. He assured her that his invitation for her to move in didn't have an expiration date, but she thought she should hold off on making any major life decisions. Sally contemplated kicking Nick out because she didn't feel receptive to nice things. He encouraged her to think about how good it would feel to get loud and rid herself of the bad feelings by letting him have it. He encouraged her to give him her worst.
Nick warned that Sally's feelings would fester if she didn't get them out, but she protested that he didn't want to see that level of anger. He suggested that she pretend he was someone else, but she was worried that if she started screaming, she wouldn't stop. Sally confided that she was scared that would be her world from then on, remembering what could have been but never being that happy again. Nick surmised that she thought she didn't need anyone because she was tough and could take it. Sally yelled that she didn't want to have to take it.
Sally wailed that everyone she'd ever loved had left her. She cried that she'd finally thought she wouldn't be alone anymore, since Ava was supposed to have been her world. Sally wondered how she could just get over losing someone like that, and she envisioned spending the rest of her life trying to forget, because it was the only way she saw herself getting through it. She angrily recalled the doctors telling her everything would be okay, and she wanted them dead. Sally blasted Adam for making the decision to let her baby die, leaving her to live with pain for the rest of her life.
Sally imagined that if she hadn't been so stressed out, Ava might have had more time. Sally bellowed that she was trying to forget that she'd been stressed because of Nick. "Where the hell were you, Nick?" she asked. She admonished him for keeping her in the dark, leaving her to think the worst and not answering his phone. She bawled that he'd been the one person she'd thought she could count on. She recognized that his family had needed him, but she demanded to know where he'd been when she'd needed him. Nick took her into his arms as she sobbed.
Nick told Sally how sorry he was about how everything had turned out. She conceded that it had felt good to get it all out, and he sensed that she was sleepy. She asked how he could tell. He looked into her eyes and declared that he knew her, and he offered to help her into bed. She said she would love his help, and they tenderly kissed. They settled into bed together, and he held her close. She said he didn't have to stay the night, but he promised not to go anywhere until she fell asleep, no matter how long it took.
Later, Sally awakened and felt the empty bed next to her. She struggled to get up and cross the room. She rifled through her handbag and pulled out the box of baby items that Elena had given her at the hospital. Sally sat down on the bed and gazed down at the footprints and knit booties inside. She nestled under the covers with the box next to her.
Nick sipped a drink at the Athletic Club bar. Sharon called to tell him that he could take her off his list of people to worry about, but he replied that it was a forever kind of thing once someone was on the list. She queried who was looking after him. Nick supposed that Sharon was looking for someone to hang out with but was too brave to ask. She mentioned that Adam had just stopped by to check on her.
Nick offered to drop in, since it wasn't like he had a job to get to in the morning. He informed her that he'd been forced into a temporary leave of absence because of his personal issues. Sharon commented that it wasn't the worst thing, and she urged him to allow time for things to get back into a healthy rhythm. Nick warned that he could be dangerous with too much time on his hands, but Sharon believed he'd find a productive way to use it. After Nick hung up, Adam entered the club, and the men locked eyes.
Adam sidled up to the bar and hoped it wasn't becoming "a thing" for him and Nick to share a drink and their woes. Nick pointed out that one of them could leave, and he cautioned that it wasn't a good time if Adam was there to try to make amends with Sally. Adam defended that he lived upstairs, too. Nick attempted to figure out where Adam's head was, since Adam had kept showing up at the hospital before rolling by Sharon's place. Adam questioned what was wrong with seeing a friend who'd just fought her way "through hell."
Nick accused Adam of turning to Sharon to fix his life when she was dealing with her own stuff. Adam huffed that it was a little late for Nick to try to be everyone's hero, since Adam wasn't the only one who'd made a choice. Adam noted that Nick could have chosen to stay with Sally, but Nick was only around when Sharon didn't need him. Adam chided Nick for putting him in charge of Sally's care while Nick had been on a side quest to take down Cameron, allowing Adam to take a kick in the teeth so his big brother could shine.
Adam ranted that Nick was a hero, whereas Adam had been shoved back in the corner, where he was expected to stay until he was needed. Nick contended that the night had taken a toll on all of them. Adam snarled that he'd done everything right, yet it had all fallen apart. Nick relayed that he'd told Sally that she needed to find a way to forgive Adam for something that hadn't been his fault, but it was up to her. Nick added that if Adam had ever cared about her, Adam would respect that she didn't want to see him and stay away from her. Adam bitterly thanked Nick for the advice and walked out.
On the Crimson Lights patio, Summer announced to Chance that she had a confession to make. She informed him that her marriage might be ending because of the lies she'd told about her mom. Summer admitted that she'd known her mom was alive when everyone else had thought Phyllis was dead. Summer lamented that she was pretty sure she was dead to Kyle, since there had been many moments when she could have stepped forward and proven Diane's innocence, but Summer had kept up the charade and let Diane sit in jail.
Summer continued that she'd been the one Phyllis had reached out to after the memorial service, not Daniel. Chance asked why Phyllis had chosen her, and Summer explained that Phyllis had known Summer would help her with no questions asked. Summer waited for Chance to tell her as a friend that she wasn't a bad person or that everyone made mistakes. Chance stated that it was very clear how far Summer was willing to go to protect her mother. Summer asked how much trouble she was in.
Chance anticipated that Christine would charge Summer with crimes at the same time Phyllis was indicted. Chance wished he had better news, and Summer asked if anyone had seen her mom. He confirmed that there had been no sightings, but she would be the last to know if there had been. Chance realized that Summer truly didn't know where Phyllis was. Summer assumed that her mother would be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law if she was found. Chance informed Summer that there was no other choice.
Chance suspected that Summer didn't want to be friends anymore, and she confirmed that the friend thing would be dead once they got up from the table. He told her not to worry, since they'd find her mom. She figured it was because it was his job to do so. Chance insinuated that it wasn't the only reason he wanted to find Phyllis, since Summer couldn't move on until her mother was back. Chance anticipated that once Phyllis returned, Summer could focus on herself and her life. Summer insisted that they find her mom, and she offered to help Chance that time -- because it was what friends did.
In an Athletic Club hotel suite, Michael prepared for a romantic evening with Lauren by ordering ice cream and strawberries dipped in chocolate. He removed his pants as he gave orders over the phone to pull out all the stops. There was a knock at the door, and he struck a pose on the couch in his boxer shorts and yelled that the door was open. Without turning around, he flirtatiously suggested that someone do something about the heat in there, and he cooed that it was hot and getting hotter. Michael was stunned when he turned and saw Phyllis, who smiled broadly.
Michael confirmed that he'd been worried about Phyllis, but he questioned what she was doing there, since he'd planned a romantic evening for Lauren. Phyllis suggested that he stall Lauren to give Phyllis time to explain what was going on. Michael realized that Phyllis had no clue of the pain she'd caused others, and he accused her of only being worried about herself. She apologized but also scoffed at the idea that it had been fun for her. Michael considered walking out the door, but Phyllis begged him not to go because she needed his help. He cursed and admitted that it was good to see her. They embraced.
Michael reminded Phyllis that she'd faked her death and tried to pin it on Diane, making Phyllis officially no better than Diane herself. Phyllis ordered him to take it back, but he pointed out that he'd been devastated when he'd thought she was dead. Phyllis asked if he'd ever wondered what she'd been going through, and he mentioned that he'd heard that she'd killed a man. Phyllis defended that Stark had been about to kill her, so she'd had to do it.
Phyllis shared that she'd been terrified, but she'd fought for her life and survived. She added that she didn't feel bad about it because Stark had been garbage. Phyllis figured that they could talk about all the grievances Michael had with her, or they could talk about how he could help her. Michael pondered giving her a shoulder to cry on or a plane ticket to a country without extradition. Phyllis flatly stated that she needed a lawyer, and she refused to run anymore. Phyllis incredulously inquired whether he'd chosen Diane over her.
Michael asserted that he'd done everything he could to get out of representing Diane, citing how much Lauren loved Phyllis. Phyllis couldn't wait to see her friends and show them how much she loved them, and Michael dryly wished her luck. Phyllis guessed that he couldn't take her case due to conflict of interest, but Michael declared that he was a free agent. Phyllis pleaded with him to represent her because she needed the best.
Michael revealed that Summer had already offered him the opportunity, and he'd graciously accepted. Phyllis scolded him for not saying something, but Michael figured that he'd needed to get his anger out. Michael warned that Summer had inherited Phyllis' impulsive, fearless gene, but fear was what kept them alive and out of court. He referred to the many laws Summer had broken because of Phyllis, and he predicted that Summer was headed for big trouble if she didn't watch her step.
Michael disclosed that Summer had wanted to bribe Carson to commit perjury by swearing he'd witnessed Phyllis kill Stark in self-defense. Phyllis claimed that Carson had witnessed it, but getting in touch with him had been Phyllis' plan, not Summer's. Michael ordered Phyllis to let him devise the plan from then on, since Carson could testify to Stark's darker tendencies and strengthen her case. Phyllis swore that Carson had seen everything she'd gone through and what Stark had made her do. Michael informed her that he'd been unable to locate Carson, even with Victor's help.
Phyllis argued that Victor wanted to see her in prison, and she requested that Michael leave Victor out of it. Michael suggested that they change the world so Phyllis could return home. She anxiously asked if he'd represent her. He responded by asking if she'd turn herself in. Phyllis fretted that she'd already stayed too long. Michael counseled that she couldn't keep going on like that. She dared him to make her an offer she couldn't refuse.
Michael pictured Phyllis being close to the people who loved her and missed her, and she begged him to get her out of her legal troubles. Michael pledged to put all the messiness behind her, so she could get on with her life and be happy again, walking down the streets with her head held high. Michael was sure Carson would help. Phyllis requested that Michael let her weigh her options and take everything into account.
Michael clucked that the clock was ticking, and Phyllis said it had been good chatting with him. Michael appealed to her to return home. Phyllis promised she would one day, but he groaned that he hated waiting. "Phyllis, I'm going to see you again, aren't I?" he asked, his voice breaking. She suggested they make a deal. "Work your magic, and I will come back with bells on," she pledged. Phyllis put on sunglasses and a hat, and Michael walked her to the door. He watched her go as she slipped out.
At Newman, Victor said he'd struck a nerve with Victoria about Nick and that he and Nikki were concerned that she'd walked out of their meeting. Victoria claimed she'd been handling other business decision when they'd begun questioning her decisions. Victor stated that Victoria had made a unilateral decision to replace Nick with Nate, and he and Nikki questioned that decision.
Victoria told Victor that Nick's situation had hit her emotionally. She'd thought about Faith being kidnapped and having an explosive device strapped to her body. She claimed it had to have been traumatizing for Nick, which was the reason she'd insisted that Nick take time off. Victor said that had been Nick's decision to make. Victoria asked if Victor remembered how Nick's emotional reaction had slowly crept up on him after he'd believed he'd killed Ashland. She said Nick would return when he was ready.
Victor wanted to discuss Nate, but Victoria claimed there was nothing to discuss. Victor disagreed. He stated Victoria hadn't answered Nikki when she'd asked whether Nate had influenced her about Nick taking a leave. Victoria admitted it had been her call alone for Nate to step in during Nick's leave, and Nate had challenged her decision. She questioned Victor's issues with Nate picking up the slack, since he'd always shown an interest in Nate's new career, and he'd praised Nate's work at Newman Media.
Victor told Victoria that Nick didn't trust Nate. Victoria explained that it was because of what had happened with Elena and at Chancellor-Winters. She said she would be working with Nate, but she understood Nick's concern. Victor warned her not to try to pull the wool over his eyes because she would not only work with Nate but also had a personal relationship with him. He asked how that wouldn't affect her judgment in business.
Victoria told Victor that Nate was an asset to the company, and she trusted him completely. She said when Victor had made her CEO, he'd trusted her to run the family company. She said that trust had been challenged after what had happened with Ashland, but she thought they'd gotten past that.
Nate walked into the office, asking if it was late enough to sample the bourbon he'd bought for Victoria. He apologized when he saw Victor. He explained that he and Victoria had been working late on a project for the real estate division. Victor asked Victoria to give him and Nate a moment alone.
After Victoria left, Nate said Victoria had asked him to step in for Nick. He assured Victor he was up for the challenge, and he claimed he was going to impress Victor, Nikki, Nick, and Victoria. Nate noted that Victor's silence meant Victor wasn't pleased about Victoria asking him to step in for Nick and that Victor assumed he was after Nick's job. Nate confirmed he was aware the position was temporary, and when Nick returned, he would be happy to return to Newman Media. Nate assured Victor there was no power grab going on. He admitted his regret at what he'd tried to do at Chancellor-Winters. He said he had no intention of making that mistake again.
Victor claimed if Nate did, Nate would become his enemy. Nate assured Victor that his intentions were pure -- not just for protecting his job, but also because he cared about Victoria outside their work relationship. He noted Victor had concerns about that. Victor agreed. Nate said he wanted Victoria to lean on him personally and professionally, and he wouldn't do anything to jeopardize that. He said he had nothing but admiration and respect for Victor, Victoria, and Nick. Nate said he was sad that Nick didn't feel he could trust Nate.
Victor commented that Nate and Nick had been friends. Nate said the only way they could be friends again was if Nate took Nick's advice and turned down the interim COO position. Victor pointed out that Nate had jumped at that chance. Nate claimed he'd considered Nick's request carefully, but he'd felt it wouldn't be fair to Victoria. He said Victoria believed in him, and he could be useful during that time. He said he would live with Nick's anger and distrust until he found some other way to win Nick over. Nate claimed Victor would probably have done the same thing in Nate's shoes. Victor agreed.
Victoria returned and commented that she hoped Nate had allayed Victor's doubts. Victor warned Victoria and Nate that he would keep a close eye on the company.
After Victor left, Victoria asked what Nate and Victor had talked about. Nate said Victor had made it clear that he was wary of Nate trying to make a power grab by stepping in for Nick. Nate said he felt he'd convinced Victor he wasn't doing that. Victoria said she hoped Victor understood it had all been her choice to ask Nick to step aside, and it had been the right one. They kissed.
In the jazz lounge, Kyle and Audra were having some small talk over drinks. Kyle said he enjoyed Audra's company. Pleased, Audra assured him she wouldn't grill him about whatever turmoil he might be in because when someone wanted to keep the conversation light, it was because they were avoiding some darker issues.
Audra commented on Kyle's freshly pressed suit. Kyle told Audra he was the CEO of Marchetti, and appearances mattered. He said a title came with structure and responsibility, but while he'd been in high school, he'd partied with the best of them. Audra claimed there might be hope for him, after all.
Kyle told Audra about his affair with a married woman, which had resulted in Harrison's birth. Audra admitted she'd done a deep dive on Kyle because she'd known nothing about him other than that he was married her ex's sister. Audra apologized for veering into personal territory, and she immediately changed the subject.
Audra told Kyle she'd had sex in a helicopter, and she wasn't afraid of a little danger. Audra said Kyle had called her an overachiever, but that wasn't confined to the boardroom. She claimed she had a few moves. Kyle asked her to show him some of her moves, and they got up to dance. After the dance, Kyle told Audra it was getting late, and he needed to get home. Audra agreed, and she offered to walk him out. She said living upstairs had its advantages.
Billy was agitated when he arrived at the Abbott home. He asked Jack about the press release regarding Diane's new job and why he'd had to learn about it online. He asked if Jack had approved the promotion and if Jack had consulted with anyone before promoting Diane.
Jack told Billy he'd had the announcement drafted and sent out by their PR team himself. Billy said he was relieved that it hadn't been someone who'd hacked into their corporate system for the sole purpose of causing corporate upheaval. Billy claimed Jack had detonated a bomb that would cause a family war. Diane assured him he didn't need to feel threatened, but Billy questioned that. Billy reminded Jack that it had been what Traci had warned them about. He said Jack had crossed the line, but Jack stated he was CEO of Jabot, and it had been his decision to make.
Billy stated that as co-CEO, he felt Jack should have spoken to him before making that decision. He accused Jack of having an ethical obligation to warn the family before hiring his fiancée into a C-suite position. Jack asked Diane to get a table at the club and said he would meet her there.
After Diane left, Jack said he understood that Billy felt left out of the decision to promote Diane. Billy denied it had anything to do with him being left out of the loop. He said Jack didn't realize how certain people would see it, and it wouldn't be good. Jack asked if Billy was referring to Ashley. Billy named Ashley, Abby, anyone else on the board, or anyone who worked for Jabot.
Billy stated that Jack had handed Diane an executive position without going through the appropriate protocols. Jack admitted it, but he stood by his decision. He said he hadn't wanted to hear counterarguments from Billy, Ashley, or anyone else. He said he'd heard enough bad-mouthing about Diane.
Billy asked if Jack's solution was to circumvent everyone behind their backs. He argued that Jack didn't understand how incendiary his move had been. He said Jack had backed everyone into a corner. He said they either went along with Diane's promotion, or they would cause a public outcry that would damage Jabot.
Jack shouted that he was CEO of Jabot, and it had been his decision -- as it had been to bring Billy on board as his co-CEO. Jack reminded Billy he'd never posted that job or interviewed other candidates. Billy reminded Jack that he was an Abbott. Jack yelled that Diane was about to be one. Jack said he and Diane were getting married, and Diane was being promoted, end of story. Billy stated that what Jack had done did not end there. Jack claimed it did if he said it did.
Billy reminded Jack that Ashley had told Billy that was exactly what would happen. Billy said he'd thought she'd been overreacting, and he'd told Ashley there was no way Jack would do something so brash with Diane. Billy said Jack had launched a missile directly at Ashley, and he was about to cause an all-out war for Jabot. Jack stated there would be no war at Jabot. Billy informed Jack that Ashley was hellbent on turning Jabot against Diane, and she wouldn't stop trying to recruit board members. He said what Jack had done had given Ashley ammunition to prove that Diane was infiltrating Jabot at a very high level.
Jack told Billy to let him handle Ashley. Billy said Jack couldn't defend his move, and Diane wasn't qualified for that job. Jack stated he wouldn't defend Diane's curriculum vitae to anyone. Billy said that Tucker had something going on with Ashley, and Tucker had a lot of experience. Jack claimed Tucker was on the outside. Billy shouted that it was only until Tucker and Ashley got married and then did the same thing Jack had done. Jack claimed it was hypothetical. Jack asked if Billy, as his co-CEO, had his and Diane's backs.
Billy said it was very important for Jack to know Billy didn't approve of Jack's methods, but because he was Jack's brother and co-CEO of the company, he had Jack's back. He said yes to Diane until she gave him a reason to say he didn't.
At the Athletic Club, Ashley was stunned to read a headline that Jack had appointed Diane Jenkins as the new Chief Talent Officer. Ashley told someone on the phone that she was definitely going to pull the trigger. When Diane entered, Ashley greeted Diane cheerfully. She commented that Diane and Jack were probably going to celebrate her promotion, and Diane had to be thrilled. Ashley said that things seemed to be coming together for Diane. Diane admitted her life was on track, but she was certain Ashley would point out a few things she should be concerned about, but Ashley said she wouldn't.
Ashley called it a dream job for Diane -- working side by side with Jack, and also planning a wedding. She said Diane would be extremely busy. Diane claimed she'd thought Ashley would be upset by the announcement. Ashley admitted she wasn't thrilled, and she mentioned that her life had taken her in a different direction. Diane asked which direction -- hopefully suggesting Paris. Ashley said it was a surprise, and Diane would find out soon enough. Diane claimed it was a ploy, but Ashley said she'd done nothing but congratulate Diane. Diane responded that it was why she was so suspicious. Ashley admitted she enjoyed getting under Diane's skin.
Jack arrived and saw Ashley with Diane. He asked if everything was all right. Diane assured him that everything was just fine, and she told Jack their table was ready.
After Ashley left, Jack told Diane that after Billy's reaction, he'd thought he was walking into a battle. Diane said Ashley had been surprisingly civil. He guessed Ashley hadn't read the press release, but Diane replied that Ashley had yet hadn't had a vitriolic response. Diane told him Ashley had been cagey about some new plan she had. Diane surmised that Ashley had been bluffing to save face.
Jack told Diane that according to Billy, Ashley had been trying to get the board on her side, but it wouldn't be an issue because Ashley didn't have the majority -- yet. He assured Diane there wouldn't be a coup. Diane asked about Jack's conversation with Billy. Jack said Billy had warned him that he was fueling Ashley's anger, and her conspiracy theory she was trying to spread about them. He said Billy hadn't threatened to go to Ashley's side. Diane claimed they needed to do whatever they could to keep it that way.
When Jack asked what Diane wanted to eat, Diane said she was too distracted by Ashley's new leaf and that she wasn't buying it. She said they needed to protect Jabot, and if Ashley had already spoken to Abby and Traci, then they needed to talk to the non-family members of the board. She suggested that Jack talk to them the following morning and get ahead of any questions or criticisms about how to announce her new position. Jack claimed he didn't have to defend himself or Diane to anyone, but Diane insisted they needed to nip it in the bud. She asked how it would affect Summer and Kyle.
Diane told Jack she didn't want Kyle and Summer to be pulled into a corporate family feud, especially if Kyle defended her and Summer felt threatened by Diane's new position. Jack suggested they not talk about their troubles and have a lovely romantic evening. Diane agreed.
At the door of the club, Kyle thanked Audra for distracting him all evening. She said she'd enjoyed hearing about his bad boy adventures in New York, and she wondered if there was any bad boy left in him. After Kyle loosened his tie and undid the top button of his shirt, Audra commented that the bad boy was probably still in there.
Kyle told Audra he should get that cab. Audra said goodnight and said she'd had a lovely time. They went their separate ways, but both turned to look at each other. Kyle turned and followed Audra to her suite.
Jack saw Kyle go upstairs. Diane asked what was wrong, Jack reluctantly told Diane it appeared Kyle had a room at the club because Jack had seen Kyle go upstairs. Diane said it meant Kyle and Summer had had another fight, and she claimed it had been her fault. Jack denied it and said Kyle and Summer had issues to work out. Diane said she didn't like that Kyle was running away from his problems. She wished there was something they could do to help them work through everything. Jack said one night apart would help them see how much they needed each other.
When Ashley returned home, she saw Billy was there. Billy explained that he'd been there to see Jack, and he'd hoped to run into Ashley. Ashley said she'd seen the press release about Diane, which had surprised but not shocked her. She asked if Billy had written it. Billy said he hadn't, and he'd been as shocked as Ashley had been.
Billy said he was sure it had sent Ashley into a tizzy, but Ashley admitted she was tizzy-free, since she'd given up on the war because it had been too exhausting. Billy said he didn't believe Ashley and asked what she had panned. Ashley just smiled. Billy said he recognized that gleam in her eye, and he told her to spill. She said she had something up her sleeve; it wasn't nefarious but rather benign and positive. Billy asked her to tell him, but Ashley said she wouldn't. Billy said it made him even more suspicious, and he hoped she knew what she was doing.
Kyle and Audra were kissing as they walked into Audra's suite, and once the door was shut, they began to undress each other.
In the jazz lounge, Jack told Diane he'd enjoyed celebrating her new position. Diane confessed she had "so much" to be thankful for. She said that she and Jack could conquer the world together. Jack promised that they would remain unstoppable.
Jack made another toast to Diane. He said during all of Diane's worries and frustrations, such as Ashley's resistance and ugliness, Phyllis eluding the law, and the abominable things Phyllis had done to her, Diane had never allowed it to derail her. Diane admitted one thing did hurt her heart, and that was that Kyle had taken a room at the club to get away from Summer. She hoped things would work out for them. Jack believed they would; however, Summer and Kyle would have to learn about love and forgiveness the hard way.
Diane said she and Jack were lucky because they'd been around long enough to know that struggle was part of life. She said they took the good with the bad, and they cherished what they had when they had it. She said it had been a hard lesson she'd learned after she'd thrown everything away. She admitted she'd made a lot of mistakes, but having Jack back in her life made her want to be better. Jack said they were lucky that life had brought them back together and that they could really be partners. She said she would try not to ruin things "this time." Jack claimed they were going into marriage with their eyes wide open.
Diane asked Jack for one moment of pettiness. She said she took great pride in knowing that Ashley and Phyllis were still stuck in the past and dwelling on old feelings. She said she felt sorry for them. Jack agreed, and he kissed her.
In his suite at the Athletic Club, Michael explained to Lauren that he'd been setting the stage for a romantic evening with her when Phyllis had arrived. Surprised, Lauren immediately wanted to know how Phyllis had seemed, and she said she would have given anything to see Phyllis. She asked if Michael had figured out a way for Phyllis to return home without wrecking her life.
Michael told Lauren he'd laid out a scenario of what Phyllis could expect if she surrendered with him representing her. Lauren asked if he could keep Phyllis out of prison, but Michael said there were no guarantees. He said Phyllis needed to surrender and allow him to try. Lauren claimed Phyllis had to be terrified about winding up in a cell. He said Phyllis' only other option was equally as grim; she could put her faith in him. He said Phyllis would think about it, and all he could do was wait. Lauren hoped Phyllis would make the right choice because Lauren missed her friend.
Michael confessed to Lauren that he'd known Phyllis was alive for a while. Lauren remarked that Phyllis had been through "so much." Michael said Phyllis was worried, afraid, and hiding behind a wall of bravado. Michael admitted it had been incredible to see her, but at the same time, it had been heartbreaking. Lauren wished she could go back in time and talk Phyllis out of her insane scheme. Michael said Phyllis had gotten herself into that predicament. He stated his intention to get Phyllis out of it -- but she would have to pay for some of her crimes.
Lauren told Michael not to be so sure. She said Diane had played dead for many years then returned, and she told him to look at Diane's life. Lauren said since the day they'd met Phyllis, there had been one ghastly mistake after another. Michael claimed their printer would explode if they had to list all of Phyllis' misdeeds. Lauren said despite that, they adored Phyllis. She asked what it would take for Phyllis to turn over a new leaf.
Lauren asked Michael whether people could change that much. Michael stated he had, and prison had helped. Lauren said even hitting rock bottom hadn't had an effect on Phyllis. Michael remarked that maybe there was no saving her, but Lauren claimed that neither one of them believed that. She claimed people could evolve. Michael said, "People, yes, but Phyllis? Not so much." Lauren claimed it would take finding the right motivation for Phyllis.
Lauren told Michael he was a brilliant attorney and came up with solutions no one else thought of -- even if they weren't according to guidelines. Michael said Phyllis would have to meet him halfway by tempering her expectations. He said even if he got rid of the murder rap, she still had to face a boatload of charges.
Lauren suggested that she and Michael forget about everything except them in their private oasis. Lauren said she loved him, and she couldn't wait for them to start their romantic evening. They kissed.
In Audra's suite, Kyle said that had been -- Audra finished his sentence by saying it was something they'd both needed. Audra said if Kyle had needed to escape, she understood. He said he didn't want to go home, and they made love again.
Later, Kyle offered to order room service, but Audra said she really had a very big day ahead. She said she was stepping in at Newman Media while Nate filled in for Nick. Kyle suggested he get dressed, but Audra said after they'd showered. After the shower, Kyle told Audra he was glad they'd run into each other. Audra agreed, and she said that if things happened again, great, but if not, she'd had a great time. Kyle agreed. He kissed her.
After Kyle left, Audra looked up Kyle's profile online. She received a text message from Nate: "Ready for tomorrow? Our worlds are about to change." She smiled and muttered that maybe hers already had.
As Kyle left Audra's suite and headed downstairs, he encountered Diane and Jack. Diane asked why Kyle was there. Jack said they had seen him heading upstairs earlier, and they'd assumed he'd needed a room because of his situation with Summer. Kyle said he'd needed to get away from the tension in the house. Diane noted that Kyle's hair was wet after a shower. Kyle admitted the shower had helped; however, he'd realized staying away from home wouldn't solve anything, and he wanted to be there when Harrison woke up.
Diane told Kyle she was glad he'd realized he needed to put Harrison first. She apologized for exaggerating how upset Harrison had been and said she'd only done so because she'd wanted to bring him and Summer closer together. Kyle said he didn't want to discuss it, and he would see them at the house. After Kyle left, Jack asked Diane if Kyle had seemed a little nervous. Diane claimed Kyle was under a lot of stress. Jack agreed.
At home, when Summer realized Kyle wasn't home, she recalled an incident with her and Kyle in the park. Kyle told Summer they were meant to be, especially with everything they'd gone through in the past -- breaking up, getting back together again -- and once they'd made it permanent, they were destined to last forever.
In the present, Summer received a text message from Phyllis: "Spoke with Michael. May finally see a way out of all this." Summer muttered it was all Phyllis' fault. When Nick arrived, she asked how he was after his ordeal with Cameron. She said Faith had told her about it prior to leaving for Michigan. Nick said Cameron had been determined to take out as many of them as possible. He said Cameron had obsessed about Sharon while in prison, and he'd believed being in the sewer together would bring things full circle.
Nick told Summer that Sharon and Faith were doing the best they could under the circumstances, but they would get through it because they were tough. Nick said he was taking time away from Newman; it hadn't been his call, but perhaps it was for the best. He told Summer that Sally had lost her baby on the same day Faith had been kidnapped. He said Adam had been with Sally, and Nick hadn't known about it until after it had happened. He said Sally wasn't doing very well.
Nick asked what was going on with Summer, but Summer remarked that she couldn't pile anything else on Nick. He told her to talk because he could see she was anxious. She confessed she'd messed up her marriage and that Kyle had asked her to move out. He asked her to tell him everything.
After Summer explained everything to Nick, he said he couldn't believe Phyllis had faked her own death and put Summer and Daniel through a hell they didn't deserve. He asked where Phyllis was, but Summer said Phyllis wouldn't tell her because she was trying to protect Summer, Daniel, and herself. She said Phyllis had offered to turn herself in if it would save Summer's marriage, but Summer said it wouldn't have helped. She said they had to search for a way for Phyllis to return home without being arrested for Stark's murder.
Nick told Summer his feelings about Phyllis were complicated, and he couldn't understand why Phyllis had made Summer responsible for solving problems Phyllis had created. Summer said a lot of what had happened to Phyllis had been Stark's fault. She reminded Nick that Diane had faked her own death, she'd tried to pin it on other people, and it had never caught up to her. Summer said Phyllis' logic had been screwy, but Summer had seen some justice to it.
Nick replied that he knew Summer loved her mother, but they were also talking about Kyle's mother. Summer stated she'd tried to protect Phyllis, and it might have cost her marriage. Summer said when she'd thought Phyllis had been dead, she hadn't been able stand to be in the same room with Kyle because he'd kept shielding Diane. She said he had refused to accept the possibility that his mom had murdered hers. She admitted it had made her very angry. She said Phyllis, who'd killed Stark, had suddenly been there. Phyllis had asked Summer not to tell anyone she was alive, especially Kyle, because he would have gone to the police.
Summer told Nick that Phyllis had needed time to prove self-defense. Summer said she'd agreed. She said she'd frozen Kyle out to protect Phyllis, even if it had meant prolonging his mom's suffering. She said it was a horrible thing to do, but she hadn't been able to risk anyone finding out the truth before Phyllis had been able to come up with a possible defense. Nick noted that the longer things had dragged on, the more distance it had created between Summer and Kyle.
Summer told Nick that Kyle was upset because she hadn't provided him with information that could have freed Diane. She admitted she'd put Phyllis ahead of Kyle's feelings, her marriage, and what she'd known was right. She said she'd convinced herself that she hadn't had a choice and that she'd needed to do what she'd done.
Summer asked Nick how she could fix things. Nick said Phyllis had put Summer in a terrible position, and he hoped Kyle would eventually see that. Nick stated that Kyle loved her, and he would see how much she regretted hurting him. Summer claimed Kyle was just reacting at the moment, but they had a history, and it had taken a long time to build trust, a trust she'd destroyed.
Nick said he understood why Summer believed the rift between her and Kyle was permanent, but he believed they could get through it if they both wanted it. Summer said Kyle was so angry with her that she didn't think he wanted to fix things. She said it might be the end for them. Nick wished he had the right words to help her feel hopeful.
Summer told Nick that her brain kept telling her to fight for her family, but she felt lost at that moment. Nick claimed Phyllis had asked far too much of Summer. Summer admitted she could have said no and told Phyllis that Phyllis had put her in a horrible position all because Phyllis hated Diane. Summer told Nick that Phyllis couldn't handle being locked up. Summer said she couldn't handle Phyllis being on the run because it would be like she'd died all over again. Nick said he wished Summer had reached out to him sooner. She agreed. She said once she'd confided in Daniel, he'd begun telling people, and things had begun to unravel very quickly.
Summer told Nick she knew Phyllis had been Stark's victim, but she held Phyllis responsible for that whole mess. She wished she could be happy that her mom was alive, but things were so bad with Kyle because Phyllis had a grudge against Diane. Summer said she shouldn't have agreed to keep Phyllis' secret because the price had been too high. Nick said he knew Summer loved Phyllis, but there was always a trade-off with Phyllis. He said Phyllis was a cyclone; she mowed down everything in her path. Summer said that included Summer's marriage.
Summer told Nick she didn't think Kyle would ever forgive her, and she didn't know if the separation would turn into a divorce. She said after everything, they still didn't have a way to bring Phyllis home without her being arrested for Stark's murder. Summer stated it felt like she'd lost Phyllis and Kyle, and there was no way for her to make things right. Nick hugged her and asked if she felt better. She admitted she felt a little better.
Summer told Nick the only other person she'd been able to talk to had been Diane, who had tried to reason with Kyle, but it hadn't worked. Nick said Summer would have to be very patient, and things would get worse before they got better. He told Summer to give Kyle space, and when he was ready, he would talk to Summer. Summer stated she would listen "this time." She admitted that had she reached out to Nick sooner, she wouldn't be in the mess she was in.
Nick told Summer that Phyllis could be very convincing, and not above laying a guilt trip when it suited her. Nick said eventually, Kyle would come around because he knew how Phyllis liked to manipulate everyone. Nick offered to talk to Kyle if that was what Summer wanted. Jack and Diane arrived. Summer asked them if they'd seen Kyle. Jack said they'd seen him at the club, and he was on his way home.
Nick told Summer to call him, no matter how late it was, if she needed him. He hugged her. After Nick left, Jack offered to help Summer in any way, and Diane asked if Summer wanted them to wait up with her until Kyle arrived, but Summer said she was okay. Jack and Diane went upstairs.
When Kyle arrived, he looked at Summer, turned, and went upstairs.
In the Athletic Club dining room, Summer told Michael she knew Phyllis had been to see him. She asked if he knew where Phyllis was, what she planned to do, and if she was okay. Michael replied that Phyllis was stressed, tired of being on the run, and very concerned about Summer, but they'd had a very productive discussion about her options.
Summer asked Michael if Phyllis would return home soon. Michael stated that Phyllis' future was up in the air, and a lot of it depended on Phyllis. He assured Summer that he was committed to bringing Phyllis home. He said Phyllis wouldn't turn herself in because she was convinced Christine would throw every charge in the book at her. He said Phyllis would think about it and examine her options.
Summer told Michael she loved Phyllis, but she couldn't believe what Phyllis had done to her. She said even if they figured out all Phyllis' problems, there would still be collateral damage. Michael asked what collateral damage. Summer said she might need a lawyer.
Summer confessed that Phyllis had reached out to her first, and unlike Daniel, she'd kept Phyllis' secret. She said she'd brought Phyllis food and clothes and tried to help her figure everything out. She said she didn't know how many laws she'd broken by aiding and abetting a fugitive and obstruction of justice. She said Chance had told her Christine was ready to bring charges against her.
Michael asked if Summer had spoken to Chance about the possible charges against her. She said she had as a friend. He warned Summer if she'd aided and abetted someone on the run for committing serious crimes, she should never talk to a cop, even as a friend. Summer told him Kyle hated her for protecting Phyllis while his mom sat in prison. She confessed that she'd lied to Kyle for weeks, and she might need a divorce attorney. She said Kyle wanted a separation, and he'd asked her to move out.
Audra was in the lobby when she saw Summer and Michael. She had a sudden memory of the previous evening with Kyle: She told Kyle she understood if he was planning another escape, and there wouldn't be any pressure from her. Kyle said he didn't want to go home, and they proceeded to have sex again. She smiled and approached Summer and Michael.
Audra tried to introduce herself, but Summer interrupted and told Michael that Audra had broken Noah's heart in the recent past. Audra stated they'd both moved on, and she hoped Noah and Allie were very happy in London. Audra said that Michael was the attorney extraordinaire. Michael said he knew of Audra because of Victor's acquisition of McCall Unlimited. Summer commented that she hadn't seen Audra since the gala. Audra said she'd been at the gala when Phyllis had collapsed and died.
Audra said she couldn't imagine the grief Summer had gone through, but she noted how wonderful it was that Phyllis was actually alive -- somewhere. She said "thank God" Summer had her husband and the family to support her. Summer asked Audra if there was something she wanted. Audra apologized and claimed she'd only wanted to offer her condolences to Summer. After Audra left, Michael commented that Audra appeared to be a piece of work. Summer confirmed that Audra was.
At home, a knock at the door made Sharon jump. Nick said he had a box that had been left at the gate for her. Sharon put the box on the coffee table and said it was probably her shampoo.
Sharon told Nick she was fine, and he didn't need to check on her. She admitted that, at times, things were a little intense when she heard little noises or saw flashes of light. She said those sent her back into the nightmare, but then she would remember that the nightmare was over.
Nick told Sharon he'd spoken to Faith, who had sounded strong, and she was happy to be back with her friends, unlike his other daughter. He assumed Sharon had heard that Phyllis was alive and on the run. He said Phyllis had dragged Summer into her drama, and it had blown up Summer's marriage. Sharon stated that anyone who tried to help Phyllis ended up getting burned, and it was usually someone she loved.
Nick told Sharon that Victoria had forced him to take a leave of absence. Sharon said it was probably sisterly concern, but Nick claimed it wasn't. Sharon said she had to get to work but stopped when she realized the box was from an out-of-state law firm. Sharon opened the box.
A note from the attorney explained that he represented the estate of Cameron Kirsten, and per Cameron's instructions, in the event of his death, he'd been authorized to forward the contents of the box to her. Shocked, Sharon said it was just like the random packages that had been delivered to the coffeehouse and her home to freak her out. Nick reminded her that Cameron was dead, and they wouldn't be playing his games anymore. Sharon said Cameron couldn't hurt them anymore. Nick leafed through a notebook, and he read out loud:
"I'm going to be somebody, not like these losers. I'm going to be rich, super rich, so rich no one could stop me, and I'm going to marry the most beautiful woman in the world and leave all these suckers behind."
Sharon opened a pouch and found a dog's collar with a name tag reading "Frankie," and a tiny vial containing the dog's ashes. She pulled out a photo of Cameron's parents with their faces ripped out. Nick pulled out a brown envelope containing documents from Cameron's company, "Kirsten Incorporated." Sharon read the document and was stunned because Cameron had signed over his company to her. Nick was equally shocked. He said it had to be another one of Cameron's crazy games.
Sharon told Nick to check the date. Nick confirmed that Cameron had prepared everything the previous year -- Cameron's way of toying with Sharon from beyond the grave. Sharon said the attorney wanted her to contact him to finalize transfer of ownership. Nick said it proved Cameron's sick devotion and that Sharon had been the love of his life. He asked what better way there could be to stay connected to Sharon than to leave his company to her.
Sharon told Nick she didn't want anything from that horrible man, dead or alive. Nick claimed the company had to be in ruins, since Cameron had been in prison. Sharon said she didn't care if it was worth a fortune. She said she was done with Cameron and his manipulations. Sharon closed the box.
Nick told Sharon he was going to see Sally because she was struggling. Sharon said Adam was, too. She wished Adam and Sally could share the loss of their baby together because it would help them heal. He said Sally blamed Adam for the loss. Sharon said Adam was mad at the world and himself. Nick stated that they knew Adam tended to take his anger out on the nearest target when he was mad at himself.
Nick told Sharon he'd seen Adam the previous night, and things had gotten a little tense. He said he'd warned Adam to stay away from Sally and to give her some time and space. Sharon said Adam still loved Sally. Nick said the baby had been the only connection Adam and Sally had had because Sally had moved on months earlier, but Adam would always do what he wanted.
At home, Kyle recalled having sex with Audra the previous evening. Jack walked in and said that what had happened the previous day shouldn't have happened. Kyle timidly asked which part. Jack said the division in their family and Traci's intervention to stop the warfare. He claimed they had a temporary détente. Kyle snarked that détentes were overrated.
Jack said he understood Kyle's pain because Phyllis had forced Summer to choose between him and Phyllis. Kyle claimed Summer had chosen Phyllis -- even after his mother had been charged with murder -- and had seen him and Jack in pain. Kyle told Jack that Summer had been furious with him because he'd lied about working with Victor to get Adam out of Jabot. He said Summer had barely been able to get past him violating her trust, but Summer had done the exact same thing -- only this time, it had been about his mother's life and her future.
Jack told Kyle that Summer wanted to make amends, but Kyle asked how. He stated that Summer had left his mother facing the possibility of life in prison. He said he'd been desperate to help Summer, but she'd shut him out.
Kyle told Jack that Summer had disregarded his love, his feelings for her, and Diane. Jack asked if Kyle was so hurt that he couldn't get past it. Kyle spat that it wasn't about hurt but about not knowing who Summer was. He said Summer had done whatever Phyllis had asked to get what she'd wanted. He said he didn't see how he could trust Summer again, knowing she could do that so easily. Kyle said he'd told Summer he wanted a separation and that he'd told her to move out.
Kyle told Jack there was no reason to put off the inevitable because he didn't see it any other way. Jack asked if Kyle was ready to give up on his marriage, but Kyle retorted that Summer had chosen to do that when she'd betrayed everything that he'd thought they'd had. He said if Summer hadn't been caught, in all probability, she would still be lying to him.
Jack acknowledged that Kyle was in pain, but he was sure Kyle had noticed there had been a lot of forgiveness recently, for crimes far more serious than Summer's. Kyle claimed he wasn't as forgiving as Jack, but Jack disagreed. He said he and Kyle had forgiven Diane, but Kyle claimed it wasn't the same thing. He said he saw Summer as someone who hadn't loved him enough to be honest; she'd taken him and everything they had for granted, and she'd blown his trust "to hell." He asked how they could come back from that.
Jack said he understood that Kyle was angry, but he believed Kyle's love for Summer was much stronger than what he felt at that moment. Jack said anger was a very potent emotion, and it could blind him to making decisions he would regret. He suggested that Kyle give the anger time to dissipate before he made any hasty decisions.
Kyle informed Jack that his decision had been based on fact, not emotion. He said the reality was that Summer would always side with her mother against him and Diane. Kyle said Phyllis would be in their lives soon and whispering in Summer's ear. Kyle asked how his already broken marriage would survive that chaos.
Kyle told Jack that Phyllis would swoop back into town, Michael would do his thing, Phyllis would face minimal charges, and she would go back to upending everyone's lives because that was who she was. He said Phyllis wouldn't be repentant, she would continue to hate his mother, and she would continue her tidal pull on Summer. He said he refused to allow himself or Harrison to be part of that circus. Jack agreed it had been too long for so much anger to be present in their home. Kyle claimed much of it had been generated by his wife.
Kyle told Jack he remembered asking Summer to tell Harrison that Phyllis had died; Summer had refused because she'd known Phyllis was alive, and she'd been willing to put Harrison in the middle of her drama. Kyle shouted that Summer had talked about their great love after she'd treated him like the enemy for weeks so she could keep Phyllis' dirty little secret. He said Summer had sacrificed his mother to protect hers. Jack reminded him that Diane had forgiven Summer.
Kyle asked Jack how forgiving Diane would be toward Phyllis when they came face to face again. He asked how far Diane would go to make Phyllis pay for trying to destroy her life. Jack said that it might become an issue. Kyle shouted that it was already a giant issue. He said as much as Traci wanted peace in their home, he saw nothing but trouble ahead, especially for him and Summer. Kyle said he would do everything to protect his son, which was the reason he and Summer were separating.
A short time after Kyle left, Summer returned home. When she saw Jack, she guessed Kyle had told him everything. Summer said she hadn't meant for any of it to happen. Jack hugged her. He said Summer had been put into a very difficult situation, but Summer admitted that everything she'd done had been her choice. She said she could have gotten the murder charges against Diane dropped much sooner. She said Jack probably hated her, but Jack said he would never hate her because he knew she would always protect the mother who was her world.
Summer told Jack she'd tried to explain everything to Kyle and tried to apologize, but she felt that anything she did just pushed Kyle further away. She admitted she'd betrayed Kyle and everything he thought their marriage had been. Jack admitted Kyle was deeply hurt. Summer said she'd never stopped loving Kyle, but Kyle hadn't wanted to hear it. She said she didn't want the separation or to leave Harrison, the family, or the house. She asked Jack how she could convince Kyle to forgive her. He said there was no forcing forgiveness.
Jack told Summer that Kyle wanted the separation so that he could process what had happened, and perhaps that would be good for both of them. She said that sounded "so final." Jack reminded Summer that he'd adored her from the moment she been born, but he also loved his son and would support whatever decision Kyle made.
Summer told Jack she'd ruined everything. She asked what would happen to Marchetti, since Kyle could barely stand being in the same room with her. She asked how they could work together. Jack said personal differences needed to take a back seat to what was best for the company. Jack said Summer was the driving force behind Marchetti's success, and if she and Kyle couldn't find a way to work together, then Kyle would have to step away.
At the coffeehouse, Kyle told Mariah she'd been right. He said he'd told Chance where to find Phyllis, but Summer had warned her, so she'd been gone. He said Summer was consumed with bringing her mother back to as few charges as possible. He said Summer was just as focused on smoothing things over with him as she was about Phyllis.
Kyle told Mariah that Summer had lied to him for weeks, and suddenly, she couldn't stop telling him how sorry she was. Kyle admitted things couldn't go back to the way they had been. Mariah said Kyle and Summer had built a life together. Kyle claimed Summer had blown that up with all the lies and manipulation.
Kyle told Mariah he'd seen Summer for who she really was. He asked how he could ever trust that she would put their son and their marriage first. He said Phyllis would be back in their lives, and he refused to raise Harrison in the toxicity that Phyllis and Summer called love. Kyle said Summer had gone to Diane, and she'd asked Diane to intervene. Mariah said Summer had approached her, and she'd told Summer that Summer had never been good enough for Kyle.
Mariah told Kyle that as screwed up as Summer was, Summer definitely loved him. She said that under the broken pieces of his heart, Kyle might still love Summer. Kyle claimed love had nothing to do with the it because it was all about trust, and Summer had taken a sledgehammer to it. He said he'd told Summer he wanted a separation, and he'd told her to move out.
Mariah asked Kyle how Summer had reacted. He said Summer had thrown it back at him and pretty much accused him of throwing her out on the street when all she'd done had been to try to help her mom. He said he dreaded what was ahead, but he couldn't see how he could he build a life with someone he couldn't trust. Mariah said Kyle was doing the right thing for himself and Harrison.
When Mariah left, Audra entered from the patio, and Kyle smiled.
