At the outdoor café, Victoria runs into Sally and is unusually warm as they discuss the wedding and upcoming baby. She even reminds Sally that every pregnancy is different after a loss and encourages her to enjoy every moment. Sally thanks her, then catches Victoria off guard by asking her to reach out to Billy and admit she may have been a bit too hard on him.
Victoria points out that Billy helped take away her father’s life’s work. Sally argues that Billy never used the AI himself. Victoria counters that Billy still ended up with Newman Media and that he and Sally benefited more than either Phyllis or Cane. Sally insists the issue isn’t business — it’s the strain within the family. Victoria understands and tells her to have the big wedding she wants. More than anything, she hopes Billy and Sally find happiness.
Still Recovering
At Crimson Lights, Sharon tells Phyllis that Mariah is doing so well that her treatment team is already discussing a possible release. The judge would still need to approve it, but if everything continues progressing, Mariah could soon be back home where she belongs. Thinking of Summer, Phyllis quietly says she’s happy for Sharon.
Phyllis knows how difficult all of this has been for Sharon, who talks about how Ian Ward pushed Mariah to her limit. “She reached her breaking point, didn’t she?” Phyllis reflects. She remarks that everything eventually comes back to their children. Sharon comments on how much their relationship has changed. Phyllis believes Martin Laurent pushed both of them to the edge, and they’re still trying to recover from it.
Sharon admits she continues having nightmares about the clinic. Phyllis says she does as well. They agree that what they endured has bonded them forever. Sharon believes Phyllis will eventually find a way back into Summer and Daniel’s lives, but warns that unless she starts viewing the Newman situation differently, she won’t be able to win them over. Reluctantly, Phyllis admits Sharon is right.
Stepping outside onto the patio, Phyllis sends Summer a text explaining that she returned Victor’s company and now understands why her daughter was so upset with her. She hopes they can talk or that Summer might come home. She’s no longer sure Summer even sees her as her mother.
A Confrontation
Nikki spots Victor in the Club dining room, but he clearly tries to avoid her. She sarcastically asks whether he’s busy ordering fresh linens for Matt Clark’s room and blasts him for keeping a dangerous man at the ranch around their children and grandchildren. “Have you completely lost your mind?!”
Victor reminds her that what happens at the ranch is none of her concern and says he’s keeping Clark where he can monitor him. Nikki insists he turn Matt over to the police because he’s harboring a fugitive. Victor responds that the charges have been dropped. Nikki immediately accuses him of bribing someone to make that happen. Why else would he do it?
Victor insists he has no control over the Las Vegas police. The argument continues until Nikki mentions Nicholas. Victor asks whether their son is alright. After sitting down, Nikki tells him about attending a meeting with Nick earlier that day. Then she abruptly asks why Victor transferred Chancellor to Lily without discussing it with her. Victor simply replies, “It’s simple. I did.”
Nikki believes Victor made the decision to hurt her. He reminds her that she chose her relationship with Jack Abbott over him and therefore has no right to question him. Suddenly, Nikki realizes that Chancellor was likely the reward Victor promised Lily for participating in the fake kidnapping scheme, something that happened long before she moved out. Victor refuses to confirm her suspicion. As Nikki continues arguing, a sharp pain suddenly shoots through her head.
Plan Derailed
At the ranch, Adam warns Matt to stick to the script because everything needs to go according to plan. Matt insists that circumstances have changed and says the plan can’t continue the way it was intended.
Adam pushes back, and Matt explains that he now remembers meeting Cane when he first arrived in town. If he recognizes him, the entire operation could fall apart.
Adam questions Matt about the encounter with Cane at the Club, and the two argue about whether a former villain can truly develop a conscience. Matt points out that Adam wasn’t always a good person either and eventually changed. He says he no longer enjoys doing terrible things. Adam admits he felt something similar in Las Vegas. When Matt continues making his case, Adam finally asks whether he can still handle the assignment. Matt says he’ll do his best.
Skeptical
At the outdoor café, Matt and Adam run into Sally and Victoria. Adam introduces Matt to Sally as a friend of the family. Once Sally leaves, Victoria reminds Adam that everyone in town knows exactly who Matt Clark is. He shouldn’t be walking around freely. “It’s not safe for anyone.”
Adam reminds her that he’s not the one making decisions. Victor has assigned Matt a mission — to keep an eye on Cane Ashby. He’ll serve as their eyes and ears. Victoria remains doubtful, but Matt insists he can be trusted. Adam assures her that security personnel will always be nearby. Just then, Cane arrives, and Adam thanks him for showing up. “What exactly are we doing here?” Cane asks.
Adam and Victoria explain that they wanted to meet him on neutral territory and apologize for the accusations made against him. “We’re sorry for the inconvenience,” Adam says.
Cane immediately suspects there’s more going on and gestures toward Matt. “What kind of trap are you trying to set this time?”
The Final Scenes
Back at the Club, Victor asks Nikki whether she’s alright and wonders if the headache could be related to her MS. Nikki starts mocking his sudden concern, but another wave of pain interrupts her. Victor wants to call a doctor. Nikki snaps that the pain is the result of all the stress he has caused.
Victor tells her to go upstairs, take a pain pill, and contact her doctor. Nikki refuses to take orders from him and storms away, using furniture and walls to steady herself. As she attempts to climb the stairs, her vision begins to blur, and fear spreads across her face.
On the Crimson Lights patio, Sharon asks Phyllis if she’s okay. Phyllis admits she isn’t. Still, she believes things will improve. “I know we’ll get there.” Sharon reminds her that she’s always there for her. Phyllis says the feeling is mutual and assures Sharon that Mariah will come home. The two women share a hug.
At the outdoor café, Adam and Victoria tell Cane that Matt is a family friend. Matt asks whether it’s true that Cane once operated as Aristotle Dumas. Clearly impressed, he exclaims, “That was some incredible empire building. You’re the man!”
Adam and Victoria exchange a look as Matt continues praising Cane and expressing how impressed he is.
Matt then starts questioning Cane about acquisitions and how he managed to stay hidden for so long. Adam tries to rein him in. Cane says Dumas was a mistake. Matt refuses to accept that and asks whether he really sought advice from his father. He suggests getting together for a drink someday so he can hear more stories. Cane says maybe and walks away.
After Cane leaves, Matt turns to Adam and Victoria and asks, “How’d I do?”
They tell him he may have come on a little too strong. Adam then calls Victor and reports that Matt went “all in” with Cane.
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