At the Athletic Club, Nate reflected on a past encounter with Victor. Nate had offered to refer Victor to specialists trained to diagnose and treat cognitive issues. Victor had sworn Nate to confidentiality regarding the matter, reiterating that none of his children, especially Adam, be made aware of the discussion. Nate was still brooding over the flashback when Mamie approached, greeted him, and picked up on his depressed mood. Nate admitted that he was dealing with another conflict at Newman Enterprises.
Mamie got down to business and entreated Nate to leave Newman Enterprises' turmoil and rejoin his family at Chancellor-Winters. Nate was hesitant, explaining that it would be a terrible time for him to leave Newman Enterprises. Mamie told Nate that the Newmans were only thinking about their interests, so he should consider his. Nate explained that he could not leave Victoria in the lurch, though he kept mum about the details after Mamie insinuated that things appeared to be getting ugly.
Mamie turned on the charm and replied, "Oh, come on. You can't blame your auntie for trying." Nate asked Mamie to clarify her plan for Chancellor-Winters, recalling her claims that it might cause "Jill's head to explode." Mamie replied, "All in good time, nephew. All in good time." Nate refused to let the matter drop and suggested that Mamie might be planning a coup, which he insisted would be a monumentally bad idea.
At the Abbott mansion, Jack grew concerned after Diane relayed a message from Mrs. Martinez stating that Ashley had left the house early to tie up loose ends. Jack feared that Ashley was with Tucker. Jack became frustrated after he repeatedly phoned Ashley and connected to her voicemail. Diane advised Jack to let the matter go because Ashley felt compelled to confront Tucker. Jack, frustrated, told Diane he could not help but be worried about Ashley's plan to trick Tucker into agreeing to a truce.
Diane, noting that Jack and Billy had tried to do the same thing, questioned why it was different for Ashley. Jack replied, "Billy and I haven't married him twice." Diane noted that Ashley, more than anyone, knew Tucker very well. Jack sighed heavily and cried that all Tucker had ever done was to manipulate and terrify Ashley. When Kyle entered the room, Jack was ranting about all the harm Tucker had done to the Abbotts.
Kyle informed Jack and Diane that he would spend part of the day at the park with Harrison before placing his son in the care of his nanny. Kyle announced that he had an appointment to inquire about a prospective job, which he declined to talk about. Jack requested that Kyle end efforts to seek other positions and return to Jabot. Kyle replied, "All you have to do is replace Billy with me." Jack offered to make Kyle COO at Jabot. Kyle turned down Jack's offer, referring to the COO position as a demotion. Kyle insisted he be reinstated in the position he had earned. Jack remained silent. Miffed, Kyle said, "Thanks anyway, Dad."
After Kyle left, Diane told Jack that Kyle was right about the COO position being a demotion. Diane urged Jack to oust Billy, before he did harm to Jabot, and reinstate Kyle as co-CEO. Jack explained to Diane that he feared Billy would suffer mentally and emotionally if yanked from his position, adding that Jabot was his brother's legacy. Diane noted that Jabot was also Kyle's legacy. Jack pointed out that Kyle was part of the younger generation.
Diane suggested that Jack step down and allow Kyle and Billy to run Jabot together. Diane placed her hands on Jack's shoulders and enticed him to free up time for them to travel and enjoy vacations with Harrison. Jack, imagining Billy and Kyle working together, wondered aloud how long it might be before the two men might kill each other.
Ashley entered Tucker's suite at the Athletic Club. After Ashley dispensed with Tucker's efforts to skirt the subject at hand, Tucker freely insisted that he had not plotted any nefarious scheme against the Abbotts. Ashley shrugged and replied, "I hope it's true." Tucker suggested that Ashley had plans to run him out of town. Tucker was taken aback when Ashley said, "I'm sorry." Tucker, distrustful that Ashley was sincere, asked her to describe what constituted an honest apology. Ashley suggested she and Tucker figure out the "I'm sorry" part together.
Tucker requested that he and Ashley erase everything that had occurred after their fight and forget it had ever happened. Ashley cried that she could not, not after what had happened. Tucker sighed and acknowledged that Ashley would never separate herself from Jabot, nor did she feel sorry about reneging on plans to create their own company. Ashley recalled how Tucker's intense anger, based on claims that she had rejected him, had terrified her. Ashley expressed doubt that Tucker had accepted accountability for his behavior. Fighting back tears, Ashley recalled how Tucker had erupted into a blind rage. Tucker apologized for the way he had reacted, but not for what he had said. Ashley acknowledged that Tucker had believed she was tearing apart his world.
Ashley insisted that her change-of-heart decisions had evolved and were not calculated to hurt Tucker. Ashley pleaded with Tucker to put their anger behind them. Tucker asked Ashley what she was willing to do to make amends. Ashley replied that she had no answer for his question. Tucker asked Ashley what she expected him to do. Ashley said she did not know, and she suggested they both admit that they equally shared the blame for what had happened.
After Ashley left Tucker's suite and went downstairs to the dining room, she spotted Mamie and Nate. Ashley approached and said, "I heard you were in town." Mamie, ecstatic, squealed with joy when she embraced Ashley and said Ashley looked wonderful. Ashley greeted Nate with a warm embrace. Mamie told Ashley she was sorry to hear that Ashley's marriage had not worked out. Ashley insisted she would be okay.
Nate noticed a text message from Tucker pop up on Mamie's phone. The message requested a meeting. Noticing a change in Mamie's demeanor when she read Tucker's message, Nate asked his aunt if everything was okay. Mamie glanced at her phone, slipped it into her pocketbook, and claimed everything would be okay if Nate promised to join her at Chancellor-Winters.
Before Ashley and Mamie departed together, Ashley asked Nate how things were going at Newman Enterprises. Nate replied, "Business as usual." Ashley paused to think a moment before she replied, "Okay." Mamie told Nate she would keep in touch.
At Chancellor Park, Kyle watched Harrison kick a soccer ball. Kyle reminisced during a flashback to an interaction he had had with Audra. Kyle remembered having questioned Audra about why he should join forces with Tucker McCall. Audra had replied that Tucker would eventually take control of Jabot. Audra had promised that after Tucker assumed control, she and Kyle would run the company together. Audra had prevailed upon Kyle to consider what was best for himself instead of settling for whatever crumbs his family tossed his way. Kyle had cried that Audra's proposition would destroy the Abbott family dynasty. Audra had advised Kyle that it would be the mistake of a lifetime if he turned down her proposal to join forces with Tucker. Kyle had decided he would, insisting that he deserved the position his father had denied him.
Audra happened by just as Harrison adeptly kicked his soccer ball toward Kyle. Audra praised Harrison's talents. Kyle was taken aback when Audra revealed that Tucker, distrustful, had requested that Kyle prove himself by passing a loyalty test. Kyle acknowledged that it was plausible he might tell his father what Tucker was up to. Audra added that Kyle would be betraying her, as well. Kyle told Audra his father had again disappointed him by declining to place him in Billy's position and had instead offered the COO position. Kyle explained that Jack was concerned that removing Billy might adversely affect Billy's fragile psyche.
Kyle said his father did not want to shoulder the responsibility of sending Billy to dark places. Audra replied, "What kind of dark places?" Kyle, hesitating, listed gambling and drinking before explaining that though he and Billy had their differences, Billy was still his uncle. Audra warned that Jack and Billy might implode when Tucker wrested away Jabot, and she asked Kyle if he could handle it.
Changing the subject, Kyle told Audra that Ashley had returned from Paris. Audra, taken aback, admitted she had not anticipated Ashley's return. Clearly concerned, Audra asked Kyle if Ashley had mentioned any intentions to reunite with Tucker. Demanding information, Audra continued to badger Kyle, inquiring about whether or not Ashley had spoken about the fight with Tucker before he had suddenly left Paris. Kyle explained that he and Ashley had spoken briefly.
Kyle told Audra about Ashley's warning that Audra would try to use him. Audra laughed and said, "I can't wait to hear how I'm doing that." Kyle explained that according to Ashley, Audra and Tucker were using him to get information about her, Jabot, and the Abbotts. Kyle acknowledged that he was a great source of information, which, he added, was why Tucker's plan would benefit them all. Kyle added, "As long as I get what I want, I'm good." Audra asked Kyle if Ashley had planted a seed of doubt. Kyle recalled that his family had once believed he had been using Audra as a distraction after he broke up with Summer. Kyle noted that after everything that had happened, he was still with Audra.
Kyle asked Audra how Tucker planned to pull off his takeover of Jabot. Before Audra could answer, she received a text message from Tucker requesting to meet with Kyle. Kyle instructed Audra to confirm with Tucker that he was ready. After Kyle stepped away to speak to Harrison's nanny, Audra phoned Tucker and told him that Ashley was back in town. Tucker said Ashley had just left his room, but he did not share any details about the unexpected reunion.
Audra and Kyle encountered Nate when they entered the Athletic Club. Nate, addressing Kyle, said, "Hey, weren't you fired?" Kyle replied, "I was." Nate reminded Audra about Nikki's warning to cut ties with Kyle if she wanted to keep her job. Audra replied, "Nate, what business is it of yours? And why do you care, anyway?" Nate sighed and replied that he should not care. After Audra and Kyle went upstairs, Nate sent a text message to Lily and Devon, stating that they needed to meet to discuss Aunt Mamie.
Ashley and Mamie entered the Abbott home together. As Jack and Diane listened, Mamie said she had run into Ashley at the Athletic Club and was concerned about how she was doing after her marriage had suddenly fallen apart. Jack replied, "So, you went to the Club?" Ashley told Jack that she had met with Tucker. Jack told Ashley that he had practically begged her to stay away from Tucker, noting that Tucker was volatile and dangerous.
Jack reminded Ashley that Tucker had terrorized her when they had last been together. Ashley explained that she had the best chance of getting inside Tucker's mind to determine what he was planning. Jack warned Ashley that Tucker had become aware of her agenda as soon as he'd opened his door and seen her. Ashley reported that she had taken the first steps to offer an apology. Jack begged Ashley to stay away from Tucker and let it go.
Audra and Kyle entered Tucker's suite. Tucker said he was under the impression that Kyle was ready to betray his family and help Tucker and Audra secure their position at Jabot. Kyle, stammering, replied that he would not have stated it exactly as Tucker had. Tucker shot back, "It's a yes or no question." Kyle insisted he was ready. Tucker demanded that Kyle prove he was telling the truth.
Billy met Jack on the Crimson Lights patio. Jack revealed that Ashley had paid a visit to Tucker, hoping to reconnect with him to find out what he had planned for the Abbotts. Billy figured that she might be able to pull it off, but Jack sourly replied, "Maybe she won't." Billy grumbled that Jack didn't have enough faith in anyone who wasn't named Diane, and he urged Jack to give their sister the benefit of the doubt. Jack protested that Tucker was unhinged and dangerous, so there was no telling what he'd do when he found out Ashley was playing him.
Billy conceded that it was a risk, but he reasoned that no one ever succeeded in telling Ashley what to do. Billy opted to trust her instincts about Tucker, since he believed she'd wised up to who Tucker really was. Jack said he'd ordinarily agree if Ashley hadn't let Tucker into her heart twice, only to have it broken both times. Jack worried that Ashley didn't see clearly when Tucker was involved. Billy was certain that Ashley was keeping her eyes wide open about Tucker.
Billy anticipated that Ashley might find out something useful that they could use to keep Tucker in check. Billy insisted that it was a good thing Ashley wanted to be on their side. Jack seemed distant, and Billy asked if something else was on his brother's mind. Jack shared that he and Diane had been trying to convince Kyle to return to Jabot, and he'd even offered Kyle the COO position. Jack continued that Kyle had turned him down and said he'd only return on one condition. Billy guessed that Kyle wanted Billy's job.
Jack admitted that he'd considered replacing Billy with Kyle, since he wanted nothing more than to have his son back where he belonged. Billy admired Jack for wanting Kyle to work alongside him, but he found it hard to swallow that it would be at his expense. Jack assured Billy that nothing had been decided. Billy didn't have a lot of confidence, knowing that Kyle was higher in the Abbott family pecking order in Jack's eyes. Jack promised that the decision would be made based solely on merit.
Billy reminded Jack that Kyle had had the job before but had walked away, but Jack defended that Kyle had left to run Marchetti. Billy argued that Kyle had been handed everything, and he suggested that Kyle pay his dues by working his way up. Jack noted the irony in Billy's comment, and he asked if Billy honestly thought Billy had paid his dues. Billy was insulted that Jack was comparing him to Kyle, since Billy had "worked [his] ass off" to get to where he was at Jabot, with Jack watching and waiting for him to screw up again.
Billy complained that he'd been on probation ever since he'd returned, and Jack pointed out that Billy could be a loose cannon sometimes. Billy snarled that he took accountability when he made a mistake, while Kyle thought he should be handed the throne because it was his birthright. Billy accused Jack of pitting him against Kyle on a collision course that Billy was guaranteed to lose. Billy growled that it wasn't fair to him, Kyle, or Jabot because Kyle wasn't ready.
Jack recalled that he'd asked Kyle what it would take to lure Kyle back to Jabot, and he couldn't fault his son for giving an honest answer. Billy suspected that Jack had invited Kyle back to Jabot to keep an eye on Billy. Billy proclaimed that if Jack replaced him, it wouldn't be because Billy screwed up. Billy vowed to hold on to the job for many reasons -- one being that he deserved it -- and he would "fight like hell" to keep it. Billy walked out as Jack grimaced.
At Lily's penthouse, Nate thanked Lily and Devon for meeting him. Nate reported that his recent encounters with Mamie had set off alarms, and he cited her continued attempts to try to convince him to leave Newman Enterprises to work for Chancellor-Winters. Nate chalked it up to their aunt's wishful thinking about their family working together, but he shared that he'd found out something else about Mamie that had changed the whole ballgame -- and it wasn't good. Nate divulged that Mamie had received a text message from Tucker, asking to connect that afternoon.
Devon inquired whether Mamie had noticed that Nate had seen the message. Nate didn't think she had, but he noted that she'd put her phone away very quickly. Devon bitterly realized that Tucker had lied to him about not having an interest in Chancellor-Winters. Lily encouraged Devon not to jump to conclusions, but Devon questioned why Mamie had hidden her phone if there had been a simple explanation. Lily contemplated whether Tucker had gone back to his original plan of going after their company.
Nate defended that Mamie wouldn't do that to them, but Lily countered that Mamie would do it to Jill in a heartbeat. Lily thought they should assume their company was under attack and defend it, since Tucker was using Mamie as his way in. An agitated Devon resolved to get answers from the man himself, but Lily cautioned that there was no guarantee Tucker would tell the truth. Devon intended to remind Tucker of the stakes of lying to him, and he stormed out.
At the Abbott mansion, Mamie checked her phone as Ashley returned from the kitchen with a tray of coffee. Ashley gushed that it made her heart happy to see Mamie in the house, and Mamie remarked that they were away from the prying eyes of Genoa City. Ashley groaned that she was used to being gawked at as the woman who'd lived happily ever after for about a week and a half, but it was nothing she couldn't handle. Ashley changed the topic to Mamie's dramatic and unexpected move with Chancellor-Winters. Mamie declared that she'd been ready to make a change and do something different, and the best way to do that was with one's family.
Ashley praised Mamie's ability to balance her work life with home life, since Ashley wasn't good at it herself. Mamie recognized that she didn't know much about Tucker other than that he was Katherine's son and that Jack didn't like him very much. Mamie recalled that Jack had claimed Tucker was out for blood because of what had happened with Ashley, and she inquired whether it was true. Ashley considered the bigger question to be how she'd been so wrong about Tucker.
Ashley conceded that she wasn't completely blameless for the end of her marriage, since her plans to start a company with Tucker had been well underway when she'd realized she hadn't been able to walk away from her family and her father's legacy. Ashley sympathized that Tucker had found it upsetting, since he'd expected their marriage to be a true partnership in every way, and he'd felt like she'd ripped the rug out from under him when she'd changed her mind. Ashley tearfully recalled that she'd never seen him that angry in all the years she'd known him. Ashley recounted that he'd erupted in a rage, and she'd needed to get away from him because he'd terrified her.
Mamie was aghast, but Ashley maintained that she could see things from Tucker's perspective. Mamie adamantly told her not to make excuses for "that man," since his behavior had been unacceptable. Mamie said she understood why Jack thought Tucker was trouble. Ashley explained that Jack saw everything in black and white, whereas Tucker was grey. Mamie inquired whether Ashley still had a soft spot for Tucker.
Ashley whimpered that she couldn't after what had happened; however, she knew Tucker deeply, and he'd lashed out because she'd made him feel vulnerable. Mamie urged Ashley to run for the hills. Ashley groaned that she'd tried, but she'd realized she had to face things head-on. She pledged to never let anyone hurt her, her family, or Jabot ever again. Mamie stressed that they always had to put family first, and they embraced.
In Tucker's hotel room, Tucker hesitated to buy Kyle's alleged willingness to betray his family to work with Tucker and Audra. Kyle called it a business transaction in which he'd help them take control of Jabot, and they'd give him what he wanted in return. Tucker retorted that Kyle might be kidding himself, but Kyle wasn't kidding him. Tucker clarified that Audra had offered Kyle the opportunity without his knowledge, and he considered it a bad idea, since blood was thicker than water with the Abbotts. Tucker wondered if it was some sort of trap, since Kyle might tip Jack off about Tucker's plans.
Kyle argued that Tucker hadn't been listening if he believed Kyle had a professional allegiance to his father, since Jack hadn't shown any allegiance to Kyle. Tucker figured that Jack had given Kyle everything he had, and he doubted Kyle was willing to blow it up. Kyle dared Tucker to watch him light a match. Tucker requested Audra's take, but she replied that Tucker already knew what she thought, or the three of them wouldn't be talking. Tucker implored Kyle to sell him.
Kyle contended that he only wanted what he deserved. He sourly recounted that he'd left his position as co-CEO of Jabot to run Marchetti, only to have Jack force him out when Kyle's marriage had fallen apart. Kyle ranted that Jack had kept Summer on board and had appointed proven screwup Billy as second in command. Tucker revealed that Billy had been willing to sell out his family in exchange for more control, but Billy had ended up choking. Kyle condemned Billy for being weak, and he complained that he was tired of waiting while his family offered him crumbs, expecting him to take them with a smile.
Kyle proclaimed that he wanted what was his, and he vowed to do anything to get it. He reiterated that his father couldn't see his worth, and he was ready to make a move. Tucker imagined the frustration of a son trying to prove himself to a father who didn't think he was ready. Kyle muttered that Jack would never think he was ready, but Tucker lectured that never was a long time. Tucker recognized that sometimes anger in the moment could turn on a dime, and he envisioned a scenario where Kyle proved his loyalty to Jack by selling Tucker down the river to get his old position back.
Kyle swore that when he made a commitment, he stuck to it. Tucker compared it to what Billy had said when he'd been thinking about jumping ship and taking Jack down. Kyle argued that Billy did things out of desperation, whereas Kyle operated with logic. Kyle contended that there was a vacuum at the top of Jabot, and he intended to fill it because he knew what to do when he got there. Tucker taunted that words were cheap, and he was more action oriented. Kyle asked what he needed to do to prove he was serious.
Kyle offered to do whatever was necessary to erase Tucker's doubts. Kyle envisioned taking Jabot to the next level while Tucker sat back and counted his returns. Kyle wondered if Ashley's return to town had affected Tucker's plans, but Tucker huffed that it wouldn't affect anything because he and Ashley were no longer together. Kyle repeated Tucker's words that sometimes anger could turn on a dime, and he pressed to know if there was a chance that the couple would get back together. Kyle refused to risk everything he had, only for Tucker to fall in love again and pull the plug.
Tucker assured Kyle that Ashley was of no importance, but Kyle worried about being blindsided when he was risking a lot. Tucker swore Kyle would be rewarded if he convinced Tucker that he could be trusted. Kyle dared Tucker to test him. There was a knock at the door, and Tucker invited Devon in. Tucker stated that Kyle and Audra had just been leaving, and the duo headed out. Devon questioned why Kyle and Audra had been in Tucker's room.
Tucker claimed that Kyle and Audra were a couple, and he'd been asking Kyle about where Ashley's head was those days. Devon inquired whether Tucker had spoken to Ashley since she'd returned from Paris, but Tucker preferred not to get into it. Devon mentioned that there were some other things on his mind, and he warned that it would be the last time he'd ask a certain question. He demanded to know what the connection was between Mamie and Tucker, and he ordered Tucker not to lie to him.
Devon revealed that Nate had seen Tucker's text message to Mamie, asking her to meet him. Tucker confirmed that he was expecting her any minute to talk about how Mamie might be able to help him and Devon fix the problems between them. A skeptical Devon inquired whether Tucker and Mamie had any other topics to discuss, but Tucker feigned ignorance. Devon griped that Tucker didn't understand that the only thing Devon wanted was to be able to trust his father, but he couldn't believe anything Tucker said.
Devon spat that after years of giving Tucker the benefit of the doubt, Tucker had shown who he was every time. Tucker swore that he loved Devon, and that was who he was. Devon barked that Tucker was also a liar half the time, and Tucker used anything and anyone to get what he wanted in life, including the people he claimed to care about it. Devon commanded Tucker to leave Mamie out of whatever he had going on, since Devon believed her intentions were sincere. Devon stalked out.
In the club dining room, Audra applauded Kyle for not letting Tucker intimidate him. She believed Tucker had respected Kyle for not backing down, but Kyle lamented that he still didn't know what Tucker wanted or expected from him. Kyle predicted that whatever it was probably wouldn't be easy and would involve betraying his family. Audra recalled that Kyle had asked Tucker to test him, and it was why Kyle had reached out to have her set up the meeting in the first place. Audra reasoned that Tucker couldn't just accept Kyle's word because the stakes were too big.
Kyle swore he was still in, but Audra wondered what he'd do if his dad surprised him by agreeing to give him Billy's job. Kyle figured that he had put the ultimatum out there, so he would take the job. Audra questioned what would happen to their alliance, and Kyle joked that he'd have to destroy her as her adversary. Audra hoped Jack would continue to let Kyle down. Audra and Kyle kissed and headed upstairs.
Devon greeted Mamie with a hug in the Athletic Club foyer. He reported that he'd just been upstairs with Tucker, and he knew Tucker and Mamie were planning to meet. Devon surmised it had something to do with her investing in Chancellor-Winters. Mamie shared that she and Tucker had had some discussions, but his interest in the company was because of Devon. Devon cautioned her against trusting Tucker, since anything Tucker said or promised would be a lie, and Tucker only cared about himself. Mamie mused that she was beginning to sense that. Devon wished it hadn't taken him so long.
Devon returned to Lily's place and relayed that Tucker had claimed that he was meeting with Mamie to get advice about how to fix the tension between him and Devon. Lily brightly noted that it might be true, but Devon growled that Tucker kept sabotaging their relationship every time Devon let his guard down. Devon doubted he'd gotten the truth. He sensed that Tucker and Mamie's meeting was about Chancellor-Winters and that Tucker was plotting something.
In Tucker's suite, Mamie announced that her plans had changed, and she no longer needed Tucker's help with Chancellor-Winters. She revealed that a discussion with Ashley had changed her mind, and she couldn't tolerate the things she'd learned about him. Tucker chided Mamie for taking Ashley's word for it, but Mamie indicated that she'd also spoken with Devon. Tucker smirked and surmised that she knew he was a liar and possibly the devil himself. Mamie retorted that she wasn't afraid of the devil, but Tucker was something else entirely.
Mamie declared that her goal of giving control of Chancellor-Winters back to her family was pure, but Tucker's motives weren't quite as noble. Mamie continued that she'd trusted him because he was Katherine's son. Tucker countered that she'd trusted him because he was rich with a ruthless reputation, and she'd wanted to be done with Jill Abbott. Tucker wondered how Mamie expected to do that without him.
Tucker reminded Mamie that he had been the rightful heir to Chancellor, but Mamie clucked that Katherine hadn't left the company to him. Tucker scoffed at the idea that Mamie wanted to hand the company back to Victor. Tucker maintained that he had no interest in running Chancellor-Winters because he wanted Devon to do it. He said he had no qualms about Lily's involvement, but none of it would happen as long as Jill was in the picture.
Tucker argued that both he and Mamie had a vested interest in seeing Jill removed, and he was the only one who could make it happen. "I don't think so!" Mamie bellowed, and Tucker asked what she meant. She hissed that he was bad news, and she was going to take her chances elsewhere because she regretted trusting him in the first place.
At Society, Mariah told Kyle that Aria's condition was significant, but later that day, Aria would be fitted with hearing aids. Mariah worried that the hearing aids wouldn't work. Kyle suggested she not jump to negative conclusions, and he asked what would happen if they did work. Mariah confirmed that Dr. George was amazing, but Mariah still had a lot of worries and doubts. Kyle said even if the hearing aids didn't work, there were other options.
Mariah asked Kyle about his job search. Kyle said he was enjoying the easy life. She asked how much longer that could last, since he was like Jack, who loved hard work and proving himself. Kyle admitted the downtime had been driving him crazy. She asked if he had any idea what he wanted to do next. Kyle admitted he wanted to be back at Jabot in his old co-CEO job. She said it was too bad Billy had Kyle's old job, but Kyle said that could be changing soon.
Mariah asked Kyle if Billy had screwed up. Kyle replied not yet, but it was only a matter of time. Kyle said he wanted to take action before Billy screwed things up. Mariah said she'd never known Kyle to be ruthless. Kyle claimed he was only looking out for his family's company and himself.
Mariah asked if Kyle was trying to get Billy fired. Kyle said he was going after what he wanted, and he'd given Jack an ultimatum: either bring him back as co-CEO, or he would walk for good. Mariah said ultimatums rarely worked, especially with family. She asked if it was worth going to war with his family just to get his co-CEO position back. Kyle said maybe it was.
In the park, Billy had just sat down on a bench when Chelsea greeted him. Billy took her into his arms, and he kissed her. He was grateful she'd returned. Chelsea said she'd returned because she had a meeting at Marchetti to discuss the spring collection and put out a few fires, because Summer and Chloe were both headstrong personalities.
Back at Society, Mariah suggested that maybe it was time Kyle started his own company that would be free of politics and tension. Kyle admitted he'd thought about it, but he'd always nixed the idea because it hadn't felt right. Mariah asked if returning to Jabot felt right. Kyle said when he'd been fired from Newman Media, Victor had advised him to go back to where he belonged, working with his own family. Mariah asked if Kyle would base his life on something Victor had said. Kyle replied that Victor had helped clarify things for him.
Kyle told Mariah he did get frustrated with Jack, but Kyle felt his place was at Jabot -- his family's company and his grandfather's legacy. He admitted he'd always taken it for granted because it had always been part of his life. Jabot was everything to the Abbotts, their identity; it was a part of him, and he would do whatever it took to get back there. Mariah asked if that included railroading Billy, but Kyle asked her to not put it that way. He said he deserved his place, and he was confident that eventually, things would go his way.
Mariah told Kyle she had to leave to meet with Tessa and Aria for their big appointment. She said she hoped everything worked out for him at Jabot, and she warned him to proceed with caution. As Mariah was leaving, Billy arrived, and when he saw Kyle, he approached and said he knew what Kyle was up to. Billy said they were about to clear the air, once and for all.
In Sally's suite, Adam woke up when he received a text message from Nate: "Are you planning on coming to work today?" Adam told Sally they'd been up most of the night, and he admitted he hadn't slept that soundly in a long time. He said their night together had been unexpected, and he wanted to make sure Sally was okay.
Adam said he understood that he and Sally still had a lot to discuss, and the previous night didn't mean what he hoped it meant. He asked if she regretted spending the night with him. Sally said she didn't, but they still had a lot to unpack. She said she needed time to figure out how they should proceed. Adam said he didn't regret a second of their night together. Adam left.
Victoria and Nick arrived in Victor's office at Newman. Nick told Victor he'd told Victoria the truth about Victor's mental health. Victoria asked if Victor really believed she would exploit his health for a job title. Nick said he and Victoria were willing to go along with Victor's plan to help prove Adam was the one with the loyalty issue. Victor asked what they were talking about and asked what plan they meant.
Nick explained the plan Victor had admitted to him, but Victor claimed he hadn't admitted a "damn thing." He said he hadn't set a trap for anyone. Nick growled that he'd had enough with the games. He reminded Victor that he'd admitted he'd set traps to uncover the traitors around him. Victor asked if Nick was trying to trick him. Victor said he knew they were trying to convince him he was losing his mind. Nick denied anyone was trying to trick Victor.
Nick told Victor that after their conversation the previous evening, he'd told Victoria everything. Victor asked what their conversation had been about. Nick said he'd confronted Victor about the snake drawing with all the kids' names that Adam had found in Victor's desk drawer. Victoria said Nick had told her that Victor had been faking his condition and trying to deceive all of them. Nick said Victor had told him that he'd set a trap to test his kids' loyalty. Victor asked if he needed to do that.
Nate arrived. Victor told Nate to get him out of there. He turned to Nick and Victoria and claimed he had no idea what they were talking about. Nate and Victor left. Nick and Victoria were stunned.
At the elevators, Nate told Victor that Nick and Victoria only wanted to protect Victor. Victor complained that Nick and Victoria wanted him tested and examined, but he didn't want that intrusion on his life. Victor asked about the specialist Nate had promised him. Nate said he was waiting for a callback. Victor claimed Nate was the only one he could trust.
In the Jabot boardroom, Summer looked at some spring fashion designs. Summer told Chloe they were good but not there yet. Chloe indicated that they were initial sketches to give Summer an idea where they were headed, but Summer claimed they needed to go back to the drawing board. Chloe complained they'd already started fresh a number of times, and she asked Summer to trust her years of experience that they only needed a bit more time to get the designs fleshed out.
Summer reminded Chloe that Marchetti had a very specific look and clientele. Chloe argued that she and Chelsea had years of experience, and they knew what they were doing. Summer acknowledged their years of experience and that they were accustomed to doing what they wanted, but she was in charge of Marchetti and knew exactly what she wanted. Chloe claimed that being in charge meant listening to her people and allowing their creativities to flow. Summer asked if Chloe believed she was being held back.
Chloe admitted it seemed like Summer was second-guessing every design and suggestion Chloe and Chelsea made. Summer assured Chloe she had faith in Chloe and Chelsea, but she knew what she wanted and hadn't seen it yet. Chloe suggested Summer meet her in the middle. Summer insisted they couldn't put out anything that was less than perfection. She said spring was an incredibly competitive time in fashion, and they needed to keep their customers engaged and excited.
Summer reminded Chloe their sales had been down recently, and they needed to be more targeted and specific. Summer admitted she'd been pushing Chloe and Chelsea to be the best they could be. Chloe claimed Summer's fears were clouding her judgment, and perhaps she needed to prove herself since Kyle's departure because she was worried that she wouldn't measure up on her own. Summer claimed that wasn't what was happening. Summer said she trusted Chloe and Chelsea. Chloe said it was difficult to accept that when Summer was breathing down their necks. Summer repeated that it was strictly about the spring line. She said it was time to take a break and wait for Chelsea because they were done. Summer left.
At Crimson Lights, Billy asked Chelsea about Connor. Chelsea reported that the program was doing wonders for Connor's self-esteem and mental health. She said he was hanging around a bunch of kids who struggled with the same difficulties he did. She said Connor had known what he'd wanted, and he'd moved into the dorm. She said Connor also supported her if she wanted to return to Genoa City. Billy complimented Chelsea for doing the right thing for her child. He said he was happy she was back because he needed her around -- more than ever. Chelsea said her apartment was upstairs, and she asked if he wanted to go there for a minute. Upstairs, they disrobed and made love.
Later Billy told Chelsea that Tucker was still in town, making one underhanded move after another. He said Tucker had convinced Phyllis to hack into Jabot's accounts, and he'd had her deposit money into Billy's personal account to make him look like an embezzler. He said Tucker had shown up at Jack and Diane's celebration with a wedding gift that had had a listening device attached to it. He said Ashley was back in town and determined to find out what Tucker was up to.
Billy told Chelsea that Ashley had a plan. Chelsea asked if Tucker could do damage to Jabot. Billy said he would like to believe they could handle another Tucker-like attack, but Tucker could hit hard when the mood struck him. Chelsea claimed if anyone had a shot at stopping Tucker, it was Ashley.
Billy told Chelsea he had a bigger problem because Kyle was gunning for his job because he wanted it back. Billy stated that Kyle had put Jack in a very difficult position of having to choose between his son and his brother. Billy admitted he didn't feel confident about the way Jack was leaning. He said it would be a mistake if Jack chose Kyle because Billy would then question Jack's judgment about Jabot. Chelsea asked if he still blamed Diane for that.
Billy told Chelsea if Diane wanted Kyle to work by Jack's side, she wouldn't hesitate to push Billy aside. Billy said that Jack had it coming at him from all sides, between Ashley, Tucker, and Kyle, and that was enough to shake anyone's judgment. Billy admitted he'd been strong and steady in his job as co-CEO. He remarked that Kyle had had everything handed to him and wasn't ready for a leadership role. Billy said he loved his job, and he would fight to keep it.
Chelsea asked if Billy was sure that was what he wanted and that he wasn't feeling scared or feeling like a failure. Billy admitted it was what he wanted, and he felt he was on the right path, one he wanted to stay on it. Chelsea said she supported him.
At the main doors to the Athletic Club, Adam bumped into Nick and Victoria as they entered. Nick asked if Adam had been in Sally's room, begging for another chance. Adam looked up the stairs and smirked. Adam asked if they'd seen or spoken to Victor. Nick admitted they'd seen him, and he seemed forgetful that morning. Adam said whatever was going on, clearly it wasn't going away.
Adam told Nick and Victoria he'd spoken with a specialist the previous evening. Victoria asked why he hadn't consulted them first. Adam said because he was just as worried as they were. The doctor had advised him to convince Victor to agree to an assessment, and Adam said he believed the three of them could make that happen. Victoria said she and Nick would handle everything without Adam because Victor didn't trust Adam; in fact, none of them trusted Adam.
Adam said he understood why Nick and Victoria were trying to shut him out. Nick claimed it was a delicate situation and they had to proceed with caution. Adam asked if they didn't think he knew the consequences if word got out about Victor's condition. Adam said he understood they didn't trust him, and that was understandable. Victoria told him to back off. Adam refused. He said he was as scared as they were, and he wouldn't sit by and do nothing because he was Victor's child, too. He said he had to do something, with or without them. Adam left.
Nick told Victoria he didn't know what to make of Victor's behavior. Victoria felt there were only two explanations: it had been a cover-up in the hope of keeping them from pursuing it further, or Victor was acting like he hadn't told Nick he was faking his illness because he didn't trust her. She said Victor's endgame had changed, and Victor had devised another trap -- for her.
In her suite Sally's mind wandered to the previous night in bed with Adam. Adam said he missed being with her, and even though it had been unplanned, it had felt right, like it was meant to be. Snapping out of it, she whispered, "Enough," and resumed working.
Nate and Victor wound up in the park. Victor asked where Nate had taken him. Nate replied that Victor had asked Nate to bring him to the park. Victor confessed he had very clear moments, but suddenly things became foggy. Nate promised to get it sorted out. Victor claimed he knew one thing -- that he was alone. Nate said Victor had his family, but Victor claimed they wanted to take everything from him: his company, his autonomy, and his sanity. He said Victoria was very angry with him.
Nate assured Victor that Victoria would never use Victor's condition as a weapon. Victor said he'd raised his kids to be ruthless and cutthroat like him, but he'd created monsters. Nate agreed Victor had taught his kids to be ruthless and to go after what they wanted, sometimes at the expense of each other. Victor said Victoria wanted power, and he'd taken it from her. Nate said Victoria had accepted her place as Victor's co-CEO.
Victor told Nate that Adam had resented him since the day Adam had set foot in Genoa City. He said whenever he tried to placate Adam, it never worked. Nate said it was possible Adam was concerned about Victor, more than Victor was allowing himself to see. Victor claimed Adam and Victoria were trying to take him down, and he was going to stop them by "firing their asses" and sending them as far from him and the company as possible.
Meanwhile, Adam arrived in Victor's office, but it was empty. Adam called Dr. Skelton and said he would try to arrange to have drinks with Victor at Society, and he wondered if Dr. Skelton could stop by to say hello.
Chelsea walked into the boardroom, and she and Chloe hugged. Chloe told Chelsea that things were turning into a disaster of epic proportions. Chelsea said they would all sit down and figure out a way to work things out. Chloe claimed Summer was fixated and inflexible. She said Chelsea needed to help her calm Summer down and get Summer to see they knew better than Summer did.
Walking through the park, Christine recalled the conversation she'd had with Danny the previous day about her split with Paul, when Christine had told Danny that Paul wasn't in love with her anymore.
Christine snapped out of her reverie when Phyllis greeted her. Phyllis claimed she was enjoying the day, her freedom, and her new lease on life. She offered Christine her sympathies about the end of Christine's marriage to Paul. Phyllis offered to give Christine some dating tips, but Christine laughed and said Phyllis' last partner had been a known felon who'd wound up dead. She said she wouldn't seek dating advice from Phyllis.
Phyllis mentioned that Danny was in town. Christine said she'd seen him the previous evening. Phyllis asked if Christine was trying to rekindle something with Danny. Christine spat that they wouldn't talk about her personal life. "As a friend," Phyllis warned Christine not to chase after Danny again. Christine said she and Danny were friends. She reminded Phyllis that Daniel was her godson and that they'd always been close.
Christine said she'd heard Phyllis had been hanging out with Danny. She told Phyllis to take her own advice and to not fool herself that something would come of it. She said Phyllis' priority was to get her "miserable life" on track.
After Christine left, Phyllis recalled one of the many arguments she'd had with Christine. Phyllis accused Christine of tearing Daniel away from her, but Christine claimed it had been Phyllis' doing, because of the lies and the way she'd used people. She said Phyllis had drugged an ex-boyfriend to get a sample of his blood to cover up Phyllis' little secret. Phyllis said whatever Christine felt was nothing compared to what Phyllis was going through because Christine had taken Daniel away from her. Phyllis warned Christine not to screw up her relationship with Daniel, or Phyllis wouldn't be responsible for her actions.
Phyllis snapped back to the present when Lauren asked if she was okay. Phyllis said she'd seen Christine, and Christine would always see Phyllis as a thorn in her side. Lauren asked if Phyllis saw Christine the same way. Phyllis had another memory flash. Phyllis asked what hold Christine had over men, first Danny, then Paul, and Michael. Phyllis claimed Christine was the holy grail of the romantic fantasy. Phyllis said men would walk through fire, disregard everything that was important to them, and forget dignity if there was a chance of winning the beautiful Christine.
Christine accused Phyllis of being obsessed with Christine's husband, who'd faced two paternity tests, but in the end, Phyllis had lost Daniel in court. Phyllis asked if Christine wanted to take off her gloves. Christine asked why Phyllis was filled with so much venom. She asked if it was Jack, the first decent man Phyllis had managed to keep her hooks in longer than six months. Christine claimed she'd had enough ugliness in the past few months, but Phyllis claimed Christine had brought it on herself.
In the present, Phyllis told Lauren she'd tried to make peace with Christine. Lauren questioned whether Phyllis had really tried.
At Crimson Lights, Christine ordered coffee and suddenly heard Nina ask if Christine felt like talking to an old friend. Christine was delighted to see her.
On the patio, Nina said she was very sorry that Christine and Paul had split. Christine said it was sad when a marriage ended. She said Paul wasn't in love with her, and she admitted that they were different people. Nina reminded Christine that Nina had been a pregnant teen and had been sleeping on a park bench. Christine gushed that Nina had become a screen writer. Nina claimed it was because she'd had a fabulous roommate, who'd made her into a proper lady. Nina recalled when Christine had told Nina to walk tall without allowing the book on her head to drop. She'd also shown Nina how to sit like a lady and how to drink properly from a vessel.
Christine agreed that she and Nina had had some good times. Nina added that they'd also had some not-so-good times. Christine mentioned Nina stealing Phillip from her. Nina remarked that she'd felt bad about that, but she'd wound up with a wonderful son. Nina said she would always be there for Cricket. Christine responded in kind.
Nina recalled Cricket's kindness. Nina thanked Cricket for making her the most incredible promise. Nina said that from the moment that Christine had offered to take care of her baby, Nina had stopped worrying that her child would go to some institution to be brought up by strangers. Nina said she'd written that on a piece of paper, and she'd given it to the chaplain because she'd wanted everyone to know she wanted Christine to have her baby. She said she wanted him to be brought up by someone she knew would love him, tell him about his real mother, and make him understand how much Nina loved him. Christine said she'd made one promise, and she was glad she'd never had to act on it. Nina claimed Christine was the only real friend she'd ever had.
In the present, Christine told Nina she wanted the best for Paul, and she hoped they could remain friends. Christine revealed that she'd seen Danny. Nina squealed in delight. Christine explained that Danny would be staying in town for a while to spend time with Daniel and Lucy. Nina groaned because that meant Danny would see Phyllis. Christine said Phyllis claimed she'd changed her evil ways and was walking the path of righteousness. Christine said she didn't believe Phyllis would stay on that path. Nina agreed.
Nina asked Christine if seeing Danny had reawakened any old feelings. She said Christine and Danny had had a great love story. Danny told Christine their history made him wonder what the future held. He asked Christine if there was a Romalotti in her future. She replied that stranger things had happened. Danny asked what she thought of, "the lawyer and the rock singer." She claimed it sounded like a good book. Danny asked if it had a happy ending, and Christine replied that she hoped so.
In another memory, Danny told Christine that no one would believe it wasn't their first dinner party, but it would be fun. Christine said she was afraid of spilling sauce in someone's lap. She claimed if there were any screw-ups, Danny would get half the blame, since the dinner was a joint effort. Christine told Danny she was happier than she'd ever imagined. Danny agreed.
Nina and Christine laughed over another memory. Christine dripped water on Danny while he slept, but it didn't faze him. When he began to wake up, Christine sat on the edge of the bed and pretended to read a book. Danny asked if there was a leak somewhere because there had been water dripping on him. Christine said it was a good thing because he had to be at rehearsal shortly. Suspicious, Danny noticed there was only one ice cube in Christine's coffee, and the water that had dripped on him had been really cold. Christine said at least it had woken him up. Danny grabbed the ice cube and went after Christine. He said only a kiss would stop him. While they kissed, he dropped the ice cube down her back and promised to warm her up.
Nina commented that Christine was caught between two loves again. Christine said she wasn't choosing between the two of them. Nina asked Christine to imagine reuniting with Danny, but Christine claimed they'd had too many stops, starts, and almosts. Nina asked if Christine would want what she and Danny had had in the past. Nina said it hadn't been Danny's fault the way things had turned out.
Christine remembered when Danny told Christine he was really sorry she'd had to face off with Phyllis, something he'd never wanted. Christine asked if it was like he'd never wanted to bed Phyllis. She said he couldn't change the past, but Danny claimed they could change the present and the future. Christine accused Danny of forgetting his son, an innocent little boy who hadn't asked to be brought into the world by mistake, insisting he was Danny's responsibility. She told Danny to leave. Danny grabbed Christine, and he kissed her passionately. In tears, she broke away. Danny said he'd never stopped loving her. Christine told him that she and Paul would be married during the holidays. As he was leaving, Christine shouted as she asked how Danny could do that to them.
Nina asked if Christine would do it again. Christine suggested they not get ahead of themselves. She claimed she and Danny had missed their chance, but Nina insisted it was the first time Christine and Danny had been single at the same time. She asked if Christine should at least explore the possibility of a relationship. She told Christine to find out if there was something there, since the timing was right. Nina asked what would happen if they could finally have something amazing. She suggested that Christine owed it to herself to find out. Lauren arrived and greeted them.
Lauren asked Christine about her trip to Lisbon. Christine told Lauren that things were over between her and Paul. Nina said she and Christine had been talking about what the future held. Lauren said Christine and Michael had enjoyed being in practice together. Christine laughed, and she said Michael wouldn't take no for an answer.
Christine remembered when Michael told Christine that the combination of his and Christine's skills held the greatest likelihood of success, and he needed it to be a success. Michael handed her the contract, which was simple, concise, and open-ended. Christine agreed to the firm name of Baldwin, Williams, and Associates.
In the present, Christine asked if she'd made a mistake putting her career ahead of family or if she should have made different choices. Lauren said they all made choices with the information they had at the time. Christine said Paul had wanted a baby, and she'd put him off.
Christine recalled a fight with Paul. Paul accused Christine of caring more about her partnership with Michael than she did about starting a family with him. Christine admitted that when she'd thought she'd been pregnant, she hadn't been excited the way an expectant mother should be. She said she wanted to be thrilled when she carried Paul's baby. She said she would be ready in two years. Paul claimed Christine didn't understand that there would always be something and why having a baby wasn't convenient. Christine apologized for not being honest from the start. She said it wasn't the right time for her, and they had to be in it together. Paul said for the next two years, they wouldn't be. She asked Paul to tell her he understood how she felt. Paul just walked away.
In tears, Christine said that as a little girl playing with dolls, she'd assumed that someday she would be a mom, only it hadn't happened. Nina said Christine had made a difference in other people's children's lives, like the work she'd done with teenagers, all the time she'd spent with a very young Chance as his Auntie Cricket, and the major role she'd played in Daniel's life. Lauren added Fenn's life, as well.
Christine said she and Paul had had that one chance to have a child. In the hospital, Paul asked her to open her beautiful blue eyes. He told her they were at Memorial, she'd had surgery, and the doctors had taken really good care of her. Christine said there had been a car. Paul said she'd been injured. He promised everything was going to be fine. Hysterically, she asked Paul to tell her the baby had made it, but Paul broke down and said he was sorry, but the baby hadn't made it.
In real time, Nina said maybe it was too late to have children, but it wasn't too late to have romance, fun, and happiness. Christine told Lauren that Nina wanted her to explore things with Danny, since he would be in town for a while. Lauren asked if that was something Christine wanted. Christine said she didn't know because they'd both moved on. She said they were great friends; she didn't want to lose that, and she didn't need the aggravation with Phyllis. Lauren said she'd just been with Phyllis, Danny, and Daniel, and Phyllis had mentioned that she'd regretted allowing Christine to get under her skin. Phyllis had said she wanted to do better, but no one believed it.
Lauren said her goodbyes, and she left for her meeting.
Nina noted that Christine was at a crossroad. Nina wished she could write the next chapter of Christine's life, but Christine had to do that herself. Nina told Christine not to beat herself up about what she'd done or hadn't done in the past because she'd had two great loves, which was more than most people got. Christine agreed, and she said she was very grateful for everything she'd been given, including an amazing friend who'd talked everything through with her. Christine said she had a better idea of which direction she wanted to go. Nina said Christine could go anywhere, and her best friend wanted to join her on the ride.
In the jazz lounge, Danny played the piano. He remembered what Christine had said the previous day, when Christine had told Danny it was over with Paul and that it almost brought her a sense of peace.
In real time, Daniel interrupted Danny's thoughts and commented that the piece Danny was playing sounded melancholy. Danny said he and Christine had run into each other. He told Daniel not to make it into something it wasn't, but he admitted he'd been more affected than he'd realized after Christine had said it was over with Paul. Danny admitted that knowing she was free had stirred up "all those feelings." He said it had him thinking about what could have been -- and perhaps could be.
Phyllis and Lauren arrived, and Phyllis looked at Danny like he was the most delicious dessert on display. Daniel asked if Phyllis was okay. She said she'd had a run-in with Christine. Daniel said Phyllis was having trouble letting go of the past. Phyllis countered that Christine wouldn't let the past go, and Christine couldn't accept that Phyllis was a changed woman.
Daniel told Phyllis that no one expected her and Christine to be best friends. Lauren told Phyllis to avoid Christine. Phyllis agreed she would try to make peace with Cricket. Lauren said she had a meeting to get to. Phyllis thanked Lauren for being such a great friend. Lauren told Phyllis to make new memories, and she left.
Daniel said he'd been hearing about Phyllis' great work at Omega Sphere. She said she'd been working very hard and taking every opportunity to be a better person. She declared it to be day one of her Christine-free brain. Daniel claimed she wouldn't make it to day two, but he hoped she would because Christine had been great to him. He said he'd lived with her, and she'd defended him in court.
Daniel remembered a conversation with Christine. Daniel asked Christine why she cared because he had to be cramping her style with Danny by having a teenage kid underfoot. Christine said he was the son she'd never had. She asked him not to make her regret being straight with him. She said she thought he was terrific, she enjoyed their time together, and it would be a shame if he left. Daniel asked what the point of staying was. She said she wanted him to stay, and it would mean the world to Danny.
Back in real time, Phyllis toasted to Christine. Daniel said he had to get to a meeting, and he asked Phyllis to go with him. He said she could pitch the video game for the platform, and he liked her take on it. Phyllis was thrilled and said she had many opinions on it. Before Phyllis left, she asked Danny to have dinner with her later. Before he could answer, Christine arrived. Danny said they would figure something out. Phyllis turned, and her smile died when she saw Christine. Phyllis glared at Christine. Daniel gave Christine a peck on the cheek, and Daniel and Phyllis left.
Danny told Christine he'd been thinking about her, and he wanted to get her thoughts on something. He took her hand and guided her to the piano.
At the Athletic Club, Nick told Sally the financial report indicated that Sally's business was doing well. She said she couldn't have done it without Nick's support and encouragement. Sally asked Nick about Victor. She said Adam had mentioned that something was off. Nick asked if she and Adam had been discussing Victor's condition. Seeing Nick's discomfort, Sally brought him to her suite for privacy.
Nick told Sally it would have been awkward discussing Victor in a public place. Sally said Adam had told her that Victor had been having issues with his memory; he'd been forgetting things and acting confused. Nick said they had been trying to deal with it as a family and were working at keeping Victor's issues quiet. Sally said Adam had needed someone to talk to, and she'd happened to be there. She promised not to say anything.
Nick told Sally it was stressful for some of them, but for others, it was an opportunity. Sally said that wasn't true about Adam. Nick said he was "scared as hell" for Victor and hated the uncertainty. Sally said she'd encouraged Adam to be open with Nick and Victoria about his concerns, and maybe the three of them could help Victor. Nick said whatever was going on with Victor, they would make sure he received the treatment he needed.
Nick said he was surprised Adam had told Sally about Victor, and he surmised that Sally and Adam had become close enough to discuss something so private. When Sally didn't respond, Nick realized she'd taken his advice to find out what her relationship with Adam really meant.
In Victor's office, Adam asked Victor if he wanted to stop for a drink after work. Victor agreed. Victor told Adam he wanted to streamline Kirsten Incorporated so it would be most beneficial to Newman Media. Adam tried to remind Victor that Sharon owned the company, but he changed his mind. Nate walked in and asked if everything was okay.
Later, in the reception area, Nate asked Adam if Victor had said he wanted to merge Kirsten-McCall with Newman Media. Adam said yes. Nate claimed Victor's condition was getting worse. Adam said he hoped to change that. He said he'd spoken to a specialist who had informed him there were various scenarios that could be causing Victor's memory loss. He said he'd told Victoria and Nick, but they'd dismissed him because they believed he had an ulterior motive. Adam said he needed to focus on Victor, and he would move forward without them and take care of Victor on his own. Adam left.
In his office, Victor asked Nate who'd been there, Nick or Adam. Nate said it had been Adam. Nate admitted he'd heard Victor talking to Adam about the Kirsten-McCall and Newman Media merger still being in the works. Victor said he'd given that company back to Sharon. He asked Nate what was happening to him. Nate told him Adam had asked a specialist for advice about what was going on with Victor. Victor claimed Adam was building a case against him to remove him as CEO.
Nate told Victor that wasn't true, but Victor replied that his kids were power grabbers, and they were after him. Nate said given the struggles Victor had been facing, perhaps he needed to consider a short-term leave of absence. Victor insisted he wasn't going anywhere because that was what they all wanted. He said it was his company, and he needed to maintain its stability.
Victor told Nate he would appear weak if he left. Victor said the stability of the company was what mattered the most. Nate claimed Victor's health was what mattered most, and it was being compromised as long as Victor remained there. Victor refused to let Adam or Victoria steal his company.
Nate told Victor that taking a leave of absence was a safe move because it would protect him by taking away Adam's leverage to exploit Victor's condition. Victor said he wanted a way to beat it. Nate said he wasn't making any promises, but the sooner Victor received medical attention, the better the chances of knowing whether they could stop it before it got worse.
Nate told Victor he would need testing in order to know what was going on and to ascertain if the condition could be reversed or treated. Victor asked if Nate could make that happen. Nate said arrangements could be made. Victor claimed he would be put away, but Nate assured him it was a voluntary treatment for a few days or a few weeks, at most, to assess the situation thoroughly. Victor asked what the cover story would be. Nate said an extended business trip. Nate said it was Victor's decision how to handle his condition head-on.
At Society, Ashley greeted Tucker. Tucker mumbled a hello. He said he'd started annulment proceedings. Ashley agreed there was no point in delaying. She asked if they couldn't find some commonality, rather than act like strangers. Tucker said no. Ashley reminded him they shared a grandchild.
Tucker told Ashley he didn't trust her or her motives. She asked how she could change that. He found it ironic that she was trying to convince him they had a future. Ashley stated that despite his truly atrocious behavior in Paris, she could envision them being civil to one another and possibly becoming friends. Tucker said she would never convince him of her motives, and he insisted she only wanted to know what he'd planned for her and her family.
Ashley told Tucker she would be a fool not to wonder. He asked what she would think if there was nothing that he wanted from her or her family. Ashley said she knew him too well to believe that, and she believed he was out for vengeance. Ashley said Tucker had claimed he'd become a better man, but he didn't sound like the new and improved Tucker.
Tucker told Ashley she'd left him brokenhearted in Paris. Ashley said the man she'd left had been a monster who'd terrified her with his anger because he hadn't gotten what he'd wanted. Tucker said he wouldn't justify himself to her, and he didn't care what she thought. Ashley claimed he'd gone from loving her deeply to hating her in a matter of minutes. She asked if he'd ever loved her. He said it made no difference because she'd wrecked it. She claimed that he saw it as all her fault, and he wanted payback.
Ashley asked Tucker how many times she had apologized to him, but Tucker asked how many times she had made him grovel or apologize, and how many hoops she'd made him jump through to win her back. He asked if she'd ever loved him or if the whole thing had been a setup so she could rip his heart out as some kind of revenge for whatever he'd done to her years previously. She said she'd loved him with her entire heart, but he spat that Ashley had never felt anything for him.
Tucker told Ashley he wanted a life as partners where he was as important to her as she was to him. Ashley replied that he wanted her to give up her family, her father's company, and her identity. She said she would never make him chose between her and his family. She asked if he had ever loved her.
Tucker told Ashley he would always be suspicious of her. He congratulated her because she'd pushed him away completely. She guessed she had her answer about whether Tucker had ever loved her. After Tucker left, she began to cry. Outside, Tucker broke down and sobbed.
Sally walked Nick to the front door of the Athletic Club and said she hoped everything would work out with Victor. Adam arrived. Sally left. Adam told Nick that Victor had talked about merging Kirsten and Newman Media. Adam claimed he, Nick, and Victoria had to take some action, and they needed to figure out what was going on with Victor. Nick said he didn't think so because he didn't trust that Adam had Victor's best interest at heart.
Adam understood that Nick didn't trust him, but he asked if Nick believed he didn't care or that he would do nothing to fix Victor's condition. Nick reminded Adam that he'd messed with Victor's medication. Adam admitted it had been a dark moment for him, but he hadn't wanted to kill Victor. Adam said he was focused on the present. He said Victor was going to meet him for drinks later, and the doctor Adam had contacted would casually stop by.
Nick asked if Adam planned to ambush Victor with some random doctor. Adam claimed it was better than nothing. He said he was going to steer the conversation to a place where the doctor could observe and do an initial assessment. Nick asked if Adam thought Victor wouldn't pick up on that. Adam said he hoped Victor would because it would mean he was still Victor Newman and that he would only need some rest or vitamins, but if he didn't pick up on it, it meant it was another symptom. Nick didn't like it. Adam invited Nick to sit down with him and Victor and observe. Nick agreed.
At the Abbott home, Billy accused Kyle of going after his job. Kyle admitted he wouldn't return to Jabot unless it was in the co-CEO position. Billy said that he was the co-CEO of Jabot, Jack trusted him, and he was loyal to the company his father had built. He said he was doing a "damn good job," and he wasn't going anywhere. Kyle admitted Billy was doing a good enough job, "for now," but Billy always imploded. Billy asked if that made it okay for Kyle to make a play for a job that wasn't his. Kyle claimed it had been his job. Billy reminded Kyle that he'd walked away. Kyle said it had been to work with his wife, but he'd been forced out of that job.
Billy told Kyle that Jack had offered him the COO position. Billy said Kyle didn't want it because it was a token position, and Kyle felt he deserved something better. Billy asked if Kyle had always been so entitled. Billy said Kyle was acting like a spoiled brat. Billy said the situation was tearing Jack apart. Kyle claimed he wasn't trying to hurt anyone. He said he'd been forced out of Marchetti, and Jack had chosen Summer over his own son. Billy reminded Kyle that Marchetti was Summer's company, and she'd hired Kyle to work with her. Billy asked if Kyle felt slighted.
Billy claimed Kyle was spoiled and was seeing the situation from his own point of view and for how it benefited him. Billy said as long as Kyle was happy, Kyle didn't care who he hurt. Kyle said Billy was right about all of it. He admitted he'd been selfish, spoiled, and entitled to a job he hadn't earned. Kyle admitted the last thing he wanted to do was break Jack's heart. Kyle said Billy had reminded him of what he'd been putting Jack through, and he was embarrassed.
Billy asked if Kyle was returning to Jabot as COO, but Kyle said he would no longer be a spoiled brat and needed to accept the situation for what it was. Kyle said Jack felt he needed to be loyal to Billy, and Kyle needed to accept it. Billy said he'd earned the position, and he was doing a good job. Kyle claimed he would no longer force the issue or return to Jabot. Jack arrived and asked what was going on.
Billy told Jack that Kyle had had an interesting epiphany. Billy asked Kyle to tell Jack what he'd decided. Kyle said he and Billy had discussed his pursuit of the co-CEO position. He said Billy had pointed out that he hadn't been fair to Billy or Jack. Kyle said he'd decided to head in another direction. Billy asked why Kyle had folded so easily, and he wondered if Kyle had something lined up. Kyle said he'd known Jack would choose Billy, so he'd pursued other options. Kyle said he owed Jack an apology for putting him in a position of having to choose between Kyle and Billy. He admitted he'd been selfish, entitled, and misguided to put that kind of pressure on Jack.
Jack wished Kyle would reconsider the position of COO. Kyle claimed Jack would be creating a position for him with not much to do, but Jack assured him that wouldn't be the case. Kyle said he needed something meaningful, and it was time for him to move on. Jack said he wished Kyle would return to the Jabot family. Kyle said he needed to do something for himself and to see where things took him.
Jack asked what had changed Kyle's mind about replacing Billy. Kyle said Billy had thrown it in his face how self-righteous he'd been, and it had been a wake-up call. Jack wanted Kyle to give him a hint as to what the new possibilities were. Kyle said when he had something more concrete, Jack would be the first to know. Kyle thanked Billy for helping him see things so clearly. Kyle left. Jack asked Billy "what the hell" had just happened. Billy said he didn't know, but he didn't think Kyle was being sincere.
Billy told Jack that Kyle had admitted he'd been after Billy's job. He said he'd told Kyle he wasn't going anywhere and that Kyle was acting like an entitled jerk. He said Kyle had defended himself, but a moment later, Kyle had done an about-face. Billy said that Kyle had been confrontational for months, trying to get Jack to push Billy out with no sign of backing down, but suddenly, Kyle had had "a complete catharsis." Billy said it didn't add up.
Jack asked if it was possible that Kyle was trying to save face, but Billy said it felt like he was trying to throw them off. Ashley arrived, and she asked if they'd heard from Tucker. Billy asked why they would. Ashley said she'd just seen Tucker, and she thought Tucker might have reached out to them.
Jack told Ashley they'd been talking about Kyle. Billy updated Ashley about Kyle wanting to kick him to the curb and take over the co-CEO position. He said he'd confronted Kyle, and Kyle had backed down. Billy said they were concerned because Kyle's turnaround had been too abrupt. Ashley asked if Kyle had realized he'd been wrong. Jack asked if that had been the way she'd felt when she'd seen Tucker. Billy asked if she'd found out anything about Tucker's plans. Ashley said Tucker didn't trust her. Jack claimed Tucker would never walk away gracefully.
Billy told Jack and Ashley the closest person to Tucker was Kyle because of his relationship with Audra. Billy admitted he'd asked Kyle to have Audra spy on Tucker, but Kyle had refused. Billy said he'd mentioned that the company and the family were on the line, but Kyle had still refused. Billy said he felt there was a connection they were missing.
Billy told Jack and Ashley that Tucker was going after Jabot, and Tucker needed someone on the inside. He said Kyle was feeling boxed in, knowing he wouldn't get what he ultimately wanted. Billy said Tucker might have gotten his claws into Kyle and turned him against his family.
In his suite, Tucker had just poured himself a drink when Kyle arrived. Kyle said he'd received Tucker's text message. Tucker said it was time for Kyle to prove himself and to show Tucker that Kyle was ready to take the next step. Kyle said he was ready.
