Author: Christine

Young & The Restless Update

Recap written by Christine

Noah joined Mariah on the Crimson Lights patio. Mariah asked about Sharon. He said that she wasn’t eating much, but when he left, Nick had come by to make her breakfast. According to Noah, Faith said she could hear Sharon pacing around the house last night. Mariah said that if anyone could get Sharon to eat it was Nick. Mariah was working on a playlist for the wedding, and it was hard to narrow it down. Noah suggested asking Sharon to help, since she could use the distraction. Mariah doubted that would work, but she said she’d think about it. Tessa came in with good news – her sister Crystal could come to the wedding. Mariah was confused because Tessa helped Crystal flee to Canada. Tessa said all the charges against Crystal were dropped, and Zack’s last known associate from the sex trafficking ring was arrested. Crystal could come and go as she pleased now. Tessa said not only was Crystal safe, the way it happened was even more amazing.

Sharon came downstairs in sweats and found Nick in her living room. He offered her breakfast. She wasn’t hungry, but he told her he already started making his famous chocolate chip pancakes, and he knew she couldn’t resist. She smiled sadly. Later, Nick gently called Sharon out on barely eating her food, instead just moving it around on her plate. She told him he didn’t have to treat her like one of his kids. Noah, Mariah and Tessa showed up. Tessa shared that Crystal could be the maid of honor at the wedding. Tessa said it was a miracle, because Rey was instrumental in making this happen. Tessa explained that, according to Crystal, Rey found her case in the cold case files, and he went to Michael and convinced him that there wasn’t enough evidence to convict her. Michael went to the DA and got him to drop the charges. Sharon said that was amazing, but she asked what about the dangerous group that was after Crystal. Tessa said Rey tracked down the last of that group and arrested him, so Crystal was safe. Sharon was moved. She had no idea Rey had been working the case. Tessa wondered if he wanted it to be a surprise. Nick suggested that Rey didn’t say anything because he didn’t want to get everyone’s hopes up. Sharon said even now, Rey was here protecting them. She thought his last gesture proved even more profoundly what an amazing man he was.

Sharon wanted to hold a small memorial service to Rey, but she’d need all their help to do it. She wanted to do it before she accompanied Rey to Miami. Mariah noted that that was tomorrow. Sharon knew, so she wanted to do it today. She thought Rey’s family in Genoa City should pay tribute to him before she brought him to his other home. She got choked up, and Nick said that they’d absolutely help.

Inside Crimson Lights, Ashland approached Victoria and asked if it was okay to ask how she was doing. She said she was stronger every day – the human capacity to recover was astounding. He knew he was one of many things she was recovering from. He said her fortitude was a large part of what made him fall in love with her. He was just sorry he was the reason she had to rely on it so much now. She looked at his bandaged hand, and he told her not to worry – he was recovering quite nicely. She sniped that he had a knack for miraculous recoveries. She wondered why he was still in town. She hoped he wasn’t under the delusion that she was going to forgive him. He said it was hard for him to let go of that, almost as hard as pretending he didn’t love her.

Victoria was sure Ashland would find a way to let go, since he was the master of reinvention, and he had the means to do so, thanks to her father’s money. He didn’t have the will or strength to reinvent himself again. She told him to stop making this so hard on them both. She said that if he really loved her, he should take his blood money and leave town. She hurried toward the door, where she ran into Adam, who apparently wanted to talk about the co-CEO position. She said there was nothing to discuss. She was appointing her mother. He wanted to have a conversation, and she said it would be a waste of time. He wondered what their dad would have to say. She said it didn’t matter, since this was her decision. She left. Ashland watched the whole interaction from a distance.

Ashland said that he and Adam looked pathetic, like a couple of lapdogs hoping Victoria would give them what they deserved. Adam didn’t know what Ashland was talking about. Ashland assumed Adam still thought he should be co-CEO of Newman Locke, or temporary CEO, or whatever fake title he was trying to grovel for. Adam said that the Locke name had been jettisoned from the company, and it was all Newman now. Ashland knew Victoria well enough to know she wouldn’t let Adam retain any title or power in her company. Adam said that Victoria hired Nikki. Adam guessed he and Ashland both got screwed, but he added that he was still head of the newly expanded Newman Media, while Ashland just had Victor’s money to keep him warm.Ashland stood by his original comparison – Victoria rejected them both. Adam didn’t want to be compared to Ashland. He said Ashland broke Victoria’s spirit. Ashland said he signed a deal Adam presented behind Victoria’s back. Adam said Ashland was never going to cleanse his actions in Victoria’s heart, so he should give up trying. Adam left. Ashland texted Nick asking to meet.

Back at the cottage, Nick told everyone about his text from Ashland. Nick had no interest in meeting Ashland. He wanted to stay and plan the memorial. Sharon thought Nick should go and find out what Ashland wanted. She appreciated him being there for her this morning, and she assured him she’d be fine, since she had the kids with her. He replied and set up a meeting at Society. he left. Sharon booked the church. She didn’t want anything formal or sad. She wanted the service to be quietly joyful, like Rey. She asked Tessa to sing one of Rey’s favorite songs, and she said yes. Noah was going to make a slide show. Sharon wasn’t sure she was ready to make a speech. She wondered if that was terrible. Mariah and Noah assured her it was fine. Noah went to a memorial service that set aside a time for quiet contemplation, and anyone who felt compelled to speak could. Sharon said Rey would really love that idea. She felt lucky and blessed to have such a strong, supportive and talented family.

Tessa and Mariah were back at Crimson Lights. they couldn’t believe Rey was gone and that they were moving forward with the wedding while they were still so devastated. Tessa was grateful they could be there for Sharon. Sharon had said the memorial was part of her process of letting go.

Sharon was home alone. She went to the wedding photo and told Rey she missed him so much and felt his spirit in every room. When she came home, she expected him to be there, and when she heard a noise, she thought it was him, then she’d remember that he was gone. His coffee cup was still sitting by the sink, where he left it. She couldn’t bring herself to put it away. She hoped he didn’t suffer, and she hoped he knew how loved he’d always be. She knew his spirit would always be with her. She could just see him smiling at her. She said he’d been disinterested in her obsession with finding the perfect wedding gift, because he already had something in the works. Smiling through tears, she said she should be mad at him for keeping that secret, but she could never be mad at him again. She remembered the pep talks he used to give her when she was sick. She wasn’t sure how she’d manage without her precious husband, but she resolved to find a way.

Victoria went to work and stopped short when she saw a new portrait of herself hanging on the wall. Nikki entered and said Victor had it commissioned and put a rush on it. Her parents understood why she destroyed the one Locke commissioned, but they thought it needed to be replaced. Nikki said Ashland may have broken Victoria’s heart, but he didn’t destroy her spirit or strength of leadership. Victoria appreciated the gift, but she was surprised Victor did that for her after he’d been determined to shove Adam down her throat as co-CEO, basically saying he’d lost confidence in her. Nikki said that wasn’t true. Victor accepted that Nikki would take the position, though the was disappointed there was antagonism between Adam and Victoria. Victoria was surprised that Victor wasn’t going to fight her on this. Nikki said Victoria had been through a lot, and Victor wanting to bring in a co-CEO had nothing to do with a lack of confidence – he just wanted her to have the time and space to deal with everything that happened.

Chelsea met Chloe at Crimson Lights. Chelsea was late. She didn’t sleep well last night. Chloe thought it was clear that Rey’s death was hitting Chelsea harder than she wanted to admit. Chelsea said of course it was affecting her – Rey was one of her best friends. Chloe understood, but she said Chelsea had to pull herself together for herself and for Connor. Chelsea said Connor still felt guilty, even though they told him that Rey’s heart attack would’ve happened no matter what. Chelsea thought Connor was too young to understand. Chloe asked how this was affecting Connor’s behavior. Chelsea said Connor quit hockey. She thought he felt like he didn’t deserve to enjoy it anymore. Chloe was sympathetic. Chelsea asked Noah to take Connor to play at the rink. She wanted Connor to understand that Rey would want him to play. Chloe asked how Chelsea was dealing with her own guilt. Chloe knew Chelsea and Rey were friends, but Chelsea’s reaction went much deeper than that.

Chelsea got defensive and said she and Rey were just friends, so of course it was affecting her deeply. She asked if Chloe was saying she was wrong to feel that way. Chloe wasn’t judging; she just didn’t realize Chelsea and Rey were that close. Chelsea said Rey was supportive when he should’ve hated her – he accompanied her and Connor to visit her mom, and when they got back, he’d seek her out just to check on her. Rey and Chelsea had deep conversations, and he encouraged and inspired her. He bonded with Connor and convinced her she could turn her life around. He told her she was a god mom even after the terrible things she did. He gave her hope she’d be accepted again. That car crash and heart attack ripped that hope away. Chloe knew Chelsea well, and she suspected Chelsea was falling in love with Rey. Chelsea vehemently denied it. She said Rey was happily married to Sharon, and it was his loyalty that made him trustworthy and such a great friend. Chloe was talking about feelings, not actions – she wasn’t accusing Chelsea of doing anything. Chelsea put a stop to the conversation, and they began to talk business.

Ashland arrived at Society. “Look at him. Alive and well wile a good man like Rey is gone,” Chelsea griped to Chloe. Chloe said that Rey’s death wasn’t Ashland and Victoria’s fault. Chelsea wondered if Ashland went back to help Rey. The news made Ashland sound like a hero for rescuing Victoria, but did even try to help Rey, or give him CPR? Maybe Rey could’ve been saved. Chloe told Chelsea to stop fixating on that night. Chelsea got even more tense because she thought Chloe was accusing her of being obsessed. Chloe said to relax – she wasn’t diagnosing Chelsea, but she thought Chelsea was close to going over the edge. Chloe thought Chelsea’s feelings were natural, but Chloe was trying to interrupt this unhealthy cycle before it went further. Chelsea admitted that Chloe was right. Chelsea decided to go home and sleep before they met with Lauren later.

Nick went to Society and met Ashland at the bar. Ashland appreciated Nick coming. Nick was there to find out if he needed to protect his sister or the rest of his family from Ashland. Nick said he’d prefer Ashland coming to him from now on instead of upsetting Victoria more than he already had. Ashland said he had something of great importance and benefit to offer Nick, no strings attached. Ashland wanted to donate half the money he received from Victor to New Hope. Ashland said Nick could use it for whatever the community needed. Nick found it hard to believe Ashland was offering him two hundred and fifty million dollars no strings attached. He said Ashland could go straight to hell. Ashland asked if Nick was so proud and stubborn that he’d turn his back on a quarter of a billion dollars. Ashland’s one caveat was that all the work be done in Rey’s name. Ashland was ready to transfer the money to New Hope right now. Nick said he didn’t respond well to bribery, and he didn’t like dealing with people like him. Nick said Ashland was looking for redemption, and the payoff wasn’t worth the risk. Ashland asked if Nick was going to prioritize his hatred of Ashland over the needs of his own organization. Nick thought Ashland was pulling a clever move – Ashland knew that if Nick turned the money down, the community would miss out, but if he accepted it, he’d be complicit in Ashland’s attempt to absolve himself. Ashland said to think about it. Nick left.

Nick went to Newman Enterprises and told Victoria and Nikki about Ashland’s offer. Nikki was appalled that Ashland was trying to take advantage of Rey’s death to clear his name. Nick was going to turn Ashland down and make it clear that he couldn’t buy his way back into everyone’s good graces. Victoria thought that Nick should take the money. Nick was concerned Victoria was falling for this ploy. Victoria said Ashland was never going to be able to buy back her forgiveness, but she thought that they should put the money to good. Nick said they couldn’t use dirty money. Victoria thought it was worth it to use the money to do good in Rey’s name.

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Young & The Restless Update

Recap written by Christine

At Newman Media, Adam was surprised to hear Diane was alive. He asked how she pulled this off and why she was back. Victor said Diane claimed she wanted to reunite with Kyle, but he didn’t know her true motives. Sally walked in and wanted to know what was going on. Adam told her that Kyle’s mother was actually alive. Sally asked if this was this Jack’s ex wife. Adam said it never got that far, but Diane married Victor, and she dated Nick. Victor put a stop to the history lesson. He said Diane was dangerous, and he told Adam to stay away from her, lest she try and use their connection to wrangle something out of him. Sally was curious about Adam and Diane’s connection. He said they didn’t really have one. Adam assured his father he had no interest in Diane. He shifted gears and asked about Victor and Victoria’s conversation. Victor said Victoria wasn’t very fond of Adam.

Adam didn’t know why Victoria saw him as a threat. Victor said that Adam bore some responsibility for that. Victor acknowledged that Adam’s brilliant idea to pay Ashland bought them some time, but Adam went behind Victoria’s back to do it. Sally said that if Adam had consulted to Victoria, she would’ve shot down his idea. Victor thought that was probably true. Adam thought the important thing was that they all worked together to neutralize Ashland. Victor said he encouraged Victoria to make Adam co-CEO, but she said she’d rather resign. Adam and Sally shared a look.

Sally suggested calling Victoria’s bluff. Sally found it hard to believe Victoria would give up on her dream job just because she had to share it with her smart capable brother. “Have you met my sister?,” Adam replied. Victor said the last thing they needed was a public conflict over control of the company. Adam asked if that meant there was no chance for him to advance and if all the ideas he had for the company were just going to die. Victor said Adam had to show Victoria that he was loyal to her and convince her that he had good ideas.

After Victor left, Adam admitted he’d been kind of thrown by the Diane thing. Sally noted that, like Diane, Adam also used to be dead. Adam said there were quite a few similarities between Diane and the man he used to be. Sally was eager to hear more, but Adam said they’d talk about it another time. He wanted to talk about Victoria. He’d miscalculated; he thought Victor was going to be ready to throw Victoria in the penalty box for the mess she created with Ashland. Sally thought it made sense that Victor was protective of Victoria, considering he almost lost her in the car accident. Sally said the bright side was that Victor had Adam’s back and was championing him to Victoria. She said he just had to win Victoria over. He said Victoria was stubborn – it was a Newman trait. She said he was charming and persuasive, so those must be Newman traits too.

At The Grand Phoenix, Billy assumed Ashland was staying at the hotel because Victoria threw him out. Ashland sarcastically praised Billy’s power of deduction. Billy asked why Ashland was still in town. Ashland had his reasons, which were none of Billy’s business. Billy told Ashland to stay the hell away from Victoria. Ashland said it was abundantly clear that Billy was still in love with Victoria. Ashland wondered if Lily had noticed and if she resented the fact that Billy kept barging in to protect his ex. Billy said he and Lily were fine, and he wasn’t worried about Victoria’s ability to deal with Ashland. Billy warned Ashland that he was playing with fire. Ashland stated that Victoria was not nearly as angry with him as Billy thought. Billy asked what about Victor – the one who stood there and watched Ashland gasp for air as he was having a heart attack, and that was before Ashland admitted to tricking Victoria. Billy said Ashland was on the top of Victor’s hit list, and that was not a fun place to be.

Billy went home and recorded his anonymous podcast about a run in he had today with a greedy, manipulative business mogul. Billy said it was like this guy didn’t trust his own business acumen, so he had to lie and deceive to get the upper hand. This person might get away with what they did. Billy said that if wealth and power gave a person blanket immunity, it was an indictment on them all.

At the Abbott house, Jack saw Diane’s voicemail but didn’t listen to it. Kyle came downstairs and said Harrison was playing with his new BFF Traci. Kyle appreciated Jack and Phyllis spending time with Harrison while Kyle was getting his bearings. Jack said it was their pleasure. Kyle wasn’t sure what to do about his mom. Jack stated that Diane took years to contemplate things before she sprung all this on Kyle, so Kyle should take all the time he needed. Jack offered to be a sounding board. Kyle wanted to take Jack up on that in the future, but he’d already spent a lot of time talking to Traci and Mariah today. Kyle had a lot of questions, and there was only one person who could answer them. Jack offered to go with Kyle, but Kyle thought Diane would be more forthcoming if they talked one on one. Jack agreed, and Kyle left. Ashland called Jack and asked if they could meet.

Kyle went to Diane’s suite. He saw she was packing up. She said she was leaving to give him space, unless he had a change of heart. He was just there to get some answers. He asked how he could know she really changed. Diane didn’t expect Kyle to trust or believe her. She said she deceived him when he was growing up, because she wanted him to see the kind and loving version of herself. He said it worked, because he’d thought she was the best mom ever. She’d been so angry with Phyllis when he read that expose she wrote about Diane’s exploits. Kyle had never been able to reconcile what he read with the version of Diane that he knew. He said she blackmailed people, committed arson and destroyed relationships and never seemed to care. She said he’d seen both sides of her now. She told him to ask her anything.

Kyle asked what kind of work Diane did on herself. She said she found a psychologist who called her out on her crap and forced her to look at herself. He asked how it went. She admitted she’d been offended and indignant for the first year of sessions, but deep down, she knew what the psychologist was saying she was true. Diane had to admit she wasn’t a victim, she was a narcissist. She realized that none of the things she was so desperate to get – money, attention, affection and power ever came to her. Her behavior left her broke, invisible and alone. Worst of all, it cost her the one pure unselfish joy she’d ever known – her life with her beautiful son. The realization was crushing, but it was the first step on the road that brought her back to him, asking for forgiveness. He appreciated what she was saying, but he asked what would happen if all the work she did didn’t get her what she wanted.

Diane said nothing would happen if Kyle turned her down – she’d leave him alone. He was skeptical. She said he mattered to her more than anything, and she’d learned the hard way that she shouldn’t try and force people to give her something she didn’t deserve. She said he didn’t owe her a thing. She’d love it if he forgave her and gave her a place in his life. She’d also try and make up for the hurt and damage she caused. He wasn’t sure if that was possible. He said it wasn’t that he didn’t want what she wanted – she was his mom and she loved him. He was wondering if the version of her he remembered was real or if it was just an act she put on because she needed the admiration of someone who was too young to know better. She said her love for him was never an act. He thought he was willing to leave the door open and give her a chance to prove she was who she said she was. “Please don’t go back to LA,” he asked. Diane was moved. She went to hug Kyle, then she thought better of it and pulled back.

Jack and Ashland met at Society. Jack said he was in the middle of a family emergency, so he couldn’t stay long. He assumed this was about Harrison. Ashland guessed that Jack hadn’t spoken to his brother and heard the news. Concerned, Jack asked if this was about Ashland’s health – had he taken a turn for the worse? Ashland cryptically said that he’d done some reprehensible things that came back to bite him, and deservedly so. He wanted to shield Harrison from the fallout. Jack asked Ashland to stop dancing around the subject and just say what he did.

Jack was stunned when Ashland said he lied to everyone and he never had cancer. Ashland was disgusted with himself for his cruelty. Jack didn’t care how Ashland felt – he was concerned about Victoria. Jack lived through the death of a spouse, and he had some idea of the anguish Victoria had been preparing for, just to find out it was a hoax. Ashland began to explain that he genuinely fell in love with Victoria. Jack didn’t want to hear it and he was sure Victoria didn’t either. Ashland said he agreed to annul the marriage and leave the company. Jack hoped Ashland was going back to NY and would leave Victoria alone forever. Ashland didn’t want to leave town without seeing Harrison, and he was worried about how Kyle and Summer would take the news. “You damn well should be,” Jack replied.

Ashland admitted his behavior had been abhorrent, but he said he was a good father. Jack countered that Ashland lied to Harrison about being sick. Ashland stated that there were two people in this world that he loved – Victoria and Harrison. He knew his wife might not forgive him, but he couldn’t lose his son. He said he’d do whatever it took to keep that boy in his life. Jack wondered why Ashland thought Jack would help him. Ashland said he and Jack were at an age where they’d seen a lot of life, and they knew people were complex, not black and white. Jack had heard enough of this sick and twisted reasoning lately, and he was done. Ashland decided he’d talk to Kyle himself. Jack warned him that this was not a good time to go to Kyle seeking forgiveness. He left.

Kyle went back to the Abbott house and told Jack he was still conflicted about Diane, but he was going to give her a chance to prove himself to her. Jack’s eyes widened.

Victoria summoned Nikki to the office to talk about Victor. She said Victor suggested Adam take Ashland’s position as co-CEO. Victor framed it as a response to Victoria’s supposedly fragile emotional state, which infuriated her. Sighing, Nikki said sometimes Victor wasn’t the most tactful. Victoria felt insulted. Nikki understood that, but she suggested Victoria’s anger should be directed at Ashland. Victoria said Ashland wasn’t a threat anymore, but Adam was. Nikki said Adam was a big reason Ashland was no longer a threat. Victoria said Adam used a half a billion dollars of Victor’s money to make it happen, and that didn’t entitle him to be co-CEO. Nikki wanted the family unit to remain strong. Victoria said she’d quit if Victor made Adam co-CEO.

Victoria said her brother was a snake who’d been looking for ways to undermine her ever since he agreed to come work for her. Appointing him co-CEO would make things worse. Nikki said Victor saw things differently. Victoria replied that Victor always had a soft spot, or a blind spot, for Adam. Nikki admitted Adam had been successful running Newman Media and had proven he could be a reliable family member. Victoria asked if Nikki was arguing that Adam should be co-CEO. Nikki said no, she was just stating facts. Victoria thought Victor would be satisfied if she hired a co-CEO who he could agree was better than Adam. Nikki didn’t think Victoria would be able to find anyone who fit that bill. “I’m looking at her,” Victoria replied.

Nikki didn’t know how to respond to the offer. Victoria hoped she’d accept, since she was the only one Victoria trusted to be her co-CEO. Nikki didn’t like the idea of being a pawn in Victoria’s game with her father. Victoria said Victor would have to agree Nikki was the most qualified and experienced candidate, since she’d been Victoria’s COO from the very beginning, and she was family. Victoria told Nikki to envision herself as co-CEO. Victoria was sure Nikki would be brilliant. Victoria added that Nikki could lighten Victoria’s workload, since Nikki always said Victoria worked too hard. Nikki was happy to take some of the work off Victoria’s plate, but she got the feeling this would be a promotion in name only, just to fend off Adam. Victoria said this was a sincere offer, and they’d have so much fun if they were partners. Nikki thought they had to think of the possible repercussions. Victoria was sure that there were no downsides. Nikki said Adam wouldn’t be happy, since he thought he deserved more responsibility and Victor agreed.

Nikki asked if they really wanted to create more family drama just as the news about Ashland was going to break. Victoria wasn’t going to let Adam’s possible potential hurt feelings dictate her decision. She hoped they could keep the reasons for Ashland’s departure from becoming public knowledge. Nikki was convinced it was going to come out very soon. She thought they should prepare for that by presenting a united front to the world. Victoria said if she caved in to Adam, he’d continually try to sabotage her, she’d have to play defense and the family would have to choose sides, and it would end in warfare and an absolute disaster for the family and the business.

After Nikki left, Adam went to Victoria’s office and asked to talk. He said he was surprised that Victor asked her to promote him as co-CEO. He said if he’d known he would’ve asked Victor to hold off until Adam and Victoria had a conversation. He wanted to convince her that he could make a good partner. She asked if he was going to offer him 500,000,000 of someone else’s money in exchange for a promotion. He said that the company had almost doubled since the acquisition of Ashland’s business holdings, and she was going to need help. He knew they’d never been close, and that she didn’t trust him. He said no matter how much he tried to support her, there was too much history in the way. He asked what he could do to change that and show her that working together could be a positive thing.

Victoria said it didn’t matter how Victor pitched her the idea of promoting Adam, because she was never going to agree to it. She agreed that her workload was going to increase now that Ashland was out of the picture. Adam said he didn’t need a title – he’d happily pitch in so she could see how well they’d work together. Victoria didn’t mean to imply that she needed Adam’s help. She informed him that she’d already hired someone she could trust – the only logical choice – her mother.

Nikki met Victor at Crimson Lights and told him that Victoria offered her the co-CEO job. Nikki thought that it made sense for her to step into the position. Victor said it was a smart move on Victoria’s part. Nikki said they both knew it was a strategic move to keep Adam out, but she said she’d do an excellent job. He was sure she would. He wasn’t going to fight Victoria on hiring Nikki. He said if he imposed his will on Victoria, she’d be very upset, and if he preferred Adam over her, he’d never hear the end of it. He took Nikki’s hands and called her Madame CEO.

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Young & The Restless Update

Recap written by Christine

Chance came home after a rough day at work – he’d just had to tell Sharon the autopsy results. He told Abby that Rey had a heart attack, causing him to lose control of the car. He said there was nothing anyone could’ve done – Rey’s fate was sealed the night he said goodbye to Sharon, and he had no idea he’d never see her again. Abby felt bad for Rey’s family. She knew it took a toll on Chance too. He said Rey helped him multiple times in multiple ways. Rey was Chance’s best friend. Abby didn’t want Chance to let the sadness and grief of the tragedy overwhelm him, like Spain. Someone rang the doorbell, and Abby wanted Chance to send them away, so this talk could continue. Chance went to the door – it was Victor.

Victor was informed about Rey’s heart attack. He thought it was terrible, and he asked how Sharon was doing. Chance said the news hit her hard, but at least she had a definitive explanation. Victor asked if Victoria knew. She didn’t. Chance had called, but she didn’t pick up. Victor said he’d let her know. Abby said that Victor couldn’t just rush off. She asked why he came. He wanted to see the baby. She said it wasn’t a good time, as he was napping. Victor decided to wait until his grandson woke up and have a chat with Chance in the meantime. Abby went upstairs to check Dominic. Victor wanted to see how Chance was doing after losing his partner. Chance said that the loss stirred up some of the same feelings he had after the explosion. He was managing, but Abby saw how this was weighing on him, and it worried her. Victor said that this was a reminder to embrace life with his beautiful wife and son. Victor said this would help Chance heal, and more importantly, be strong, because he never knew when his wife would need to lean on him.

Chance thanked Victor for the wisdom and said he needed it. Victor was proud of how Chance, Abby and Devon came together for Dominic. Victor couldn’t wait for Dom to be old enough to share sports stories with. Abby came down and said the baby was awake, so Victor went up to see him. Abby was pleased to see a smile on Chance’s face. His talk with Victor helped. Victor came downstairs and marveled at how much Dom had grown. Abby was going to walk her dad out, but he told her to stay with her husband. He left. Abby hugged Chance.

Chance didn’t want Abby to be scared for him. He was processing Rey’s death, but he wasn’t going to fall apart this time. He’d grieve and miss his friend dearly, but he promised it wouldn’t be like before. She asked if he was sure. He said he was s much stronger now. He vowed to be the husband and father she needed him to be. He knew how lucky he was to have her and Dom, and he wouldn’t waste a minute they had together by shutting down. He was going to show both of them how much he loved them. She kissed him.

Jack and Phyllis were at Crimson Lights. He was worried about the meeting between Kyle and Diane. He hoped Kyle would cancel. He was concerned he’d made a big mistake facilitating this meeting, and if he had, Kyle would pay the price. Jack said Diane was manipulative, and Kyle would be vulnerable because she was his mom. Phyllis was sure Jack did the right thing. He thanked her for the support and perspective. She said she was very mature. He knew she was joking, but he thought that was true lately.

Phyllis asked what Jack would do if Kyle wanted a relationship with Diane. Jack said he’d urge Kyle to give this some thought, but ultimately, he’d have to honor Kyle’s wishes and tell Kyle to proceed with caution. Phyllis knew that if Summer saw that Diane’s motives were less than pure, she’d have a long talk with Kyle, and she’d get in Diane’s face and tell her to back off. Jack asked what if, by some miracle, Diane really changed. He wondered if they should give her the benefit of the doubt. Phyllis was completely against that. She wondered where this was coming from, since he had a different opinion two seconds ago. “So you get to play Devil’s advocate, but I don’t?,” he asked. He said his mother abandoned three children, not one, and when she came back into their lives, they were able to reconcile. Jack and Dina made an emotional connection with Dina that had been missing his whole life. As absurd as it seemed, he hoped the same could be true for his son. He said a love for a child could change someone. He said they were making assumptions about someone they knew years ago. Phyllis argued that present day Diane sent a bunch of cryptic texts to Jack. He noted that Diane helped him meet his granddaughter. Phyllis said Diane chose to do it a creepy and cryptic and duplicitous way. Jack agreed with that, but he said that the end result was positive. Phyllis said Diane planned for Jack to see it that way, and it worked. Jack wasn’t grateful to Diane, but he couldn’t discount the possibility that some of what she said about her personal development was true. Phyllis understood that Jack was trying to put a positive spin on the possibility of Kyle giving Diane a chance. However, Phyllis couldn’t fathom the idea that Diane was less of a sociopath. Jack noted that some people would say the same thing about Phyllis. Phyllis snapped that no one would say that because she didn’t fake her own death and let someone else almost go down for it, like Diane did with Nikki. Phyllis saw no sign of change in Diane. Jack said Phyllis was right. She implored him not to let his guard down with Diane. He promised he wouldn’t.

At the Abbott house, Diane came face to face with Kyle. With tears in her eyes, she thanked him for giving her a chance to explain herself. Kyle replied that she had a hell of a lot of explaining to do. Diane had a lot of memories in this house. She wished she could make this easy for him, but nothing about this was easy. She was sure he was confused and angry. She wasn’t expecting anything from him, except maybe an open mind. She said he must be in shock. He didn’t want her making assumptions about his state of mind. He was barely sure of his own feelings. She was moved by seeing his face. He said it’d been so long – he asked if she even recognized him. She said she’d know him anywhere. He felt the same of her. She admitted she’d been following his life online. “Lucky you. I certainly didn’t get that opportunity,” he replied. She was proud of his success at work and in life. He didn’t want her to make this about him. He wanted to hear about her. Diane said she was an open book. On the verge of tears, he asked why she faked her death.

Kyle thought it was so much worse that Diane followed his life from a distance. He said she cared enough to keep track, but not enough to reach out. Diane swore she missed Kyle every day and never stopped loving her. He noted all evidence was to the contrary. He remembered the last time they saw each other, she sent him off to boarding school and told him he had to use a fake name. He went along with it and trusted her when she said she’d be joining him in Europe soon, but she never came. Jack came and told him that Diane had been killed. “When exactly did you decide I wasn’t worth coming for,” he asked. She said she always wanted to come for him. He didn’t believe it. She sent him away because she was in way over her head, and she was scared the people she’d pushed past their limits would retaliate by taking him away from her in court. The Newmans and Abbotts didn’t agree on much, but they were very powerful, and they all hated her, and they weren’t the only ones. She was desperate to escape, and with Deacon’s help, she found a way to disappear. She’d intended to reunite with him once she was safely away from Genoa City, then she realized she couldn’t. Her life as she knew it was over, when she faked her death, and if she’d taken him with her, she would’ve ruined his life too, and she couldn’t do that.

Kyle said Diane might have told herself that she was doing the best thing for him, since he had a mother who was so damaged, but what he was hearing was that she abandoned him. She said that leaving him was like leaving a piece of her soul behind. He thought those were just words. She said he was her only child, her pride and joy, and nothing ever mattered to her as much as him. After all the mistakes she made, she had nothing to offer him but a life on the run. She said Jack would’ve never stopped looking for Kyle. She would’ve turned him into a fugitive, right along with her. He felt that hse didn’t want him dragging her down. She said he was toxic back then and for a long time afterward, and he deserved to be with Jack, the parent who could give him stability. She thought she made the right choice, given how well he turned out. “You may be right, that having you as my one and only parent in such a messed up state would’ve been a disaster for me,” he admitted. However, at the time, all he knew was he lost the mom he adored. It was the worst pain he’d ever experienced. He couldn’t imagine letting his own son suffer like that. She apologized profusely, but she said he would’ve paid a different and far more terrible price if she raised him on the run away from the people who loved him. He said his father did his best, and he never tore Diane down in Kyle’s eyes or tarnished his happy memories of her. She was beyond grateful, and she said she owed Jack a huge debt, because it was more than she deserved. Back then, she was greedy, vindictive, cruel and dangerously ambitious. He was surprise she freely admitted that. She promised she wouldn’t hide anything from him ever again. He asked how he was supposed to believe she changed.

Kyle said Diane was claiming she changed, but she lured his dad to LA using Keemo’s death, and she manipulated Jack and Allie. He said she’d been secretive and deceitful. Diane said she did this as a gesture of goodwill. She said she needed to remain anonymous because if she’d contacted Jack directly, he would’ve shut her down. He conceded that Jack said the same thing. However, Kyle said Diane could’ve just contacted him. She disagreed because she thought it would’ve been too much of a shock. She thought it was better for Jack to break the news and give Kyle a chance to decide. He admitted she was probably right. She was sure he wondered why she came forward now, instead of years ago, and she said it was because she wasn’t ready back then. She went to therapy and tried to become someone worthy of being his mother. It took a lot of hard work and owning up to her mistakes and trying to understand how she became so vindictive and spiteful. How she took the beautiful life they had in Toronto and destroyed it completely. She was ashamed of who she was, but she’d done everything in her power to change and grow, and she’d vowed to never be that woman who caused so much chaos and hurt him so badly. She wouldn’t have reached out if she thought she’d still be a negative force in his life.

Kyle asked what Diane wanted from him – did she want forgiveness, so she could move on, or did she want a place in his life, because he wasn’t sure he was capable of that. He spent a long time making peace and figuring out who he was without her to guide him. He was now the happiest he’d ever been, and the family he built with Summer and Harrison was the mot important thing to him. He could not and would not bring any turmoil into their world. “I can’t sacrifice their happiness because I am messed up on account of you,” he said. She understood, and she said it was far too soon to even think about what the future might hold for him and her. She did hope that he could at least contemplate forgiveness at some point.

Kyle said Diane was asking a lot. She knew, but she’d promised to be straightforward. She figured she should go, but she asked if they could meet again. He wasn’t ready to commit to that yet. Jack and Phyllis strolled in. He apologized – he didn’t realize Diane would still be there. He said he’d go, but Diane was already on her way out. Diane thanked Kyle for allowing her to have this conversation with him. She left.

Kyle asked where Harrison was. Traci took him on an outing. Jack said he wouldn’t press for details about Diane. Kyle said he’d tell Jack about it later, but right now he needed air. Jack promised he’d be there if Kyle needed him. Kyle knew. He left. Phyllis comforted Jack.

When Diane got to her suite, she was shaken to see Victor inside waiting for her.

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Young & The Restless Update

Recap written by Christine

At Crimson Lights, Victor told Nikki that he thought Victoria should leave town to regroup and Adam should run Newman Locke while she was away. Nikki said she didn’t call Victor here to talk about Victoria, but about Diane Jenkins. Victor stated that Diane had been dead for years. Nikki revealed that Diane was alive, and she had the audacity to return seeking forgiveness. Nikki said Deacon helped Diane fake her death. Nikki told Diane to stay away from all of them, especially Nick. Victor thought about all the damage Diane’s fake murder caused. They discussed Diane’s interest in reconnecting with Kyle. Victor didn’t foresee Kyle forgiving Diane. Victor didn’t buy Diane’s garbage, after what she did to everyone, especially Nikki and Kyle. Nikki noted that Victor got hurt too – he took the blame for Diane’s murder to protect Nikki and Victoria. Nikki didn’t think Diane would stick around for long. She didn’t think Kyle would forgive his mother.

Harrison was in the living room with Jack and Phyllis. The little boy got excited when Kyle entered. Kyle had gone for a walk to clear his head. He didn’t realize Harrison was back. Jack said Ashland dropped him off a little while ago, and they’d had a great time at the park. Kyle gave his son a big hug and said he missed him. He didn’t understand how a parent could stand to be away from their child. Phyllis took Harrison to the kitchen to get a snack from his aunt Traci. Jack thought Kyle and Summer had done an excellent job with Harrison. Jack asked about Kyle’s walk. Kyle’s emotions were all over the place. He couldn’t believe his mom chose to let him think she was dead and just let him go on with his life. Jack said Kyle created a great life for himself and his family. Kyle said it was thanks to Jack’s love and support. Jack said he did his best, but he couldn’t replace the love of a mother. While Kyle was sad and angry, he couldn’t help feeling like Diane’s return was a miracle – an answer to the prayers he made as a little kid. On the other hand, he asked why he would ever buy into anything Diane said and put his family through that much drama. Jack didn’t want Kyle to feel pressured by anyone. He told his son to take his time and decide what he wanted to do. Kyle already knew what he wanted to do.

Kyle wanted to hear Diane out. He thought he’d regret it if he didn’t. Jack asked if Kyle was sure. Kyle assured Jack he wasn’t expecting some big emotional reunion. Jack thought that was the right attitude. Kyle wasn’t sure how he’d react or if he’d want Diane in his life afterward, but he needed answers from her. Jack said he understood more than Kyle realized, because of what he went through with his own mother. Dina didn’t fake her death, but she disappeared more than once. As angry, disappointed and abandoned as Jack felt, he couldn’t bring himself to turn his back on Dina. Kyle asked if Jack would reach out to Diane and make arrangements. Jack said yes, and they hugged.

Diane was in her suite. She had a flashback to a happy moment with Jack and an infant Kyle. They’d wondered what Kyle would grow up to be like. In the present, Diane looked pained. Jack showed up and told her he talked to Kyle and he was in shock. Diane said she was sure Jack had been evenhanded, but she believed Phyllis had been trashing her to Kyle. Jack said Phyllis wasn’t the problem. He felt that Phyllis was justified in being concerned about the impact that Diane’s return would have on Summer, Kyle’s wife. Jack said what Kyle was feeling now had nothing to do with anything Phyllis said to him and everything to do with Diane’s actions.

Diane apologized. Jack said he was trying very hard to be an honest and fair sounding board to Kyle. His instincts told him not to trust her, but he felt Kyle needed the truth. He’d tried to explain the inexplicable to Kyle – how a parent could walk away from their child. Diane was near tears because she thought Jack had come to deliver bad news in person. He clarified that Kyle wanted to see her. She thanked him. He said that part of him wished Kyle would abandon her, like she abandoned him. Diane didn’t think Jack sincerely felt that way, because he wasn’t that kind of person. Jack begged Diane to put Kyle first and think about his needs, not hers. He was sorry that needed to be said. She understood. She conceded there was a time she was self involved an incapable of understanding how her actions effected others. She asked if there was part of him that was willing to accept she changed. She asked if she could meet Kyle at the Abbott house, where Kyle could be comfortable and where it was private. Jack didn’t like the idea of Diane being in his house, but he could see how it would be beneficial to Kyle to see Diane on his home turf, so he agreed.

Jack went home and told Phyllis and Kyle what Diane said. Kyle seemed tense when Jack said Diane was already on her way, but he decided this was a good thing. Kyle asked them to keep Harrison entertained and out of sight. He didn’t want his son anywhere near his mother. Phyllis said they’d take Harrison and Traci to town.

Back at the hotel, Diane picked up the old picture of her, Jack and Kyle. She kissed her fingertips and touched the photo. There was a knock on the door, and Kyle took a breath, then he came face to face with his mother.

Sally and Adam were at work. She said it was exciting having extra responsibility while he was temporary CEO of Newman Locke. “However long it lasts,” he said. She stated that Ashland was gone thanks to Adam pulling off something no one else could do. He said his dad’s money helped. She didn’t want him to downplay his significance. She said this was just a stepping stone to making his temporary position as CEO permanent. She asked if something had changed. His strategy had changed, but not his goal. He decided not to push things. She said he deserved to be permanent CEO, and he would be if this were any other company. He said that this wasn’t any other company – it was Newman Enterprises. He was sure that plans were in progress to rip Locke’s name off the building, ads and letterhead. She thought that made an even stronger case that two Newman siblings should be in charge. He appreciated her believing in him. He also wanted to see his position made permanent, but he was going to take a different approach. He said there was a saying in basketball “let the game come to you.” He was going to sit back and see how Victoria played this. If Victoria treated him like a partner, he’d act accordingly, and maybe she’d surprise him and they could have a good working balance.

Sally said whatever Victoria chose to do, she’d have the legacy of Ashland Locke hanging over her. She thought there should be repercussions to bringing Ashland into the company and into their lives. Adam said there had already been a few – Victoria was in an accident that could’ve been deadly for her, so that was a pretty steep price to pay. Sally said Victoria had no choice but to accept Adam saved her from Ashland by swooping in and cleaning up the mess. He said that remained to be seen. He was going to focus on guiding Sally while she was in charge at Newman Media and while he tried to find a way to work with Victoria. He had absolute faith in Sally and her ability to manage the company. He was counting on her to make him look good, which she was already doing. He said she was smart, a harder worker than anyone he knew, and she didn’t lack confidence. She was grateful for the opportunity, and she promised to do everything in her power to help him get the recognition he deserved.

At Society, Chloe tried to hold a work meeting with Chelsea. Chelsea was distracted, so Chloe put the work aside so they could talk. Chelsea said she just lost one of her closest friends in a car accident. She felt guilty. If Rey never went back for those stupid tickets, he’d still be alive. Chloe said it wasn’t Chelsea’s fault that Rey forgot the tickets. Chelsea said a year ago, she put Rey’s life at risk, and he forgave her and was willing to hang out with her and her son, and look what that lead to. Kevin told Chloe something in confidence, and she wanted to share it with Chelsea. She told her not to share this with anyone, but Rey had a massive heart attack and that was why he lost control of the car. He didn’t die because of the crash.

Chelsea realized that if Rey never went back to get the tickets, she and Connor could’ve been in the car with him when he had his heart attack. Adam told Chelsea that Ashland pulled Victoria out of the burning car. She wondered if Ashland tried to help Rey too, and if he could’ve survived. Chloe didn’t think Chelsea should go down that rabbit hole – what happened happened, and there was no point in blaming anyone. Chloe thought Chelsea should move forward. Chelsea snapped that sh was trying to. She then apologized. Chelsea said this had been hard on Connor too. It just killed her that Ashland walked away from this accident, while someone as genuine as Rey was dead.

Sally and Adam came to the restaurant, and he asked Chelsea how she was. She said they had to focus on Connor. Losing Rey was a huge blow. Adam hoped they helped Connor realize that Rey’s death wasn’t his fault. Chelsea immediately revealed the confidential details of Rey’s death. Chloe glared at Chelsea, who apologized and contended that everyone was going to find out soon anyway. Adam said he was planning a special outing for Connor. Chelsea was interested in going too. She said they could talk to their son as a family and make him feel stable. Adam was noncommittal. Chelsea thought Adam should be able to commit to something as simple as a family outing for their son’s sake. Adam pointed out that he never said he wouldn’t do it. Chelsea countered that he never said he would, either. She asked if he was being this way because of Sally. It was clear to Chelsea that things had progressed between Adam and Sally. Adam knew Chelsea was upset about Rey, and he was sorry she lost such a good friend. He and Sally walked away.

Chelsea grumbled that there was no doubt Sally and Adam were a couple. Chloe didn’t see why that mattered or what Chelsea hoped to accomplish with that confrontation. She hoped Chelsea wasn’t going to use the emotional shock of Rey’s death as an excuse to gravitate toward Adam.

At their table, Sally said Chelsea was in a bad way. Adam explained that Rey and Chelsea bonded. Sally heard Chelsea tried to kill Rey. Adam said that Chelsea was unstable back then, and she’d been going after him, not Rey. She made it look like Adam poisoned Rey. “She wanted to kill Rey to get back at you?,” Sally asked. Adam said Rey was never given enough poison to kill him, just enough to make him sick and make Adam look guilty. Sally thought it was amazing that Adam forgave Chelsea after she set him up. He said there were extenuating circumstances, and he was in a glass house, so he couldn’t afford to throw stones. She said she couldn’t either. He was sure she never did anything that bad. “Well…,” Sally replied. He asked if there was something she wanted to tell him.

Sally had something she never wanted Adam to know, and she didn’t like this old temptation she was having. She was tempted to lie and deceive, but she wanted to be honest with him. There was something that had been pushing its way into her thoughts ever since they found out Ashland was lying about having cancer. She saw people acting like there was a special spot in Hell reserved for Ashland, and she admitted that there might also be a seat for her too. There was this guy in LA that Sally was completely in love with, and he broke off their engagement for a second time. She’d been so desperate to win him back, it made her physically sick, and Wyatt took care of her. It turned out that it was stress, but Wyatt didn’t know that, so she faked a terminal illness to get him to stay with her. She wasn’t proud of it. It was the most shameful thing she’d ever done. He asked why she was telling him. She wanted him to hear this from her, and not anyone else. Adam smiled and asked if Sally’s scheme worked.

Sally said the truth came out, and she was reviled, and that was why she left LA. Adam appreciated Sally’s honesty. She asked what he thought of her, given how he reacted to what Ashland did. He said that was a different situation – Ashland went after Adam’s family and the company. Adam thought Ashland’s plan was gutsy and he was impressed Ashland managed to pull it off for so long. A lifetime ago, Adam faked a medical condition to get what he wanted too. So he couldn’t judge. Sally always thought they had a lot in common, but she never thought that would be one of them. He was glad they could share things because he was falling in love with her too. Sally said Adam certainly left her hanging long enough. When she told him she was falling in love with him, there were crickets, and she thought he was just going to ignore it. Part of her wonders if he meant this. He suggested they go somewhere else, so he could be perfectly clear about his feelings. That sounded good to her. Chelsea seethed watching Sally and Adam leave.

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Young & The Restless Update

Recap written by Christine

At Crimson Lights, Lily kissed Billy hello and asked if he’d heard from Victoria. Victoria wasn’t answering his texts, calls or emails. He was grateful the kids were away at school and didn’t know their mother was in a car accident. Lily thought Victoria needed space. Lily knew what it was like to be involved in a car accident where there was a fatality. It was overwhelming and the pain and guilt never went away. Billy didn’t want to add to Victoria’s burden – he just wanted to understand how it happened and how Ashland was involved. Lily asked why Billy thought Ashland was involved. Billy said Nick told him there was a plan to get Ashland out of the company and Victoria’s life. Billy wondered why Ashland was out there with Victoria, but not in the car with her. Was he following her? Lily said that with Ashland, there was always another lie waiting to be exposed. Billy agreed, and that’s why he thought he and Lily should put their heads together and come up with a way to get Ashland out of town and out of Victoria’s life. Lily said that it wasn’t their job to hold Ashland accountable.

Billy asked if Lily was saying she didn’t care how Ashland was involved in the car crash and didn’t think Victoria deserved justice. Lily said what happened on the highway was a tragedy, and her heart broke for Sharon and Rey’s family. She said the GCPD would investigate the death, so this wasn’t Billy’s fight. She said if he got involved, the Newmans would push him away, and he’d just get more wound up, so he should just let other people handle it. He said he had perspective, distance, and he knew the players. “We have a meeting to get to. A meeting that’s about our future. Please don’t let Ashland take one more thing from us,” Lily said. Billy agreed to stay out of it and leave tearing Ashland apart to the Newmans.

Elena and Nate were at their place snuggled on the couch. After what happened with Rey, she just wanted to spend the day with Nate, making good memories. He said life was short. To help her make a good memory, he leaned in for a kiss. Elena talked to Lola earlier. She said Rey made such a huge impact on people’s lives. Nate wondered if Ashland caused the accident on purpose, either so he could rescue Victoria and be her knight in shining armor, or because he wanted to hurt her, and Rey was collateral damage. He didn’t want to jump to conclusions, but trouble surrounded Ashland.

Elena had a new tie for Nate to commemorate his big day. He was going to be going to his first meeting as a member of the Chancellor-Winters team. She put the tie on him and said she was proud of him. She teased that it was brave of someone as old as he was to leave the medical world for a corporation. He laughed and said he appreciated the tie and her support. He sensed she had some concerns about this. She said it’d just take some getting used to him being an executive and not Dr. Hastings. He said he’d always be Dr. Hastings. She asked if he was sure this was right for him. He was. That made her feel good about it too. They kissed.

Imani was at Amanda and Devon’s. Imani was wearing her good-impression suit. A reminder not to overstep like she did last time. Amanda gave Imani a pass because she’d been excited. Imani was pleased Nate would be at the meeting. Devon reminded Imani that Nate was in a committed relationship. Amanda said Imani knew and didn’t care. Imani clarified that she was very interested in the health and future of Nate’s relationship. Amanda thought this was the time for a conversation about dating in the workplace. Imani said she’d never be caught making out in the snack room – the lighting in the studio was so much more romantic. She assured them she was just kidding. She’d be professional, but she saw no harm in a little flirting. When Nate knocked on the door, Imani made sure she was the one to answer it.

Devon and Amanda explained that they were meeting here because the office spaces weren’t finished. Imani complimented Nate’s tie, and he said it was from Elena. “You wear it impeccably,” Imani said. Lily and Billy arrived. Devon asked Billy how Victoria was, then they all talked about Rey. Amanda would never forget Rey going above and beyond while she was dealing with Ripley. Devon said it was a tragedy, and Nate shifted uncomfortably. Later, they discussed a name for the combined company. Devon was okay with Chancellor-Winters. He was going to rename LP Hamilton Streaming, as a tribute to his mom. Nate suggested they do a press party. Imani agreed. Devon wasn’t sure they should be so flashy out of the gate. He noted that Neil loved a party, but he was more conservative in business. Nate said Neil also grew with the times. He thought they should make a bold new statement right out of the gate.

Lily liked the idea of a splashy party. Nate said Devon and Lily would be front and center. Billy couldn’t think of a more dynamic duo. Devon thought Lily should be front and center since Chancellor was more established, and she was more used to being a spokesperson, while he ran things from the sidelines. She said she didn’t propose the merger to fly solo. She said this was about coming together as brother and sister with deep ties to these companies – they were the children of Neil Winters, and he was the grandson of Katherine Chancellor, which was a huge selling point. Nate said so many companies were known for their leaders, and they needed to aim for that with their new entity and two CEOs. Devon said everything was happening very fast. Lily said they could do this because of what Neil instilled into them – ready or not, they were going to be the face of the company. Amanda told Devon he’d have to get used to being the center of attention.

Victoria was in her office working. The sounds of the car accident and Ashland rescuing her replayed in her mind. At that moment, Ashland showed up. She asked what he was doing here and how he got past security. He’d dodged the guards. She said last time they spoke, he said he was leaving town. He couldn’t go until he knew she was okay, and she was dodging his calls and texts. She said she was fine. He noted that he saw the cane. He wanted an honest answer about how she was doing. “I wouldn’t lie about my health. That’s your area of expertise,” she replied. She asked about his hand and foot. He said the pain was nothing, compared to everything else he felt, but he knew he couldn’t expect sympathy from her. He’d tell her what he told Harrison – he’d be okay. She noted that she hadn’t seen Harrison since Tuscany.

Ashland asked how Victoria was. She just kept replaying the events in her mind – the parts she could remember. She was also asking herself some questions: What if Ashland didn’t follow her that night? Would she have died alone in her car, like Rey? Would the accident have even happened? If she’d never met Ashland, would Rey be home with his family right now? Ashland kept playing events in his mind too. She asked if he meant the crash, and he said no. He kept thinking about things from before the crash and stuff he should’ve said and done differently. He wished she could understand that he’d always love her. He kept hoping there would be one true perfect moment where she forgave him.

Victoria told Ashland he didn’t get to say he loved her or dream of getting her forgiveness. “you lied to me and you betrayed me and those wounds are too fresh and too deep for that,” she stated. He knew. He wished he could take it all back, except falling in love with her. He loved her more today than he did before, despite all that had broken down between them. She said that their relationship didn’t break down – it was never real in the first place, due to his lies, greed and deception. He accepted her anger, because this did begin as a scheme, but he fell in love with her despite his plan. She told him to stop saying that. He contended that she was terrified to admit she still cared. He told her she could tell him the truth. She was crying. “Of course I still love you,” she admitted.

Victoria said she couldn’t make the feelings go away, no matter how hard she tried. Ashland looked hopeful, but Victoria continued. She said that the pain and anger and hurt wouldn’t disappear either. All her feelings were battling it out, and she couldn’t take it. She just wanted one thing. Before she could say more, Chance showed up with questions about the case. Ashland didn’t like the idea of making Victoria relive the horrors of that night, just to close the books on an accident that no one caused. Victoria said she could handle it. Chance assured Victoria that they could take a break if things got too tough. He wanted to hear about that night. She said that she left work, and Ashland left before her. It was foggy. She wasn’t sure how fast she was going. She was on the phone with her mom, and the next thing she knew… Ashland took over from there. He said he was following Victoria to make sure she got home safe after a tough day at the office. He saw headlights coming at them. Victoria swerved to avoid them, and Ashland tried to, but he got hit in the side. Chance asked Ashland if he was saying that Rey stayed in the wrong lane and made no attempt to avoid the collision. Ashland confirmed it. Chance didn’t think that made sense, because Rey had extensive training driving in dangerous conditions, and if he lost control, he should’ve been able to regain it. Ashland maintained that Rey never regained control. Chance got a text, and he excused himself and left.

Ashland said recounting the events of that night put everything in perspective. Victoria finished a business call. Ashland thought it made sense Victoria removed the painting he had commissioned. She said she destroyed it. He wasn’t surprised. He’d always loved how she was calm and controlled on the outside and an inferno inside. He wanted to talk about the moment where she made him believe they could leave town and start over, then later claimed she’d been lying. She said she did what was necessary to get him to sign the papers. He didn’t believe that. “You meant every word of it. You were completely sincere. And then all that noise got in the way,” he said. He was willing to do whatever it took to get back to that moment. He left. She sighed and looked upward.

At the cottage, Sharon picked up one of Rey’s boots. Someone knocked on the door, and she wiped her eyes and answered the door. It was Adam. He said he was so sorry. He was also sorry he didn’t come earlier. He didn’t want to cause her any stress with her family, so he waited until the coast was clear and she was alone. She supposed she’d better get used to being alone, since that was her life now. Adam made Sharon a fresh pot of coffee. She told him he didn’t have to do that. Someone sent her a lot of coffee. She sadly smiled about someone bringing coffee to a coffeehouse owner. An owner of a diner where Rey used to go when he was working late brought it by. Adam asked how Sharon was coping. She said she was hanging in there. Eventually, she’d come to terms with this and start to heal, she said. He told her that they could skip the platitudes, because that wasn’t who they were to each other. He wanted to know how she really felt. She broke down crying.

Sharon was tired of people treating her like she was porcelain and speaking to her in whispers, asking if she was capable of doing the things she wanted to do. He said he’d never question her strength. She was crushed, angry and gutted. She asked why a worthless piece of filth like Ashland, who faked cancer and contributed nothing of value to the world was still alive. A man who was so good and meant to much to so many was gone. Adam said Rey helped Connor through a tough time. Sharon said her husband had a way of bringing out the best in people. “I was a different me when I was with Rey,” she said. Rey loved her with all his heart, and he loved her family. Nobody knew all the things Rey did for Sharon when she was sick. Rey knew people were flawed and he forgave all her mistakes, not the least of which was the time Adam kissed her. Rey forgave the woman who poisoned him. She said Rey was kind and generous, and he didn’t deserve to have his life end this way. Adam hugged Sharon, and she held onto him.

Adam asked if Sharon got it all out, or if she needed to break some stuff. He was sure there were plenty of dishes for her to smash. It made her laugh. He picked up some crackers and said she should eat to replenish her energy and tear ducts. She smiled and playfully grabbed the crackers. She admitted she hadn’t cried like that since Nick told her. Adam knew that if one of Sharon’s patients had said they were holding their emotions in after a death, she’d tell them that they had to let their feelings out. He said she could do that with an old friend who’d never judge her or pity her. She asked what the alternative was. He said she could cook herself into an early grave, or become an angry widow who made famously bitter coffee. It made her smile, and she said that probably wouldn’t be good for the coffeehouse. He turned serious and said to take a few hours to remind herself that Rey loved her. He promised no one would think less of her for shedding a few tears. He said he’d always be there when she needed him.

Adam said he should leave before Sharon’s entourage showed up and accused him of stealing a basket or trying to insinuate himself into her grief. Chance showed up. Adam was sorry Chance lost his partner. Adam told Sharon to let him know if she needed anything, and he left. Chance was here to deliver information from Rey’s autopsy report. Rey wasn’t killed in the car crash. He had a heart attack. Sharon was shocked and cried. She asked what her husband’s last moments were like. All Chance knew was that the coroner said it was very sudden, and Rey probably never had enough time to feel anything. Sharon didn’t understand how a healthy young man like Rey could have a heart attack. Chance said sometimes these things happened without warning. Sharon admitted that, while she’d been saying that no one was to blame, she’d secretly been very angry with Victoria and Ashland and wondering if they were driving recklessly. She thought she’d just needed someone to blame. Chance understood that, but he said Rey’s heart just started beating too fast, and there was no one to blame.
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Young & The Restless Update

Recap written by Christine

Kyle and Jack were at the Abbott house. While Kyle knew Jack wouldn’t lie or joke about this, he was also just as certain that his mother was dead. Murdered. He had vivid memories of the heartbreaking funeral. Jack said Diane wasn’t in the coffin – he wished he’d known so he could’ve spared Kyle the pain. Kyle became open to the idea of Diane being alive, and he asked if she’d been held captive by one of the people who wanted her dead. Jack explained that Diane faked her death and stayed away by choice. Kyle asked what his mother had been doing all this time. The doorbell rang, and Kyle asked if it was Diane. Jack said it better not be. It was Ashland. He was sorry to show up like this, and Phyllis told him to wait until Kyle reached out. However, he’d love to see Harrison. Kyle saw Ashland’s medical boot and bandaged hand and asked if he was okay.

Harrison entered and hugged Ashland. “Father, you have two big ouchies,” Harrison observed. Ashland said he was in an accident, but he’d be okay. Ashland started crying, and he asked if he could take Harrison on a short outing. Jack thought that was a lovely idea, since he also needed some time with Kyle. Kyle told Harrison to be good, and Ashland took the boy and left. Kyle said he was new to parenthood, but he had a hard time saying goodbye to his son for any length of time. He asked how his mother disappeared all those years.

Jack was trying hard to answer Kyle’s questions without letting his personal feelings get in the way, but it was hard because he felt Kyle deserved the truth. Kyle said he was counting on Jack to be straight with him. Jack said Diane claimed she concocted this plan to get away from the bad things she’d done to nearly everyone in town. Kyle didn’t think that made sense. He asked if she didn’t think it was bad to let her son think she was murdered. Jack explained that Diane said she hit a low point and saw no way out but to start fresh. Kyle asked why Diane left her new life to reach out to the son she literally ghosted. Jack said Diane claimed it took her all these years to finally face what she was done. Kyle had missed Diane so much – there had been so many things he’d wanted to share with her, and now he found out she could’ve been there, and she chose not to, and now she was back and wanting to reconnect. Jack wished he could take away Kyle’s pain. Kyle couldn’t process his emotions now. He wanted to just stick to the facts.

Kyle was disgusted that Diane anonymously lured Jack into finding about Keemo’s death and his daughter as an olive branch. Jack said Diane’s methods were devious, which was typical for her, but in truth, if she’d just come to Jack directly, he would’ve shut her down instantly. Diane had waited until Jack was with Allie to reveal herself. Kyle was near tears over Diane. Jack said that Kyle could take Harrison and go back to Milan – he was under no obligation to see Diane. Part of Kyle wished Jack never told him. Jack said that was his first instinct, but Phyllis helped him realize this wasn’t his call. Kyle needed to phone Summer before he made any decisions.

Kyle asked where his mother was. Jack said he’d told Diane to keep her distance, but in classic Diane fashion, she moved to Genoa City. Kyle was dismayed and asked why. Jack said Diane claimed she wanted to be close so she could make her own claim on the chance that Kyle left for Milan without seeing her. Jack guessed he should be grateful that Diane let him be the one to break the news to Kyle. Kyle said that he’d heard the whispers about his mother for years. Some people trashed her to his face. Despite that, he still tried to believe the best of his mother. All his memories of his mom were loving and fun. For years it was just the two of them, and she used to call him her little hero. Jack was glad Kyle had good memories. Kyle said Diane was a good mom, but a good person didn’t deliberately put their son through hell. Kyle asked if there were things about his mother that he didn’t know. Jack never wanted to destroy Kyle’s love for his mother – he’d thought it best that Kyle always saw the good in Diane. Jack said there were things Kyle probably didn’t know, and he didn’t need to. Kyle remembered reading the Restless Style article about Diane. Jack said Kyle was a child back then, and Diane did several unforgivable things long after that article was published. Jack said Diane was saying there was a reason she did those things, and she wanted Kyle to hear her out. Kyle asked if Diane was as bad as people said. “The simple answer is yes,” Jack stated. Jack had a hard time believing Diane had truly had this dramatic transformation. Jack wished Kyle didn’t have to go through this. Part of Jack wished Diane had just stayed dead, so Kyle could’ve held onto the few good memories he had, but she wasn’t dead, and she wasn’t going to let this go.

Diane paced around her suite and said she was cooped up like a prisoner in a gilded cage. She grabbed her hat and sunglasses and left.

At Crimson Lights, Mariah asked if Tessa wanted to invite her roadies to the wedding. Tessa didn’t know. It was clear their minds were elsewhere. Elena came in and hugged Mariah and asked about Sharon. Mariah said Sharon was putting up a facade that Mariah worried was going to come crashing down. Mariah kept expecting Rey to walk into Crimson Lights. He’d been a rock for the whole family, and now Sharon thought she needed to be that rock. Elena said Rey was a protector of the entire community, and everyone was devastated by his loss. Elena noticed the wedding planning stuff. Tessa said Sharon wanted it to go forward. Elena understood. She thought everyone could use a celebration and a reminder that life went on.

Diane walked into the coffeehouse, and there was no barista there, so Mariah served her. Mariah explained that things were a little out of order because there was a death in the family. Diane asked who died and who owned the place. Mariah said it was Sharon Rosales’ husband. Diane asked if she was once known as Sharon Newman, and Mariah said yes. Mariah asked if she’d seen Diane here before. Diane said it had been awhile. She took her coffee over to the sugar and cream station, then for some reason, she got shaken up and rushed out.

Amanda went to The Grand Phoenix for a manicure to repair a chipped nail. Phyllis noted that it’d been awhile. Amanda said the merger was keeping her busy. It was challenging from a legal standpoint. Phyllis assumed managing the different personalities was also a challenge, but Amanda said that Lily and Devon agreed on most of the important things. Nate was excited to join the family business, and Amanda was thrilled she got to work with Devon, so it felt like a family business to her too. Phyllis wished she wasn’t dealing with family drama. It was about Jack. Amanda said every time she talked to Phyllis, her mind seemed to be on Jack. She asked what was going on. Phyllis couldn’t say. She stated that there was a person in town who could create so much danger for Kyle, Jack and so many others in town.

Amanda surmised that this person was a danger to Phyllis too. Phyllis said this person knew she was no match for Phyllis. Amanda asked if it was Jack’s ex, and Phyllis said yes, among other things. Amanda asked if Phyllis was concerned this ex would want Jack back. Phyllis said Jack would never do that, and if this woman tried, Phyllis would take her out. Amanda suggested Phyllis wanted Jack for herself. Phyllis reiterated that she and Jack were platonic, and she noted that she’d already told Amanda this a million times. Amanda asked why Phyllis was so concerned about his ex’s return. Phyllis’s concerns had very little to do with the fact that this was Jack’s ex. She said this woman took people’s weaknesses and manipulated them. Phyllis noticed Diane walk back in, and she hurried Amanda off to the manicurist. Once they were alone, Phyllis confronted Diane about leaving her room.

Diane didn’t want to talk. She just wanted to go back to her suite. Phyllis asked why Diane was so rattled – who did she see? Diane said no one recognized her. She saw nothing but a bunch of old memories. She got into the elevator. “Reconsider being dead!,” Phyllis spat at the closing doors. Jack showed up and told Phyllis that Kyle knew the truth. Phyllis revealed that Diane snuck out of her room again. Jack said it didn’t matter what they said or did to Diane – she would always be a wildcard. Phyllis asked what Jack thought Kyle would do. He didn’t know. Phyllis was pleased that Kyle wasn’t just running into Diane’s open arms. “He did love her very much. He knew she had issues, but he still thought the world of her,” Jack said. He wondered if he protected Kyle from the truth about Diane for too long. Jack had wanted Kyle to hold onto the cherished memories of his mother, not spend his whole life haunted by her crimes. Jack said Kyle asked if Diane was as bad as everyone said, and Jack hadn’t been able to bring himself to condemn her completely. Phyllis said that once everyone in town found out Diane was alive, they’d think she was even more wretched than before. Jack didn’t care about how everyone else would react – he only cared about Kyle.

Kyle went to Society and he called Summer and left her a message. He didn’t go into detail. He assumed she was still at her dinner meeting. Traci ran into him, and they hugged. He told his aunt he was having a hard time processing things. She said that talking to someone you trust could help. He called Summer, but she didn’t answer. Traci offered to fill in. Traci said Diane’s behavior had been outrageous and cruel. As a mother, Traci couldn’t imagine walking away from your precious child. Kyle said he’d never do that to Harrison. Part of Kyle never wanted to see Diane again, but on the other hand, he remembered her being an incredible mom to him. There was so much about Diane that Kyle didn’t know. He didn’t understand how she let him believe she was dead. He didn’t know what to do.

Sharon was at the cottage, which was filled with sympathy baskets and flowers. She was looking for the wedding planning folder, and she found a post-it from Rey saying he’d bought more paper towels. She started crying. She flashed back to the early days with Rey. He’d told her he loved her, and he asked if she felt the same way. She said she loved him too. She remembered their wedding night and their first anniversary. Sharon had told Rey she had high hopes for 2022, and Rey said he couldn’t imagine being happier. Noah came downstairs at the same time Faith and Nick came in.

Sharon admitted she thought she was alone. She demanded to know what Faith was doing out of school. Faith was sorry to upset Sharon, but school was rough, so she asked to leave. Nick added that the principal said it was okay. Sharon softened. She was sorry Faith had to go through that. Sharon noted that Faith already missed a lot of school this past year, though. Faith said she was a second semester senior who already applied to college, so the rest of the school year was basically coasting. She just wanted to be with her family. Sharon agreed and said sometimes family was more important than anything, which Rey knew. Sharon was grateful they were all here with her.

Noah suggested Sharon nap while they handled the coffeehouse and dinner. Sharon had plans with Mariah and Tessa. She wanted to make sure they wouldn’t postpone. Noah knew they were moving ahead as planned. Sharon said that was all the more reason for her to go, since they had a lot of things to get done in a short amount of time. The wedding was less than a month away. Sharon was going to go to Crimson Lights alone, but Nick needed to go too because Mariah had something she wanted to ask him.

Elena gave Sharon her condolences on Rey. When she and Lola were roommates, Rey used to stop by the apartment and fix things, and he was always smiling. Elena would remember that. She offered to be there if Sharon needed anything. Sharon said thanks, and Elena left for work. Sharon wanted to get to the wedding. Mariah and Tessa suggested Sharon might want to take a couple days off planning. “Please stop babying me,” Sharon stated. Sharon didn’t know how many times she had to tell them that she needed this. Mariah and Tessa were apologetic, but they were worried about Sharon. Sharon said she’d probably be up and down over the next few weeks. She didn’t know when the grief and shock would bulldoze over her, but she couldn’t sit and wait for it. She had to grab onto what she could do stay afloat, and the wedding was a life raft. She asked him not to take that from her. Mariah said she and Tessa understood, and they’d move forward without reservations.

Tessa knew she and Sharon hadn’t always seen eye to eye. Sharon said that was ancient history. Tessa said that she and Sharon had become true friends and a source of support. Sharon felt the same way. Tessa wished her sister, Crystal could be her maid of honor, but she had legal issues that meant she couldn’t come back to the US. Tessa’s family wasn’t in the picture, so she was wondering if Sharon would walk her down the aisle. Sharon said she’d be honored. Sharon said Tessa was already family. Sharon would be proud to walk down the aisle with her beautiful daughter and daughter in law on her arm. Mariah loved Sharon, but she had another idea. Mariah knew Nick wasn’t her dad, but he’d been an amazing person in her life, and he loved her like a daughter. She knew he’d been an amazing father to her twin. She was hoping he’d do for her what he couldn’t do for Cassie. She asked him to walk her down the aisle. He said he’d be honored, and they hugged.

Back at the cottage, Faith and Noah looked at pictures of Rey, and she cried. Faith was glad Noah was there. Faith didn’t understand why Sharon was rushing things instead of just letting it all out. Noah didn’t think Sharon wanted them to see her break down. Faith said they all wanted to help. Noah knew, but Sharon got to deal with her pain the way she wanted.

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Young & The Restless Update

Recap written by Christine

At the Abbott house, Kyle sent Harrison into the kitchen for some of Mrs. Martinez’s cookies. He wondered why Jack had him come to town.

“What the hell makes you think you can show your face in Genoa City after the devastation you have caused,” Nikki asked Diane. Jack and Phyllis were also in Diane’s suite, watching the confrontation. Nikki said she’d been charged with murder, which she was sure thrilled Diane. Diane said she didn’t enjoy any part of this. Diane had assumed Jack had explained her intentions for returning. Jack said he had no interest in making excuses for Diane. Diane said she’d been desperate, and she knew she had to run. Nikki asked why Diane didn’t just go without faking her death. Diane said she’d crossed some very powerful people, and she was afraid they wouldn’t leave her alone. Diane wasn’t thinking rationally, and she’d boxed herself into a corner. “If you had to play dead, you could’ve had the courtesy to stay that way,” Nikki spat.

Diane understood how Nikki felt. Nikki didn’t believe that. Nikki said Diane’s “death” set off a chain of events that wreaked havoc in the Newman family. Nikki and Victor had faced legal charges. Diane noted that the charges were dropped. Nikki assumed Diane was disappointed Nikki and Victor didn’t get life sentences. Nikki said she and Victor suffered – it had been agonizing. Nikki added that Diane’s partner in crime, Deacon, took full advantage of that. Phyllis asked if it was Diane’s idea for Deacon to blackmail Nikki for a murder she didn’t commit. Diane said she’d been a wreck, and she had no control over what was happening in Genoa City. Nikki argued that Diane could’ve come forward and revealed she was alive.

Jack got a text and told Phyllis that he had a meeting. She realized he was alluding to Kyle’s arrival. Jack wanted to take Nikki out of the room, but she insisted on staying. “It’s not like Nikki can be charged with the same murder twice,” Phyllis said. Phyllis grabbed a lamp on her way out of the room, to prevent Nikki from using it to bludgeon Diane. Jack and Phyllis left. Diane was relieved to have a chance to explain what she did and try to make amends. Diane was sure Nikki could relate. Nikki didn’t want to be compared to Diane. Diane said Nikki had changed – back then, she was drinking and violent. Nikki said when she attacked Diane, she was acting in self defense. “So was I, and that’s what you need to understand. I was scared and I was trying to protect myself,” Diane said. Deacon offered Diane an escape route, and she took it. Diane figured Deacon had his own reasons for what he did, probably involving his twisted relationship with Nikki. Nikki said she and Deacon did not have a relationship. She hadn’t thought of him in years. Diane said Deacon gave her a way out, and she was going to repay him by making the most of her life and not making the same mistakes. Nikki didn’t believe a word of that. She said Diane was still the same conniving little bitch she always was, and an apology wasn’t going to cut it, because everyone in town saw through her.

Nikki supposed she understood Jack allowing Diane to reach out to Kyle. She noted that Diane was Kyle’s mother, unfortunately for him. Nikki didn’t want Diane anywhere near her loved ones – she told Diane to stay away from Victor, Victoria and especially Nicholas. Diane said to relax – she had no designs on Nikki’s husband and son. Nikki thought Diane should stay away from Adam too. Nikki was sure people would hate Diane even more now. Diane didn’t think everyone was as unforgiving as Nikki. Nikki said that Diane would find no redemption here. “As much trouble as your murder caused me and my family, we were so relieved to finally have you out of our lives. No one has ever wanted you here, and no one ever will,” Nikki stated. She left. Diane called Jack and left a message asking him to let her know when Kyle was in town.

Jack and Phyllis went to his place and talked with Kyle. Kyle said Summer wished she could’ve come, but she’d asked him to give Phyllis a hug for her. Phyllis accepted the gesture, but she grumbled that it wasn’t the same. Jack asked about Harrison, and Kyle said he was playing upstairs. Kyle heard Rey died. Lola posted about it on social media. Jack said it was heartbreaking. Kyle was going to call Celeste and Lola. Jack thought that would be appreciated. In the few conversations he had with Celeste, she seemed close to her son. Phyllis said things like this made you count your blessings. Kyle agreed and said family was everything. Phyllis excused herself and left. Kyle knew it wasn’t like Phyllis to excuse herself. He sensed that she knew something he didn’t. He also knew Jack wouldn’t have called him here if it wasn’t something major.

Jack said this was about what happened in LA. He thanked Kyle for stepping up at Jabot and giving him the time and space to deal with his son’s passing. Kyle said of course – Keemo had been on his mind ever since he heard he died. Kyle knew it must’ve been painful that Jack missed the chance to reconcile with Keemo. Jack said that he was grateful he got to know Allie.

Jack said he didn’t even realize Keemo was back in the States. He’d received a cryptic anonymous text, and Phyllis responded to it. He’d received hints that lead him to Allie. Jack said that the person was sending him the texts because of Kyle. Kyle didn’t understand. Jack said the texter was someone they used to know. Someone who wanted their forgiveness. Jack wanted Kyle to know that opening or closing this door was completely up to him. Jack would support whatever decision Kyle made. Kyle wanted Jack to just tell him what was happening. “The person reaching out to me was your mother, Diane. She is alive. She is here, and she wants to see you,” Jack said.

At Society, Sally asked Adam how long Sharon and Rey were married. A little over a year, Adam said. Sally didn’t know Sharon that well, but from their encounters at the coffeehouse, she could tell Sharon looked content, like she was where she was supposed to be, and that she and Rey adored each other. She asked if he’d reached out to Sharon. He thought about it, but he didn’t think it’d go over well with her family, given the history. He didn’t want to do anything that would add to Sharon’s emotional burden. Sally didn’t think Adam should worry about Sharon’s family’s perception. Sally thought that What was important was if his visit made Sharon feel better. She said it was never wrong to tell your loved ones you were there for them. Adam was a little surprised Sally was encouraging this. Sally didn’t have an issue with Adam still caring about his ex. He said everyone else seemed to. She told him she wasn’t like everyone else. He knew. She’d be a lot more concerned if he didn’t give a damn about what Sharon was going through. She asked if he really thought his family would have an issue with him reaching out after what he did to save Victoria and the company from Ashland. Adam was wondering if Ashland caused the crash.

Adam spotted Ashland at the bar, and went over and loudly confronted him, despite Sally trying to keep him at their table. “You were supposed to leave town. You were paid a half a billion dollars to do it,” Adam snapped. Ashland said he only agreed to surrender control of Newman Locke and annul his marriage, not leave town. Adam said there was nothing left for Ashland here. Adam theorized that Ashland was sticking around to punish Victoria. Ashland thought Adam wouldn’t mind if that were true. “You have no affection for your sister. You just want to see her brought down a peg,” Ashland stated. Adam said that was rich coming from Ashland. Adam noted that he’d helped Victoria by removing the parasite that was Ashland from her life. Adam asked why Ashland had a bandaged hand and a boot on his foot – was he trying to garner more sympathy? Ashland said he was injured saving Victoria from the car. “You’re probably just faking your injuries like you did your cancer,” a skeptical Adam replied. Adam said that even if Ashland did rescue Victoria, it wouldn’t be enough to win her back, because no one held a grudge longer than her. Ashland said Adam would know. Adam wanted Ashland to do them all a favor and get the hell out of town.

Sally and Adam went back to his office. He wondered why Ashland was still around. Sally said that Ashland probably didn’t have much experience losing, so he might be trying to find a way to be the victor. She didn’t think he should let it get to him. He said it was hard not to when Ashland was sitting on 500 million dollars of Newman money. Victor walked in, and Adam revealed that Ashland was still in town, and he’d looked quite smug. Adam got the sense Ashland was cooking something up. Victor wasn’t going to allow Ashland to take that kind of money from him and mock him. Sally asked after Victoria, and Victor said she was okay. He thought Rey’s death added another layer of trauma to Victoria. He wondered if she knew Ashland was in town. He said they had to do everything they could to keep Ashland away from Victoria.

Adam mentioned that he was thinking of visiting Sharon and offering his condolences. Victor didn’t think that was a good idea. Sally didn’t see why not. Victor said if Adam approached Sharon now, a lot of people would think he was being opportunistic. Adam hoped Victor wasn’t one of those people. Victor said he was not. He appreciated that Adam went his own way and allowed Sharon to do the same. Adam didn’t want it to come off like he didn’t care about Sharon. Victor said Sharon knew the depth of Adam’s feelings, and she didn’t need any added conflict and stress – she had Nick and her children to comfort her.

Ashland went to The Grand Phoenix. He told Phyllis that Kyle texted him saying he was bringing Harrison to town. Now Kyle wasn’t returning his texts. Phyllis asked what Ashland wanted her to do about it. Ashland was wondering if Phyllis heard from Kyle and Jack. Phyllis pretended that when she was at the house earlier, Harrison had been sleeping. She suggested that Ashland just wait to hear from Kyle. Phyllis then changed her mind and said that she and Jack would bring Harrison over to Ashland and Victoria’s later. Ashland said thanks. He didn’t let on that he didn’t live there anymore. Phyllis asked if Ashland was okay after the accident. He lifted his hand and said he had minor burns.

Later, Nikki was exiting the elevator when she saw Ashland in the hotel lobby. She rushed to him and demanded to know what he was doing in town. He said he was here because he loved her daughter. She didn’t care about his feelings. Her concern was about helping Victoria heal. She didn’t want him to see Victoria again. He said she didn’t mind him seeing Victoria last night, when he rescued her. She appreciated him saving Victoria, but it didn’t erase the lies and deceit. Nikki would never forgive Ashland. Nikki thought that if Ashland loved Victoria, he shouldn’t insist on staying and making things worse for her. Ashland just wanted to make sure Victoria fully recovered from the accident, physically and emotionally. Nikki said that wasn’t Ashland’s place. He didn’t agree. She said Victoria’s family would help her recover. He said Victoria had free will and a beautiful fiery independent spirit, and she would decide how she wanted to deal with him. He was fed up with Nikki’s family’s constant complaints. “You’re not gonna be able to get rid of me, short of murder. So I would suggest you get used to seeing my face around here,” he stated. “We’ll see about that,” Nikki replied.

Sharon and Nick were at her place. She thanked him for insisting that she eat so she could keep her strength up. She knew Rey would’ve said the same thing. Nick told Sharon that she didn’t have to go to the morgue if she didn’t feel up to it. Sniffling, she said she needed to see Rey one more time. She didn’t think she could do it without Nick’s support. They hugged. Victoria came in, using her cane for support. Victoria said she was there if Sharon needed her. Victoria said that she was fine – the kids were there for her, and Nick had been wonderful. Victoria offered to bring meals or hang out with Faith. Nick said that was kind, but they had this handled. He said they were about to take off. Sharon excused herself and went upstairs, where she quietly shook and cried.

Victoria wished she’d been able to stay with Rey after the crash, so she could’ve told Sharon he wasn’t alone. Nick said that was beyond Victoria’s control, since she’d been unconscious and lucky to survive. Nick asked if Ashland chased Victoria and forced her off the road. She said he’d been following her, and he said he’d been worried about her driving in the fog while she was upset. Nick wanted to know what Ashland said at the office. Victoria said the details weren’t important now – she made it clear to Ashland that they were done. She admitted Ashland was right – she shouldn’t have been out driving in that state. She felt guilty. He said it wasn’t her fault, it was Ashland’s. Sharon returned. She’d overheard. She wasn’t looking for anyone to blame – it was an accident. Victoria appreciated that. She didn’t come here looking for absolution. Sharon knew why Victoria came.

Victoria went to Crimson Lights. Chelsea saw the cane and offered to get Victoria’s order, so the could have a seat. Victoria said it looked worse than it was. Chelsea said Victoria got lucky. Victoria agreed. Chelsea admitted that came out wrong. Chelsea said she’d been a little off – Rey’s death was so shocking and horrible. Victoria thought Rey’s death must be strange for Chelsea because she tried to kill him a year ago. “What happened last night is something that you tried to make happen before,” Victoria stated. Chelsea said she wasn’t in her right mind then, and she never wanted Rey to die. This was hitting her hard because Rey was a good friend.

Chelsea said Rey had every reason not to trust her, but he treated her with compassion and forgiveness. He was a sweet man who was good with Connor. He was on the road last night because he was taking her and Connor to hockey game. He left the tickets at home, went back to get them, and he never returned. Chelsea knew something was wrong, because Rey would never disappoint Connor like that. Victoria had no idea. She was sorry for Chelsea’s loss. Chelsea said Rey was one of the greatest men she’d ever known.

Nick and Sharon arrived at Crimson Lights after Victoria left. Chelsea approached and said Rey was a wonderful man, and she was truly sorry. Nick wanted to take Sharon home. Sharon had some things to do here, and she wanted to talk to Mariah about the wedding. Chelsea thought that Sharon could put that aside for now while she mourned. “I shouldn’t be mourning at all,” Sharon snapped.

When Victoria got to her office, Victor was there. He announced that Ashland was in town. She knew. Ashland had called her. Victor was angry about that, but Victoria said Ashland was just checking on her. She said that Ashland was out of the company, and the marriage was being annulled so he had no power over them. Victor thought things might be more complex than that. Victoria said she’d told Victor yesterday that she couldn’t just make her feelings for Ashland disappear, and that was even before he saved her life. It wasn’t an issue though because she was moving on.

Victoria learned her lesson, and she wasn’t tempted to trust Ashland again. She wished she’d caught on sooner. She knew Victor tried to warn her. He wasn’t there to scold her. He said that the hour between Victoria’s call to Nikki being cut off and finding Victoria in the cabin was arguably the most difficult moment of his life. He was so glad she was okay. She was sorry she scared him and her mom. She was sorry for so many things. They were sitting on the couch together. He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close. He didn’t want her to be sorry about anything. He promised everything would be okay.
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Young & The Restless Update

Recap written by Christine

Jack and Phyllis were at the hotel talking about the accident. He marveled at the odds of three people they knew in separate cars being in the same accident. Jack thought the merciful part was that, according to the news, Rey died instantly, so he didn’t suffer. He was sure Ashland and Victoria were devastated. Phyllis knew Sharon was having a horrible time. Jack was going to visit Sharon later today. Phyllis shifted gears and said Diane was upstairs, and Kyle was on his way to town. Jack was dreading the conversation he had to have with his son. Phyllis was glad Jack didn’t tell Diane Kyle was on his way, otherwise she wouldn’t be able to restrain herself. Jack grumbled about Diane showing up unannounced and unwelcome.

Upstairs, Diane seemed upset. She remembered Jack lashing out at her. He was angry that she went back on their agreement and came to town before he spoke with Kyle. Diane had explained that she’d thought Phyllis was right that Kyle would leave without seeing her. She came because she just wanted to be close by. Jack said Kyle had the right to leave without seeing Diane. Furthermore, that’s what Jack wanted to happen. Diane wished Jack wouldn’t be so heartless. She asked if it was that impossible for him to believe she’d changed and was worthy of being a Kyle’s mother. He didn’t believe she changed. He couldn’t ignore the past and just take her word that she wouldn’t break Kyle’s heart. He spat that he didn’t want her in their lives.

Downstairs, Phyllis was glad to hear Jack put Diane in her place. He said it didn’t do any good, since she was still here and determined to spend time with Kyle. Phyllis had ways of keeping an eye on Diane. According to Phyllis, Diane was staying in her room, for the most part. Jack was hoping to tell Nikki about Diane soon, but given what happened last night, he was sure Nikki would be focused on Victoria and Ashland. He hoped Diane would stay hidden. Phyllis said Diane would stay hidden if she knew what was good for her. Meanwhile, Diane got fed up with hiding out. She put on her hat and sunglasses and left her room.

Jack was telling Phyllis about Kyle’s travel plans when they saw Diane exit the elevator. They rushed over and ordered her to go back to the room. Diane wasn’t planning to see anyone, she just wanted to stretch her legs and go for a walk. Jack didn’t want any of Diane’s enemies finding out she was alive before he had a chance to talk to Kyle. Phyllis said this was her lobby, and she wanted Diane out of it. She said perhaps they’d send a masseuse up to the room, and a bottle of wine, without arsenic. Diane commented that it sounded like a threat. Nikki came in, and Jack went over to her, while Phyllis hustled Diane back into the elevator.

Nikki wanted to know who that woman was that Phyllis put into the elevator. Jack asked how Victoria was. She was physically fine, but they were all shaken up about Rey. Jack said Rey was a good man. Nikki said Victoria was quite upset, even though it wasn’t her fault. Jack asked how Ashland was, and Nikki said he’d be fine. Nikki asked why Jack evaded her question about the woman in the elevator. She could tell he was hiding something. He asked if she had the time and emotional strength to discuss this. She was doing fine, and her meeting was canceled, so she had the time. He announced that Diane was alive, well and in Genoa City.

Nikki thought that this woman was an impostor, since Diane was dead. Jack said he and Phyllis had spoken to Diane at length. He explained that Diane had made an enemy of everyone in Genoa City, so she faked her own death and started a new life. Nikki spent years thinking she killed Diane in self defense. She asked how Diane pulled this off. Jack said Deacon Sharpe helped. Nikki called Deacon an SOB. He said Diane was still a master manipulator. Nikki insisted on seeing Diane.

“Don’t you dare leave this room without a word to me first, please,” Phyllis said. She and Diane were back upstairs in the suite. Diane wanted the free wine, and Phyllis said no. She wasn’t giving Diane a free massage either. Diane noted that Phyllis lied to her face. Phyllis was unapologetic. Phyllis said she’d lie to Diane until she understood the severity of the situation. Diane did understand. Phyllis said she could take more stringent measures, like taking Diane’s phone, handcuffing her to the bed or locking her in the closet. Diane told Phyllis to stay out of this, because this was about her, Jack and their son, not Phyllis. “This is very much about me,” Phyllis stated, noting that Kyle was her son in law. She refused to go anywhere.

Diane knew Summer and Kyle were married, but she refused to acknowledge she and Phyllis were on the same family tree. Phyllis found it equally abhorrent. Phyllis said whatever Diane did to Kyle affected Summer. Phyllis noted that Diane made an agreement not come to Genoa City until Kyle knew the truth and had time to process this. Diane asked when that would be. Phyllis said she had no idea. Phyllis said Diane was free to broadcast her return and parade around town, but she didn’t think Kyle would appreciate the lack of sensitivity. Diane said Phyllis had a talent for blowing things out of proportion. Diane was going to take a walk in disguise – she had a teeny bit of experience remaining undetected. Phyllis said not in Genoa City. Diane didn’t care what Phyllis believed – the only people who mattered to Diane were Jack and Kyle. Jack brought Nikki up to the room, and she came face to face with Diane. Phyllis smiled.

Kyle and Harrison arrived at the Abbott house. Their plane got in early. Nobody was home, even though Jack had said he’d be there all day. Kyle wondered what came up.

Mariah and Tessa were at home. Tessa was surprised Mariah wanted to be here instead of at Sharon’s. Mariah thought that Sharon would want some space after getting home from the morgue, since it seemed like having all those people around was getting to her. Tessa was surprised Faith decided to go to school. Mariah suggested that Faith wanted to keep busy. Mariah called Faith and left a message saying to reach out if she needed to talk. Mariah thought Rey and Sharon should’ve gotten many years together, but that was lost now. Noah dropped by to check on Mariah and Tessa. Noah felt horrible, but he knew it was nothing compared to what Sharon was feeling. He left the house hoping that Nick could help Sharon the way the rest of them couldn’t. Noah wanted to do something. Tessa suggested that just being there for Sharon would help. Noah felt like nothing would be enough. He couldn’t wrap his head around Rey’s life being cut so brutally short. He said Sharon and Rey were happy together. Tessa said Rey and Sharon worked really hard. Tessa said there was a quiet, beautiful intimacy between Rey and Sharon. Tessa said Rey made an effort to plan romantic nights, and Sharon always had a coffee waiting when he got off work.

“Fireworks are fabulous, but it’s nothing without a foundation,” Tessa added. What Rey and Sharon had felt like it could survive everything. Noah said it survived Sharon’s illness and Adam’s interference. Mariah worried for Sharon, and she felt sick about Rey, but underneath that, she was thinking about what it would be like to lose a person who was your whole life. Mariah felt selfish and guilty for even thinking that. Tessa thought Mariah’s feelings were natural. Mariah wondered if people were insane to even love so deeply when there was so much to lose. Noah said that it was hard to find love, so when you did, you had to hold onto it as hard as you can without fear. Tessa said she was safe and well, and she’d do anything to stay by Mariah’s side, for better or worse. Mariah believed that, and she said Tessa’s reassurance sounded a lot like wedding vows. Mariah thought the wedding should be postponed. Tessa agreed, but Noah didn’t think that was fair to Sharon.

Noah noted that Mariah and Tessa chose a date – Friday the 13^th. Tessa knew the next one wasn’t until January. He thought they should honor Sharon’s wishes and have the wedding. Mariah doubted Sharon knew what she wanted since she was in shock after the death of her husband. Noah conceded that in the past, Sharon didn’t always realize what was best for her, but after everything she’d been through, she was stronger than ever. He suggested that this wedding could help Sharon cope. Noah didn’t mean to pressure the couple. He said if they needed to postpone because of their grief, they should do so, but he didn’t think they should push it back for Sharon, when she made it clear that she didn’t want that. Mariah said Noah was pretty smart. Mariah suggested it was the perfect time – saying their vows while they grieved Rey and spreading a little hope and joy.

Nick and Sharon were at her place. He thought she should hold off on going to the morgue until she made plans about Rey’s funeral. Sharon realized it made sense for Celeste to want Rey buried in Miami. She asked what she should do – let Rey be buried in Miami or keep him here, where he built a life with her. He asked if she really wanted his opinion, or if she was thinking out loud. She truly wanted to know what he thought. He thought she should think about what Rey would want. Sharon smiled as she thought back to visiting Miami with Rey. A couple of times, Rey asked if Sharon could see herself moving to Florida and getting away from snowy Wisconsin. She thought he was joking, though. She thought part of Rey never left Miami, more than he was willing to admit. She knew he wished he could spend more time with his family there, and now they’d never get to see him again. She thought Rey would want to be buried near his family, where they could visit him and feel close.

Sharon said she’d call Celeste so she could make arrangements. Sharon was going to do as much as she could to help Celeste with that. Nick wanted Sharon to let the family help her with this, but she said she needed to do this herself. Once she was finished, she could focus on the wedding. Abby and Chance came by with food and condolences. Sharon knew Chance must be shattered to lose his partner and friend. Chance said some kind things about Rey’s impact on the community.

Nick said he’d call Celeste back while Sharon visited with her guests. He just wanted to do this for her. She appreciated that. He left the room. Abby and Chance said they were there for Sharon. Sharon noted that Chance was the last one to hear Rey’s voice. She asked how he sounded. Chance said Rey sounded normal. Sharon said the last time she saw Rey, she kissed him and said she loved him. It was very casual, and they’d done that many times before. She was glad she did that. She had no idea it would be their last goodbye. She cried, and Abby took Sharon’s hands.

Sharon apologized, but Chance and Abby made it clear they didn’t mind. Sharon said she had to keep herself together, or she’d turn into a puddle. According to Chance, Paul often said he respected Rey’s instincts. Rey was a good influence on the younger officers. Everyone knew Rey always had their back, and not just at work. Rey had been kind and patient and supportive with Chance. Chance knew Rey would be straight with him, even when it was tough. Chance would never forget Rey. Later, Abby and Chance left. Nick said Celeste was grateful Sharon was honoring her request. Nick called and made arrangements to have Rey transferred to Miami after the autopsy. Sharon realized that meant she didn’t have that much time to get to the morgue to say goodbye. She asked Nick to go with her. He said yes, but he asked if she was up for that. She wasn’t sure how she could ever be ready, but she knew she needed to see Rey.

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Young & The Restless Update

Recap written by Christine

Nick was at Sharon’s house with Faith and Noah. He remarked that it was a beautiful morning, like the universe was trying to make them feel better. It was clear that Faith had been crying. Noah had called Mariah and Tessa and taken on the awful task of telling them Rey died. Nick said the next few days would be difficult, and they’d need to support Sharon. Faith was trying her best to keep it together in front of her mom. Nick told Faith not to hold back her emotions. He meant that they’d need to pick up the slack and do things so that Sharon didn’t have to worry about them. He asked if they’d seen Sharon. They hadn’t, but Faith heard Sharon moving around last night, so she probably didn’t get much sleep. Nick said they’d let her rest as long as she wanted. He’d gone to Crimson Lights and broken the news – one of the baristas was going to open and close for awhile. Faith said she’d take over the cooking and cleaning at home. Nick guessed he’d call Rey’s mom and siblings, Celeste, Arturo and Lola. Noah said he’d take care of the funeral arrangements. Sharon appeared and said no – that was for her to do. She was holding things together well at the moment.

Nick thought Sharon should rest. Sharon said she had things to do, and she was going to be strong, because Rey wouldn’t want her to fall apart. Sharon went to her laptop. Her kids flanked her on either side and offered her food and warm drinks. Sharon said she was fine, and she didn’t need to be babysat. She didn’t want them hiding their feelings around her – they were all in this together. She vowed that they’d get through this together, for Rey. Sharon said she was going to call Celeste. Nick offered to call or have someone from the police department call. Sharon fought back tears. She was going to do it. She’d already practiced the conversation. But how do you tell a mother that her son was dead, she asked. Noah and Faith knelt down by Sharon, who regained control of her emotions.

Sharon made the call. “My wonderful husband and your beloved son is gone.” When the show cut back to Sharon, she was wrapping up a longer call with Celeste. Sharon sent her love to the family and promised to tell them once more was known about the accident. Sharon said she was going to handle the funeral, and she wanted to know if Celeste had requests. Celeste said something that caught Sharon off guard. The call ended. Nick told Sharon she was brave to make that call. Nick wanted to know what Celeste said to upset Sharon at the end of the call. Before Sharon could answer, Mariah and Tessa came in, and they hugged her. Mariah said they needed to call Lola. Tessa said that they should let Lola’s mom tell her the news, then they’d call her later. Sharon knew there were a lot of people who needed to be called. Noah said he already told the immediate family. Sharon said thanks. Sharon wondered if Chelsea and Connor knew. Sharon said that Connor loved Rey. Faith replied that everyone did. Sharon was worried about who’d tell Connor. Nick already told Adam, and he was going to handle it.

Mariah offered to stay at the cottage if Sharon wanted her to. Tessa said they could also take Faith if Sharon wanted to be alone. “We don’t need any more disruptions to our normal routine, okay. This is upsetting enough without more disruptions!” Sharon snapped, tears streaming down her cheeks. Tessa and Mariah said okay. Sharon thought Tessa and Mariah need to be together now to plan their wedding. Mariah said they couldn’t go through with the wedding under these circumstances – they were going to postpone. Sharon said she couldn’t let them do that. Tessa said this wasn’t the time for celebration. Mariah added that it wouldn’t be the same without Rey. Sharon insisted that Rey would want the wedding to go forward without delay. Faith was sure Rey would understand pushing the wedding back. Sharon yelled that the wedding must go on as planned because Rey would hate it if he were responsible for delaying the big day. Nick gently suggested they take a step back and focus on the funeral right now. Sharon became quietly upset, and Mariah asked what was wrong. Celeste wanted to bring Rey home for the funeral and burial.

Nick asked how Sharon felt about Rey being buried in Miami. She didn’t know. She’d just assumed he’d be buried here, but she guessed it made sense for him to be in Miami, where he was born and raised. Sharon recognized that, to Celeste, Miami was Rey’s home. Faith said this was Rey’s home too. Sharon agreed with Faith. “He belongs here with me. With us. We are his family,” Sharon stated. Noah could see the other side – if something happened to him or Sharon’s other kids, she’d move heaven and earth to get them back to Genoa City. As a mother, Sharon understood Celeste, but she still felt that Rey belonged here, with them. She asked if they had suggestions. Nick thought Sharon should think on it. Sharon picked up her wedding photo and said Rey was good at helping her make choices like this.

Sharon made everyone smile with a story about Rey rescuing a duckling. She shifted gears and said she had to go to the morgue to say goodbye to Rey. She accepted when Nick offered to drive her. Sharon picked up Rey’s jacket and hugged it and inhaled his scent. Noah called Sharon, and she said she was fine. She told Nick they could go. Mariah had something to say – something Sharon had told her in the past: “Please let your emotions out. We’re strong enough to handle your grief and we want to help you through it.” Faith, Noah, Nick and Tessa echoed the sentiments. They all wanted to be there for Sharon. Sharon said she needed to be strong, because if she let go, she might not ever recover.

Adam dropped by Chelsea’s hotel suite. She immediately knew something was wrong, since he never showed up unannounced. She asked if it was Connor. Connor was fine. He took a deep breath and said there had been an accident last night. Her face fell, and she knew it was Rey, but she didn’t understand the gravity of the situation. She’d known something wasn’t right when he didn’t return last night, because he’d been so excited to take Connor to the game. She grabbed her phone, intending to call Rey and tease him about going to extremes to avoid this game. Adam clarified that Rey was driving back from the ranch with the tickets when he got into a crash, and he died. Adam was sorry. Chelsea had to sit down. She didn’t understand how this happened. Adam said it was a foggy and there was a three car accident, involving Victoria and Ashland. She asked if they were okay, and he said yes. She asked if Sharon knew, and he said Nick told her. She asked if Connor knew.

Adam thought he and Chelsea should tell Connor together. He kept Connor out of school today, so he wouldn’t hear it from the teachers or kids. Chelsea started to cry, but she pulled herself together, because Connor had to be their focus. She said Connor was a sensitive kid who adored Rey, and his bond with Rey was growing. He said he’d go get Connor while she had some time to process the news. He said this was a horrible accident, and it wasn’t anyone’s fault, and they had to make sure Connor understood that.

Chelsea was alone. She flashed back to convincing Rey to go to the game with her and Connor. She started to cry. Adam brought Connor. He was still in his hockey jersey, and Chelsea hugged him. Connor knew it was never good when his parents wanted to talk to him together. He asked if he was in trouble, and Adam said no. Chelsea said they had some sad news. She couldn’t bring herself to say more, so Adam took over and broke the news. At first, Connor was in denial, then he asked if Rey died because he went home to get the hockey tickets. “He was driving because he was taking me to a game,” Connor said. Adam was emphatic that this was not Connor’s fault; this was an accident, and no one knew what caused it. Connor nodded. Connor felt bad for Chelsea, because she and Rey had become good friends. Chelsea said she’d miss Rey a lot. She and her son hugged. Adam was going to take Connor for ice cream on their way back to the ranch, but he said he was too sad for that. Chelsea said it was okay to be sad. She promised they’d do something to honor Rey’s memory later. He liked that idea. He and Adam left. Chelsea still had her hockey ticket (Rey had his and Connor’s). She ripped the ticket up and screamed.

Ashland sat on his bed in a suite at the Grand Phoenix. He flashed back to rescuing Victoria from the burning car. He started to weep, Just then, there was a knock on the door, so he wiped his face and answered it. It was Victor. Ashland asked how Victor knew where to find him. Victor was keeping tabs on Ashland. Ashland noted that he’d evaded Victor’s men pretty easily last night. “And if you hadn’t, that accident could have been avoided,” Victor said. Victor was furious because he gave Ashland a half a billion dollars to get the hell out of town, and yet he was still here. Ashland said he honored the terms of the deal – he left the company and agreed to have the marriage annulled, so he didn’t know why Victor was so upset. He noted that Victor didn’t say anything to him last night at the hospital. Victor said he went to the hospital to see his daughter, and he was concerned about her welfare, not Ashland’s. Victor didn’t come here today to see how Ashland was doing. Ashland knew that.

Victor demanded to know what happened. Ashland understood the family despised him, and for good reason, but his love for Victoria had always been genuine. Victor told Ashland to save the romantic nonsense for his diary and give him the facts about the accident. Ashland said he left the office last night. Victor clarified that Victoria threw Ashland out. Ashland continued – he’d wanted to make sure Victoria was okay, and he spotted Victor’s guys and assumed they were there to run him out of town, so he’d driven around for awhile until he lost them. He went back to Newman Tower, and it was around the same time Victoria was leaving. He thought she was going home, and there was a lot of fog, so he followed her to make sure she made it safely. It turned out she was going for a much longer drive.

Ashland had kept his distance as he tailed Victoria. He saw another car approaching from the other direction, that turned out to be Rey’s, though Ashland didn’t know that at the time. Rey had been driving erratically for some reason, perhaps trying to avoid something in the road, but it was so foggy that Ashland couldn’t know for sure. He saw Rey’s car veer into Victoria’s lane and come straight at her. She swerved and went off the road and into a tree. Ashland had been watching Victoria’s car, so he didn’t realize at first that Rey’s car was now coming straight for him. Ashland turned sharply and got hit in the side by Rey’s car. He guessed the impact made Rey’s car flip, but he didn’t see that happen. However, when he saw Rey’s car later, it was upside down. Ashland’s car hit something, and he was knocked unconscious for what he assumed was a brief period. When he came to, he saw Victoria’s car, and he struggled to get out of his car, and he rushed to her. The flames got more intense, but he didn’t care. Just after he pulled her out, her car became engulfed in flames.

Victor acknowledged Ashland risked his own life to save Victoria’s. Despite all the disdain Victor had for Ashland, and despite all the damage Ashland caused the family, Victor was grateful. Ashland didn’t need or expect gratitude from Victor or any of the other Newmans. He saved Victoria because she needed saving, and he’d never stop loving her. Victor ordered Ashland to leave town and stay away from Victoria. Ashland thought that should be up to Victoria. Victor pointed out that Victoria never would’ve been on that road if it weren’t for Ashland. “You are responsible for her being on that road and for that accident and for Rey Rosales’ death as much as anyone,” Victor snapped. Ashland refused to leave town, stating that he needed time to heal. Victor headed toward the door. He made it clear that Ashland would have hell to pay if he didn’t leave.

Victoria was at work. She had a bruised face, and she massaged an achy shoulder. She looked up at the spot on the wall where her portrait used to be. Nikki came in. She’d been calling Victoria and went to her house to check on her, earlier. Victoria said she’d turned off her phone. She had a lot to do, and she’d been cleared for work. Nikki heard the doctor tell Victoria how lucky she was to only have a sprained knee. Victoria noted she’d gotten a knee brace and a ridiculous cane to use. Nikki thought Victoria needed to rest mentally, after the shock of the accident and everything with Ashland and… “And Rey’s death,” Victoria said. Nikki thought Victoria was at work too soon. Victoria needed a distraction from the guilt. Nikki didn’t think Victoria should feel guilty. “I know Mom, okay. Everybody says that I shouldn’t feel guilt but I do,” Victoria snapped. Victoria admitted she never should’ve been driving after what happened with Ashland, especially not in the fog. Nikki was adamant that Rey’s death wasn’t Victoria’s fault. Victoria asked how anyone knew that.

Victoria didn’t remember much about the accident. It was all a blur. She just remembered being upset and on the phone with Nikki. Nikki said the police would investigate and they might be able to give Victoria some answers that might alleviate some of her guilt. Victoria said one minute she was driving, and the next she was surrounded by flames being pulled out of the car. “He risked his life to save mine. The very person that I wanted to forget and the reason I was out driving in the first place,” she said. Victoria said Ashland saved her life, and not Rey’s, and that only compounded her grief and guilt. Nikki told Victoria to stop thinking like that. Nikki said what happened to Rey was heartbreaking, but Victoria was alive, and Nikki thanked God, and even Ashland for that. Ashland called Victoria. She acted like it was a business call, and she asked Nikki to leave. Nikki walked out.

Victoria asked what Ashland wanted. He said he looked for her at the hospital after his burns were treated, and he was told she already left. He wanted to know if she was okay. She was fine. She had bruises and a sprained knee. He was glad. He’d been replaying the fire in his mind. It was a like a hellscape and it could’ve been a lot worse. She said he pulled her out. She asked about his burns and his foot. He was in pain, but he could handle it. He added that he probably deserved the pain. She said Rey didn’t deserve what he got last night. He agreed. She couldn’t help feeling responsible. He told her that if she wanted to blame someone, she should blame him. She asked how she could do that, when he saved her. She asked where he was, and he told her. He added that he’d be leaving town soon. Victoria had assumed he would. He apologized for everything. Victor walked in, and Victoria abruptly ended the call.

Victor encouraged Victoria to go home and rest. She said the future of Newman Locke was entirely on her shoulders, and she didn’t want to let anyone down. Victor found Victoria’s determination admirable, but he thought she should rest. He suggested they let Adam continue as temporary CEO until she sorted things out with Ashland. She vehemently disagreed with that idea.
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Young & The Restless Update

Recap written by Christine

In the cabin, Victoria didn’t want to believe Rey was dead. She thought Ashland must be mistaken since he didn’t even know Rey. Ashland knew what Rey looked like, because he’d seen him around town. Victoria was in shock. She said she knew Rey well, and he worked hard and loved his wife a lot; he took time off work to help her when she got sick. She recalled Sharon saying Rey saved her life. She insisted that they go back to the accident right now and see who the man really was, because they owed it to him and his family to make sure he got help. Ashland maintained that Victoria was in no position to travel, but she didn’t want to hear it. Crying and frantic, she ordered him to take her right now.

Victoria said Rey could be unconscious or severely injured, and they needed to stay with him and keep him warm until the paramedics arrived. She asked if he even tried CPR – they couldn’t just leave Rey all alone. Ashland was sorry, but Rey was dead. Victoria said they couldn’t just give up on him. Ashland checked Rey earlier – he wasn’t breathing, and he didn’t have a pulse. Ashland had even waited for awhile, then checked for a pulse again. He was dead. Victoria sobbed. “I can’t believe I did this,” she said. Ashland reiterated that the accident wasn’t her fault. He was right behind her and saw everything.

Victoria wanted to hear about the accident. Ashland didn’t think they should discuss it again right now, but she insisted, so he went through the story again. Rey’s car crossed the center line toward Victoria, then it crashed. It was so foggy that Ashland couldn’t see clearly, but he theorized that Rey swerved into Victoria’s lane because he’d been trying to avoid something in the road. “Nobody should’ve been on the road. I wasn’t thinking,” Victoria cried. Ashland agreed and said it was dangerous to drive out there at any speed. She asked if she’d been speeding – she didn’t recall going fast. He wasn’t saying she was speeding. He told her the police would figure all that out later. Right now, he said she needed to get to a hospital. She noted that his hand was burned. He claimed he was fine. “You’re lying,” she said. “It’s what I do,” he dryly replied.

Victoria thought Ashland must be in excruciating pain. He was concerned with getting her to the hospital to make sure she didn’t have any internal bleeding. She claimed to be fine, and he said he thought they should get a doctor’s opinion on that. She asked what about him. He said getting help for her was the only thing that mattered to her. He got choked up when he thought back to seeing her in that car. She started crying again, and he told her it would be okay, but she disagreed. “I don’t care what you say – Rey is dead because of me,” she said. He insisted that it was a terrible accident.

Ashland was going to go look for help. Victoria wanted to go too, and she wanted to see Rey. She tried to stand, but she couldn’t, due to her knee. He started to check it, and she told him to stop. He asked if he hurt her, and she said no, but she knew he was in pain too, and she said he didn’t have to worry about her. He limped around looking for a first aid kit, and he found two water bottles. Since it was chilly out, the bottles would work as a makeshift cold-pack. He told her to keep one on her knee and drink the other. He asked her to promise not to get up, because it could further damage her knee. She promised, and he headed toward the door, vowing to come back with help ASAP. She thanked him for saving her.

Ashland knew Victoria probably wouldn’t believe him, and he understood why, but when he regained consciousness and saw her in the car with flames around her, he knew he had to save her. He said she was the reason he found the strength to free himself. “I couldn’t let you die in a burning car.” The irony wasn’t lost on Victoria that he’d let the real Ashland die in a burning car. Ashland said he didn’t think about that until he knew she was safe, but once she was out of danger, the connection hit him hard. It took him right back to that night, and to the friend he couldn’t save. He didn’t want to think about that right now though. Right now his job was to get her help and get her safe. “Why is that so important to you? Why can’t you just let me go?,” Victoria asked.

At Society, Victor informed Nikki and Nick that there was an accident reported on Highway B, just outside of town. His security team was on the way. No one had heard from Ashland, and Victor was concerned he was involved in the accident. Nick said he’d go out to the scene. Nikki wanted to go too, and Victor said if she was going, so was he. Nick convinced his parents to stay, because if Victoria wasn’t in the accident, she was going to show up at the restaurant looking for them. Victor told Nick to drive safe in the bad weather. Later, Nikki was worried because they hadn’t heard anything from Nick. Victor thought Nick had taken their advice and driven slowly. Nikki regretted letting Victoria go off on her own when she was so upset over what Ashland did to her. Nikki thought they should go look for their daughter. Victor said they were going to do as their son said and stay put. He added that Victoria was strong.

Out on Crimson Lights patio, Chance told Connor, Chelsea and Sharon about a hockey game he saw. Sharon was on edge, but trying to suppress it. She promised Connor that Rey would make this up to him. Connor said it was okay – Rey probably got called away on police business. Connor likened it to a super hero who went where they were needed, even if it was in the middle of dinner or homework. Chance said Sharon knew all about that, and he asked how many times Rey had been called away from dinner. Sharon smiled stiffly and said it was more times than she cared to remember. Chance started telling a story about a hockey game at Walnut Grove. Chelsea saw Sharon check her phone and step away from the table. Connor wanted to play hide and seek in the fog, and Chance was on board, but Chelsea said no. Connor moaned that Chelsea vetoed everything fun. Sharon went inside, and Chelsea followed her.

Chelsea was sure it must be hard being married to a cop. Sharon was used to not hearing from Rey when he was working on a case, but tonight… Sharon knew Connor was looking forward to the game, and she was really sorry. She knew whatever was keeping Rey must be really important. Chelsea said it was fine. She was sure Rey would come back with a really intriguing story. Sharon wasn’t sure if she was tired or if the fog was making her say this, but she couldn’t shake this feeling that there was a connection between her husband and Chelsea. Sharon suggested that Chelsea would want to get to know Rey better if he weren’t married.

Sharon had her arms crossed as she looked at Chelsea. “You want to know if I have a crush on your husband?,” Chelsea asked. Sharon clarified that those weren’t her exact words. “If I say yes are you and the other cheerleaders gonna write nasty things about me in your burn book?,” Chelsea flippantly asked. Sharon wasn’t trying to set Chelsea up. Sharon thought Rey went above and beyond to let Chelsea know he forgave her and he was rooting for her to get back on her feet. Sharon loved Rey so much because that was the kind of guy he was – kind and generous. Sharon said Chelsea and Rey’s relationship went beyond forgiveness, and he started treating her like a friend. Chelsea said she and Rey were just friends, and no matter what happened in the past, because of the dark things Chelsea experienced, Rey was there for Chelsea and her kid, and she’d always consider that a gift.

Chelsea asked if Sharon thought Chelsea overstepped. Sharon wasn’t accusing Chelsea of anything. She just had these feelings lately, and she didn’t like pretending they didn’t exist, so she was saying something. Sharon said that Chelsea didn’t owe her an answer. Chelsea wanted to be honest, assuming Sharon wouldn’t hold it against her. Chelsea thought Rey was incredible, great with kids and a great friend to her, and obviously he knew how to have a relationship without pain and drama, but the reality was that he and Sharon were happily married. Sharon agreed that they were, and she thanked Chelsea for her honesty. Chelsea thought Sharon was asking her this due to Chelsea and Sharon’s history together. Sharon said that wasn’t why she was asking. Chelsea said that even if she had a fleeting thought about Rey, it didn’t matter, because she didn’t have a shot. Chelsea said Sharon and Rey were amazing together. Sharon agreed and said she knew how lucky she was to have him. It was clear to Chelsea that Rey felt the same way about Sharon.

Chance discreetly took a call from the station about the accident on Highway B. He learned there had been a fatality. Sharon and Chelsea returned to the patio and asked if it was a call from the station. He said yes. Sharon said that if he ran into his handsome partner, have him call his wife. He said he would, and he left. Sharon and Chelsea exchanged a concerned look. Later, Sharon let Connor taste test a cookie. Connor had learned from Rey that you always needed to have at least two cookies to be sure you liked them. Sharon joked that she was going to have to have a talk with Det. Rosales.

Connor said he’d put his saucer on the tray, since Rey also told him to clean up after himself. Chelsea noted that she said that all the time. Connor thought it was different when Rey said it. He went inside. Sharon said she didn’t mean to accuse Chelsea of anything. It had just been one of those nights. Chelsea was glad she and Sharon talked. Sharon was too. It was late, so Chelsea decided to take Connor home. Sharon was sorry things didn’t work out. Chelsea said it was fine, just to let Rey know Connor would want a rain check. Once Sharon was alone, she stopped masking her fear, and she adopted a worried expression.

Back at Society, Victor tried to convince Nikki to order some molten chocolate cake. She knew he was trying to distract her from worrying about Victoria. He said he was trying to distract himself. Nick called. He was in the woods at the accident site, and he saw three cars, including Victoria and Ashland’s. Nick figured Victoria and Ashland went to look for help. Victor asked about the third driver. Nick got choked up and said it was Rey, and he didn’t make it. He knew Sharon, Faith, Arturo and Lola would be heartbroken. “Everybody loves this guy,” Nick said. Victor asked if there was any sign of Victoria, and Nick said no, so that meant she was probably alive, but they had to get to her. Victor said he and Nikki were on their way. The call ended. Nikki felt for Sharon and wondered how Ashland was involved in all this.

Out on Highway B, Chance assured Nick that the cops were looking for Victoria and Ashland. Nick mentioned that his parents were on their way. Chance didn’t think anyone should be out on the road right now. Nick didn’t know what to say about Rey – Chance’s partner. Chance said Rey had gone home to get the tickets for the hockey game. When the station called Chance and said there was a fatality, he’d gotten a feeling. Chance stared off into the distance, and Nick asked if he was okay. Chance said he had to be, for Rey’s sake.

Nick asked if Chance told Sharon about the fatality. He didn’t, because he was hoping his gut feeling was wrong and that it wasn’t Rey. Chance was going to send an officer to talk to Sharon, but Nick didn’t think she should hear it from a stranger, even if it was one of Rey’s colleagues. Chance had to stay at the scene, so he suggested Nick do it. Nick said this was coming out of nowhere, and it would shatter Sharon. Chance said that was why this needed to come from someone Sharon trusted. Chance knew Nick was worried about his sister, and he promised they’d find her. Nick said they needed to find Ashland too. Chance promised to keep Nick up to date and that they’d get Victoria the help she needed.

Sharon closed Crimson Lights, then she called Rey and left voicemail. She said she loved him, and she asked him to let her know where he was.

Back at the cabin, Victoria asked why Ashland kept saying he had feelings for her when he’d just signed a contract saying their marriage wasn’t real. He contended that the contract was a meaningless piece of paper. “Much like our marriage license,” she replied. He said it had nothing to do with his real feelings for her. She said she lied about wanting to run off with him because she wanted him to sign away the company and she wanted to get him out of her life. She asked why he followed her from Newman Tower – what was his brilliant plan? He said he didn’t have a plan. He said he already told her he followed her to make sure she’d be okay on the road, because she’d been upset when she left the office. She wanted to know why he risked his life to save hers. “Victoria, I love you. No matter what’s happened… you mean everything to me,” he said. She wondered if this was his way of trying to get her forgiveness. He swore that this wasn’t a calculated act. He knew she hated him, and he said he’d figure out a way to live with that, as long as he knew she was alive.

Victoria heard Nikki yelling her name, and she responded. Nikki and Victor walked into the cabin, and Nikki rushed to Victoria and hugged her. Ashland shared that Victoria hurt her leg. Victor tersely said that when they had questions for Ashland, they’d ask him. Victoria asked about Rey, and Victor said that was nothing for Victoria to worry about right now. “Ashland told me that [Rey] didn’t survive, and I think maybe he’s wrong, because I would know,” Victoria replied. Nikki said the paramedics were on the scene. Victor added that they’d take Victoria to the hospital. Victoria refused to go anywhere until she knew what happened to Rey.

Victoria asked where Rey was. Nikki said the paramedics were putting him into the ambulance. Victoria misunderstood and sighed in relief. Victor had to gently clarify that Rey was dead. Nikki added that Nick went to tell Sharon. Victoria said she had to fix this. Ashland told Victoria it wasn’t her fault. “What in the world are you even doing here, Ashland? Are you responsible for this accident?,” Victor demanded. Victoria said it wasn’t Ashland’s fault – she swerved to avoid Rey’s car, and she crashed into a tree, she was knocked unconscious, and the car caught fire, and if Ashland hadn’t pulled her out… Nikki turned and looked at Ashland.

Nick went to Crimson Lights and watched Sharon, who was cleaning, unaware that he was there. When he spoke up, she jumped, startled. She asked how Victoria was, and he said she hadn’t been found – she wasn’t with the car. Sharon figured that was good news. Sharon told Nick to sit, and she’d make coffee, and they could talk about Mariah’s wedding plans. Nick fumbled with his words, and he looked upset. Sharon seemed to pick up on what he’d come to tell her, but she didn’t want to hear it, so she quickly interrupted and said she’d made brownies. Rey’s favorite.

Sharon walked away and wouldn’t look Nick in the face. She made cinnamon rolls too, and she said Rey would flip when he saw them. Whenever Sharon made the rolls, Rey would sneak a few home for Faith. She said he must be working on something really important. She didn’t know what Rey liked the most – the brownies, the rolls or her. It was amazing – Rey could be asleep, and when Sharon started baking, he’d pop awake. She thought he had a cast iron stomach, probably because he grew up with Lola’s cooking.

Nick walked up behind Sharon and said there was something he needed to tell her. She still wouldn’t face him. “I know. I know,” Sharon said, before bursting into hears. “Just give me a minute please. Just a minute before everything falls apart,” she said. She finally turned around and looked at him. He said Rey was involved in the accident.

Nick explained that there were three cars, Ashland, Victoria and Rey. Nick talked to the EMTs, and there was nothing they could do. Sharon broke down sobbing and saying no. Nick offered a hug, and Sharon latched onto him and cried.

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Young & The Restless Update

Recap written by Christine

At Society, Nikki frantically called Victoria’s name. Victor asked what was going on. Nikki heard Victoria scream and the sounds of a car crash, then the call dropped. Victor instructed Nikki to call Victoria right back. Nikki did so, and didn’t get an answer. Victor called security and told them to check all the roads between Newman Tower and Victoria’s house and between the tower and the ranch.

At Crimson Lights, Nick said he’d take his drink to go, and get out of Sharon’s hair so she could go home and have a nice night with her husband. With a sour expression, Sharon said she was sure Rey would have a nice night, but it wouldn’t be with her. She craned her neck and looked out to the patio where Chelsea and Connor sat. Sharon brought Nick up to speed on Chelsea, Rey and Connor’s plans. Nick told Sharon that she had nothing to worry about, because a hockey game with a kid in tow was the opposite of romantic. Sharon knew Rey was 100% trustworthy, but she didn’t trust Chelsea. Sharon recognized that Chelsea made an enormous change, but this was an overnight trip, and it was hard for Sharon not to instinctively jump to conclusions when it came to Chelsea.

Nick agreed that Chelsea wasn’t the most trustworthy person, but he told Sharon that her husband was solid. She knew, but she didn’t see why a hockey game had to turn into an overnight trip. Nick joked that Rey must not really want to go on the trip, since if he did, he would already be on his way to Chicago by now. Sharon grinned and said Nick always knew how to make her feel better.

Out on the patio, Connor told Chelsea that they’d miss the puck drop if they didn’t leave soon. Chelsea thought Rey would’ve been back by now too. She called him and left a message checking in. Afterward, she gave Connor a reassuring smile and told him there was still plenty of time to make it to Chicago.

Victor called Nick and asked if he heard from Victoria recently or knew where she’d been driving to. The answer was no on both accounts. Nick learned there may have been an accident, so he said he’d go looking for Victoria. Victor already called the police and instructed his team to look for Victoria. He implored his son to drive safe in this terrible weather. Nick told Sharon what was going on. She was optimistic that everything was okay. Right after he left, Chelsea came in and told Sharon that Rey should’ve been back by now, and he wasn’t answering any of her calls.

Sharon called Rey and got voicemail. She left a message that they were starting to get a little worried because he was late. She asked him to call her back, and she said she loved him. Afterward, Sharon told Chelsea that Rey was probably driving very slowly because of the fog. Chelsea saw what a conscientious driver Rey was when they went to visit her mom. She said he probably just didn’t think it was safe to be on the road. Sharon nodded, but it was obvious that she was worried, so Chelsea asked about it. Sharon wasn’t worried about Rey, but the Newmans thought Victoria may have been in an accident. Sharon theorized that Rey heard about the accident and went to the scene. Chelsea hoped Victoria was alright. Sharon did too.

Chance went to Crimson Lights after his shift at the station. Sharon inquired about any accidents. He hadn’t heard anything. She told him about Victoria, so he called the station to see if there had been any new accident reports since he left.

Out on the patio, Connor pouted because they were going to miss the game. Chelsea told him that Rey must’ve gotten caught up in police work. She promised that even if they didn’t get to Chicago tonight, Rey would make it up to him, because that was the kind of guy Rey was.

Back inside, Chance said that there had been a couple fender benders, but no major accidents were reported, so if Victoria had an accident, it was minor. Sharon was relieved to hear that. She wished Rey would show up. Chance thought he already left for Chicago. Sharon explained that Rey forgot the tickets and went home to get them, but he’d been gone for awhile, and Connor was getting anxious. Chance was concerned because when he talked to Rey earlier, he’d been leaving the ranch with the tickets, and he should’ve been back by now.

In the Grand Phoenix suite, Adam headed over to the window. He flashed back to the first time he and Sally got a room. He remembered their passionate kiss and frenetically unbuttoning each other’s clothes, before falling back on the bed. After the memory, Adam called Sally and told her not to rush, because he could see that the fog was getting worse. He promised he was patiently waiting. Victor called Adam and asked if he’d heard from Victoria. He hadn’t, but he acknowledged he was the last one Victoria would call, even in an emergency. Adam asked if there was anything he could do to help, and Victor appreciated the offer, but he didn’t have a way for Adam to help. Sally entered and overheard Adam say Victoria was strong enough to handle herself in any situation. Victor agreed, and the call ended.

Adam told Sally that Victoria may have been in a car accident, but he didn’t want to jump to the worst case scenario. He said that this kind of put a damper on his celebration with Sally. She was understanding and said they’d have plenty of time for that. She asked if he really thought Victoria was in trouble. He didn’t know, but his dad sounded worried. He just wished someone would call and let him know what was going on. Sally was sure Adam would hear as soon as there was news, but he didn’t think his family would think to keep him in the loop. He lamented that he was always last on the list of contacts, if he even made the list at all. Sally countered Adam’s assertion by reminding him that Victor just called. Adam said Victor only called because he needed information. He felt like he was only a priority when Victor thought he could be useful.

Sally noted that Victor was constantly shooing her out of the office because he wanted to talk top secret things with Adam. Adam asked if Sally was trying to cheer him up by pointing out that Victor was ruder to her than he was to Adam. She asked if it was working. He said he wasn’t worried about being part of the inner sanctum. He just wanted to hear whether Victoria was alright. Sally realized Adam was really worried. “Well of course I am!,” he snapped. Adam was offended because he thought Sally was implying that he’d be happy if Victoria got seriously hurt or worse, because that would improve Adam and Sally’s chances at Newman Locke.

Now Sally was offended, and she decided to leave. “This was a mistake, and I don’t just mean our little celebration here,” she said. Adam softened when he realized he’d upset Sally. She was deeply hurt that he’d even suggested she’d be so cold and calculated about a woman’s life. She thought it was clear that he didn’t know her at all, and while she could take harsh judgments from others, she wasn’t going to take it from him. He clarified that he mean it that way. Sally thought Adam knew she wasn’t the kind of person who automatically assumed the worst of him. He apologized for the cruel and unfair comment. He admitted the truth was that he’d been asking himself that same twisted question. “Am I genuinely concerned about my sister or is a part of me thinking if something were to happen to her, would that be a leg up for me at Newman Locke?,” Adam revealed.

Adam hated that he’d entertained that thought, even for a second. Sally thought the fact that Adam hated it proved he didn’t actually feel that way. He suggested that he was just trying to convince himself that he wasn’t that cold and selfish. He admitted that the plan to pay off Locke was more about impressing Victor than helping Victoria. He’d seen Victoria’s relationship with a con artist as an opportunity, and that wasn’t particularly brotherly. Sally said Victoria would’ve done the same thing if the situation were reversed. She said Victoria and Adam’s sibling bond was based on one-upmanship. Adam took the blame for that. He said he’d spent years looking at Victoria as a rival, so she felt the need to defend herself. Sally wouldn’t let Adam believe he was cold and selfish, because she knew in her heart that he wasn’t. “I wouldn’t be falling in love with someone like that,” she said. “Are you saying that you’re falling in love with me?,” he asked.

Back at Society, Victor and Nikki looked at each other with worried expressions. Nick came in. He’d had no luck finding Victoria, and when the fog got even worse, he decided to get off the road. Nikki wanted to go search, but Victor and Nick both said no, because it was too dangerous. Nick told his mom to let the professionals do their job. “You know, this is my fault. If I had not told my security team to stop tailing Victoria and instead go after Ashland Locke, we now would’ve known where she is,” Victor said. Nikki told Victor not to blame himself. She thought he made the right decision having Ashland tailed, since they all knew how dangerous that man was. Nick asked where Ashland was right now. Victor didn’t know. He was waiting for an answer form his team. Nick was concerned that this car crash Nikki heard wasn’t an accident and that someone had hurt Victoria on purpose. Victor didn’t even want to think about that. Victor got a call that infuriated him – his team couldn’t find Victoria, and they’d lost track of Ashland earlier, and they’d waited to tell Victor instead of informing him immediately.

Victor slammed his phone on the table and ranted about his team’s utter incompetence. Nick defended the security team – it was so foggy out that he wasn’t surprised they lost track of Ashland. Victor’s team called and told him there was a report of an accident. Nick and Nikki were upset when he relayed the news.

Victoria was unconscious in her car, which had hit a tree. Smoke billowed out from under the vehicle. Ashland’s car had also crashed, and he was passed out as well. When he came to, he called Victoria’s name. He saw her car and sprang into action, trying to get to her, but his door was pinned by a fallen tree. He kept calling for Victoria, who was unresponsive. He grabbed his phone to call the police, but the screen was smashed. To his horror, flames suddenly engulfed the hood of Victoria’s car.

Ashland screamed for help, then he grunted in exertion as he pried the door open. He’d injured his leg in the crash, and he quickly hobbled over to Victoria’s car. The flames had traveled up to Victoria’s door now, and Ashland burned himself when he tried to free her. He took off his jacket and wrapped it around his hand to block the flames, then he tried again. This time, he was able to open the door. He checked her pulse and thanked God she was still alive. Lifting her out of the car, he put her over his shoulder and promised he wouldn’t let her die.

Ashland burst into a rundown cabin and put Victoria on a bed. He said she was tough – she’d survived everything he did to her, so she could certainly survive a car crash. He looked at his hand, which was red and blistering, then he returned to encouraging Victoria. She began to cough, and she opened her eyes and saw Ashland’s face. She scrambled backward on the bed, ordering him to get away from her. Ashland urged Victoria to stay still because she might have internal injuries. She bombarded him with questions about where they were and why he was still around. He told her about the crash and fire, and he asked if she had her phone. She didn’t. He asked if she’d be okay without him while he went to look for her phone. She said yes, and he told her to stay put, then he left.

After Ashland was gone, Victoria tried to get up, but she couldn’t walk because she’d hurt her knee. She yelled for help, and Ashland ran back inside. He couldn’t get the phone, because the whole car was on fire. She was sure there must be a house nearby, but he said this was the only structure in the area, so they were stranded. She figured someone would drive by and see the wreck soon. He turned away, and she realized there was something he wasn’t telling her.

Ashland said he was just shaken up because of seeing Victoria unconscious in the car and the fire. He was grateful she was okay. Victoria asked what Ashland was even doing here. She looked fearful and wondered if the crash was actually an accident or if he’d been the one who ran her off the road. He swore he’d never do such a thing. He explained that he’d been concerned about her driving in the fog while she was distraught from their confrontation, so he’d followed her to make sure she’d be okay. The thought of anything happening to her terrified him – he knew she despised him, but that didn’t mean he didn’t love and care about her. He acknowledged he’d hurt her so deeply, and he couldn’t bear the thought of anything like that happening again.

Victoria questioned what Ashland was keeping from her. He changed the subject again, and she called him out on it. Ashland suggested Victoria was suspicious because he’d been dishonest in the past, but she said that she could finally tell when he was keeping the truth from him. She asked him to just tell her what happened. He begged her not to tax herself right now and to stay calm until she received medical attention. Victoria’s memory began to trickle back. She’d seen lights in front of her, and it couldn’t have been Ashland because he’d been following her.

Victoria grappled with the revelation that there had been another car. Ashland assured her that the accident wasn’t her fault. Victoria remembered being on the phone with her mom, on speaker, then she saw headlights come sliding into in her lane. Ashland confirmed this and said Victoria had to swerve to avoid the car. Victoria remembered she lost control of the car, and everything went black. She asked what happened next, and he filled in the blanks. According to Ashland, Victoria swerved out of the way of the oncoming car. Ashland had turned sharply to one side to try and avoid the other car, but he couldn’t get out of the way in time. This third car hit the side of Ashland’s car, while Victoria’s car hit a tree. Ashland then recapped the aftermath of the accident, which was shown earlier in the episode.

Victoria took Ashland’s injured hand and acknowledged he’d gotten burned saving her. “You actually risked your life to save mine.” Crying, Ashland said the last time this happened, he ran and left his best friend to die in a burning car. He couldn’t do that again – he’d had to do everything he could to save her. Victoria asked if the other driver was okay. He told her to rest and not to get upset about the other driver. Agitated, she told him to stop trying to protect her and answer the question.

When Ashland went to get Victoria’s phone earlier, he’d checked on the third car. It was in a ditch, and it was way more damaged than Ashland and Victoria’s vehicles. She asked about the driver. The other driver was killed. Victoria’s eyes filled with tears. She said that was awful. She repeated that all she’d seen were headlights. Ashland was sorry to report that Victoria knew the deceased driver – it was Rey.

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Young & The Restless Update

Recap written by Christine

Ashland came to Newman Locke to pick Victoria up after he signed the papers ceding control of the company and annulling their marriage. She bitterly revealed that she tricked him into thinking she’d leave town with him so that he’d sign everything away. She wanted out of the marriage and him out of the company. She said he prided himself on being one step ahead of everyone else, so she asked if he didn’t see this coming. He admitted he didn’t know what to think over the last few days, but when she said she’d said she’d run away with him to Tuscany, he was overjoyed, and he didn’t question it because he didn’t want to. He still thought they could make this work. He tried to hug her, but she shirked him off. “Everything I’ve said to you the past couple of days has been a lie. Not some grand fabrication that ‘I have cancer and I’m dying,’ but a lie nonetheless. And now you know you’ve been deceived. So all those feelings you might be having right now of betrayal and humiliation – I know them. I know them well. It’s your turn now,” Victoria said.

Victoria was insulted that Ashland thought she’d believe someone would go through the trouble of making it look like he’d faked a cancer diagnosis. She asked if he thought she was an idiot. He didn’t but he felt he had no choice but to tell her he’d been framed. He asked if she would’ve forgiven him if he’d come to her and said he made a terrible mistake and lied about having cancer. He never actually thought she’d believe in her head that he’d been set up, but he was hoping that she’d want to believe it in her heart. He’d been trying to stall things, because he thought that in time, their love would win out and that they could have a future. She was adamant that they’d never have a future after what he did. He still thought they could be together. She told him to stop lying. She said he didn’t get control of Newman Locke, but he could take comfort in having money and freedom. He didn’t care about the money or the freedom. All he wanted was Victoria.

Victoria told Ashland that he was very committed to his scam, playing the devoted husband all the way to the bitter end. Ashland swore he was sincere. Victoria wanted Ashland to admit to everything he’d done. She wanted to know how he could sink to such a disgusting low – pretending to have a devastating disease. She thought she deserved the truth. “Fine. Here it is. I lied about having cancer,” Ashland stated. Ashland said that wasn’t the whole story though. He didn’t come to town with his sights set on Newman Enterprises, but then he found out his wife was cheating on him and that his son wasn’t his. Victoria was appalled Ashland was using his son as an excuse. Ashland had been devastated and furious, then he saw an opportunity to do something bigger than he’d ever done before, and he set his sights on Victoria’s family’s company.

Victoria recalled that Ashland didn’t waste any time – he’d invited her to NY right after he found out about Harrison, then he told her about his cancer diagnosis while they were there. He said he had momentum, and he was moving forward, and it was so easy to sell the story that the scans taken after his heart attack showed signs of cancer. At the time, Victoria had been surprised Ashland would want her around just after he found out he had cancer, since they were basically strangers. Now, she knew he did it because it would create an instant bond and make her feel compassion toward him. She asked how he could let that sweet innocent little boy think he was dying. He had no defense, but he did what he could to keep Harrison out of it. She noted that this was why he didn’t fight Kyle taking Harrison to Italy. He said that was right. He admitted he took advantage of Victoria and worked an angle to win her love and trust. “Death? That was an angle?,” she asked. She said the merger was his ultimate power grab, and also the most selfish and disgusting move of his entire career. He agreed with all of this. He confessed that he’d even been proud of himself at the time, but then he unexpectedly fell in love with her.

Victoria didn’t think Ashland understood what love was. He gently grabbed her arms and told her that he did know what it was. He believed they could get past this. He’d never loved anyone as profoundly as he loved her. He said he’d be a lost man if he walked out that door without her. For the first time in his life, he didn’t now what to do next. She was unsympathetic. She told him he had every opportunity to come clean before tonight, but he’d just lied and lied. She thought that the only reason he came clean was because he’d been backed into a corner – that wasn’t love. She felt demoralized because he’d shown her who he was over and over again – he took his dead best friend’s identity, and he forged a letter to get his hands on his mentor’s fortune. She’d looked past his sins and believed in him because she’d wanted to think he’d changed because of her. “I have changed. I gave up my life’s work, Locke Communications Group. I did that to show you that I would do anything for you,” he said. She asked why she’d believe anything that came out of his mouth. She told him she didn’t care what happened to him anymore. He didn’t believe she stopped caring about him. Ashland knew he deserved Victoria’s scorn, outrage and hatred, but he thought deep down inside, she was as conflicted as she was. He asked her again to leave town and start over. She said she was starting over, but not with him. He said he was sorry, and he went to the door. Victoria turned away, and Ashland took one last look at her, then he left.

Sharon was at Crimson Lights when Rey came up behind her, wrapped his arms around her and kissed her neck. She teased him by pretending to think he was someone else, and telling him that her husband wouldn’t approve. She noticed he had a new jacket and complimented it. He thanked her for being okay with him going on the trip to Chicago. He knew it was a little weird for him to be taking a trip with another woman and her son. She didn’t think it was weird. She thought he was more excited than Connor. He said it was his first live hockey game. Connor and Chelsea came in. Connor said the best part of this trip was that Rey would be there, no offense to Chelsea. She didn’t mind. Connor and Rey got a table and chatted in anticipation of the game.

Chelsea went to Sharon, who was behind the counter, packing a bag of snacks for the trip, and thanked her for lending them Rey. She said it meant so much to Connor. Chelsea, Connor and Rey were going to spend the night in Chicago, since it’d be past Connor’s bedtime when the game ended. Sharon thought it made sense for it to be an overnight trip, since it got foggy this time of the year, and it might not be safe to drive late. She just wanted them to bring Rey home safe and sound. Chelsea assured Sharon that they would. Sharon said she could enjoy having the house to herself and watching the shows Rey didn’t get into.

Chelsea noted that Sharon was going above and beyond to help prepare them for the trip to Chicago. Chelsea sensed that Sharon wasn’t happy about this trip, but she was working hard to make it seem like she was. Sharon said of course she was okay with it. Rey already told Sharon how Chelsea had a business trip and asked him to take Connor to the game, but when her trip was postponed, she decided to go, and she got another ticket for Rey. Chelsea said Connor had his heart set on this. Sharon thought the trip would be good for Rey, since he liked Connor. Chelsea thought Sharon might have an issue with Rey and Chelsea spending time together, giving their history. Sharon asked if Chelsea meant the history between the two of them or the history between Chelsea and Rey – when she poisoned him. Chelsea meant all of it. Chelsea just wanted Sharon to be comfortable. Sharon thought she’d made it clear that the past was in the past. She knew Chelsea was doing much better. Chelsea said Sharon and Rey had been so kind and offered her friendship, even though she didn’t deserve it, and she wouldn’t forget that.

Over at their table, Rey asked Connor if he was too old to learn to play hockey, and Connor said of course not. Rey asked Connor to give him some hockey lessons when they got back.

Sharon was glad that she and Chelsea got along these days. She didn’t think they should go looking for problems when there were none. Connor reminded Chelsea it was time to leave, so she went over to the table. Rey hoped he caught a puck. Chelsea hoped he didn’t catch it with his teeth. Chelsea put her hand on Rey’s shoulder as she laughed at her joke.  Sharon watched. 

At Newman Media, Victor said Adam’s idea worked, and hopefully Ashland would be out of their lives soon. Adam thought the deal was a success because Victor backed him when Ashland came to Victor and asked if the offer was legitimate. Victor said he and Adam made a good team. Adam thought Victoria would be irritated that her plan didn’t work, because it meant she wouldn’t get the satisfaction of throwing Adam under the bus, even temporarily. Victor said there was no place for sibling rivalry right now. He thought that Adam should feel compassionate toward his sister, not competitive. Victor gave Adam credit for getting rid of Ashland, but Victor sensed Adam wanted more than that. Adam smiled. Victor thought Adam should just be happy Ashland was out of the company and out of Victoria’s life. Adam said Victor was right. He said he’d try to focus on staying positive. He was sure Victoria would move past this in time. He added that the brilliant part of his plan was that they got to keep control of Locke Communications – for a bargain of half a billion dollars.

Nikki and Nick arrived at Newman Media. Nick had been trying to reach Victoria, and she wasn’t answering. Victor revealed that Ashland took the deal. Nick congratulated Adam. Nikki stated that she’d been skeptical, but she acknowledged that Adam really came through. He said it was all about helping the family. Victor nodded approvingly. Victor assumed Victoria and Ashland were talking right now. Nikki mentioned that Victoria got Ashland to sign the papers by telling him they’d still be together in spite of the annulment. Nikki said Ashland was a terrible person, but Victoria’s feelings for him were real. Nick said Victoria was strong and proud, and she could handle herself. He was worried about Ashland. Victor asked why. Nick said they had to watch Ashland until he was gone for good. Victor had told his team to stop following Victoria and to start following Locke. Later, Victor received a report that Ashland left Newman Locke by himself.

Back at Newman Locke, Victoria turned a picture of her and Ashland face down. She took her portrait off the wall and slammed it onto a sharp paperweight until the canvas ripped, then she ran out the door. Later, Victor, Nikki, Nick and Adam showed up. Nikki was horrified when she saw the portrait, because she thought Ashland destroyed it in a fit of rage. Victor thought Victoria did it. Adam thought it made sense for Victoria to need to blow off steam. He felt the destruction of the portrait seemed like the work of someone in a lot of pain. Nick called security and checked on Victoria’s status. He learned that Victoria was last seen leaving the parking garage a few minutes ago. Nikki wanted to call Victoria, but Victor thought she needed some time alone. Nick suggested they all go get some food. Adam couldn’t go because he had something to do. He left. Nikki wondered what could’ve made Victoria ruin the portrait. Nick had something to do, but he said he’d meet his parents at Society. he told Nikki that he thought Victor was right – Victoria needed space. Nick left. Nikki just wanted to help.

Adam went back to his office. He called Sally and said he had great news – his plan worked. She asked about his job status. He said he didn’t ask if he could stay on as CEO of Newman Locke, because it didn’t seem like the right time. He planned to broach the subject with Victor later. He wanted to celebrate, and they agreed to meet at the hotel. Adam went to the suite and found champagne and a note from Sally saying to get comfortable. He poured himself a glass of champagne and toasted to a new beginning.

Back at Crimson Lights, Sharon asked Rey to call or text when he got to Chicago, so she’d know he was safe. He teased that he had Connor to protect him. He gave her a peck on the lips and started to leave, but she called him back and gave him a longer kiss. Chelsea looked uncomfortable. Sharon and Rey said they loved each other. As they prepared to leave, Chelsea made sure she had her ticket. Rey checked his pockets and realized his and Connor’s tickets were still in his old jacket. He’d go home and get them. Chelsea took Connor out to the patio to wait so they wouldn’t be in the way. After Rey left, Nick went to Crimson Lights and brought Sharon up to speed. While Nick gave Adam credit for stepping up for the family, he believed it would be very difficult to get Adam out of the CEO’s seat. He worried that the family may have exchanged one mess for another. Sharon hoped not.

Victoria was in her car, crying. It was foggy, and she was traveling at a good rate of speed. She used her car’s hands-free phone to call Nikki. Nikki answered and invited Victoria to Society. Victoria needed to be alone. She just wanted to let Nikki know she was okay. Nikki said things would work out. Victoria didn’t think things would ever be okay again. She loved Ashland, and he made a fool out of her. She’d almost left town with him tonight. Victoria was so distraught, a concerned Nikki told her to pull over on the side of the road, so her parents could come pick her up. Victoria was crying harder now. “I keep making the same mistakes with men,” she said. There were suddenly headlights from another car shining in Victoria’s face. She screamed and the car started to flip. Nikki kept calling Victoria’s name while Victor looked at her in alarm.

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Young & The Restless Update

Recap written by Christine

Adam walked into his office on a business call, which he ended when he saw Victor waiting for him. Victor wanted an update on Locke. Adam said it was the best possible outcome – Ashland agreed to surrender control of Newman Locke and to annul his marriage to Victoria. Adam was clearly pleased his plan worked, but Victor still didn’t approve, because Adam’s plan was impulsive, and it could’ve backfired. Adam said it worked, and he achieved the objective. Victor clarified that the objective wouldn’t be achieved until Ashland signed. Adam thought he’d found the cleanest way to handle to problem. Adam claimed he did this for the good of the family, but Victor was convinced Adam did this to prove he was smarter and more capable than his sister.

Adam was sorry Victor thought that of him. Victor noted that Adam had said this was Victoria’s fault and that she deserved to be stripped of her title for getting conned. There was no doubt in Adam’s mind that he was a better leader than Victoria, but he didn’t take this approach with Ashland to prove that to Victor or anyone else. “So you weren’t out to impress me?” Victor asked. Adam admitted he was pleased Victor was impressed, but Adam’s goal was to get Ashland out, and that benefited the whole family. Victor remembered teaching Adam to play soccer when he was a little boy in Kansas. He marveled at how far Adam had come. Victor was impressed with Adam, but he said Adam cost him a hell of a lot of money. Adam thought it was money well-spent. Adam wanted to focus on getting Ashland to sign the agreement for now. Victor was proud of Adam.

At Newman Locke, Ashland and Victoria released each other from a hug. He recapped the story – he was going to get $500,000,000 from Adam and Victor in exchange for walking away from the company and ending the official marriage with Victoria. He was only willing to sign this agreement if Victoria would leave this company, her family and this city and build a future with him somewhere far away. Victoria assured Ashland that she did want to go with him, and as far away from Genoa City as possible. He asked what about Johnny and Katie.

Ashland explained that he was asking Victoria this question because he loved her so much. He’d love to take a more active role in Harrison’s life, but he knew the Newmans and Abbotts would join forces to keep him from doing that. He thought she needed to think about Billy. Victoria didn’t think Billy would try to keep her from the kids. She said they’d have to come up with a custody arrangement. He wasn’t sure that was going to be possible, because Billy could be vindictive. Victoria said Billy changed, and as much as he’d hate to see her leave with Ashland, he’d take great satisfaction in seeing her walk away from her father. She said Billy despised Victor more than Adam or Ashland.

Victoria said Billy dug into their lives and tried to stop the wedding. Ashland thought Billy would be hard on Victoria if she ran away with Ashland. Victoria noted that Ashland once thought Billy was secretly in love with her. Victoria said Ashland was wrong about that – Billy just wanted her to be happy and have the peace he was never able to give her. Victoria said when Billy looked into her eyes, she’d see how much she loved Ashland, and he wouldn’t be able to fight that. Ashland believed Victoria sincerely wanted to leave with him, and he excitedly asked where she wanted to go. She said they’d go to the Palazzo in Tuscany. He kissed her and went to sign the paperwork. Once he was out the door, she scowled.

Ashland arrived at Newman Media. Ashland restated the terms – Ashland had to sign over all rights to Newman Locke and annul his marriage. Ashland said it’d be like he never existed. Ashland couldn’t read Victor and Adam’s faces, but he knew they had to be salivating, scarcely able to believe Ashland was making it this easy for them. Victor held up his phone showing that he was ready to transfer the money. Ashland signed the paperwork, Victor sent him the half billion dollars and said he was out of their lives. Ashland told Victor not to assume he was speaking for all the Newmans. “Your daughter,” Ashland started. Victor cut him off. He didn’t want to hear it.

Victor said that Ashland wanted to be treated as an equal – someone who was worthy of having his name beside Victor’s, but he couldn’t do it through hard work, he did it by taking advantage of Victoria’s feelings and of the family’s generosity by pretending to be terminally ill. It was sick. Ashland still admired Victor’s devotion to his family and commitment to his empire. Adam told Ashland to leave. Ashland said he still loved Victoria, and no matter what, Victor should be proud of her. Victor told Adam to get Ashland out of her. Adam walked Ashland to the door. Adam was glad Victor got to get that off his chest, but he thought they should stop wasting time thinking about Ashland. This was finished, and they won. Victor smiled.

Nikki went to Victoria’s office. Victoria said that Ashland only signed the paperwork under the condition that she went away with him. Nikki hoped Victoria didn’t agree to that. Victoria said of course she did, what other way was there to get Ashland out of Newman and out of all their lives, like the Newmans wanted? Nikki asked Victoria what she wanted. Victoria wistfully said Ashland was signing away everything he built -everything they both built. Nikki said that after everything Ashland had done to Victoria, there was nothing binding her to that agreement. Nikki worried Victoria wanted to stay with Ashland. She knew Victoria still had feelings for Ashland. Victoria knew she shouldn’t be so conflicted, but she was. It was very hard – all the pretending and lying to Ashland, and the hate she felt for him for what he’d done to her and the family. At the same time, she felt like she was grieving the loss of her marriage and the man she’d thought was her soulmate. Nikki said Victoria must’ve been able to put on the performance of a lifetime to get Ashalnd to agree to the deal. Victoria said that she was able to pull it off because she still had feelings for him, and even though she’d slowly been tricking him, she still hadn’t reconciled it in her heart. The love Ashland had seemed powerful and real. She asked if it had really been fake the whole time. “Yes, because he is a sociopath. He knows all the right words to say. Put on the perfect act while feeling nothing except for some sick satisfaction that he was able to dupe us,” Nikki said. Nikki didn’t want Victoria to feel ashamed, because they were all fooled. Victoria didn’t blame herself, but she wasn’t sure what to do with the love she had for Ashland. She began to sob. Nikki said that love would fade, and Victoria would heal, and the entire family would help. Nikki held Victoria.

Later, Victoria was alone in her office. Victor texted that Ashland signed the papers. “The company is safe. You’re free.” Victoria was staring out the window, when Ashland came to get her. He was enthusiastic because he thought they were leaving for their new journey. Victoria whipped around and glared at Ashland. “Did you really think that I would run away with you after everything that you put me through? Did you really think that this wasn’t the absolute end for us?,” she snapped.

At his home, Jack wrapped up a call with Kyle. He then relayed the news to Traci. Summer couldn’t get off work, but Kyle and Harrison would be here next week. Jack was excited for the visit, but dreading having to blindside Kyle with the news that his mother was alive. Traci was sorry Jack was put in this position, but she thought he was doing the right thing. She wasn’t sure how to prepare a kid for the news that his mother skipped town and let everyone think she died. He said he couldn’t count on Diane to show much finesse, since she’d been so callous about Kyle’s emotion ever since her “death.” Traci wondered why Diane was revealing herself now. He wasn’t sure, but he was confident that Diane had some sort of larger plan, and he was going to make it his life’s mission to find out what it was.

Diane was unpacking her things in the suite at the Grand Phoenix. Phyllis knocked on the door and told “Taylor” to open up, or she’d use the master key. Sighing, Diane opened the door and pretended to be surprised to see Phyllis. Phyllis said to stop. “Seriously? You didn’t think I was gonna figure out your alias when you checked into my hotel?,” Phyllis said. Diane acted surprised Phyllis owned the hotel. Phyllis didn’t buy it. She thought Diane specifically chose to stay at the Grand Phoenix because she knew Phyllis owned it. Diane admitted that she’d been keeping tabs on Phyllis, Jack, Kyle and several other denizens of Genoa City. Diane congratulated Phyllis on the beautiful hotel. She knew Phyllis fought hard to make The Grand Phoenix a success.

Phyllis asked if Diane had any idea the hell that was going to rain down on her if anyone found out she was in town. Diane just wanted to be here and prepared for once Jack told Kyle she was alive. Phyllis asked what Diane was preparing for. Diane had been picturing the reunion with her son. Phyllis said not to bet on that happening. Phyllis was predicting, and Jack was hoping that Kyle wouldn’t want to have anything to do with Diane. Phyllis thought Diane wasted the trip, but on the off chance that Kyle wanted to meet Diane, Phyllis didn’t want the fireworks of a reunion happening at her hotel, so she told Diane to go stay at the Athletic Club. Diane asked if Phyllis was throwing her out. Phyllis wasn’t doing that because she wasn’t going to give Diane the satisfaction of playing the victim. Phyllis said she was going to take Diane’s money and ignore her. Diane sarcastically congratulated Phyllis on her hospitality.

Phyllis said she’d throw Diane out if she caused any trouble. Diane promised to behave. She knew it was hard for Phyllis to accept she’d changed. “I know you. You haven’t changed,” Phyllis replied. Phyllis said she wasn’t the one Diane should be worried about, because things would ugly if people found out Diane was alive and back in town. “Thank you for reminding me how hated I am in this town,” Diane said. “No charge,” Phyllis replied. Diane stated that it was hard for her to be back here. Phyllis asked when Diane started caring what anyone thought of her. Phyllis wanted to know how Diane survived all these years. As Diane told her story, Jack was telling Traci the same details. He’d had someone do some investigating into “Taylor Jensen’s” life.

Diane had tried to resume her career as an architect, without success. It was more competitive in LA, and she couldn’t draw on her success as Diane Jenkins. “That’s one of the downfalls of faking your own death,” Phyllis replied. Diane was forced to take any job she could find, as her savings dwindled. She started out answering calls at a Realtor’s office, then she worked her way up and got her real estate license. It was hard to picture Diane hustling like the rest of the mortals, even if it was in Beverly Hills. Diane said it wasn’t glamorous – she sold small postwar valley homes, not mansions.

Jack told Traci that Diane had a modestly successful career, hardly the life Diane was accustomed to. Traci thought it made sense for someone faking their death to keep a low profile. He assumed that the lack of cash wore on someone as grasping and entitled as Diane. He was worried Diane would try and convince Kyle to support her. Traci said it would be Kyle’s decision.

Traci thought they should focus on the positive – Kyle would be back, and he was bringing the adorable Harrison. Jack was hoping to convince Allie to come out too, since this seemed to be the perfect time to introduce her to the whole family. Traci asked if that was the best idea, now that Diane was involved. Jack said Allie knew about Diane, and she’d been warned. Traci thought that explosions were likely to take place once Kyle found out about Diane. Traci suggested that it be best to gently ease Allie into meeting the family when things were calm, not invite her into a volatile situation. Jack realized Traci was right – telling Kyle the news about Diane was enough for right now.

Diane made an honest living and slowly made a life for herself in California. Phyllis thought Diane had bided her time until she could explode into their lives again, wreaking havoc on Jack and everyone around him. Phyllis said that when Keemo’s house went on the market, Diane made a beeline for it, and she took advantage of a grieving young woman who’d lost her father. Diane ordered Phyllis to stop twisting everything around. Phyllis said she knew Diane and she’d never trust her.

Later, Phyllis went to Jack and told him that Diane was in Genoa City. Jack was frustrated, but not surprised by Diane’s stunt. He said she was planning to pounce on Kyle for God knows what reason. He asked how Diane seemed. Phyllis said that Diane was saying she wanted to reconnect with her son. “Sticking to her story like the skilled liar she is,” Jack grumbled. Phyllis said she baited Diane to get her to lash out, and she didn’t. Phyllis said Diane put on one of the best sincere acts she’d ever seen. Jack asked if Phyllis was buying it, and she said not for a minute. “How do I keep Diane away from Kyle before I can talk to him?,” Jack wondered. Phyllis said she’d handle that. She thought he had enough on his plate telling Kyle the truth. He appreciated the way she’d consistently been there for him. She was happy to do it. She added that she was also protecting her daughter, because whatever happened to Kyle affected Summer. Not only was Phyllis in best friend mode, she was in Mama-bear mode, and this was personal for her.

Back in her suite, Diane read an article about Victor abruptly installing Adam as temporary CEO. She chuckled and said Victor was at it again, pulling strings and keeping everyone guessing. The article had a picture of Adam and Sally and speculated that they were a future power couple in the making. Diane read about Nikki’s charitable endeavors and it called her a powerful voice in the community. “A force to be reckoned with,” Diane said, sighing.

“Was coming here a mistake? Can I really pull this off? If I – if I reconnect with Kyle and it goes well, then what?,” Diane asked herself. There was a knock on the door, and she grumbled about Phyllis not leaving her alone. She answered and found Jack.

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Young & The Restless Update

Recap written by Christine

At The Grand Phoenix, Adam told Ashland he was making the right choice accepting the offer. Ashland stated that he had some terms, and Adam scoffed, saying that the Newmans would destroy Ashland if he didn’t accept the offer. Adam revealed that he and Victor had terms. Ashland asked what Adam and Victor wanted in return. Adam said that Ashland would need to sign something relinquishing his claim to Newman Locke and get an annulment from Victoria. Ashland noted that they were asking him to get an annulment, not a divorce. Adam said that divorce only applied when the marriage was valid, which wasn’t the case here, since Ashland fraudulently worked his way into Victoria’s life. Once Ashland signed the paperwork, Victor and Adam would wire him the money. Ashland didn’t trust the Newmans to keep up their end of the bargain. He wanted the money before he signed the agreement. Adam said the family wanted Ashland out, and they had no reason to screw him over. The Newmans knew what Ashland was capable of, and they didn’t want to deal with him plotting revenge against them. Adam assured Ashland that he’d be paid as soon as he signed the papers. Ashland had something to do before he could make a decision.

Mariah and Tessa were at Crimson Lights. Chelsea was going to be designing their wedding outfits, and she’d told them to check out thrift stores for inspiration. It was going to be 70s glam, but they wanted some nods to traditions. Mariah vetoed Tessa’s idea of matching white jumpsuits, because matching outfits seemed more like a Halloween thing to her. They went shopping, then they went home with a lot of clothes. They’d both secretly picked out some outfits for each other, and they decided to dress each other and see if they knew each other’s style.

Mariah and Tessa had a little fashion show in a montage, and in the end, they collapsed onto the couch with their heads leaning against each other. They had fun, and they found a ton of inspiration for Chelsea to use. They chatted and both agreed Sharon would be the first person to cry at the party. Tessa was glad to have Mariah’s family’s help planning. Tessa said it was going to be one hell of a party. Mariah asked if Tessa had thought about the vows. Tessa was thinking about them every waking moment. Mariah felt nervous, because she didn’t think she’d be able to come up with vows as good as Tessa, the songwriter’s. Tessa said every time Mariah spoke from the heart, it was the most beautiful thing Tessa ever heard. Mariah thought their love and the love around them would make this the most amazing day. Tessa said they didn’t need a wedding to confirm their love. Mariah was still very excited to share their joy with the people they loved. They kissed.

Later, Mariah and Tessa were nestled together under a blanket. Tessa asked if it bothered Mariah that they hadn’t focused on the adoption recently. Mariah still wanted to move forward with the adoption and asked how Tessa felt. Tessa still wanted a child too. Mariah and Tessa were in agreement that they couldn’t work on the adoption process while planning a wedding. They were worried that a social worker would think they weren’t taking things seriously if they didn’t seem fully focused on the adoption. Tessa thought they’d look like better candidates if they delayed things for a month or two. Tessa also had some shows planned and that would make things tricky. Mariah said she’d handle things while her wife was touring. Tessa said she could handle some stuff from the road too. They agreed that they were going to move forward with a family, and Tessa said this was going to be the best year of their lives. They kissed.

At Society, Sally tried to chat with Lily, but got a cool response. Sally understood Lily was giving her the cold shoulder because she’d donned a wig and kept an eye on Billy. She was hoping they could get past that though. Lily thought Sally’s acts were better described as stalking and entrapment. Sally learned that it was better to stay on the up and up because her behavior reflected on Newman Media. She wanted to earn respect of Lily and the other moguls. Lily thought people would have a hard time taking Sally seriously while she was teamed up with Adam. Sally asked Lily what she could do wipe the slate clean. Sally figured she and Lily would be running in the same circles now that she was COO of Newman Media and Lily was running Chancellor. “Yeah, I’m not so sure about that,” Lily replied. Sally heard about the merger with Hamilton Winters, and she congratulated Lily. Sally was hoping they could get along, since they might do business together. Lily said that getting along and being friends was something that had to be earned. Lily was always willing to give someone a second chance, if they showed they deserved it. Sally accepted the challenge, and she wanted to work toward being friends. Lily told Sally to work her subtlety and left.

At his place, Billy struggled to come up with suitable material for his podcast. He thought about calling Victoria, but he stopped himself and called Nick instead. Billy was worried about Victoria and was thinking about trying to get through to her one last time. Nick told Billy to stay out of it and let the family handle it. He made it clear that he had no intention of letting Ashland get away with what he’d done to his Victoria. After the call ended, Billy remembered Lily encouraging him to try and contain his protective feelings toward Victoria. Billy did a podcast about the abuse of power and the collateral damage it caused. He acknowledged that he’d been afforded many privileges, as an Abbott, and some would say he’d abused those privileges, but he’d worked hard to change. He suggested that when he saw wrongdoing, it was a like a mirror reflecting his wrongs. It made him want to fight to protect the victims of power. He got enraged when he saw someone use their power to grab more and more, when they had plenty of money, a successful career and a loving wife.

Billy realized he couldn’t release a podcast about Victoria’s situation. He shifted gears and began to record something inspired by Jack and Diane’s situation. He began to talk about liars who deceived people, destroyed lives and then weaseled their way back into people’s lives. It occurred to Billy that everyone would know who this podcast episode was about, too. Lily went home and told Billy she needed some wine after a run-in with Sally. She stated that Sally wanted to be her new best friend. He was glad when she assured him that she wasn’t going to befriend Sally. She asked about his podcast. He said that he realized when he did the podcast, his listeners would understand the subject of his episodes. He’d decided that he should do a podcast under a pseudonym.

Billy said that if he did the podcast anonymously, he could protect the people he loved, including her. Plus, as the COO of Chancellor, he couldn’t be publicly trash-talking a bunch of people without risking a lawsuit. Lily saw the point, but she loved how personal and emotional the podcast about Delia was. He agreed. He said he could still focus on the things that moved him, and he could speak truth to power without it affecting him and the people he cared about. She called it very Bruce Wayne and Batman. He said he could use a harmonizer to change his voice. She thought it might be fun. He said he could say all sorts of things Billy Abbott couldn’t, or shouldn’t.

Billy played around with the harmonizer until he found an altered voice he liked. He began to record the podcast.

Sally went to Adam’s office with tapas to eat, but he said he couldn’t even think of eating right now. Ashland wouldn’t commit to the deal. Adam saw something in Ashland’s eyes when Adam mentioned the annulment. He said it was like that bothered Ashland more than the prospect of losing Newman Locke. Sally suggested Ashland really did have feelings for Victoria. Adam didn’t know how that was possible given what he’d done. Adam said the annulment wasn’t the sticking point, because they got caught in a debate about the logistics of the deal. Ashland had said he had to find out one last thing before he made his decision. Adam didn’t know what Ashland meant, but she thought it had something to do with Victoria.

Victoria was at Newman Locke. She flashed back to Ashland telling her that they could take the money Adam was offering and use it to start a new life together. She remembered the time Ashland gave her the portrait hanging in the office. It was a wedding gift, and a commemoration of the merger. Nick showed up and asked if Ashland was considering taking the deal Adam offered. Nick was sure Victoria was hurting, and he wanted to check on her. She was fine, and she didn’t want pity. He didn’t pity her; he was worried. She was upset that her family continued to doubt her and intervene after she repeatedly said she could handle this. She said she worked really hard to convince Ashland to set up Adam, then Adam went behind her back and made Ashland an offer. It made everything harder. Nick agreed that Adam’s motives were infuriating, but he said the blame for all this fell on Ashland. He said the family was grasping at straws trying to get Ashland out of their lives, and more importantly, away from Victoria. Victoria said she already had a solution, and she didn’t need the family’s input. Nick didn’t care which plan worked as long as Ashland left. “If Ashland is actually willing to sit down with Adam and talk terms, then maybe Adam’s plan is the best one we have,” Nick stated. Victoria couldn’t believe Nick was siding with Adam. Nick wasn’t doing that – he said they all wanted Ashland to disappear. Nick was sick of everyone treating Ashland with kid gloves and trying to gently lure him into a carefully laid plan. He decided to go handle Ashland himself. She ordered him not to.

Victoria said that if Nick got involved, it would just rile him up and not accomplish everything. Nick didn’t like sitting on the sidelines. He was worried because he knew the longer it took to get Ashland out of their lives, the harder it was on Victoria. She said that if he confronted Ashland, it might just make Ashland dig in deeper. She was furious with Adam, but she said they’d just have to let this play out. Nick was frustrated Victoria wouldn’t let him help her through this. She said that wasn’t his job. She stated that Ashland couldn’t crush her, and she was stronger than they all thought. He knew how strong she was, but said this situation would be hard on anyone. He was concerned Ashland had dug himself so deep into the family that they’d never get rid of him. Ashland came in and grumbled about the Newman brothers working overtime to protect their sister, when she could take care of herself.

Victoria asked Nick to leave so she could talk to Ashland. Nick griped that Ashland didn’t care that he was tearing apart Victoria’s relationships with her family. Ashland said Nick wouldn’t have to deal with him much longer. “I’d better not,” Nick said. He left. Victoria told Ashland that he’d defused the situation with Nick. He asked if she was okay and if Nick upset her. She said it didn’t matter. She wanted to know what happened with Adam. Before Ashland could accept the deal, he needed to know whether Victoria was willing to go away with him and start fresh. Victoria asked what the terms of the deal were. Ashland said he had to walk away from Newman Locke, and that was fine, but he also had to get an annulment that acknowledged their marriage was based on a fraud. She asked if he was willing to admit their love was a fraud. He said no, not if she loved him as much as he loved her. He was willing to get the annulment and cede control of the company, but he said his love for her couldn’t be signed away. “Do you love me?,” he asked. She assured him that she did love him and that she was willing to leave all this behind for him. He sighed in relief and hugged her.

Billy recorded the podcast. He asked if absolute power corrupted and if the powerful who’d been corrupted could be redeemed. As this played in a voice-over, Ashland was shown taking the deal and Adam was shown telling Sally the news. Adam and Sally kissed. Back at Newman Locke, Victoria stared off into the distance. Ashland walked up and put his arms around her. She turned and smiled, and they hugged, but when he couldn’t see her face, her smile faded.

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Young & The Restless Update

Recap written by Christine

Victoria, her parents and Ashland were at Newman Locke. “You went behind my back, Daddy? To bribe Ashland into leaving me? I don’t know what part is more offensive,” Victoria said. Victor asked Ashland if he was considering the offer. Ashland told Victoria that he didn’t know what other option he had. He wanted the turmoil to end for Victoria’s sake. Nikki thought that Ashland should admit to his lies and leave of his own volition. Ashland said to tell Adam, Victor’s errand boy, that he’d meet him at The Grand Phoenix. Ashland left the office. In the hallway, he rubbed his forehead and sighed.

Back in the office, Victor said he wasn’t the one who offered Ashland the money. Victoria asked why Victor didn’t say that to Ashland. Victor was going to have a talk with Adam, but he wasn’t going to contradict Adam to Ashland. Victor felt that the family needed to stick together. Victor thought that Ashland seemed kind of interested in the offer though. Victoria said Ashland was just testing Victor. Nikki said that if Ashland was testing anyone, it was Victoria. Victoria disagreed. Victor said Ashland was trying to drive a wedge between Victoria and her family. She knew that. She said maybe Adam’s obnoxious interference will make it easier for her to pretend to Ashland that she was fed up with Adam. Victor noted that Ashland didn’t seem to like the plan to frame Adam. Victoria said she was going to get Ashland out of the company without spending tens of millions of dollars. The look on her parents’ face made Victoria ask how much Adam offered. “Five hundred million dollars,” Nikki stated.

Victoria demanded to know where Adam got off making an offer like that. Victor intended to speak with Adam. Victor said they were all trying to get rid of this bastard. Victoria maintained that they were going to use her plan. Victor countered that Victoria’s plan hadn’t come to fruition. Victoria said Adam didn’t want her plan to succeed, and she contended that it was Victor’s fault Adam was trying to undermine her. Victoria argued that Victor should’ve made it clear that he expected Adam’s full cooperation.

Victoria was sure Ashland wouldn’t take the money. “Why because he’s eternally in love with you?,” Victor asked. Victoria made it clear that she wasn’t going to fall for Ashland’s lies again. She knew Ashland better than her parents did, and she was sure he wouldn’t ever take a bribe or back down from a fight. Nikki asked why Ashland agreed to consider Adam’s offer. Victoria didn’t know, but she guessed time would tell which of them were right. She left.

Sharon and Nick were at Crimson Lights. Sharon said Ashland told her he was going to exonerate himself. She mentioned that Adam came in. Nick wanted to know what the dynamic was like between Ashland and Adam. Sharon didn’t overhear anything. She didn’t want to get involved, so she’d made up an excuse to go in the back, but it looked like Ashland and Adam had an intense conversation. One that seemed like lives depended on whatever they were talking about.

Nick guessed it could’ve been a business meeting since Adam was the temporary CEO of Newman Locke. Nick explained that Adam refused to go along with Victoria’s plan to oust Ashland unless Victor kept him in the big chair. Sharon was taken aback. Nick said it sounded like something the old Adam would do. Nick tried to talk to Adam about how much he’d changed and convince him that it would be a mistake to use Victoria’s situation to this advantage. Sharon asked if Adam listened. Nick didn’t know. She wondered how Victoria was taking it. He said Victoria was distant and not listening. He didn’t think Victoria’s plan was working. He said she was scared and defensive. Sharon thought that was understandable. Nick said Victoria still loved Ashland, and she also knew she couldn’t trust him. He said there was no way to tell what Victoria was going to do. He didn’t even think Victoria knew.

Sharon remembered how worried Nikki and Victor were when Victoria split from Billy and got attacked. They even asked Sharon to help. She assumed this situation might feel even worse for Victor and Nikki. Nick said his parents were all in on the wedding, and he was sent to the dog house for doubting Ashland. Nick was worried Victoria would try and salvage her relationship with Ashland, because that might cause an irreparable rift. Nikki arrived, and Sharon greeted her then went into the back. Nick told Nikki that Sharon saw Adam and Ashland in an intense discussion earlier. Nikki, who was clearly annoyed with Adam, told Nick what his brother did. Nick assumed Ashland went whining to Victoria and said no amount of money would replace her. Nikki said Ashland actually went to Victor to see if it was a bona fide offer. She said Victor pretended the offer was authentic. Nikki was worried that the longer this went on, the more chances Ashland had to charm his way back into Victoria’s heart.

Nick noted that five hundred million was the exact figure that he, Victoria and Abby won in that lawsuit against Victor. He didn’t think it was a coincidence that Adam chose that figure to offer Ashland. Nick thought Adam was trying to impress Victor and show that he could handle things on all front, unlike Victoria. Nikki agreed that Adam was sending the message Victoria was doomed to fail. She said Victoria was furious. He thought Victoria was right to be furious with Adam, because he wasn’t being a team player. Nikki didn’t know if Adam had it in him to be one.

Nick wondered if Adam’s plan, which wasn’t clever or overly complicated, could work. Nikki said it was easy money, if that was what Ashland was looking for. Nikki felt bad for Victoria, who must feel like they didn’t support her. Nick said that Ashland could twist this and make Victoria feel like he was the only one on her side. Nikki added that if Ashland turned down the money, he could frame it like an enormous sacrifice he was making for Victoria. Nick said it was just a ploy. Nick assured Nikki that Victoria would come out stronger. They hugged, and she left.

Nick went to Sharon and told her that Adam went behind the family’s back and put his own plan in motion, giving Ashland a way to play the family against each other. Nick decided to go confront Ashland. Sharon didn’t think that was a good idea. She reminded him he’d just said how wrong it was for Adam to go behind Victoria’s back, and now he was planning to do the same thing. He said it’d make him feel better to confront Ashland. Sharon said this wasn’t about Nick. Sharon told Nick that if he wanted to get involved, he should go to Victoria and offer her his love and support.

Sally walked into Adam’s office. They both knew that this could be a big day for him if Ashland accepted his offer. Adam wasn’t sure if Ashland would reject it though. Sally said anticipation could be exciting if you were waiting with the right person. Adam thought Ashland had to know that this offer was his best option. He didn’t understand why Ashland didn’t jump on it. Sally said Ashland was toying with Adam. Adam was second guessing his impulsive decision to offer Ashland half a billion dollars to leave town. “Telling him that I was representing the Newman family? What the hell was I thinking?,” Adam wondered. Sally said he’d been thinking like a leader. It felt like the right move at the time, but he wondered if he just gave Ashland another card to play.

Sally was sure that Adam would come up with another plan if this current one didn’t work out. She said Adam was brilliant and relentless, a combination that was sexy as hell. He thought that was probably why they got along so well. They shared a deep kiss, and they were still in the midst of it when Victor walked in. Victor glowered at Adam and said they had serious business to discuss. Adam insisted that Sally stay. Victor felt Adam made a reckless move offering that criminal hundreds of millions of dollars. Adam asked why Ashland ran to Victor about the deal. “Because he knows you were lying when you said you had the backing of the family,” Victor stated. Adam asked if Ashland was going to take the deal. Victor asked what difference it made. He wondered if Adam was trying to buy time to figure out where to get that kind of money. Victor asked if Adam had been planning to draw the funds from Newman Locke. Adam said no, because it wouldn’t be appropriate to use company funds for a private matter. Victor demanded to know where Adam was going to get the money. Adam said Victoria brought Ashland into the company, so she should pay. Victor found Adam’s lack of sympathy for his sister appalling.

Victor assumed Sally encouraged Adam to take this path. Adam said it was his idea and his alone. Sally said once she heard about it, she though it was wonderful. Adam was just trying to incentivize Ashland to get out of their lives. Victor snapped that Victoria already had a plan. Adam asked for a show of hands of people who thought the plan would work. Victor yelled at Adam for offering Ashland hundreds of millions of dollars. Sally said that if Ashland didn’t take the deal, there was nothing to argue about. Adam realized Ashland didn’t reject the plan.

Victor wanted to know if Adam understood him. Adam got it loud and clear. Adam explained that he’d believed he was working for the good of the family. Victor ordered Adam not to ever go behind his back and make a deal of this magnitude. Adam maintained that he was trying to help. Victor was adamant that Adam had no right to take this into his own hands. Adam said that when he saw Locke, the idea just came to him, and he ran with it. Sally backed that up, saying that she and Adam never discussed this plan in advance. “I don’t care if you were there or not,” Victor screamed at Sally, while dropping a tablet on the table for emphasis. Victor turned his attention to Adam and yelled that he shouldn’t have made this decision without consulting him and the family. He ordered Adam not to ever do that again. Victor reminded Adam that he’d accused Victoria of rushing into a plan. Adam said that Ashland seemed more intrigued by Adam’s plan than he was by Victoria’s. Adam asked what Ashland said. Victor revealed that Ashland was waiting at the Grand Phoenix. Adam asked if he should go follow up or kill the deal. Victor reiterated that Adam was not to ever make a deal of this magnitude without Victor’s input.

Victor said that Ashland could toy with them – accept the deal, then change his mind. Adam asked if Victor was just going to wait and hope Victoria’s plan worked out. Victor said that Victoria’s plan was a damned good one. Sally said that Ashland had been five steps ahead of Victoria this whole time. Sally wasn’t victim blaming since she also once thought Ashland loved Victoria. Adam said that if Ashland walked away, Adam would have him sign some ironclad legal documents preventing him from reneging on the deal. Victor asked where Adam intended to get the $500,000,000, because it wasn’t going to come from Victoria. Adam stared at Victor. Victor realized Adam expected him to pay. Adam asked how much it was worth to Victor to get Ashalnd out of heir lives.

Adam said that if Victor paid out, he’d be buying Victoria’s freedom, and she’d be able to stop pretending to love Ashland. Adam said that they had to get Ashland out of the company before he made major changes. He said Ashland could get rid of Newman’s management team, promote his own team and sell off divisions to the highest bidder. Victor had already considered all the points Adam was making. He paced around the room for a bit, then he told Adam to go make the deal with Ashland. Victor said he’d supply the money. Adam promised Victor wouldn’t regret this. He and Sally left.

Victoria went to The Grand Phoenix to talk to Ashland. He was willing to do whatever she wanted, but he thought they should do it in private, so she rented a suite. Upstairs, Victoria asked Ashland to tell her that he didn’t take the offer seriously. She wanted him to say he was only trying to make Adam feel confident so he’d let his guard down. Ashland was sorry to say Adam had every reason to feel confident, since he was on track to getting everything he’d ever wanted – to be Victor’s shining star, and to take over for Ashland when he was gone. Victoria was caught off guard when Ashland said he was leaving. Ashland reminded Victoria that he told her he wanted to get out of this place. Victoria said Ashland could see by now that Adam was the one who set him up. She wanted him to tell her he was going to fight. He knew she wanted him to plant evidence to incriminate Adam.

Ashalnd said he and Victoria could no longer continue the life they planned of running Newman Locke side by side and trusting each other implicitly. He said he could still be the man he promised he’d be on the day he got married, though. He said he was selfish – he didn’t just want her love, he wanted her respect, and he knew if he did this thing she was asking of him, he would lose her respect. He wasn’t going to do it. “The answer to lies is not more lies,” he stated. “But it’s all been lies. Hasn’t it? From the very beginning,” Victoria spat.

Victoria said love was blind, but her eyes had been opened. “By your family,” Ashland concluded. “No, by you,” Victoria replied. Victoria said that she knew Ashland was a fighter and he showed no mercy, and so he’d never let anyone set him up or sully his reputation. She confronted him about planning to just going to take a payoff and walk away from the company he built with his wife. She said the only reason he stopped looking for evidence against Adam was that he knew there wasn’t any. “You know that he didn’t set you up. You’re 100% guilty. You have been faking your cancer for months. You falsified records. You bribed the doctors. You conned me into caring about you,” she yelled. She thought that he owed her the truth.

Ashland said Victoria was right about one thing – he was a fighter, but he’d changed what he was fighting for. She didn’t believe he was fighting for her. She noted that he just told her parents he’d consider taking a bribe to leave her. He said what he considered and what he chose to do were not necessarily the same thing. He knew she wouldn’t likely believe anything he said right now. He told her that he didn’t believe her either when she acted like this – so tough and above it all. He knew what she felt in her heart. She said whatever affection she might still have was outweighed by how angry she was with him. “If the situation were reversed – if I found out you were using me, a sick and dying man, to gain control of Locke Communications, I would be livid,” he said. He said he’d feel manipulated, betrayed and used, but it would be impossible for him to stop loving her, because he’d know that no matter how their relationship started, it turned into something real and true and strong. “And I would know that you were in love with me despite your best efforts to cover it up or pretend it away,” Ashland said.

Victoria felt like Ashland was disregarding everything she just said, but he denied it. “A love as strong and real as ours cannot be forced or faked,” Ashland stated. If the shoe were on the other foot, he’d forgive her, because he loved her and he couldn’t ever stop. Victoria had tears in her eyes. She asked what he wanted from her. “The same thing you want from me – the truth,” he replied.

Victoria quietly asked Ashland how he could expect her to forgive him after everything that transpired. She started to walk away, but he took her hand. Just as quietly, he asked her to hear him out. He said that they could start over, thanks to Adam, they’d have the capital they needed to start their next venture. Victoria said Ashland didn’t understand, but he said he did. He told her to picture their happy life together without judgment, suspicion or family rivalries – it would be just the two of them and this crazy perfect love they had. He believed she wanted that every bit as much as he did.

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Young & The Restless Update

Recap written by Christine

Victor asked Victoria if she still loved Ashland after all the betrayal and lies. Victoria asked if it really mattered if she loved or hated Ashland. Nick said yes, because the emotional toll this was taking on Victoria would be worse if she still had feelings for Ashland. Victoria said the feelings she had for Ashland were very strong, and they weren’t going to go away overnight. She said her residual feelings didn’t matter – what mattered was the crimes he’d committed and what mattered was the plan to get him out of the company. Nikki pointed out that the plan seemed to be falling apart. Victor didn’t know that, so Nikki explained that Ashland was having second thoughts about framing Ashland.

Victoria said Ashland told her he didn’t want her to cross an ethical line by framing Adam. He also suggested he and Victoria run away together. Victor thought that Ashland was suspicious and he was testing Victoria to see if she was on his side. Victoria’s family was about ready to abandon the plan and do something else. Victoria was adamant that she could handle herself and Ashland. She said the plan was solid, and she was committed to seeing it through. “And you still don’t trust me,” she said. Victor said it wasn’t about trust. He thought Ashland was backpedaling from the plan because he was suspicious. “Or maybe he is seriously conflicted. Maybe it’s possible for him to be this ruthless and also love me and want to protect me. The two of those ideas are not mutually exclusive,” Victoria said. Victor sighed and said maybe Victoria was right. Victoria thought that was ironic coming from Victor. He asked what that meant. “She is comparing the dynamic she has with Ashland to what you and I have. That you can be ruthless, yet you love me. You always want to protect me and I’ve always loved you. Even at your worst, and vice versa,” Nikki explained. Nikki couldn’t give Ashland the benefit of the doubt. Victor thought the situations were completely different, but Victoria disagreed. Victor stated that Ashland was a narcissist. He said if Ashland were a man, he would’ve come clean to Victoria before the wedding and begged for forgiveness. “Or at least before he signed that contract to be co-CEO,” Nick added. Victor hated to say it, but Ashland used Victoria, and he would’ve tossed her away as soon as she wasn’t useful anymore. Victoria looked hurt. Victor promised to make Ashland pay, and he told Victoria not to question her plan.

Nikki said they didn’t mean to be heavy handed – they just needed to get through to Victoria. Nick demanded to know if Victoria had affection for Ashland. Victoria needed to think about it. She felt like they lacked faith in her ability to make good decisions. She needed time away from all of them to think. She rushed out of the office. Nick admitted he may have come on too strong. Nikki knew he was coming from a good place. Victor wondered if they were too tough on Victoria. Nikki thought they all said what needed to be said. Nick left. Nikki was going to get some work done. She had a feeling Victoria would be back sooner than later. Victor was going to stay at the office. Nikki hoped Victoria would calm down, so they could all have a civil conversation.

On the patio of Crimson Lights, Adam offered Ashland half a billion dollars to leave Victoria and the company. Ashland said he wasn’t strapped for cash, but that was a substantial amount of money. Adam said Ashland could buy a private island or a rocket and shoot himself off into space. Adam didn’t care how Ashland left – he was offering up a drama-free exit. Ashland was concerned that accepting this deal would be an admission of guilt. Adam told Ashland to stop pretending he still had cancer and that he didn’t prey on Victoria’s emotions to get his hands on the company. Adam didn’t care that Ashland lied, since Adam’s past was littered with similar schemes. Adam said Ashland’s plan fell apart, so he should just leave with his reputation intact. Ashland thought Adam was only doing this to get Ashland and Victoria out of the picture so he could have Victoria’s job. Adam didn’t think his motives should play a role in Ashland’s decision. Ashland asked if Victor knew Adam was making this offer. “You really think I have the temerity and the guts to make a deal like this without my father’s approval?,” Adam asked. Ashland supposed Victor would’ve had to sign off on such a substantial sum.

Ashland suggested that it was a bit cruel of Victor to have Adam offer Ashland five hundred million dollars. Ashland happened to know that Victor had been forced to pay Victoria, Nick and Abby five hundred million each over their trusts, but not Adam. Adam said he wasn’t part of the lawsuit. “It still seems unfair, don’t you think? I mean you never got that kind of money from your father,” Ashland said. “It’s almost as if he’s saying to you that you weren’t in the same league as his other children. As your siblings. That’s gotta hurt,” Ashland said. Adam grinned and said nice try, but he was doing fine. Ashland thought it must be exhausting for Adam to have to prove himself to Victor over and over and over. Adam said he and his dad were doing fine. He told Ashland not to read into the number – Adam and Victor had agreed on a sum that they thought would get Ashland out of their lives. Adam said this offer expired today. Ashland said it was a lot to consider, and he asked what if he needed more time. Adam said Ashland had one hour. If Ashland took the deal, the money would be wired into his account tomorrow morning. “And if not, good luck surviving what comes next,” Adam said. He left.

Adam went to Society and told Sally the latest. She was shocked Ashland didn’t immediately accept all that money. Adam said Ashland didn’t turn it down either, so he must be considering it. Sally thought Adam handled it masterfully. That meant a lot to him. They saw Victoria drinking at the bar. Sally asked if Adam wanted to leave, but he said he had to talk to Victoria. Sally went and got a table. Adam asked Victoria how the plan was going. Victoria didn’t want to get into it, but there might be a change in plans. He asked what that meant. She said he’d know when he needed to. “You really are a piece of work. I have put myself at risk to try and help you and you can’t even do the bare minimum to keep me informed? It’s like I’m a lesser being than you except when you need something from me,” he complained. She told him to calm down. He thought it was obvious that her plan didn’t work, and that she screwed it up. She denied it. He said that he told Victor this wasn’t going to work. He guessed that Ashland saw through her deception, and now he was backing off. He guessed it must suck to realize you couldn’t control the world. She said she accomplished more than he’d ever dreamed of. He suggested that was he wasn’t offered the opportunity. She countered that he’d been given plenty of chances, and he’d failed every time, because of who he was.

After Victoria left, Adam went to Sally. He told her that Victoria was refusing to admit that she blew it with Ashland and that her plan was a mess. He felt it validated his decision to take matters into his own hands and create an alternative plan. Sally asked how Victor would react to Adam offering Ashland a huge amount of money without consulting with him first. “If Ashland takes the deal and he leaves town, my dad will be fine with it, and if [Ashland] turns it down – [Victor] doesn’t even need to know,” Adam replied.

Ashland went to Victoria’s office and discovered her parents were still there. Ashland wanted to discuss the offer Adam made, and he asked if it was legit. Victor pretended that he knew what Ashland was talking about. Victor asked why the offer wouldn’t be legit. “The amount. You see, I happen to know that that’s the exact same number that you were forced to hand over to each of your children except Adam. So he was forced to relive that pain all over again, which I thought was heartless on your part. How exactly do you rationalize putting your own son in that position?,” Ashland asked. Victor said Ashland had no right to question his relationship with his son. He asked whether Ashland would take the five hundred million and get the hell out of town.

Ashland wasn’t sure if he was going to take the deal yet. He’d wondered if Adam made the offer on his own. “You think he’d agree to that sum of money without my permission?,” Victor asked. Ashland recalled that Adam had said almost the same thing. However, Ashland had picked up on some hesitation from Victor earlier, as if he’d been caught off guard. Victor said he’d been stunned by Ashland’s unmitigated gall to show up here, even though they all knew he was guilty. Victoria walked in and asked what was going on. Ashland said Adam, and perhaps Victor, offered him a lot of money to walk away from Victoria and his life in Genoa City. He asked her if he should take the deal and go. “Maybe I put you through enough pain. Maybe it’s time to put it to an end. Maybe we should just both move on,” he said.

Ashley found Traci staring out the window waiting for Jack. It reminded Ashley of when they were little and Traci would wait all day for their dad to come home from a business trip. Traci was eager to hear about Jack’s trip and about his granddaughter. She and Ashley hoped the trip went the way he wanted it to.

At the hotel, Phyllis told Jack he’d been chivalrous to carry in her bag. She wished there was something she could do for him. He asked if she could tell Kyle his mother was alive. He wasn’t serious, because he knew he needed to be the one to break that news. “Poor Kyle,” he said, and Phyllis hugged him. Jack felt that Diane ruined his trip to see Allie. Phyllis thought the trip was good because Jack made a real connection to Allie, and there was nothing Diane could do to change that. Billy texted about the trip. Jack decided to share the news with all his siblings at once.

After Jack left, Amanda dropped by to see Phyllis. She’d come yesterday too, and someone told her Phyllis was in LA. Amanda hoped Phyllis got to do something fun on her trip. Phyllis said the trip was one revelation after another. Amanda just went through that same sort of drama with her family, so she knew how intense it could be. Amanda was curious if Jack asked Phyllis to come to LA. Phyllis said that she offered to go. Amanda smiled and said the relationship was clearly getting deeper. Phyllis said she went out there as an advisor and voice of reason. Amanda laughed and said that didn’t sound like Phyllis. Phyllis said it went against her basic instinct. Amanda thought that showed how much Phyllis cared about Jack. Phyllis stated that she and Jack were just friends for now because that was what he needed. Amanda suggested she and Phyllis do a spa day. Phyllis was tempted, but she was behind on work. Amanda told Phyllis she should pamper herself after a long flight and hang out with her favorite person in the world.

When Jack got home, Billy, Traci and Ashley were there. Traci excitedly asked all about Allie, and Billy joked that Traci had already photoshopped Allie into the family portrait. Jack was glad to see the three of them here. He wanted to have regular family gatherings. Jack’s siblings liked the idea, but Billy sensed Jack was stalling. Jack said Allie was pretty, bright, curious and thoughtful. She reminded him of Keemo from time to time, but more than anything, she reminded him of Ashley. He said Allie was clear eyed, critical thinking and working on her Master’s in chemical engineering. Jack knew how skeptical Ashley had been, but Allie had been even more skeptical, and he thought when they met, they would hit it off.

Jack had everyone brace for some unsettling news. He revealed that Diane was alive and she was the one who sent the texts luring him to Keemo’s house. Billy, Ashley and Traci were in disbelief. Jack said Diane was hoping that after she brought him and Allie together, he’d help her reconnect with Kyle. They were all appalled. Jack said he had to tell Kyle. Ashley asked if Jack was sure. Jack said he couldn’t keep it from Kyle. Traci worried about what this would do to Kyle and she asked how Diane could put him through this. Ashley said Diane was inherently selfish. “Please tell us, how did this bitch come back into our lives?,” Ashley said.

Jack said Diane knew the whole town hated her and felt the walls closing in, so she faked her death with Deacon’s help. He said Diane claimed she’d rehabilitated herself and turned her life around. Ashley hoped Jack didn’t believe that. Jack didn’t buy it for one second. Jack hadn’t forgotten one thing Diane did to him – the lies, the games, using Kyle’s custody as a weapon… He didn’t forget what Diane did to Ashley too. “Where do I even start? She slept with my fiancee, she blackmailed me, what she did to my daughter, and then her so-called death, we were all turned into suspects,” Ashley said. Ashley said even Traci hated Diane, and Traci tried to see the best in everyone. Traci said Diane took pleasure in wreaking havoc. Billy hoped Jack had a plan to deal with Diane, because she was a potential threat to half the town.

“Clearly you see that her leading you to Allie was just another one of Diane’s games,” Ashley said to Jack. Jack explained that Diane claimed it wasn’t a game and that she honestly wanted to make amends with Kyle. Jack’s first instinct was to say hell no, but Phyllis helped him realize this was Kyle’s choice. Ashley bristled at Jack telling Phyllis all this before he told his own family. He clarified that Phyllis was with him in LA. Ashley asked why. Jack said Phyllis flew out to support him, and he was glad she did because he’d been spinning out of control ever since Diane showed up. He said Phyllis kept him grounded, and that was what he needed.

Traci was very glad Phyllis was there to help Jack. He said Phyllis was a lifesaver and she was right about being honest with Kyle. Jack said that Kyle deserved the truth, and if he didn’t tell Kyle, Diane was going to. Diane almost called Kyle, but to Jack’s relief, he convinced her to let him contact Kyle. “Well how incredibly generous of her. She doesn’t want to traumatize her son, so she’ll just leave it to you,” Ashley griped. Jack was concerned about Kyle’s reaction. He was going to warn Kyle about Diane and tell him about the dark side of his mother that they’d all tried to keep from him when they thought she was dead. Jack said Kyle read about Diane in Restless Style, but there was so much more to know, and reading about her behavior was different than being affected by it. Billy asked if Diane was coming to town. Ashley was adamant that Jack couldn’t let Diane come back to Genoa City, because Diane’s return would have a big effect on a lot of people.

Back at the hotel, Phyllis and Amanda left the lobby for the spa. Just after they walked out, Diane entered and booked a room under her Taylor Jensen alias.

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Young & The Restless Update

Recap written by Christine

Victoria went to work and found Ashland staring out the window. She mentioned that he got up and left the house early. She was surprised he was there. She just came to tie up some loose ends before the temporary CEO took over. She asked if he had a plan he wanted to share yet. He was having second thoughts about the trip. She reminded him that he was the one who decided to cancel. He still thought that was the smartest move, because it would give them time to prove Adam was setting him up. However, he’d looked forward to having time with her away from the searing eyes and false accusations. She joked that it was also known as a typical Newman dinner. He knew this was taking a toll on her. She said they’d keep each other strong. He told her he had the skin of a woolly mammoth, but she said that wasn’t true. He stated that she knew him better than anyone, and it was true that this was starting to wear on him. He lamented that they wouldn’t have the chance to reconnect, but he said they’d get back to Tuscany eventually. She said in the meantime, they’d create an oasis for themselves while they searched for proof.

Victoria sensed Ashland wanted to say something. He said if he’d known the universe was saving her for him, he would’ve lived an entirely different, more wholesome life. He stated that she temporarily sacrificed the job she worked her entire life for to stand by him. He wished he could make up for it. She said this was was her choice, and she felt good about it. He never thought he could love someone as deeply as he loved her. He was scared she could just walk away from him if she believed the lies. She asked if he was doubting the plan. He wasn’t sure they were on the right path. He revealed that he snuck into Adam’s office and got into his computer. He didn’t find any evidence that Adam framed him. Victoria said Adam was too smart to leave a digital trail. She said they had to dig deeper. He wasn’t sure he wanted to. She was adamant that they’d uncover Adam’s mistakes. He said when he was in Adam’s office, he overheard Adam and Sally outside. In that moment, Ashland realized he was behaving like a lowlife criminal. He said he’d done things like that in the past, but he put that life behind him when he fell in love with her. Now that man was back again, and he hated himself for it. He said the only way for this plan to work would be to go further down that path, and he was afraid it would destroy their love for good.

Victoria maintained that fighting together would only strengthen their love. Ashland was concerned they might cross a line while protecting their love that would only destroy it in the end. Victoria asked if Ashland thought Adam was guilty. He thought Adam was the most obvious culprit, but they didn’t find any proof. Victoria said Adam was good at covering his tracks. Ashland replied that time was of the essence, which meant they’d have to fabricate proof against Adam in order to make the plan work. He couldn’t in good conscience ask her to be part of that. “Do you understand what we are about to do? We are about to embark on a scheme to defraud. Exactly the same thing that your family is accusing me of doing and that lie almost cost me your trust and your love. Now as far as I know, unless you’re keeping something from me, you’ve never been an active participant in anything like this,” he stated. She said she stood by him when he, Adam and Victor turned the tables on Billy. He reminded her that she chose to stay out of that plot.

Victoria said she might feel different if they were framing an innocent man, but they were talking about holding a guilty man responsible for what he’d done. She revealed that Adam once conspired with Jack to fake a diary where Victor confessed to murdering a man. Ashland said that was the old Adam. Victoria didn’t believe Adam changed. Ashland asked what if they were wrong, and Adam was innocent. He couldn’t live with himself if she one day regretted the choices she was making today and she resented him for leading her down that path. She asked where the doubt was coming from – earlier he’d seemed sure Adam was guilty. He said that Adam was guilty but this was putting her in an impossible position. He’d kept things about his past from her because he didn’t want to taint what they shared. He said if she did this, she’d know how low she was sinking, and she’d tell herself she was doing it for him, but one day, she’d blame him for making her cross that line. He held her and said he loved her so much, but he was afraid he was taking her to the point of no return.

Victoria took Ashland’s hands and said that she wasn’t afraid to cross that line to protect him and his reputation. He said they could just walk away – go somewhere else and start something new. She asked if he could really reset his life again, like he did when he buried Bobby DeFranco and started over as Ashland Locke? He said they’d start a new empire together. He told her that she was the only thing that mattered to him. He never believed he could feel this intensely about anything, and he wanted to protect that and protect her. “It could be incredible; making something of our very own,” he said. He said there was no pressure. He was going to go home for awhile. She asked if he felt okay. He was fine, he just needed to rest. He left.

Victor went to Adam’s office and asked if there was any evidence Ashland was moving forward with his plan. According to Adam, there was no indication Ashland planted files on Adam’s computer. Adam wanted to know what to expect as Victoria’s plan unfolded. He asked how much warning he was going to get as things moved along and what to expect when he was busted for framing Ashland. He asked what he was supposed to tell Connor. He asked if Victor really thought this plan was their smartest move.

Victor wondered why Adam was questioning Victoria’s plan. Adam felt he should be entitled to do so, since the plan revolved around him. Victor said Ashland took the bait and he’d now come up with “proof” Adam was out to get him. “Which everyone will believe because hey, it’s Adam,” Adam replied. Victor clarified that it was a charade. Victor said they’d apologize to Ashland and ask him for evidence, and Ashland would plant that evidence in Adam’s computer. Adam said Ashland might figure it out, since he’d outwitted them many times. Victor said they’d catch Ashland red-handed, and then Victor would have a reason to nullify Ashland’s contract with Newman Locke, then Victoria would be free and Adam would emerge unscathed.

Adam understood the plan, and he’d stick to his role of the black sheep, but he was a little tired of always having to prove he was a team player. He said he improved Victoria’s plan by saying he should stay on as temporary CEO so that Victor could pretend to fire him when Ashland planted and then found the evidence. Adam thought it sounded great on paper, but Victoria’s plan had a ton of potential pitfalls. He said Victoria was inspired by Billy’s plan to trick Adam into publishing disparaging articles about Billy’s drinking. It was a scheme so weak that when Victoria found out about it, she shut it down. Adam said the plan hinged on Ashland finding fake evidence, but when Adam gave him access, he didn’t take it. Adam wondered if Ashland knew Adam gave him access to the computer. Victor said Ashland’s days at the family business were numbered one way or the other. Adam wanted to talk about the business. Victor said that after all this was finished, Adam would be CEO of Newman Media, and Victoria would be sole CEO of Newman Locke. Adam intende to play his role, but he thought Victor had too much faith in a half-baked plan that Ashland might already see through. He was concerned Ashland might be planning his next move. Victor was unfazed – he said this was a chess game, and he was very good at it.

Later, Victor was with gone and Sally was with Adam. She asked how things went. He told her that Victor said Adam would be going back to his old job once Victoria’s plan succeeded. Sally didn’t think it was right that Adam was just going to get discarded after the plan was finished, without even getting a chance to prove he was the better leader. She noted that the plan couldn’t even work without Adam. She wished she’d been at the office earlier to make sure Victor understood Adam’s concerns about the plan. Adam said he laid it all out, but Victor just disagreed. The only thing Adam didn’t mention was that Ashland had been blaming Victor all along, so the family could’ve let Victor be the fall guy instead. Adam thought he was chosen to be the fall guy in Victoria’s plan because the family viewed him as the disposable one. Sally said Victoria might think that, but Victor didn’t, and Nick was on Adam’s side too. She encouraged him to bide his time and play along so he’d have more opportunities to prove himself. She noted that he sold Victor on the idea of the streaming service. He said that might have backfired – his pitch was about creative content, and that might have convinced Victor that Adam belonged at Newman Media. Sally said it wasn’t that bad at this company. Adam said he’d never be the kind of heir Victoria represented.

Adam tried to be good. He felt he was doing a monumental job walking the straight and narrow. He donated a kidney to Faith, and you’d think that would persuade everyone once and for all. He got Gaines out of the way at Victoria’s wedding, and he was the reason she was able to marry Ashland. He supposed that meant this was all his fault. He’d tried to be the best father he could be to Connor. He did right by Chelsea. Sally said Adam had been more forgiving than she would’ve been. Adam said he gave Chelsea a job, he didn’t fight her for full custody and he tried not to break her heart. He’d done the right thing. The old Adam wouldn’t have known what the right thing even meant. He was finally getting to a place where his family was trusting and including him. He proved he wasn’t like Locke, and he got rewarded by being made the fall guy, and once his services were no longer needed, like a punching bag, his family was going to kick him to the curb. He wondered what the point to being the good guy was if his family’s perception of him hadn’t changed.

Sally opined that being the head of Newman Media was not exactly getting kicked to the curb. She said Adam was the head of a major communications company that he’d turned into an unmitigated success. She told him not to give up because Victor made one of his transparent power moves. “[Victor] obviously was mad that you were challenging the plan, so he put you in your place by reminding you that he has the power to demote you. But he also has the power to promote you, so if you want to be a leader, lead and don’t look for permission,” she said. She also thought he should count himself lucky for all the opportunities he’d been handed because most people didn’t get the millions of chances he’d gotten to reinvent himself, and they didn’t have the resources at their disposal. He thanked Sally for the honesty and for reminding him that it was easy for him to sound like a selfish insensitive jerk. He knew she’d had to work a lot harder than he did to get to where she was. From her brief exposure to the Newman family dynamics, she thought he was a saint for what he’d had to put up with. She knew he’d had to jump through hoops to get to where he was too. She told him not to let this get under his skin. She said he’d done a monumental job of turning his life around. He was glad she didn’t know the old him. She said the Adam she was with now was phenomenal, and she said he’d get a chance to make a move, and when he did, it would be amazing.

At Crimson Lights, Sharon talked to Nick about Mariah and Tessa’s Friday the Thirteenth wedding. She said they’d probably get married under a ladder to thumb their noses at superstition. Nick thought the wedding date was weird at first, but now he was coming around. Sharon was concerned because there wasn’t much time to get ready for the wedding, which was in May. The 70s glam theme Noah came up with would take a lot of time. She thought they should have daily meetings about this from now until the night of the wedding.

Nick said that if Tessa and Mariah thought they could pull the 13^th off, everyone could make it work. Sharon asked Nick to scour the entire Midwest for authentic 70s décor, and he accepted the task. She asked what was wrong with him. He was worried about Victoria and Ashland and Victoria’s plan. He didn’t bring it up earlier while they were discussing the wedding. Sharon said the last thing Mariah and Tessa needed was to hear about a marriage based on lies. Nick appreciated the diversion the wedding gave him. Sharon asked if Nick wanted to talk about the plan. He thought it best if she didn’t know what it was. He said that Victoria’s plan made her complicit, and he thought that crossed a line.

Nick was worried for Victoria’s safety. He was glad Victoria didn’t seem to buy Ashland’s claims, but a lot could go wrong. Sharon thought Ashland was despicable. Nick knew Ashland was trouble from the start. Every time Nick thought Ashland sunk as far as possible, he hit a new rock bottom. Nick said Victoria was determined to handle this on her own. The only saving grace was that Victor had his security team on Victoria. It worried Sharon that Victor thought this was necessary. She said that Nick could be in danger too, because there was no telling where Ashland would draw the line if he felt like the whole Newman family was antagonizing him.

Nick said this plan was just complicated, involving a lot of moving parts and loose cannons. Sharon asked if Adam was involved. Nick thought Sharon said she already had enough to worry about with the Friday the 13^th wedding. Sharon saw Ashland come in and head their way. She warned Nick, who said he was going to leave because he couldn’t control himself around Ashland. Ashland came up and said hi. Nick left. Ashland guessed Sharon knew why he’d fallen out of the Newman’s good graces. He asked if he could get coffee anyway.

Sharon started to make coffee, and Ashland mused that it would probably be the coldest cup he’d ever had. Sharon noted that he could go to another establishment. He acknowledged that he should thank her for not refusing him service. She said she gave the cold shoulder to everyone who pretended to have cancer. He heard about her recent health crisis and he was sorry she had to go through that, but he was innocent. She wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt, but… Before she could say more, Adam and Sally walked in.

Sharon served Ashland. “You know, when I was sick I found that green tea – oh what am I talking about. Barking up the wrong tree,” she said. He’d hoped she’d give him the benefit of the doubt. He intended to exonerate himself. She excused herself and went in the back. Adam asked Sally for a moment with Ashland. Adam approached Ashland, who called him the new pretend CEO. Adam had an offer to make. “By whose authority do you make this offer?,” Ashland asked. Adam was speaking under his own authority and representing the Newman family. He offered Ashland half a billion dollars to leave and start over somewhere else. “You leave Newman Locke, you leave Victoria. Today.” Adam stated.

Nikki went to Victoria’s office and said she saw Ashland leave. She asked what was going on. Victoria brought Nikki up to speed. She said she practically had to beg Ashland to frame Adam, so that he would believe she was still on his side. Nikki said Ashland wanted Victoria to believe he actually loved her and that he suddenly had a conscience. She called him despicable. Victoria said that Ashland had never sounded as sincere as he did today. Nikki was adamant that Ashland was a liar and conman. Victoria thought there was more to it. Nikki didn’t want Victoria to fool herself – she said Ashland knew his days were numbered and he was looking for a clean exit. Victoria revealed that Ashland asked if she’d walk away from the family and the company and start fresh. “As if either one of you would walk away from your companies. I think he has grown suspicious and he is testing you,” Nikki said. Nikki was hoping Victoria wasn’t tempted to run away with Ashland.

Nick came into the office. Nikki told him Ashland seemed conflicted about framing Adam. Nick said he never liked the plan, because it forced Victoria to cross a line he wasn’t comfortable with. Victoria said that was funny because Ashland said the same thing. Nick guessed that was the one thing he and Ashland had in common. She said she wasn’t selling her soul to to oust her husband – she was just allowing Ashland to perpetuate the crime of coming up with false evidence to frame Adam. She thought it was the strongest plan they had. Victor walked in and heard that Ashland was having second thoughts. Nikki asked if there was a part of Victoria that was still in love with Ashland.

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Young & The Restless Update

Recap written by Christine

Diane was at home. She typed Kyle’s number into her phone, but she didn’t put the call through. She flashed back to Jack saying that he wasn’t going to put her in contact with Kyle. Diane said that Kyle needed his mother. Jack snapped that Kyle needed a real mother, not Diane. Diane flashed to telling Allie how much she wanted to reconnect with her son.

Jack and Phyllis were at the cafe in LA. Kyle was supposed to have gotten back to Jack with his travel plans by now, and he hadn’t. Jack wanted to be the one to tell Kyle about Diane, and he wasn’t sure how much longer she would agree to his demand that she didn’t reach out to their son. Phyllis said Diane was a loose cannon. Allie showed up, and Jack called her beautiful and smart. He told Phyllis Allie was getting her degree in chemical engineering. Allie seemed uncomfortable with the praise, and Phyllis said she would have to get used to it because Jack loved to brag about his family. Jack was sorry if he overstepped. Allie said it was fine because her dad used to be the same way. Jack saw this as a gift, and he was grateful they’d gotten to know each other. He saw that she looked nervous, and he asked if he was going too far with the grandfather thing. Allie said it wasn’t him, it was her. Allie admitted she reached out to Diane, then she went to visit. Allie didn’t forget how Diane used her or how upset Diane made Jack. Allie had some questions about the Abbotts, and she’d wanted to hear a different side of things. Jack understood that. Phyllis was curious what Diane said. Allie said Diane didn’t share anything negative, except when it came to her own mistakes. Allie said that Diane made Kyle sound like a pretty remarkable young man, even if he wasn’t much older than her. Jack agreed that Kyle was remarkable. He wanted them to meet. Allie looked forward to that, and she joked that she wanted to see if Kyle lived up to the hype. Jack said Kyle was coming to Genoa City soon. He offered to fly Allie there to meet Kyle and the other Abbotts.

Allie wasn’t ready to commit to visiting Genoa City yet, because of her school schedule. Jack understood. Phyllis asked what else Allie and Diane talked about. Allie said not much – Diane wanted to know about Allie’s past, but she didn’t feel comfortable opening up. Phyllis said that was good, because Diane had a way of taking any little personal tidbit about your life and turning it into a bomb. Allie didn’t get it – she trusted Diane at first, and Diane was the reason Allie reached out to Jack. Allie didn’t understand how Diane could seem so kind while also manipulating her. Phyllis said Diane was very good at pulling people into her web. Allie thought Diane was sincere about loving her son deeply and wanting to fix her terrible mistake. Phyllis was emphatic that it wasn’t just one mistake. Jack cut Phyllis off and let Allie finish. Allie was struck by Diane’s love for her son and her desperation to connect to her family. Allie had a huge void in her life after Keemo’s death, and that was why she was trying to get to know the Abbotts. She said Diane bought a house just to try and connect with Jack and Kyle. Allie acknowledged that was strange, but she didn’t think there could be any intention behind that besides love. Phyllis said Diane was good at putting on an act, and that was usually when she was planning something diabolical. Allie had been thinking about what things would be like if she and Jack met while Keemo was still alive. She suggested that Diane deserved that same chance Jack had been asking for. Jack stated that he’d fallen for Diane’s emotional pleas in the past – she was good at making people think she was a friend, then you eventually found out she was only looking out for herself. Allie thought Diane seemed genuinely ashamed of what she’d done. Jack understood that Allie felt this way because she didn’t have the experience with Diane that he and Phyllis did. Allie thought that if there was any chance that Diane was sincere, she deserved this new chance.

Jack respected Allie’s kindness and optimism, and he said she was partly right, but this was up to Kyle to decide whether or not to give Diane a second chance. Jack knew this wasn’t going to be easy. Phyllis said Kyle was smart, so she was sure he’d make the right decision. Allie asked if Jack could forgive and forget. Jack didn’t think he could ever do that. Phyllis said Diane was dead to her. Allie guessed she didn’t have a full sense of what Diane did to Phyllis and Jack. Jack said that was a story for another day. Phyllis asked if Diane asked Allie to speak up on her behalf. Jack thought Allie’s motives were all her own. Allie was adamant that Diane didn’t ask for help, at least not outright. Phyllis said that was perfect Diane-manipulation. Allie said she wasn’t manipulated. She said Diane realized what she lost and regretted it deeply and really seemed to want to do better.

Allie asked when Jack and Phyllis were leaving. He wasn’t sure. She said she’d be busy next week if he was planning to stay around to spend more time together. He extended the offer to fly her out again. She appreciated it, but wasn’t sure. He said that Genoa City would be there waiting for her when she was ready. Allie asked if Jack and Phyllis were together. Stammering, Phyllis asked why Allie would think that. Allie said when they all met each other, Jack and Phyllis said they were friends, but Allie sensed a strong friendship between them. Allie also noted that Phyllis must’ve dropped everything to be here for Jack. Diane texted Allie wanting to meet. Phyllis warned Allie that this was how Diane started. Jack said he couldn’t tell Allie, or Kyle, how to handle Diane, but he advised using extreme caution. Allie decided to take the advice and not to meet Diane. Allie hugged Jack and left. Once Allie was gone, Jack let his fury show. He was angry Diane contacted Allie after he’d told her not to. Phyllis said no one told Diane what to do. “Wanna bet?,” he replied.

Back at her place, Diane was disappointed Allie didn’t want to meet. Jack and Phyllis showed up, and he accused Diane of trying to manipulate his granddaughter. Diane said that Allie came to her – it was her choice. He noted that Allie just lost her father. Diane said Allie had a big family now. Phyllis sniped that Diane, the fairy-godmother bestowed them on her. Jack was angry that Diane had texted Allie to meet again. He thought that Diane was planning to exploit Allie. Diane said not to underestimate Allie, because she was kind, smart and not bitter despite what she’d been through. Jack said the deal was that he’d connect Diane with Kyle. He told her to stay away from Allie.

Diane asked if Jack was going to go back on his promise to connect her with Kyle. Phyllis said Jack didn’t play games like that. Jack said he already contacted Kyle, and he was going to carefully tell him that Diane was alive and in LA. Jack was going to give Kyle Diane’s contact information and let him decide what to do. Diane hoped Kyle would give her a chance to explain she always loved him, and hopefully he’d forgive her in time. “Oh yeah sure you’ve always loved him. You ditched him when he was a child and now you want back in his life,” Phyllis said. Diane said Kyle was like Jack – he had love and forgiveness in his heart, even for terrible betrayals. Jack hated like hell that Kyle had to decide whether or not to forgive Diane, but he thought it was clear Diane wouldn’t give Kyle a choice. The last thing Jack wanted was for Kyle’s heart to be broken, but that was all Diane was capable of.

Phyllis thought Jack handled Diane masterfully. She also believed Allie had a good head on her shoulders and realized they wouldn’t warn her about Diane without a good reason. Jack said he needed to get home to Jabot. Phyllis noted that Jack had a good trip with Allie. He agreed, although he wished Allie had been specific about when she’d come to Genoa City. Phyllis was sure Jack would get more time with Allie. He thanked Phyllis again for being there for him. She said no one should have to go through this alone. She added that they were always there for each other when it counted. She thought they should discuss how to tell everyone in Genoa City that Diane was alive, given that half the population wanted to kill her.

Diane booked a flight to Genoa City.

Mariah had news, so she gathered Sharon, Faith, Rey, Noah and Nick at Crimson Lights. Now they were just waiting for Tessa. Faith and Noah noticed Nick was quiet and he wasn’t making his cringy dad jokes. Nick claimed things were fine, then he fired off several jokes, which eased his kids’ concerns. Tessa arrived. The news was that Tessa and Mariah set a wedding date of May 13^th. Sharon thought they meant next year, but they meant next month. Sharon said that when Tessa and Mariah said there was no way they could make it by April, she though thtey were going to postpone the wedding for awhile. Mariah said that Tessa booked some summer music festivals, so they wanted to get married before that. Rey warned the couple that May 13^th was a Friday. They knew, and they thought a Friday the Thirteenth wedding would be great for their unconventional wedding. Tessa said 13 was her lucky number. Faith thought this sounded like a really bad idea.

Tessa replied that the number 13 was lucky in Chinese culture – it represented defiant vibrance and growth. Mariah thought that fit, since she was defiant and Tessa was vibrant. Nick asked if they wanted to choose a date that could give the guests the heebie jeebies. Tessa and Mariah took hands and said they respected everyone’s concerns, but they knew this wedding would be the start of an amazing journey and filled with good luck. Noah thought this would be great. Mariah thanked him for being supportive. Sharon said they all supported them and wanted what was best for them and hoped they’d have the wedding of their dreams. Mariah and Tessa said this was their dream wedding. All they wanted were their friends and family – and the location and theme were just the icing on the cake. Noah was fully on board. He had an idea – a 70s glam wedding. Mariah and Tessa loved it. Faith, noting that she was too young, asked what was so glam about the 70s. Sharon said no one in the room was old enough to have memories of the 70s, but the era was about doing what you wanted. Rey was sure Faith had seen the fashion of that era. She’d seen old movies. Nick didn’t want to dress like Ziggy Stardust. Tessa said the rights to all things Bowie went to Mariah.

Sharon asked what sort of food for the reception. Rey said fondue. Faith wasn’t sure melted cheese fit with glam. Nick thought it sounded messy. Sharon reminded Nick of the time his frat threw the 70s party. They reminisced, and it was clear Rey felt left out. Back then, Sharon sprained her ankle on her platform shoe and Nick carried her home. Chelsea arrived. Sharon invited her to come join the wedding planning fun. Chelsea apologized for interrupting the family gathering. She was just there to talk about Rey’s trip to Chicago. Chelsea said she used to have a bridal line, and she’d be honored to contribute. Chelsea was about to leave, but Rey went to the patio with her.

Mariah asked Sharon if she was okay with the plans. Sharon had a moment of doubt, but the idea was inspired, and she was only concerned about the time frame. Mariah said she was Sharon’s first daughter to get married, and she wondered if Sharon hoped Mariah would wear one of her old wedding dresses. Sharon admitted that idea crossed her mind. Mariah wanted this day to be personal and about her and Tessa as soulmates. Sharon thought that this wedding should be Mariah and Tessa’s special day. Sharon said she’d be crying through her glam makeup when her daughter married the love of her life.

Chelsea said her trip got postponed, so she’d be able to take Connor to the game. Rey admitted he was a little disappointed. Chelsea revealed that she got an extra ticket – their seats probably wouldn’t be together, but the three of them could get to go, unless he didn’t want to. Rey didn’t want to be a third wheel in Chelsea and Connor’s time. She clarified that when she told Connor she could go on the trip, the first thing he asked was if Rey could still come. Rey looked inside and saw Nick and Sharon laughing and talking. He said he’d be happy to go.

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Young & The Restless Update

Recap written by Christine

At Newman Media, Ashland, donned a pair of rubber gloves and began to type something into Adam’s laptop.

At Newman Locke, Victoria had a new plan to deal with Ashland in the way he needed to be dealt with. She told Victor, Nikki, Adam and Nick that they all had a role to play, and they had to make it look real. Victoria convinced Ashland that she believed he’d been set up. She said that Adam had the naked ambition, the animosity toward Ashland, the history of deception, and he’d even lied about his own health crisis, and that made him the perfect suspect. Adam didn’t like the idea of being thrown under the bus. Victoria said it was for the good of the company. Adam thought it was clear that Victoria would benefit from this too. Victoria asked Adam to put aside their differences and look at the whole picture. She said this would stay in the family, and he wouldn’t take the fall for anything, the way she did when he framed her for tampering with Victor’s medication. He assumed she thought he owed her one. Nick thought that Adam did owe Victoria. Adam snapped that no one asked Nick. Victoria said that Adam’s role in this was crucial. A triumphant Michael walked in and said he’d found an obscure morals clause, of sorts, that would give them grounds to nullify Ashland’s contract. Adam guessed that the plan was to catch Ashland in the act of planting evidence against Adam, then use that to fire him. “You’re using the same aborted plan as Billy did on your own husband,” Adam said. Victoria realized that they were similar plans. Adam it was a good parallel. Adam said that in order for this to play out correctly, he’d need to stay on as temporary CEO. Victor said there was no reason for Adam to stay on now that Victoria and Ashland weren’t going to Italy. Nick asked how Victoria was supposed to get Ashland to buy this – Ashland was a lot of things but he wasn’t stupid. Adam said that, in order to fall from grace, he needed somewhere to fall from. Adam said Victoria could tell Ashland that Victor kept Adam in charge because she kept siding with Ashland. Adam said that once the fake truth about him framing Ashland came out, Victoria could have Victor fire him. He thought that would significantly improve Victoria’s plan. Adam got an alert that someone was trying to get into his computer. They all knew it was Ashland. Victor told Adam to remotely change the firewall setting so that Ashland could access the system.

Adam said he’d lock Ashland back out of the laptop unless he was allowed to stay on as interim CEO. Victoria said Adam’s idea was sound, so they’d run with it. She’d tell Ashland that Victor insisted Adam stay in the role and that she didn’t fight it hard because it was a way to keep an eye on Adam. Adam said he’d be the sacrificial lamb, and Victoria said she’d be the cheerleader. Nick had a lot of concerns, but he didn’t voice them. Nikki was worried for Victoria. Victoria was sure she could handle it. Victor said Ashland was a desperate man, and Victoria’s plan played into his delusions. Michael and Victoria spoke, and it was revealed that, like Victor, she’d approached Michael and asked him to find a loophole in the contract that they could use to push Ashland out. Victoria was glad they were all on the same page. Nick was just glad Victoria understood Ashland for who he was. Adam said they were going up against a shrewd clever man, who’d escaped accountability for his whole life, so they had to be careful and vigilant, which meant never underestimating their opponent.

After Adam left, Victor congratulated Michael on doing good work. Michael was eager to see Ashland, the man who had him locked up, go down. Michael left. Victor said they’d all follow Victoria’s lead. Victoria wasn’t sure they could count on Adam, whose first concern was hanging onto his shiny new title. She said he only cared about what was best for him, not the family. Victor geared up to defend Adam. “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. Worst yet, you gave him hope,” she said. Victor was sorry Victoria saw it that way. Nick thought Victoria was right. Victoria said she and Adam had been adversaries from the beginning, and now he had a vested interest in seeing her fail. Nick left. Victor promised Victoria he’d keep Adam in line. Victoria knew Victor would try, and she said she couldn’t ask for more. Nikki vowed to make the plan work because Ashland didn’t deserve Victoria, or a place in the family or the company. Victor adored and supported Victoria. Victoria said she’d been devastated when she accepted what Ashland did, but she knew that she had to be the one to fix it. Victoria had felt shame, hurt and anger. Nikki comforted Victoria when she started to cry.

Back at Newman Media, Ashland was pleased when Adam’s computer unlocked. He typed some things and took a few pictures of the laptop screen. Sally came up and found the office door locked. She called for Adam. Adam came up, and Sally asked why the door was locked. He signaled her that something more was going on, then he said – loudly enough for Ashland to hear – that it had been a long day, so they should go somewhere else.

Sally and Adam went to Society, and he brought her up to speed on Victoria’s plan. He admitted it was a decent plan that had already been put in motion. Sally said this plan gave Adam leverage. Adam agreed. “I made it clear that before I let Ashland past the firewall, if I agreed to be this pretend-patsy that they have to keep me on as temporary CEO,” he crowed. He said he pitched it as if he was trying to be the ultimate team player and improve Victoria’s plan. “Well played,” Sally said. Sally thought Adam should get to be co-CEO for the pivotal role he was playing in ousting Ashland. Adam doubted that would happen. “If they aren’t prepared to show you the respect that you deserve, well it seems to that there were plenty of ways Victoria’s plan could go south,” Sally said. Nick showed up wanting to talk to Adam. Adam said that Sally knew everything, so Nick could speak freely. Nick was there to make sure Adam could be trusted.

Adam asked what he could say to convince Nick. Nick needed to know Adam would play his part. “My assigned role, you mean?” Adam replied. Nick said this wasn’t a game, and there was more at stake than Adam’s future. “You mean Victoria’s future,” Sally replied. Adam thought Sally summed it up well. Adam was sorry for Victoria, but she made her bed when she chose to trust Ashland, and the consequences could affect all the Newmans and on Victor’s legacy. Nick felt concerned Adam was willing to jeopardize everything Victor worked for for his (Adam’s) on personal gain. “Do you really think that I’m capable of screwing over the whole family to take what isn’t mine?” Adam asked. “Absolutely,” Nick replied. Nick conceded that Adam had changed, though.

“You admit that I have changed, but you still don’t trust me,” Adam stated. Nick had seen Adam make an effort to change, and he’d seen Adam be selfless, but he knew this was the kind of situation that brought out the worst in Adam. Nick contended that Adam struggled in situations that related to which child was Victor’s favorite and whether Adam would ever be able to prove himself to the old man. Nick said Ashland represented a different threat to the family, and no matter how messed up they were at times, the family always showed up for each other. Always. Nick acknowledged that Adam saved Faith’s life and risked his own to make sure she made it to the hospital, and then he gave her a kidney. Nick hoped that was the Adam who showed up to bring Ashland down. He also hoped Adam would be willing to take a look at the bigger picture for the family – for Adam’s family.

At Crimson Lights, Ashland ran into Michael and welcomed him home. He assumed Michael’s trip was productive, since Victor had bought into the stories about Ashland faking his illness. Michael stated that he’d had a productive trip, until he’d been thrown in jail. Ashland said Michael must’ve pissed off the locals. Ashland noted that Michael didn’t look worse for wear. Ashland said he was going to prove he was set up, and Michael and the others would realize they were wrong about him. Michael was dying to see how this turned out. Victoria met Ashland after Michael left. She told him she let her family know they were close to discovering who was behind the smear campaign. Victoria said there was bad news – Victor was keeping Adam on as CEO, even though the flight to Tuscany was canceled. Ashland was frustrated, and he asked what Victoria said. She said first she pushed back hard, then she figured they could use it to their advantage – they could keep tabs on Adam while they proved he was the one targeting Ashland. She said she wouldn’t back down and let her family drive him away from her. He thanked her for believing in him. He had some ideas to prove his innocence, but he didn’t want to talk about them right now. She urged him to tell her so she could help. He said he trusted her, but sometimes he had to work through things on his own.

Back at Newman Locke, Nikki worried about Victoria’s physical safety and emotional well being because she had to swallow her true feelings and endure spending time with Ashland. Victor promised he wouldn’t let Victoria get hurt. He respected and admired Victoria for wanting to take the lead, and he was going to let her do it.

At his place, Billy did a recording on the blindness of love. He said when we loved someone, we tended to overlook their flaws. He said maybe it wasn’t love – it could be infatuation, lust, daddy or mommy issues. He said no one was immune to this. He wondered how love cloud the judgment of an otherwise rational intelligent person. He asked what people should do when they saw someone in love with an illusion. Lily came downstairs and heard Billy. She asked if this was for the podcast. He wasn’t sure. She knew that he’d been talking about Victoria. He said if she could tell, the Newmans would know too, so this wasn’t the best subject for a podcast. Billy wasn’t sure if he should stick his nose in Victoria’s issue or stay out. He and Lily were sickened that Ashland faked cancer. “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,” Billy said. Lily was glad Billy was there to listen. Billy had been sure Victoria would kick Ashland to the curb, and she didn’t. Nick had asked Billy to talk to Victoria again, and Billy said he didn’t think it would do any good since Victoria would handle this the way she wanted to. Lily said Billy was right – this was Victoria’s problem, and she needed to figure out how to handle it.

“In spite of everything that’s happened between [you and Victoria] in the past,” Lily began. Billy interjected that this was a polite way of saying all the hell he put Victoria through. That wasn’t what Lily meant. She said Victoria trusted that Billy had her best interests at heart. Lily knew Billy didn’t seek this out, and Victoria laid this on him out of the blue, but she said he didn’t have to rush in and be Victoria’s protector. Billy said it wasn’t just that – he didn’t want Ashland around the kids. Lily said Victoria would never put the kids in danger. Lily thought part of Billy felt responsible for Victoria’s safety, but she said he wasn’t, and she thought he needed to work that out. Lily knew Victoria was in a terrible situation, and it was stirring up protective feelings in Billy. However, she suggested that instead of getting drawn into it, he find a way to contain those feelings. He told her he didn’t have romantic feelings for Victoria. Lily knew that, she wasn’t saying this out of jealousy, she loved Billy, and she was proud of the progress he made, and she was here for him while he dealt with all this. He said she was the smartest, most amazing, most supportive woman he knew, and he was grateful they found each other. They kissed.

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Young & The Restless Update

Recap written by Christine

Nick ran into Billy at Crimson Lights and asked if he talked to Victoria. Billy said he did, but he wasn’t able to get through to her. They were worried for Victoria’s safety. Billy said Victor was sending a security detail to Italy to protect Victoria, but that wouldn’t do much good when she was alone with Ashland. Nick wasn’t sure what to do – follow Victoria to Italy? Billy said Victoria would hate it, and it would further alienate her. Billy wanted to treat Ashland the way Ashland, Adam and Victor treated Gaines – lock him in a basement somewhere until he surrendered. At first, Nick said he hoped that was a joke, but when he saw that Billy was serious, they stared at each other as Nick briefly considered going along with the plan. Nick ultimately decided that it was a stupid idea, but he thought the fact that they even considered doing that showed how desperate they were. Billy thought Victoria was more desperate than them, because, besides something happening to their children, this was her worst nightmare. Victoria had been played for a fool and made to look weak and incompetent. Nick said Victoria would either go into denial or go after Ashland and prove he was the fool for underestimating her. Billy said whatever Victoria chose, it was clear she didn’t want their help.

Nick had to get home, but he hoped he didn’t wake up to bad news about Victoria and Ashland. Every instinct told him to rush to Victoria’s rescue. Billy understood, but he reiterated that Victoria didn’t want their help. He added that she didn’t want help from Victor either. Nick understood why Victoria didn’t want their dad’s help because that usually came with strings attached. Billy said it went deeper than that – one one hand Victoria wanted to be out of Victor’s control, but on the other hand, she wanted his approval and she always had. He thought Victoria was attracted to Ashland partially because he was a powerful man and Victor approved of him and the merger. Billy hadn’t said that to Victoria. Nick didn’t think he should. Billy added that Victor was worried Victoria risked his precious company, and unfortunately, she was going to do everything she could to win back his respect. Nick asked if Billy thought Victoria would reconcile with Ashland. Billy said no – Victoria was smarter than that. Nick wanted to think so. He just hoped Victoria had a plan to get Ashland out of the company and her life.

Victoria and Ashland were at her office. By phone, he told the pilot that the trip was canceled. Ashland noticed something wasn’t right, and he told Victoria. The pilot had seemed relieved that the trip was canceled, and Ashland didn’t see any storms on his weather app. Victoria sensed where Ashland was going with this, and she said it out loud – her father asked the pilot to stall the flight. She sighed about the lengths her father went through to try and control her. Ashland said Victoria’s family might have the preposterous belief that he’d hurt her. If that was the case, he understood Victor doing everything he could to protect Victoria. Victoria said Victor got his wish, because they were staying. Ashland noted that they weren’t staying because of Victor’s games; they were staying because they found out who set Ashland up, and they were going to prove it.

Ashland knew Victoria had wanted to get away from her family. He said the upside to postponing the trip was Adam wouldn’t have to fill in for them. Ashland relished the idea of Adam being kicked out before he could take the job. He griped about what Adam causing strife by framing Ashland. Victoria said that she couldn’t be sure Adam was guilty – it was just a hunch. Ashland said Victoria’s theory made sense. Victoria asked if Ashland had a plan to prove Adam did it. Ashland said the one good thing about Adam planting so much incriminating evidence against him was that it raised the chances that he’d made a mistake along the way for Ashland and Victoria to find. Victoria replied that people who pulled such elaborate cons usually made mistakes and were tripped up by their arrogance. Ashland asked what Victoria meant. “To come up with something this extreme, to convince yourself that you could actually pull it off, you would have to think that you were far more intelligent than anyone else. . .You would have to think that you were invincible. And that kind of overconfidence is beyond arrogance and I’m counting on that to bring Adam down,” Victoria said. Ashland was silent and seemed deep in thought. Victoria asked if something was wrong. Ashland said he was thinking about the worst case scenario – what if Adam covered his tracks so well that there was no incriminating evidence to be found? Victoria was adamant that they’d find something. “If this investigation proves fruitless, will you still believe in me?,” he asked. He couldn’t shake the feeling that she had doubts about his innocence.

Victoria held Ashland and tried to assure him she believed him. He just wondered whose side she’d take if if it came down to his word or Adam’s. She said she made it a rule to never believe one word that came out of Adam’s mouth. She asked if she’d be standing by his side if she didn’t believe him. She sensed he wasn’t convinced, and she asked how she could prove she was on his side. He apologized for what he’d said, and he promised he knew she was on his side. Victoria could relate to being framed by Adam. Ashland seemed stunned and asked for details. Victoria said Adam made it look like she tampered with her father’s medication, and she was arrested for it. She said the people who believed and loved her knew she’d never do anything like that. She apologized for ever doubting him. He said Adam’s sick game was forcing them to mistrust each other. He told her he was more convinced that Adam was behind this. He suggested they go home and rest. She told him to go ahead, because he had his health to consider. She was going to gather her family and tell them the trip was canceled. Ashland said Adam would be disappointed.

Rey and Chance were at Crimson Lights on the patio. Chance had filled out all the paperwork to end his leave of absence. Rey asked if Chance was feeling nervous. Chance was excited and ready for things to start feeling normal. Rey understood – after Sharon’s cancer, Faith’s surgery and Mariah’s kidnapping, he felt relieved when things settled down. Chance couldn’t wait to get back to the life he was building before everything was thrown off track. Rey respected Chance for facing his issues head on. Chance said he had no choice, since toughing it out failed. Rey said Chance could’ve called it quits. That was never an option for Chance – Abby never gave up on him, and he had to make good on the promises he’d made her. Rey had seen guys try to hide their pain, and they’d trashed their relationships and ended up miserable. Chance said he could’ve gone down that path if not for Abby and Devon didn’t convince him to go to therapy. He said Devon had been a pretty good friend through all this, and he’d worried about Chance, which was part of the reason they changed the custody agreement. Chance said Devon was a good father with an incredible bond with Dominic. Rey asked how that was for Chance. Chance was working hard to develop the same kind of bond with Dominic, but he didn’t have the same natural instincts as Devon. Abby said it would take time, but he couldn’t help feel like he would never be on the same level as Abby and Devon.

What Chance said reminded Rey of how he felt when he was around Nick. He clarified that it was different though because Chance was Dom’s dad while Rey was the stepfather to Sharon’s kids, so he’d never expect to have the same relationship with Faith, Noah or even Mariah that Nick did. “When they’re all together, even though they make me feel included and welcome, it’s like they’re the family unit and I’m the outsider,” Rey said. That was exactly how Chance felt. He said he was Dom’s father, but sometimes it felt like Devon’s claim to the baby was a bit more legitimate. He didn’t know if he’d ever bond with the baby like Devon and Abby did. Rey said it was a tough situation, because nobody had done anything wrong. Chance asked if Rey talked to Sharon about this. He said that he dealt with it on his own, and he told himself to be patient.

At Society, Abby overheard Chelsea get good news on the phone. The call ended. Chelsea got a good deal with a textile supplier. She and Abby talked about the high of starting a new business, and Chelsea brought up the time they worked together at the Grand Phoenix. Abby didn’t think “high” and the Grand Phoenix should be used together, after what happened at the party, with the spiked drinks. Chelsea said they had fun there though, before Phyllis… Abby was glad that Society was her sole focus now, because it gave her more time with Dominic. Chelsea felt like things were falling into place for her too. She was getting a fresh start, and she was proud of herself for not letting the bumps in the road derail her. “And by bumps in the road you mean my brother?,” Abby asked.
At first, Chelsea hoped she and Adam could get back together, but for every beautiful memory she reminded him of, he’d remind her of something devastating they did to each other. Adam wasn’t willing to take the risk again, and Chelsea eventually agreed. Abby had relationships where the love was there, but the trust was gone. Cutting your losses and walking way was hard. Abby was happy now, and she thought Chelsea would find that too, with someone who was more emotionally stable than Adam. Chelsea said Adam had grown up a lot. Abby hoped that continued, but she said you could never be sure when it came to Adam.

Chelsea said Adam was a great father. She said he could’ve used the things she did to drive a wedge between her and Connor, but he loved Connor enough not to do that. Abby wasn’t trying to insult Adam. She was just acknowledging the reality that her brother was a complicated person with a troubled past, and that meant sometimes Adam wasn’t there for Connor when he needed him. Chelsea said the same could be said for her, and that didn’t make her a bad parent. Abby apologized. Chelsea admitted she was defensive because everything Abby said had been weighing on her. She felt terrible about letting Connor down during her breakdown. Abby said Chelsea was ill, and it wasn’t her fault. Chelsea’s therapist said she was setting a good example for Connor by taking care of herself and trying to get better and be the best person she could be. She said Adam wasn’t in therapy, but he was trying to do the same. Abby gave Adam credit for that. Chelsea noted that Chance had been struggling. Abby conceded that she didn’t think less of Chance for that. Chelsea said they were all doing their best. Abby was surprised Chelsea was so protective toward Adam, given their history. Chelsea said they had a lot of history and they shared a son, so they’d always have that bond.

Rey and Chance went to Society. Chelsea gave Rey the hockey tickets for the game he and Connor were going to. Chelsea and Rey walked off. Abby told Chance that Rey was amazing – Chelsea almost ended his life, and now they were friends. Chance agreed that Rey was incredible, and he added that Chelsea had come a long way. Abby said Chelsea was healthier and stronger and navigating the coparenting thing with Adam. Abby thought it was nice that Rey was taking Connor to the game. She said he was a great father figure, maybe because he’d helped raise Lola, and now he was a father figure to Sharon’s kids. Abby added that Rey and Sharon took care of Christian sometimes, so it was no wonder they were welcoming Connor into the family fold too. Chance told Abby not to tell Nick, but sometimes Rey felt like an outsider in the family. Abby hoped Rey knew how valued and appreciated he was. Chance thought he did, but sometimes he compared himself to Nick and wondered if he measured up. Abby said that it wasn’t a competition – there was enough love to go around in the family. She kissed him and walked off, and he looked troubled. Abby came back and told Chance that things were great in the kitchen. He said she was having a great day. She replied that she was having a great life. This year taught her to be appreciative of the little things. She had a great husband and little boy, a great job, and they were all happy and healthy. She didn’t want to minimize what he was going through. He knew what she meant, and he thought tomorrow was going to be a big step forward for him.

Victor went to Newman Media and asked what Sally and Adam were doing there so late. Adam said they were working on ideas for Newman Locke. Adam shared his idea to integrate and strengthen Newman’s streaming platforms. Victor thought he made it clear that he installed Adam as temporary CEO to prevent any changes to the company, not to instigate them. Sally joined the conversation and tried to sell Adam’s pitch. She said if they delayed making decisions while waiting for Victoria to straighten things out with Ashland, Newman Locke would lose the race. Victor wasn’t concerned about that – he said the situation was temporary until Victoria threw Ashland to the curb, hopefully soon. Adam was rooting for Victoria, but he thought it would be a huge mistake to let the competition take advantage while Victoria was distracted. “The only ones I see trying to take advantage are the two of you,” Victor replied.

Victor liked the pitch, but the timing was off. Sally asked how there could ever be a bad time to strengthen the company’s profits. Victor knew Sally wanted the best for his son. He asked her to step out. Sally looked at Adam, who said he’d see her later, and she left. Victor thought Sally seemed to be a supportive COO. Adam said that if Victor was implying Sally was kissing up to him, he was wrong. He said Sally had always been very direct. Victor saw that Sally seemed eager for Adam to make his mark on the company. Adam saw no point in sitting on their hands. Victor said he’d had a lot of experience in life and in business. ‘Don’t get too close. Don’t you ever confuse the professional with the personal,” Victor warned. Adam said Sally wasn’t the problem; Ashland was, and they should be focused on getting rid of him.

Victor said he was singularly focused on getting Ashland out of the company, and that was why he didn’t want any distractions. He said if Victoria’s plan didn’t work, and Ashland’s deceit became public knowledge, they’d need to pivot on the spot. Adam thought Newman Locke would have something positive to pivot to. Adam wished Victor would have faith in him. Victor said he did. He shifted gears and said he liked the idea of a streaming platform. He wanted to hear more about it. Adam said they could buy land, build studios and when they weren’t using them, they’d rent them out to the competitors. Victor gave Adam permission to do the project. Adam was ready to move on this right away – he already knew who he wanted on the team. He also had a lot of other ideas he knew Victor would like. Victoria called, and Victor said he thought she was on her way to Italy. “No you did not,” she replied. She had something to discuss. He said he was currently talking to Adam. She told him to come to the office and bring Adam. Victor passed the message to Adam. Dam asked why Victoria wasn’t in Italy – did her plan already fall through? Victor didn’t know. They left. Ashland was lurking in the hallway, and he let himself into Adam’s office. Once inside, he pulled out a pair of rubber gloves.

At Victoria’s office, Adam asked Victoria why she didn’t go to Tuscany with Ashland. Victoria informed him that Victor convinced the pilot not to take off. Adam looked at Victor, who didn’t deny it or seem ashamed. Nick walked in, and Victoria thanked him for coming. She brought him up to speed on Victor deliberately having her flight delayed. Victoria said she and Ashland would be staying in town. Adam asked how that worked in everyone’s favor. Victoria said that Adam didn’t need to fill in as CEO anymore. Nick wanted to know Victoria’s plan if she was willing to share it. Victoria was waiting for Nikki so she could talk to everyone at once. Victor asked where Ashland was. Victoria wasn’t sure, but she had a pretty good idea.

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Young & The Restless Update

Recap written by Christine

“Phyllis, I didn’t know you were in town,” Diane said. Phyllis replied that she didn’t know Diane was alive. Diane assumed that Jack and Phyllis were together again. Phyllis wasn’t surprised Diane was still focused on Jack’s love life. Jack stated that he and Phyllis were here to talk about Kyle. Diane was relieved Jack was back. She honestly didn’t think she’d ever see him again. Phyllis yelled that Diane was being patronizing. Diane asked if Jack was going to help her connect with Kyle. Phyllis snapped that Diane didn’t deserve Kyle and never did. Diane asked if Phyllis flew out here just to ruin things between Diane and her son. Jack said he was planning to forget he ever saw Diane, and he only returned to the house because of Phyllis.

Diane was glad Jack returned, whatever the reason. Jack said Phyllis convinced him to tell Kyle the truth. Diane appreciated that. Phyllis clarified that she didn’t do it for Diane. Jack insisted on talking to Kyle first. He didn’t want Diane blindsiding him. Diane said something that made Jack and Phyllis suspect she’d already contacted Kyle. Diane said she hadn’t, but there was so much negative emotion surrounding this that it might taint Kyle’s reaction to the news. She wondered if she should stop being a coward and contact Kyle herself. “Making threats. Very very Diane of you,” Phyllis said. Diane thought it would be best for Kyle if the news came from Jack, but she revealed that she’d obtained Kyle’s phone number. Phyllis decided to back off because she didn’t want to watch Diane jerk Jack around. Diane could see Phyllis cared about Jack. Phyllis cared about Kyle too. Diane was aware that Kyle was Phyllis’s son in law.

Diane remembered little Kyle and Summer spending a Christmas together. She told Phyllis she was glad their kids were happy together. “We’re grandparents, Jack” Diane marveled. Jack said Diane wasn’t a nothing because she gave that right up when she left Kyle. Diane admitted she’d missed many special moments. Diane read about Phyllis’s success in Genoa City. Phyllis said she was flourishing, there was no toxicity in her life, and she’d learned form her mistakes and matured. She assumed Diane couldn’t relate. Diane understood Phyllis and Jack doubted her. Diane didn’t reach out earlier because she was scared of how people would react, and she still was afraid, but Kyle was worth taking risks for. Jack didn’t think the anonymous texts were the height of bravery. Diane noted that Jack wouldn’t have known about Allie if not for her texts. Diane was surprised that Jack wasn’t being more forgiving after what she’d done for him. She’d expected more from him.

Jack didn’t intend to ever forgive Diane. He told her how he’d had to hold Kyle while he sobbed – the kind of cries that tore a parent’s heart out. Diane wanted to make up for that. Jack said that wound could never be healed. “The minute Kyle knows you’re alive, he will know that he grieved for nothing!,” Jack bellowed. Diane conceded that she might not be able to fix what she broke, but she owed it to Kyle to try. She wanted Jack’s help. Phyllis interjected that Jack was the only one who could smooth the way for Diane. She told Diane to stop threatening to go to Kyle on her own. Diane denied saying that as a threat. Jack told Diane to stay away from Allie. He said she complicated Allie’s life while she was grieving for her father. At this point, he wouldn’t be surprised if Allie wanted nothing to do with the Abbotts. Diane said that, no matter what, she was the reason Jack knew Allie existed. She said she gave him a chance he didn’t have with Keemo – the same chance she wanted to have with Kyle. Phyllis accused Diane of using Keemo’s death to emotionally blackmail Jack. Jack was grateful to know about Keemo and Allie, and he’d repay Diane by telling Kyle about her. He ordered her to walk away if Kyle rejected her. “But isn’t that what you did with Keemo? He turned his back on you and you let him. Was that the right decision, Jack?” Diane replied. Jack seethed with rage, and Phyllis grabbed his arm and told him it was time to leave. Diane thanked Phyllis for getting through to Jack and said she hoped Jack and Phyllis’s relationship worked out this time. Phyllis sent Jack out the door and turned back to glare at Diane, who broadly smiled at her.

Jack and Phyllis went to the outdoor cafe, where she grappled with the news that Diane was alive. Jack said actually seeing Diane boggled the mind. Phyllis said Diane hadn’t changed – she was just better at hiding things. He asked if she still thought he should tell Kyle. She was sure that he should do that before Diane did. It went against Jack’s instincts to set Kyle up for that kind of pain. “This is gonna change [Kyle] forever and I’m partly to blame,” Jack said. Phyllis told Jack that he wasn’t doing anything to Kyle, except preparing him for the shock of his life. Jack kept wondering what he could’ve done to stop Diane from faking her death. Phyllis was sure there was nothing Jack could’ve done. Jack revealed that Diane came to him just before she “died” looking for money, but he didn’t hear her out. Phyllis said that if Jack had given Diane money, she would’ve taken Kyle. Phyllis said even if Diane didn’t fake her own death, she would’ve probably gone to prison, then Kyle would’ve had to deal with that. Jack said Kyle would’ve known Diane was alive. In Phyllis’s opinion, all Diane did was use Kyle as a pawn to get what she wanted and who she wanted. Phyllis said Kyle was an adult who could make his own decisions about Diane. Jack knew this would change Kyle’s opinion of his mother. Jack said Kyle loved his mother, but he loved the version of Diane that the adults around him let him remember. This Diane was a woman who would walk away from her son. Phyllis said that Jack let Dina back in. jack said he’d felt anger and resentment. Phyllis added that Jack eventually became grateful for his time with Dina. Jack said this was different – he knew Dina was healthy when she was away, but Kyle thought his mother was murdered. Phyllis said Kyle would get through this with love and support.

Jack thought Kyle needed to hear this in person. Phyllis said she’d fly over to Italy with Jack, and then give him time alone with Kyle, or she and Summer could be there if Jack wanted support. Jack didn’t like the idea of leaving the country with Diane running around, so he said Kyle and Summer would have to come home. Phyllis thought that was a good idea. “No one is better at getting their child through something like this than you,” Phyllis said. Jack felt that this was happening so fast. He just found out, and Diane already had Kyle’s number. Jack felt he and Kyle needed more time, but he knew he didn’t have it – Diane was a loose cannon who could just show up in Milan. He thanked Phyllis for showing up in LA. Jack said he was going to contact Kyle and lure him to Genoa City, just like Diane lured Jack to LA. Phyllis said it was different, but he wasn’t sure he agreed. Kyle agreed to come home and bring Harrison, but Summer had to work. Jack was going to tell Diane, hoping that it would keep her from doing anything drastic. Phyllis wanted to talk about Allie instead. Phyllis said Allie was very intelligent, and she had that twinkle in her eyes Jack mentioned. He knew she was trying to distract him, and he went with it. He said Allie was lovely and smart, and she felt deeply. “Just like an Abbott,” Phyllis replied.

Diane put a picture of herself, Kyle and Jack on the mantle. She had a flashback to an unhappy conversation with Jack. She felt that she was offering Jack a reasonable alternative. “No, we’re about to light into a custody battle and you’re getting a little nervous and I don’t blame you,” he replied. She didn’t understand why he was determined to think the worst of her. He replied that he’d learned from experience. She’d asked if he cared about Kyle at all. She told him that by going after full custody, he was going to force the judge to choose, and Kyle was going to be deprived of substantial relationship with one of his parents. “Something like that can leave very deep permanent scars on a child. Is that what you want for your son,” she asked. Diane had another flashback. In this one, she, Jack and Kyle were sitting by the pool. Jack was holding the toddler and letting him dip his toes in the water. Diane had her arms around Jack and said she was glad he was making memories with his son that would last forever. Phyllis walked out and saw Diane all cozied up to Jack and Kyle, like a happy family. Phyllis left without saying anything. Diane heard Phyllis leave, and she looked triumphant.

Allie showed up, pulling Diane out her trip down memory lane. As Allie looked at the photo, Diane said that things between Jack, Kyle and her weren’t always so painful. Allie said Kyle was adorable. Diane replied that he’d grown into a handsome man. Allie didn’t plan to come back – Jack didn’t want her anywhere near Diane. Allie was struck by everything Diane was doing to be with her son. Diane said she failed Kyle. She should’ve healed herself so she could look after him, and she couldn’t go back and fix that, but she could move forward and speak to him. She hoped to have the chance to hold her son again. “You love him that much. That was me and my dad,” Allie said. Diane was sorry Allie lost her dad. She asked if Allie spoke to her mother. Allie looked down. Diane could see the sadness in Allie from the moment they met. Diane knew how it felt. She asked if there was really no way to repair things between Allie and her mother. Allie was there because she wanted to hear about Kyle, Jack and the rest of the Abbott family. Diane said Allie could ask Jack. Allie wanted to hear it from Diane, an outsider.

Diane said Jack never expected to be the father of her child. Allie asked if Kyle wasn’t planned. Diane explained that she planned the pregnancy, but Jack wasn’t involved. Kyle was conceived through artificial insemination. The original plan was for another man to be Diane’s baby’s father, but there was a mix-up in the lab, and the wrong sample was used. Allie said that sounded crazy. Diane said it was, but Kyle was deeply wanted – her son meant everything to her, and he always would. Diane said Kyle was easy to love, just like Jack, but starting a family that way wasn’t the easiest path. A flashback played of Phyllis ordering Diane to take her kid and get out of town. “I don’t want to see you or your son ever again,” Phyllis said. Phyllis accused Diane of going after Jack and using her son as bait. In the next flashback, Diane tried to rattle Phyllis. “You’re Mrs. Jack Abbott, at least for the moment,” Diane told Phyllis. There were more flashbacks of the feud between Diane and Phyllis. Diane had crowed that she used to be engaged to Jack, and they’d shared a bedroom – probably the same one Jack and Phyllis now shared. In a different flashback, Diane, wearing a slinky red bikini, tried to entice Jack into taking a swim with her. Phyllis rushed out wearing a robe, and she removed it, revealing her nude body. Jack laughed and told Diane to excuse them. She went into the pool house and peeked through the blinds and saw Jack taking off his clothes.

Diane told Allie that once Diane was out of the picture, there was a lot less tension surrounding Kyle – he grew up with cousins, aunts and an adoring family. She said the Abbotts didn’t just let anyone in, but when they did, they’d love you forever. Diane knew she couldn’t expect love – the most she could hope for was a little understanding and forgiveness, but she had to try. Allie would need a minute to process all this information, but she’d get there. Allie asked what Diane was hoping would happen if she saw Kyle face to face. Diane was trying to keep her hopes small, so she didn’t tempt fate, but her big hope was to be Kyle’s mother in every way. She wanted to dote on Kyle’s child and have Sunday breakfasts in the Abbott dining room. “The family you’re part if is big and loving when they let you in. and there is no better place in the world. You’ll see. It’ll happen,” Diane said.

Ashley called Traci and Billy together at the Abbott mansion to talk about Keemo’s daughter. Ashley had called Jack a couple times, and he wasn’t picking up. Billy wasn’t worried – he figured Jack was just busy with Allie. Ashley thought the way Allie’s existence came to light was a little bizarre. She wondered if Allie was the texter. Even if Allie wasn’t the texter, she wondered why this mysterious person was injecting themselves into Jack and Allie’s life. It felt manipulative to Ashley, not altruistic. Traci shared some of the same concerns, but she didn’t want to jump to conclusions on Allie. She said Jack wasn’t naive, and he didn’t think Allie was the texter. Ashley suggested Jack was so excited about his granddaughter that he was ignoring red flags about her. Traci was concerned about the texter’s identity, but she said that there was something more important here – Jack found his granddaughter, and he was eager to welcome her into the family. Traci worried Allie didn’t share Jack’s enthusiasm, but if she did, Traci thought they should welcome her into the family. Billy thought it was good that Jack reached out to Allie. He though the family should stay neutral. Ashley wanted to give Allie the benefit of the doubt, but she thought Jack needed to be cautious. Ashley looked into Allie’s background.

Ashley didn’t do a deep dive into Allie’s past, just an internet search. She didn’t find anything alarming. She learned that Allie was a graduate student getting an advanced degree in chemical engineering. Billy said Allie was interested in chemistry, like her dad. Traci added that Allie was also taking after her great aunt, Ashley. Ashley assumed Jack had made that same connection and that he was moved Allie was following in his son’s footsteps. She thought Jack would offer Allie a role at Jabot at some point. Ashley suggested that Allie might be taking advantage of Jack’s role at Jabot. She said Jack was already calling Allie family. Traci noted that Allie was family. Ashley said Allie was also a stranger, and they didn’t know her motives. Billy agreed with that. He thought they should keep an eye on this because Jack had a tendency to see things through rose-colored glasses.

Billy felt for Allie a little – she was on her own, grieving her father and dealing with the bombshell that she was an Abbott. Billy kind of got it because he was late to the Abbott family table, and he had a different mother, and that had its challenges. Traci said, whatever their issues with Jill, they always loved Billy. He knew that, and he loved Traci and Ashley, but he didn’t get a lot of time with their dad, and it wasn’t always easy feeling like the outsider. Traci believed that it would healing for Jack and Allie to bond. Billy hoped that happened because Jack deserved it.

Ashley still had mixed feelings about all this. She was thinking Allie might reject Jack, just like Keemo did, and Jack would have to suffer all over again. She admitted she might be a tad cynical or overprotective. She hoped things worked out well. She admitted that she talked to Phyllis, and she didn’t see Allie as a threat. Traci said, whatever their concerns about Phyllis, she was savvy and she was protective over Jack. Billy thought they should be concerned Phyllis was this involved. Traci said Phyllis had consistently put Jack’s feelings first this time, and she’d been the perfect friend. Ashley wondered if Jack and Phyllis were more than friends. Billy wasn’t trying to figure that out. He just wanted Jack to be happy. Traci brought up the tear drop of love, that was supposed to bring true love to its owner. Traci suggested that Jack could have a relationship with Phyllis and a connection with his granddaughter.

Billy loved Traci and her knack for making things sound like they would end up as they should. Ashley said it was a gift. Ashley said her gift to her siblings was to keep her feelings about Phyllis to herself. She said it remained to be seen what Allie would be like. Traci was putting her faith in Jack, and she hoped Billy and Ashley could do the same. Ashley agreed to keep an open mind and give Allie a chance.

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