Young & The Restless Transcript
Transcript provided by Suzanne
Traci: Ugh. Ashley! Where have you been? Jack and I have been so worried. You weren’t answering your phone or returning texts.
Ashley: I’m sorry, I’m sorry! I should’ve texted you. I was too tired to come home, so I just got a room at the club.
Traci: Are you all right? I mean, did something happen?
[ Ashley sighs ]
Ashley: I’m fine now. Honestly.
Traci: So something did happen.
Ashley: Yes. I spoke with tucker. I told him that he was right and I was wrong.
Nate: Thank you. Tucker?
Tucker: Hey. You know, for someone with a booming career in a swanky penthouse apartment, you sure do spend an awful lot of time here.
Nate: Why are you so concerned about where I spend my time?
Tucker: Just curious what keeps you coming back. Is it the steak frites? Or the audra charles?
Nadia: Gin, again. Are you letting me win?
Claire: No, this is all you and your slick card moves. I just need a chance to catch up. Your deal.
Michael: Victor!
Victor: Michael baldwin. How the hell have you been, man?
Michael: Ah, fine, fine. Good to see you. How’s nikki doing?
Victor: She’s doing better. I think soon she’ll be her old self again.
Michael: Good.
Victor: Michael, there’s something I’d like to ask of you.
Michael: All right.
Victor: What strings would we have to pull to get an early release for claire from that psych ward? There it is…
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Michael: You want claire released?
Victor: That’s what I said.
Michael: I doubt she’s far enough along in her treatment to reintegrate back into the real world. Why would you want to do this?
Victor: I have my reasons.
Michael: I understand claire has made significant progress. Why push it? Do the doctors think that she’s ready to go home this soon?
Victor: Well, that’s what I want you to find out, okay? And tell them I’ll give them all the reassurances they need, but I want claire to come home to her family.
Michael: I don’t doubt that claire wants to redeem herself, but she has an entire lifetime of hatred instilled within her. You don’t get past something like that in just an instant.
Victor: I’m well aware of that, michael.
Michael: Look… do you truly believe that that need for revenge isn’t somewhere inside her? That’s something that doctors need time to dig deep to find out.
Victor: I appreciate your concern, okay? But you must know that I’ve talked to claire personally. I know where her head is at. I know what she’s thinking. And, you know, she’s in support of this. And, of course, you must tell the doctors that I will provide the best therapy available on the outside.
Michael: Well, that will most certainly be required by the court for me to even get close to getting her released.
Victor: I will do whatever it takes to get her back into this family now, all right? So, I think it will also be an advantage to all of us if claire were more easily accessible.
Michael: Accessible to whom? Victor, is this what this is all about? Some plot you’ve cooked up to try to trap jordan? I’m saying this to you as a friend, victor. What you’re doing here is clearly for your own benefit, not claire’S. Are you really prepared to use your own granddaughter as bait after everything she’s been through? Will you really risk further damage to her?
Victor: Because of the damage done to her, she is all for this, okay? She’s eager to help.
Michael: All right. Another question.
Victor: What is it?
Michael: Have you run this plan by cole and victoria? What do they think about your latest plot twist?
Victor: Oh, they’ll love the plan once they realize it has been successful.
Claire: I’ll see you later, nadia. And I’ll catch you next time, you can bet on it.
Nadia: Maybe.
Claire: Watch it.
Victoria: You really do love spending time with nadia, don’t you?
Claire: Yeah. Yeah, she’s sunny and silly. But, uh… underneath it, I can see her insecurity and fear, wondering if things are always gonna be like this. I had all those same feelings when I was her age, but for completely different reasons. But look at her now. She’s on the road to recovery. It won’t be long.
Cole: Yeah, yeah, and I’m impressed that you’re able to see into her like that. I mean, that kind of insight and empathy. You know, you’re not just playing cards and keeping her busy. You’re giving her a sense of normalcy and optimism. And you’re a positive influence on that little girl.
Victoria: It’s true. I think it’s impacting her health in the best way possible.
Claire: I can’t take any credit for that. Nadia’s been more of a positive influence on me. She’s so brave and determined to overcome her medical challenges. She’s inspiring and she has a way of making everyday things fun and– and special. I wish I had a friend like her when I was young. But at least I can hang out with her now. See the world through her eyes. Spending time with her, it’s rejuvenating, you know?
Victoria: I get that. I get that. I think it’s wonderful.
Cole: And you know what? Just seeing you like this, with that big smile on your face, I think it might be the most relaxed that I’ve ever seen you. You’re just lighter.
Claire: That’s how I feel. Growing up, I wasn’t allowed to play with other kids. There was just aunt jordan. And I could never win with her. She made sure of that. No matter what game we were playing, she would cheat if she had to. Anything to make me constantly feel like a loser.
Cole: She undermined your self-esteem at every turn. Even as a child.
Claire: Every second of every day was a lesson. Life isn’t fair. Only the strong survive. The newmans stole a life of winning and privilege from me.
Victoria: I loathe that woman. She was so cruel. No child should be mentally abused that way.
Claire: I know that now. And even if I didn’t live it, spending time with nadia, I can be on the other side. Just letting her be a kid. There are no dark lessons. Just fun.
Cole: All those years, all those miserable days. Things should have been different for you. And they would have been if I…
Claire: I am. Now. And the group therapy, the individual sessions, spending time with the kids, it’s all helping me turn a corner. And the doctors seem to think so, too.
Victoria: You know, I can’t tell you how happy that makes your father and me.
Cole: Yeah, we’re both just so proud of the progress that you’re making. Keep it going, claire. Just keep up the hard work, honey. You’re gonna get through this.
[ Phones chiming ]
Claire: What’s going on?
Victoria: Uh, nothing. It’s michael. He wants to meet.
Claire: Did something happen?
Cole: Uh, we can’t be sure.
Victoria: I promise you, whatever it is, we’ll deal with it.
Traci: You admitted that to tucker, that you were wrong about the entire incident?
Ashley: I sure did.
Traci: Oh, ashley. That realization must have been so difficult for you. What changed your mind? I mean, ever since paris, you’ve been adamant about what happened that day. You were sure that he had paid off everybody at the bistro.
Ashley: I know. I know. Remember I told you about that friend I had that I felt comfortable enough to share things with in paris?
Traci: Of course. I didn’t push you because I didn’t wanna pry or seem more nosy than I already was. And I thought you would talk to me about it when you were ready.
Ashley: And I’m ready. Um, well, that friend who lives in paris, they’re a psychologist.
Nate: Why do you even give a damn, tucker? I know how much you dislike me. Are you jealous because audra and I have maintained a friendship in spite of her business dealings or whatever it is with you?
Tucker: Jealous of you? No. I’m a little concerned that you’re gonna distract her, shift her focus, maybe even convince her to drive a stake through my heart.
Nate: Hmm. Audra– just about anyone would wanna drive that stake.
Tucker: Yeah. You know, it’s too bad. I’d rather relish having a worthy adversary in my life. And sadly, you are not one. The right age for
Tucker: I think you’ve blown any chance you might have had with audra. Romantically speaking, that is.
Nate: Hmm.
Tucker: And now you just… you’re always around, you’re always here. You’re like this, uh… you’re like an annoying fly at a barbecue you keep having to bat away.
Nate: Is that what you think?
Tucker: Yeah, yeah.
Nate: Well, good, good, good. I like the fact that you underestimate me. That’s when I’m at my most dangerous. But I have to break it to you. You’re way off base here. I’m not pursuing anything with audra other than looking out for best interests.
Tucker: Right. That’s good. You should keep telling yourself that.
Nate: Oh.
Tucker: But if there is something more, forget it, man. I will never let you come between us. It’s a straight-up fool’s attempt to even try.
Nate: Okay. Well, I guess we’ll have to just wait and see how this all shakes down.
Tucker: I guess we will. See you.
Audra: You and tucker? What was that all about?
Nate: Nothing worth talking about.
Audra: Nate, wait. Look, just stop thinking you need to protect me from tucker or anyone else, okay?
Traci: A psychologist?
Ashley: Yeah. I feel safe enough with this person to talk about these kind of things with him.
Traci: Okay, I just had no idea that person you stayed behind to talk to in paris was a psychologist.
Ashley: A personal friend, not somebody that I’ve seen professionally. But I– I thought he had a good perspective, and he asked me some questions, which got me thinking.
Traci: Like what?
Ashley: Well, frankly, the same questions you asked me. Like, why would tucker bribe an entire restaurant staff? And is it possible that he did frighten me in that cafe, but that he wasn’t as aggressive as I remembered?
Traci: And that helped things sink in?
Ashley: No, not at first. But then he said something that really resonated.
Traci: What was that?
Ashley: Well, it’s interesting. He thinks that tucker sounds like he’s a narcissist. And if that’s the case, the narcissist generally need to, uh– their actions need to generate something that gives them a positive outcome, you know? So then I had to ask myself the question: How did this supposed big lie of tucker’s, how did it advance his agenda, and did it create a positive outcome for him? And that, well, it was a game changer for me.
Victor: I was hoping to remand claire to victoria’s custody, but if my daughter objects, then we will have to come up with another plan.
Michael: What makes you think that jordan would even take the bait?
Victor: Because that jordan woman thinks of nothing but retribution. She has it in her mind that nikki and I are responsible for eve howard’s death. She will stop at nothing.
Michael: But you can’t know that. If she has any sense at all, she’ll be happy to have dodged a possibly lifelong sentence behind bars. She could be planning to lay low for the rest of her life instead.
Victor: Do I need to remind you that this woman burned down a damn prison, killing a lot of innocent people? To get to us, to get to nikki?
Michael: Yeah, you have a point.
Victor: Okay. She will stop at nothing, unless we force her to stop. Known for following your dreams.
Michael: You’re right. The phone call, the threats. She’s relentless.
Victor: Yeah. That’s why I intend to stop jordan. By making her feel that she’s in charge, while I will pretend to be very vulnerable. Then, she’ll move in for the kill.
Michael: But does the message have to be delivered to her through claire? I mean, haven’t we asked enough of this young woman? Hasn’t she been traumatized enough by that crazy aunt?
Victor: That is why that poor girl is willing to go along with my plan. She’s willing to help.
Michael: And you think, in the end, she’ll be stronger as a result?
Victor: Yes, of course.
Michael: All right, I’ll make some phone calls, see what I can do.
Victor: All right, I appreciate it.
Michael: Luckily, the terms of her hospitalization were left vague in the court ruling. It simply says, “until time that the facility and the court deem her fit to return to society.” I’m pretty sure I can work with that.
Victor: You know, michael baldwin, that’s why you’re my counsel. You know that, right? You’re a smart cookie. I know you’ll do the right thing.
Traci: Well, this is good, right? I mean, you have some clarity now about tucker and what happened.
Ashley: Yeah, right. My friend’s advice was very helpful. You know, I think it’s because he doesn’t have an emotional attachment like you and jack do. He was just able to listen to the circumstances and give me an objective opinion.
Traci: And that’s what helped you rethink the whole thing?
Ashley: Mm-hmm. I mean, honestly, I realized that tucker had absolutely nothing to gain from lying. The sad thing is, I guess… I guess I created this entire scenario so I could push tucker away and back out of my marriage. I know. But, at least when I came to that realization, um, I had a sense of calm come over me and a sense of freedom.
Traci: This is wonderful.
Ashley: I know.
Traci: I’m so glad to hear it.
Ashley: Thank you. I know. The anxiety and all that anger, it was just not good for me and I realized what I was doing to everybody in my life, this frustration and everything. I’m sorry.
Traci: Oh, no, ashley. We all love you. I’m just so glad that you finally have some relief from the agony you were going through.
Ashley: I know. It’s so true. I mean, I– I slept so well last night. The best I’ve slept in so long. It’s completely different now.
Traci: I’m so happy for you. But I do have to ask, why did you go to tucker first with this realization?
Nate: Look, audra, I’m doing nothing more than trying to be a friend here.
Audra: Really? Is that what this is? Friendship and nothing more?
Nate: What else could it be?
Audra: So tell me you’re not playing hero or protector and expecting something in return. You know, or maybe you just wanna prove to yourself you can go toe-to-toe with a man like tucker.
Nate: Wow. How can you claim to know the man so well and yet still put him on a pedestal? There’s nothing decent or admirable or even human about the guy.
Audra: Okay, there’s no pedestal. I know the best and worst of tucker in ways no one else ever will. And he’s very much human, even if people like you can’t see it.
Nate: Wow. See, that tells me everything I need to know about the hold the man has over you. And I’m not gonna sit here and watch you walk off a cliff without saying something.
Audra: You know what? You think that you’re trying to help me, but just back off, okay? This isn’t your battle to fight. It’s mine, and I don’t need your help.
Nate: Oh, you don’t need my help? You think so, do you?
Audra: Just face it. You’ll never understand my relationship with tucker, personally or professionally. You can’t even begin to grasp the stakes at play here. And I’m not just talking about business. So please, just focus on your life and stop worrying about mine.
Nate: You’re right. It’s none of my business.
Tucker: I don’t think you realize how fixated that guy is on you. And it seems to me it’s only getting worse. I would’ve called yesterday.
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Audra: You know, maybe you’re fixated on each other. Nothing to do with me.
Tucker: Au contraire, my dear. I think perhaps you are so used to every man you’ve ever met falling all over you that you– you don’t notice it anymore.
Audra: What can I say? I guess it’s just a curse. Have you made all of the arrangements for a trip to paris?
Tucker: I have not. I’m gonna get on that in the next couple days.
Audra: But you still wanna go, right?
Tucker: Yeah, I do wanna go. I wanna get out of here, man. I want a break from this town. All the haters. This food. [ Scoffs ] Yeah. I wanna be with you in the city of light. It’ll be like seeing paris anew.
Audra: And what about work? You know, the whole reason why we planned this trip in the first place? We’re supposed to be visiting glissade and all the other companies we want to acquire.
Tucker: I guess we can do that too.
Audra: All right. What is it?
Tucker: What is what?
Audra: Yeah, something’s got your attention, and it’s not me. I wanna know what it is.
Ashley: I went to tucker first because I felt I owed it to him. I mean, for months I’ve been trashing his reputation, telling everybody that he was violent, that he was gaslighting me, and I wouldn’t even entertain the possibility that he was being truthful. Which must have been maddening for him, because he was telling the truth the entire time.
Traci: Yeah, I’m sure it was.
Ashley: So I just thought I had to tell him to his face.
Traci: What did he say? When you told him he was right all along, I mean, how did he respond?
Ashley: Well, he was suspicious, you know? He thought, you know, I was up to something and maybe I had some agenda. I don’t blame him, given how I’ve been treating him.
Traci: Yes, I’m– I’m sure he was surprised at your sudden turnaround.
Ashley: Yeah, but he’s just gonna have to accept it eventually, right? I’m just so happy that I can be free of all that anger and that rage. I really, really needed to unburden myself from all of that so I could find some peace.
Traci: Mmm. Ashley, this doesn’t change your situation with tucker, right?
Michael: Thank you. Thank you for coming.
Victoria: Of course, michael. What did you want to meet with us about?
Michael: Oh, do you care for…
Cole: No, thank you.
Victoria: No, thank you.
Michael: Um, well, I’m assuming that you’re aware of what victor has in the works?
Cole: You mean his plan to lure my aunt jordan out of hiding?
Victoria: Using our daughter.
Michael: Yeah, that’s the one.
Victoria: Yeah, I’m aware, michael. However, I told my father it’s completely out of the question.
Cole: Claire’s been through enough.
Victoria: There’s absolutely no way I’m gonna let her be used as a pawn. I mean, dad needs to just back off. He needs to let the police handle this.
Michael: Mm-hmm. I understand how you both could feel that way.
Cole: Frankly, michael, I– I’m surprised that victor turned to you for support. I mean, it’s not like you can get a court order to force claire into delivering a message to jordan.
Michael: No, but it will take some legal maneuvering to get claire out of the hospital.
Victoria: Oh, hold on a second.
Cole: Hang on.
Victoria: My father wants claire released and to interrupt her treatment?
Cole: To make her an easier target?
Victoria: Michael, you cannot be on board with this, can you?
Victor: So… how are you doing?
Claire: I’m okay. Having a pretty good day so far. But I have a feeling you’re here with bigger concerns. Jordan.
Victor: You’re right.
Claire: She hasn’t reached out to me again.
Victor: Mm-hmm. And I think I have a solution to that.
Claire: Is that why victoria and cole went to meet with michael baldwin?
Victor: You’re very perceptive, aren’t you?
Claire: What’s going on?
Victor: You know, claire… we as a family owe you a debt of gratitude. You saved nikki’s life.
[ Claire scoffs ]
Claire: No, you don’T. That never should’ve happened. And I hate that I was any part of it. I’m the one who owes you.
Victor: But we all know… that we want the same thing. We wanna make sure that jordan is put behind bars where she belongs.
Claire: But I can’t give her a message if she doesn’t call me.
Victor: That’s why I’d like michael baldwin to arrange for your early release.
Claire: You mean leave here?
Victor: Yeah.
Claire: But this is part of my plea agreement. I have to be here. And my– my sessions… I feel safe here.
Victor: I understand. I promise you that you will be protected and safe wherever you are, okay?
Claire: How could my release even be possible?
Victor: Leave it to me. Nothing comes close to this place in the morning.
Claire: So if you make it possible for me to be free, it’ll be easier for jordan to make contact with me.
Victor: Right.
Claire: But it’s more than that, isn’t it? If jordan finds out I’m out because of newman generosity, she won’t be able to restrain herself. She wanted me to believe you’d all dump me here and leave me to rot. She’ll have to call, if only to remind me how horrible your family really is. Not that I believe that anymore.
[ Claire chuckles ] Do I really have a say in this? I mean, what if I told you I’m not ready to leave yet?
Victor: Then I would not insist on it. But to be honest with you, I think it’s the only way we can lure jordan out of hiding. It’s the only way we can prevent her from doing further damage to your new family now. And that is what you want, isn’t it?
Claire: She has to be stopped. Just the thought of her out there, watching me, watching us, knowing that she could come after us whenever she wants. How are we supposed to live like that?
Victor: Precisely. Now, if you’re adamantly opposed to an early release, then I will not make it happen.
Claire: You won’t?
Victor: No. Because your recovery is not only important to victoria, but to all of us, and to me.
Claire: Thank you. That means a lot. But I’d still like some time to think it over, if that’s okay.
Victor: Yes, it is.
[ Victor sighs ] You know… it’s a great feeling to have another granddaughter. Welcome into our family. Now, if you have any questions, or if you decide you want to be released, then kindly call michael baldwin, all right?
Michael: I’m caught in the middle here. I can understand the situation from both angles. I mean… victor’s intentions are clear. He is determined to do everything possible to protect his family. And I know as parents, your number one concern is your daughter’s full and complete recovery.
Cole: But do those two things have to be mutually exclusive?
[ Michael scoffs ]
Michael: I would hope not. But what I’d like to know is, what’s your take on claire’s progress?
Victoria: She’s doing so much better. Michael, she’s starting to open up to us, and s– starting to see some brightness, and that there’s some hope in the world, you know? That not everybody is cruel and vindictive like her aunt, that she actually does deserve some happiness. But this is all so fresh. It’s– it’s really new.
Cole: It’s a delicate balance right now. But her doctors feel that progress is being made.
Victoria: She’s been working so hard to overcome this trauma that she’s been through, and she still has a long road to go. But in no means is she ready to be released.
Cole: And definitely not at the risk of a setback. Exposure to jordan, it could undo everything. It’s not an option, michael. No matter what victor wants.
Victoria: I can’t believe that my father refuses to listen to me. I mean, how could he go behind my back and push forward with this plan?
Tucker: Thank you. Salud.
Audra: Ooh, salud.
[ Tucker laughs ]
Tucker: My attention’s not on you. There’s never enough attention on you, is there?
Audra: No, tucker. Uh, yes, you’ve been all in about me and our plans. And now, suddenly, your attention has shifted. Why? Did something happen?
Tucker: Uh, I just woke up. I was a little out of sorts is all, but I’m snapping out of it.
Audra: Yeah, right.
Tucker: Aren’t you used to my… idiosyncrasies now?
Audra: Yeah, I am an expert in all the moods of tucker mccall, yeah. And I can usually read you quite well.
Tucker: Yeah, and I can read you like a book. Something’s on your mind, too.
[ Audra sighs ] What is it?
Audra: Well, I keep thinking about my conversation with ashley last night. You know, everything she said was a complete contradiction to what’s been going on with you two for the past few months. You know, she said that… the dynamic has changed, or something. And that I’d soon be seeing what that meant.
Tucker: Really? She said those exact words?
Audra: Where did that come from, tucker? What do you make of it? Y’all wayfair makes it so easy
Audra: Talk to me, tucker. Do you know what ashley was referring to?
Tucker: I have no idea what’s going on in ashley’s mind anymore. And honestly, I don’t care. And neither should you.
Ashley: I had an epiphany. Because of a fender bender.
Tucker: What?
Ashley: I know.
[ Both laugh ] It’s true.
Tucker: You all right?
Ashley: Yeah. Physically. And mentally. I had this clarity wash over me. And I realized that all the rage and confusion that I was blaming you for was actually my fault. So, I mean, do you remember how conflicted I was about marrying you? I was in no place at all to make a commitment to you because I didn’t trust you.
Tucker: Ashley, please–
Ashley: It’s the truth.
Tucker: Please stop. If you could just–
Ashley: What?
Tucker: Would you please cut this crap out?
Audra: Tucker. What is it you’re not telling me?
Ashley: I really don’t know what’s gonna happen with tucker and me.
Traci: Well, are you rethinking your feelings for him? I– I mean, do you think there might still be something there?
Ashley: Thank you so much for your concern, but I don’t have any answers. I think one big revelation is all I can handle at the moment.
[ Traci laughs ]
Traci: Of course. I mean, after all you’ve been through, that makes perfect sense.
Ashley: Right. But I think everything’s for the best. My situation might not change with tucker, but our dynamic has to. One thing I do know, I need a change of clothes.
[ Both laugh ] Thank you for listening. And thank you for just, you know, giving me the space to work this all out.
Traci: Ashley, you know I love you.
Ashley: Well, you know I love you too. See you.
Victor: Hi, sweetheart.
Victoria: Oh, hello, daddy. You’re home.
Victor: To what do I owe the pleasure? Or do I already know?
[ Victoria sighs ]
Victoria: I wanna know how you could go behind my back and discuss your plan with michael when you know how opposed I am to you exploiting claire for this trap.
Victor: I’m doing everything in my power to protect my family. Have you seen what this damn woman is doing to your mother?
[ Victoria sighs ]
Victoria: Yes, I have, dad, but that doesn’t mean that you should bulldoze forward with some scheme when it could potentially ruin all of the progress that claire has made.
Victor: How about your mother? You’ve seen what a fragile state she’s in. She’s in a mess. Because of that iv of alcohol they forced into her bloodstream. Now she’s trying to push her over the edge.
Victoria: Well, there has to be another way, all right? One that does not involve claire and put her directly in the line of fire.
Victor: I promise you I will protect her. She’ll be in no danger, all right? Besides, I don’t think it’s good for her to stay in the psych ward.
Victoria: Well, if you care so much about her health, then why are you trying to move her away from the doctors that are giving her all the help that she needs?
Victor: You know damn well I’ll arrange for the best therapists we can find outside of those walls.
Victoria: Daddy, what if dealing with jordan sets her back?
Victor: I’ll do everything in my power to protect– she’s my granddaughter. Don’t you think it would be a nice feeling for you to know that she can openly associate with you now? Be part of your life?
Claire: Excuse me, nurse. Is there someone available who could help me?
Nurse: Of course, miss grace. Is there something you need?
Claire: Yes, I would like to make a phone call to my attorney, michael baldwin.
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Ashley: Are you threatening me?
Audra: It’s a friendly warning. I have much more experience at fighting dirty than you, and I enjoy it much more than I should.
Mamie: Jill abbott has had a stranglehold on chancellor-winters for far too long. It’s time our family takes full control of our company. And I’m here to make sure that’s what happens.
Claire: It’s time to be who my family needs me to be. That means helping catch jordan any way I can.
Michael: Agreed. Go.
Claire: Full speed ahead.
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