Young & The Restless Transcript
Transcript provided by Suzanne
Victor: I wonder what’s keeping your mother.
Victoria: Well, it’s traffic, probably. I called her when she was on her way home, and she said she’d come straight back.
Nick: Can you give us a hint as to why we’ve been summoned here?
Adam: Patience, nick. I know it’s hard.
Victoria: As promised, I’m gonna fill you in about my plan on ashland. But I would like to not have to repeat myself. So can we please wait for mom to get here?
Victor: There she is.
Victoria: I’m gonna go ahead and I’m gonna cut to the chase. I’ve given this a lot of thought, and I have come up with a way to deal with ashland in the way he should be dealt with.
Victor: I’m glad to hear you say that.
Nikki: Yes. So am I.
Nick: We’ve all been worried, vick. But thank you for clarifying on where you stand with things. It’s been a little hard to tell.
Adam: I assume you have a new plan?
Victoria: You assume correctly. You each have a part to play. Each one is very crucial in pulling this off. We have to make ashland believe that this is real. Otherwise, it’s not gonna work. There is one caveat, however. If we want this plan to succeed, it means that one of us… has to fall.
[ Lock engages ]
[ Keys clacking ]
Billy: “Love is blind” — a term that has been used for a very long time, dating back to ancient greece. Chaucer used it in the middle ages and shakespeare during the renaissance. But what does it really mean? Simply that when we love someone, we tend to overlook their flaws. Or we lose sight — see what i did there? — On our own self-interest. So the power-hungry megalomaniac becomes “strong and confident” to their beloved. The manipulative control freak comes across as “protective.” And that kind of love can raise the heights of your physical senses, as well, but it can also do a number on your common sense.
[ Clears throat ] It’s just very difficult to see someone for who they really are when you love them. And maybe it’s not even love. Maybe it’s infatuation. Maybe it’s obsession. Maybe it’s something completely different.
[ Sighs ] Straight-up denial. There’s lust — that’s a biggie. Feelings of inadequacy, daddy issues, mommy issues. But the simple fact is, the crazy thing about it, no matter how smart you are or put-together or responsible or all those other things… everyone in the world is affected by this. No one is immune.
Victoria: It took a little bit of finesse, but I was able to convince ashland that i continue to support him. And that I agree that he has been set up. In our discussions, an idea struck me — that maybe adam could have framed him. He had the wherewithal and he had the motive to try to push ashland out and make me look incompetent and naive at the same time. Adam has the naked ambition and the animosity towards ashland, a long history of deception, and even lying about his own health crisis once upon a time, that make him the perfect suspect.
Adam: Okay. So your plan is to remove ashland from newman/locke by throwing me under the bus?
Victoria: It’s all for the good of the company. And —
Adam: And you. It’s perfectly clear what’s in it for our “fearless leader.”
[Sfx: Chicken clucking]
Additional sponsorship
provided by… when asthma symptoms strike, airways narrow.
Billy: How is it that love can so completely cloud the judgment of an otherwise intelligent, rational human being? Maybe we all have this image in our head of “the ideal partner” for us and we make ourselves believe that our main squeeze is the end-all, be-all, the — the whole package for us, even when there is irrefutable evidence to the contrary. We tell ourselves that we understand them better than anyone else and we accept their mistakes and that’s not who they really are because we know them
[Sighs] Even when the rest of the world clearly knows that it’s all an illusion. So, what do we do when we see someone in love with that illusion or clinging to the idea of someone that doesn’t even exist? What happens when that someone confides in us, trusts us? Where do we draw the line on setting them straight? Do we say anything at all to them? And what happens when… we love that person? Are we obligated to say something or — hey.
Lily: Hi. Sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt.
Billy: No. It’s okay. I, uh — I didn’t know that you were still awake.
Lily: Yeah, I’m just winding down. Is that for the podcast?
Billy: Oh, I don’t know. Maybe. Right now it just sounds like rambling.
Lily: Well, I think it was coherent enough for me to know that you were talking about victoria. And it sounds like you feel like you’re not doing enough to help her?
Victoria: All I’m asking you to do is to put aside our differences and just take a look at the whole picture. What I’m proposing — it’s just for appearances’ sake. It will stay in the family. And you will not take the fall for anything…the way that i did when you tampered with dad’s medication and I was arrested.
Adam: You think I owe you one.
Nick: Sounds right to me.
Adam: Well, nobody asked you.
Victor: Let us please stay on track.
Victoria: Adam, you being a part of this plan is crucial. You have to be on board.
Adam: [ Laughs ] I can see why you’d feel that way.
Victoria: That is not an answer.
Adam: I have yet to hear any questions. So far, all I’ve heard is demands.
[ Door opens ]
Michael: Ah! There they are. Victor.
Victor: Thanks, old boy, for coming.
Michael: I’m sorry I’m late, victoria. I was just double-checking a few things. I think I’ve — I’ve found the answer to our problem.
Victoria: Ooh. Good news?
Michael: There’s an obscure clause in the ceo contract relating to activities and behavior of the parties… after signing.
Nikki: A morals clause.
Michael: Of sorts. But the important thing is, it provides us grounds to nullify ashland’s contract.
Victoria: Thank god. I was praying there was something.
Victor: Michael, what will it take in terms of legal gymnastics?
Michael: Oh, well, the language is such that a skilled attorney — such as myself — could interpret it to include a whole host of things, all sorts of illegal activities, providing the board with the grounds to void a ceo’s contract. The offending party would be out, no recourse, no golden parachute.
Adam: Okay. Let me guess. The plan is for ashland to fabricate evidence against me — plant it — and then catch him in the act. You’re using the same aborted plan as billy did on your own husband?
Victoria: Oh, I never thought of it that way. You’re right. That’s a very good parallel.
Nikki: However, unlike that scheme, this would just be all for show where you’re concerned.
Adam: Hmm. Well, um, for this all to, uh, play out correctly, I would need to stay on as temporary ceo.
[ Nick and victoria scoff ]
Nick: Seriously?
Victor: Now, son, since ashland locke and victoria are no longer flying to tuscany, there’s no sense in you staying on as ceo, is there?
Adam: I have the utmost confidence in victoria to sell this to ashland. I mean, if anything, it’s gonna free her up to concentrate on your maneuvers and kind of figure out, you know —
Nick: How is victoria gonna get him to buy this? Ashland is a lot of things. Stupid is not one of them.
Victoria: Is that what you’ve been thinking about this whole time? How you’re gonna stay in my chair a little bit longer? You know it was all supposed to be temporary, don’t you?
Adam: If you’ll let me finish my thought. In order for me to fall from grace, I need somewhere to fall from. So you can tell your hubby that victor insisted on it because he’s upset that you keep siding with ashland. And then when the “proof” comes out that I set him up, um, you can have dad fire me. For appearances’ sake. ‘Cause, like you said, it won’t be real. However, I trust that this tweak, uh, will improve the plan significantly.
[ Alert sounds ] Well, what do you know? Someone is trying to break into my work computer as we speak. Who could that be? I wonder.
Victoria: It’s ashland. He’s already taken the bait.
Nikki: That was quick.
Michael: Eager to save his good name. Not a moment to lose.
Victor: Adam, can you remotely change the setting and let him gain access?
Adam: Mm-hmm.
Victor: Then do it.
Adam: I take this to mean we’re gonna stick to the original plan and I’ll just carry on as temporary ceo?
Ashland: [ Breathes deeply ] Ah.
[ Keys clacking ]
[ Computer beeps ] Finally. Okay. Let’s see what we’ve got.
[ Keys clacking ]
Trelegy for copd.
Nick: If ashland’s already messing with your computer, it sounds like the plan’s in motion.
Adam: I have the ability to bounce him back out. Or I could let him stay and rifle through everything and do his worst. It’s your plan. Your call.
Victoria: I think your idea is sound. We’ll run with it. As you said, it solidifies the plan.
Adam: I think so.
Victoria: So I will tell ashland that dad insisted that you stay put, as you’ve suggested.
Nikki: How can you be sure ashland will buy it?
Victoria: Well, I will just tell him that I — I didn’t fight it that hard because I saw it as a way for us to keep an eye on adam while this unfolds. And he will become obsessed about setting you up as the one behind all the “lies” about him faking his illness.
Adam: I will be the sacrificial lamb.
Victoria: And I will be his constant cheerleader. Questions? Concerns?
Nick: Yeah. Like a dozen.
Victoria: But other than that, you’re good?
Nick: Yeah, it sounds like you and adam are doing all the heavy lifting and we’re just kind of winging it, so…
Victor: We’ll keep each other informed.
Victoria: Absolutely. That’s key.
Michael: Always good to have one’s stories straight.
Nikki: My immediate concern, darling, is you. I mean, the stress of continuing this charade with a man you now despise…
Victoria: Mother, please trust me on this. I can handle it. And it’s all gonna work out in the end.
Victor: Your husband is a desperate man, sweetheart. And your plan feeds right into his paranoia and delusions. While he’s preparing to take down adam, we will all prepare to take him down.
Victoria: You were very amenable to this from the very beginning. I have a feeling that you contacted my father after we spoke.
Michael: Of course I did. I work for victor. He’d already instructed me to find something in the contract we might be able to use against ashland. Naturally, I informed him that you had come to me with the same request.
Victoria: Naturally.
Michael: I can’t imagine you’d have a problem with it since we both have the same goals.
Victoria: You’re right. I don’T. Thank you, everyone. I’m really glad that we’re all on the same page.
Nick: I’m just glad you see ashland for who he really is and you understand that he has got to go.
Adam: Victoria, you had, uh, one caveat. Now I have mine. We’re going up against a shrewd, clever, extremely resourceful man who has managed to escape accountability for his whole life. I imagine at some point he’s gonna trip up over his own ego. But until then, we need to be careful and vigilant. Which boils down to…never underestimate your opponent.
[ Door closes ]
Billy: So, if you could tell that was about victoria after that last little snippet, then the newmans sure as hell will be able to tell, and she will, too.
Lily: [ Chuckles ] Yeah. Wouldn’t surprise me.
Billy: So probably not the best subject for a podcast right about now.
Lily: Well, forget the podcast. I mean, clearly this is bothering you.
Billy: Yeah. It’s just something that I’m dealing with, a little dilemma. You know, after learning the truth about ashland and how that’s affecting victoria, I have to question — do I stick my nose in it, or do I stay the hell out?
[ Keys clacking ]
[ Doorknob rattling ]
Sally: Adam, are you in there? Adam?
Adam: Oh, you’re here late.
Sally: Why is your door locked?
Adam: Uh, it’s been a long day. Why don’t we, um, go somewhere where we can talk and have a drink?
Sally: Okay.
[ Lock disengages ] I’m tamra, and I lost my son tyler
Victor: Michael, good work, as always.
Michael: Thank you. Whatever I can do to help stick it to ashland, just let me know. After that stint in a filthy south american jail, I’m more than ready to see the bastard get his.
Nick: Just glad you made it out safe. And that you’re on our side.
Michael: Me too. What ashland pulled with your family is outrageous.
Nikki: [ Scoffs ] You’ll get no argument from me.
Victoria: Or me.
Michael: All right, well, keep me apprised. Victor, good night.
Victor: Thank you for your work, old boy.
Michael: Alright.
Victor: Nice to see you.
Michael: Thank you.
Victor: Alright.
Michael: Good night, all.
Nikki: Thank you, michael.
Victoria: Good night.
[ Door closes ]
Nikki: So, what’s our next step?
Victor: That depends on how ashland locke will handle the “breach” to adam’s computer.
Victoria: It would be interesting to see how much he shares with me.
Victor: We’ll take our lead from you, and that way, we can all work together.
Victoria: Well, you three will, and michael. But adam — I’m not holding my breath.
Nikki: You think he was being disingenuous?
Victoria: Do you seriously think that we can count on him? Didn’t you see how his first concern was hanging onto his shiny new title? Adam only cares about what’s in it for adam. He doesn’t care about this family.
Victor: Sweetheart, I know that the two of you had your differences.
Victoria: Dad, do you really not see what’s going on here? By putting him in charge, even if it’s temporary, you gave him a taste of that power again. Worse yet, you gave him hope.
Victor: I’m very sorry you see it that way.
Nick: She sees it like that ’cause it’s true.
Victoria: He and I have been adversaries from the very start. And now adam has a vested interest in seeing me fail.
Sally: Victoria is using you as bait?
Adam: Mm-hmm. She gets ashland to frame me with phony “evidence,” in an effort to get himself out of his lies.
Sally: Only he’ll be caught doing it.
Adam: That is right. And then the company can invoke a clause in his contract and vote to kick him out.
Sally: Man. Some cosmic justice right there. It’s elegant, too.
Adam: It is a decent plan, and it can be successful. It’s actually already in motion.
Sally: Seriously?
Adam: Mm-hmm. When you found my office door locked, ashland was in there, hacking into my computer, looking for dirt.
Sally: But you knew he was in there and didn’t stop him?
Adam: I gave him access, remotely.
Sally: On purpose?
Adam: That’s right. In real time, while dad, victoria, nick, and nikki all watched.
Sally: So, this whole plan kind of hinges on you going along with everything. That’s not a bad spot to be in.
Adam: Well, great minds think alike.
Sally: It gives you leverage.
Adam: Oh, big time. More than you even know.
Sally: Keep talking.
Adam: I, uh, made it clear that before I let ashland past the firewall, if I agreed to be this, uh, pretend-patsy, that they have to keep me on as temporary ceo.
Sally: Wait — you were able to pull that off, even though ashland and victoria aren’t leaving town?
Adam: Oh, I just, uh, pitched it as I was the ultimate team player and I was just trying to make victoria’s brilliant plan, uh, even more foolproof. And she accepted ’cause it was an improvement.
Sally: And because she really didn’t have a choice. Well played.
Adam: Eh. I thought so.
Sally: Well, you’ve positioned yourself so that you can better control the outcome in the short term — and your future.
Ashland: Thank you.
[ Sighs ] Michael baldwin. Welcome home. How was your trip? Oh, oh, hold on. Uh, since victor bought into the lies that someone planted about me in peru for you to find, i would imagine your trip was productive?
Michael: Very productive, until I was thrown in jail.
Ashland: [ Gasps ] Jail? Really? That sounds so extreme. You must have really pissed off the locals.
Michael: I sure pissed someone off.
Ashland: Mm.
“The young and the restless”
will continue.
Billy: Clearly, victoria was upset. She needed to talk to someone. And I’ve been trying really hard not to get involved, but then she goes and tells me that this whole time ashland had been lying about having cancer.
Lily: My god, every time i think about that disgusting lie, it makes me sick.
Billy: In order to create a beachhead to get control of newman. It’s beyond sickening.
Lily: Yeah.
Billy: Look, victoria needed to confide in someone, right? And she didn’t want to go to her family because the newmans are who they are, so she came to me.
Lily: I’m glad you were there to listen.
Billy: After everything she said, I was sure that she was gonna kick ashland to the curb, but she didn’T. And then nick goes and asks me to go to talk to her again, which just proves how desperate nick is. But I told him I didn’t think it was gonna do any good. Victoria’s gonna handle this the way that she wants to handle it, without any involvement from anyone else.
Lily: Yeah. And you’re right. This is victoria’s problem. She needs to figure out how to deal with this.
Victor: Sweetheart, I do not want you to worry about adam. I will keep him in line and make sure that he does not interfere with your plan.
Victoria: I know you’ll try. And I can’t ask for more than that.
Nikki: Now that you’ve told us your intentions, we will make it work. We have to. That man does not deserve you, or a place in our family, or in this company.
Victor: [ Breathes deeply ] You know that I adore you. I love you. And you have my support, and you always will.
Victoria: You know, when i think about what he did to me — what he did to all of us — it’s just — it’s horrible. Then when I walked out of here that night and and checked into that hotel, I was — I was devastated.
Nikki: Oh, sweetheart, of course you were.
Victoria: And until I came up with this solution, I — i honestly — I didn’t have a clue how to handle it. But I knew that I had to be the one to fix this. And you were right, mom. I had all of those thoughts and feelings that you were worried about. I was feeling shame and hurt… and anger.
Ashland: My baby. I’m so sorry.
Ashland: Well, you certainly don’t look any worse for wear after your adventure.
Michael: [ Chuckles ] Is that what we’re calling it?
Ashland: I guess the charges didn’t stick, huh?
Michael: Yeah, well, bogus charges rarely do.
Ashland: Precisely. And the ones leveled against me aren’t going to stick, either.
Michael: Time will tell.
Ashland: I fully intend to prove that I was set up, and once I do, the rest of you will realize how wrong you were about me. Not that I’d expect any of you to admit it.
Michael: I am dying to see how this turns out.
Sally: You are taking on a pivotal role to try and help victoria rid herself of that jerk and prevent the company from being stolen from your family. So you should be rewarded. When all this is over, victor should hand you ashland’s vacated co-ceo spot, at the very least. Throw you a damn parade.
Adam: Ha ha. Yeah, right.
Sally: No. I mean it. If they aren’t prepared to show you the respect that you deserve, well, it seems to me that there are plenty of ways victoria’s plan could go south.
Adam: Mm-hmm.
Nick: Can we talk?
Adam: Uh, sally’s up to speed on everything. So feel free to, uh, let us know what’s going on, and don’t hold back or speak cryptically.
Nick: Fine. I’m here to make sure we can trust you.
Meet ron.
Lily: Look, in spite of everything that’s happened between the two of you in the past —
Billy: Oh, that’s just a polite way of saying “the hell that I put her through.”
Lily: No. She still confides in you. And she trust that you have her best interests at heart.
Billy: A hundred percent.
Lily: And, look, I know that you didn’t seek this out. You know, I know victoria kind of laid this on you out of the blue.
Billy: Yes, and now the whole world knows that ashland is even more of a cold-blooded monster than we first realized.
Lily: I know, but, billy, you don’t have to rush in and be her protector.
Billy: [ Scoffs ] Lily, we have kids together. And I do not trust ashland. I don’t want him anywhere near my kids.
Lily: Victoria would never put them in harm’s way. She’s way too good of a mother. Look, I know that it’s been years since you two broke up, but I think there’s still a part of you that feels responsible for her safety and well-being. But, billy, you’re not, okay? I think that’s something that you need to work out.
Victoria: Ashland.
Ashland: Oh, hi. I-I was just sending a text. Mwah. How are you doing?
Victoria: I was, um — I was with my family.
Ashland: How did that go?
Victoria: I did what i intended to do. I laid the groundwork and let them know that we’re close to discovering who’s behind this smear campaign against you.
[ Sighs ] That’s the good news.
Ashland: What’s the bad news?
Adam: Well, what can I say that will, uh, convince you it’s safe to trust me?
Sally: Rhetorical question.
Nick: I need to know you’re sincere about playing your part.
Adam: My assigned role, you mean?
Nick: This isn’t a game, adam. There’s a lot more at stake here than just your future.
Sally: By which you mean, victoria’s future.
Adam: I think sally summed it up pretty well. Look, as sorry as I am for victoria, the pain she’s in, she made her own bed, choosing to trust that guy. The consequences of which could have lasting effects on newman/locke, our father’s legacy — meaning, it does affect all of us.
Nick: Which is exactly my concern. That you’re only thinking about how this affects you or how you can come out ahead. That you’re willing to jeopardize everything our father has worked for, what he has spent his entire life building, for your own personal gain.
Adam: So, we’re back to that again? It’s greedy, unprincipled adam, the family scapegoat. Can’t be trusted unless in the dire of circumstances — which, apparently, I can’t even be trusted then. Do you really that think I’m capable of screwing over the whole family to take what isn’t mine?
Nick: Absolutely. There’s not a doubt in my mind. But I do know that you have changed. Johnson & johnson
Lily: Look, I know that victoria is in a terrible position and that it’s stirring up these protective feelings in you again. But maybe instead of allowing yourself to get drawn into it, maybe you use this opportunity to try and contain it, you know, whether that’s through your podcast, right, like how you did with delia. Or — I don’t know — maybe in your own head.
Billy: You know that there’s nothing romantic going on, right? This is not about me having these longing feelings for what we used to have.
Lily: No, I know. I’m not saying this because I’m jealous in any way or threatened. I’m just saying this because i love you and I know how hard you’ve worked to get to where you are. And I’m just so, so incredibly proud of you.
Billy: Thank you.
Lily: And, look, I’m here for you to lean on as you continue to deal with whatever there’s left to deal with. You know, and not that that means that everything’s just resolved and life is perfect. But I think we can get close to that. And I think you and I are pretty good proof of that.
Billy: Yes. We are. And you are by far the smartest, most amazing, most supportive woman that I have ever known. And I love you so much, and I am incredibly grateful that we found each other.
Lily: Me too.
Nikki: I didn’t want to say this in front of victoria, but this plan of hers…
Victor: I can see you’re worried.
Nikki: Well, there is so much risk. What if ashland catches on? God knows what he would do. I’m most concerned about her emotional well-being. To have to swallow her true feelings and endure more of his lies, his phony professions of love, and, ugh, just — just his touch now that she knows how unconscionable he is.
Victor: I understand.
Nikki: Victor, don’t tell me how strong she is. I know that she can bear all of this. I know that. I just hate that it has come to this. I mean, there are limits, no matter how strong and determined you are.
Victor: I love our daughter. I will not allow any harm to come to her. If this should get out of hand in any way —
Nikki: I know you will swoop in and rescue her. You don’t have to reassure me of that.
Victor: You know, she wants to take the lead in this. And I respect that and I admire her for it. I’ll let her do it. Meanwhile, all of us work together to get that bastard.
Nikki: Yeah. For ashland locke to be removed from our lives once and for all.
Victor: Yeah.
Victoria: You’re not gonna like this. I didn’T.
Ashland: What has victor done now?
Victoria: He’s decided to keep adam on as ceo for the time being.
Ashland: [ Exhales heavily ]
Victoria: Even though we canceled our flight to tuscany.
Ashland: Oh, wh– why would — okay. Never mind. Uh, let me guess. Adam has been working behind the scenes to make this happen?
Victoria: Oh, no doubt.
Ashland: Ah, dammit. How did you respond when your father told you?
Victoria: Well, first i pushed back very hard. And then I thought, maybe this is the way that we could work it to our advantage. Having adam in one place so that we can keep tabs on him while we prove that he’s the one who’s been targeting you all along. That’s all that matters to me — exposing adam and making sure that he’s punished. I promise you I’m trying to do everything I can to get you out of this mess and redeem you in my family’s eyes. They know how much I believe that you’re innocent and that I’m not gonna back down, I’m not gonna let them drive you away from me.
Ashland: Thank you for believing in me.
Victoria: So, what is our next step? Do you have any idea?
Ashland: I have a few ideas. But, um, there’s no point in telling you until I’ve zeroed in on the one that’s going to work.
Victoria: Why hold back? If you tell me, maybe I can build on whatever it is you have. I can give you some advice. I mean, we’re a team, right? We’re in on this together?
Ashland: This is not a trust thing. Sometimes I just have to work out things on my own. Let an idea percolate. You understand?
Victoria: Yes. Of course.
Ashland: I’ll get you some coffee.
Adam: So, let me get this straight. You admit that I have changed, but you still don’t trust me?
Nick: I’ve seen you make a real effort to live your life differently. At times, you’ve been very selfless, which I have acknowledged.
Adam: Yeah. Grudgingly.
Nick: That’s because I know you. And I know what you’re capable of. And this is exactly the kind of situation that always brings out the worst in you because it involves our father and the family business and all the baggage that goes along with that. Who’s the favorite, who isn’T. Will you ever be able to prove yourself to the old man? But, adam, there’s so much more to it than that. Ashland locke provides a very different threat to this family. And no matter how messed up we are at times, we always show up for each other. Always. Just like how you did for faith. You saved her life. You risked your own to make sure she made it to the hospital, and then you gave her one of your kidneys. That tells me the changes you’ve made in your life are very real. And this is one of those situations where we have to come together. And I really hope that’s the man who shows up, the one you told me you aspire to be, the one who’s willing to put himself out there for something other than himself… the one who’s willing to take a look at the bigger picture for the sake of the family. For your family.
Next week on
“the young and the restless”…
Jack: Why do I feel like there’s something you’re not saying? If I’m going too far with this grandfather thing —
Allie: No, it’s not you at all, jack. There’s something that I think you should know.
Mariah: So, the wedding date is…may 13th.
Sharon: I assume you mean of 2023?
Tessa: No, we’re talking may as in next month.
Ashland: You have my attention.
Adam: Well, I would hope so. Half a billion dollars is, uh, hard to ignore. All you have to do is walk away from victoria and newman/locke.
Back to the Y&R Transcripts Page
Back to the Main Daytime Transcripts Page
