Nikki Fears Victor's Retribution
At Billy's mansion, Billy recalled making passionate love to Phyllis. When he heard a knock at his door, a shirtless Billy had barely opened the door before Johnny, followed by Victoria, entered. Victoria hinted that because Billy was shirtless, she might have interrupted him. Billy insisted that he was alone, and he invited Victoria to tour the kids' fort upstairs. Victoria insisted she had work to do, but she lingered for a moment in the entryway before leaving.
After Victoria left, Billy and Johnny watched television. When Billy noticed that Johnny had something clutched in his hand, Billy asked what it was. Johnny opened his hand and said, "A button." Billy took the button and sighed. Billy read a book to Johnny, and the youngster stretched out on the sofa. Billy assured his son that his parents would always love him.
At Hank's Bar, Victoria entered, took a seat at the bar, and ordered a drink from Travis. Travis said that after Victoria's last visit, he hadn't been sure she'd return. Victoria immediately accepted Travis' invitation to visit his home. Travis said, "My night just got infinitely better." A man seated against the wall used his cell phone to record Victoria and Travis as they left together.
In Travis' bedroom, Victoria stood near the bed and didn't initially turn around when he pulled back her hair and kissed her neck. Victoria faced Travis and began tugging at his clothing. Travis removed Victoria's clothes, and the couple climbed into bed together and made love. After Travis fell asleep, Victor's cell phone buzzed. Victoria answered and whispered, "Hi, is something wrong?" Billy asked Victoria why she was whispering. Billy explained that Johnny wanted to tell his mother goodnight. Victoria told Johnny to make sure his father tucked him in and kissed him.
After the called ended, Travis said, "So, you have a kid." Victoria quickly dressed and noted that they'd had an agreement to only know each other's names and not pry. Travis said he liked kids and asked Victoria what her child's name was. Victoria replied, "That's off-limits. I don't know what I was thinking." Travis said, "Don't go now, Tori, stay. We can talk about this." Victoria turned to leave.
At the Genoa City Athletic Club, Jack asked Phyllis if she had feelings for Billy. Phyllis replied that she was drawn to Billy because they were kindred spirits. Phyllis added that she felt compassion for Billy because she didn't agree with the way Jack had dealt with his brother. Jack held Phyllis' hand across the table and thanked her for being honest and for being supportive to Billy. Jack said he hoped he and Phyllis might work together to prevent Billy from repeating his mistakes. Phyllis insisted that Billy would have to figure it out on his own. Phyllis added that she intended to focus her attention on Jack.
At Adam and Chelsea's penthouse, Chelsea nestled close to Adam and asked if they could bolt their front door and hide from Victor forever. She berated herself for having paid a visit to Victor at the prison. Chelsea said she feared Victor's anger had intensified, and she expressed concern for what he might do after his release. Adam insisted that Victor wouldn't be released because the judge had no intentions of issuing a pardon. Chelsea pointed out that Victor had already inflicted damage and could target her company.
Chelsea cried that Victor might let others know that Christian was Adam's baby, not Nick's. Adam encouraged Chelsea not to give in to Victor's desire to have power over them and instill fear. Adam said they should demonstrate a united front to everyone because his and Chelsea's relationship would last forever. Chelsea opened a storage cabinet and showed Adam their wedding rings. Adam read aloud the words "now and forever" engraved on the rings. Chelsea said, "Marry me!" Adam knelt on one knee and asked Chelsea to marry him again. Chelsea replied, "Yes!"
Chelsea changed into a pink dress. Adam donned a dark suit and lit candles. Adam alluded to the secrets he'd failed to divulge about Delia in the past and said his union with Chelsea would be made without secrets. Adam said that Chelsea knew the depths of his soul and loved him anyway. The couple conducted their own ceremony by pledging their unending love and exchanging rings. Chelsea told Adam that he was everything she wanted. The couple kissed. Adam admired their rings. Chelsea insisted that they'd never have a reason to remove them again.
At the Walworth Correctional Facility, Victor met with Judge Russell Gates. The judge insisted he wouldn't intercede on Victor's behalf. He warned Victor not to use his daughter, the prison's physician, in an attempt to pave inroads. Victor urged the judge to clear up the misunderstanding with his daughter, Meredith Gates. Judge Gates replied, "I'm going to see to it that you serve all ten years, down to the minute, down to the second."
Victor told Judge Gates he should be allowed to defend himself if the judge believed in justice. Victor said that he'd been made to look like a criminal by his own family, though his true intentions had been to protect them and his company. Judge Gates replied, "Even if half of what your son said is true, you deserve to be in here all ten years." Victor mentioned the judge's own son, which provoked the judge to anger. Victor rose from his seat and said, "I was convicted for ten years. I have a right to defend myself." The judge warned that even if his daughter couldn't see through Victor, he could. Gates added, "You, sir, are guilty as sin."
At the Club's bar, Dr. Meredith Gates met with Nikki. After the doctor formally introduced herself, Nikki said, "The new woman in my husband's life." Meredith insisted she was just Victor's doctor. Nikki recalled that Meredith had acted as Victor's personal emissary at Sage's memorial service. Meredith explained that she owed Victor a debt of gratitude after he had helped her mend her relationship with her father. Nikki warned that Victor never did anything that wasn't in his own interests.
Nikki was taken aback when Meredith explained that she intended to help Victor be released early. Meredith claimed that Victor, a good man, had been rehabilitated and redeemed, so his talent and energy were being wasted. Nikki angrily replied, "That's easy for you to say. You're not married to him. The man is a chameleon. He can become anything he needs to become to get what he wants."
Meredith pointed out that Nikki had stayed with Victor. Nikki said that though she'd left Victor from time to time, she loved her husband. Nikki warned that Victor's only goal was to walk out of prison so he could punish everyone who'd put him there. Meredith insisted that Victor wanted forgiveness. She encouraged Nikki to give Victor a chance to prove it. Nikki seemed distraught because of Meredith's visit.
After Meredith left, Nikki ordered a vodka martini. Jack and Phyllis, about to head home, noticed when the bartender served Nikki her drink. Jack said he had to help Nikki. Phyllis kissed Jack and sent him to help Nikki. Phyllis later joined her husband and Nikki. Phyllis discovered that a button was missing from her blouse and covertly attempted to conceal the gap.
Jack instructed the bartender to exchange Nikki's martini for club soda. Nikki said, "I just found out that Victor might be coming home. He has someone advocating for him from the inside." Nikki explained that Victor had wrapped the prison doctor, Meredith Gates, around his finger. Chelsea and Adam approached and overheard Nikki's comment. Adam added that Meredith's father, Judge Russell Gates, might be the dangerous ally. Jack said, "What? The head of the judicial review board?"
Adam told Nikki, Jack, Phyllis, and Chelsea that he'd already warned the judge about Victor's intentions to use Meredith to get what he wanted. Nikki insisted that Victor would get what he wanted. Phyllis stepped out for air, and Chelsea left to console Phyllis. Adam told Jack he was concerned about Victor. Adam warned that Victor would likely be released, so none of them would be safe.
At Chancellor Park, Chelsea caught up with Phyllis. Chelsea said she understood Phyllis' concern about Victor after they'd heard what Nikki had said. Chelsea noticed that Phyllis' blouse was missing a button and insisted on finding a spare to replace it. Phyllis seemed lost in thought. Phyllis turned down the offer to replace the button and said, "Some things can't be replaced." Chelsea nodded.
Phyllis spotted the ring on Chelsea's finger. Chelsea said that she and Adam had renewed their vows. Phyllis said she knew that Adam and Chelsea's relationship hadn't been easy to maintain. Chelsea said that Phyllis and Jack had been an inspiration by proving that they could get through everything and stick together. Phyllis abruptly excused herself.
Chelsea stopped Phyllis and asked if she'd said something wrong. Phyllis replied, "No." Chelsea attempted to set Phyllis at ease and encouraged her to talk. Phyllis said she and Jack shouldn't be placed on a pedestal because, like everyone else, they'd had their issues. Chelsea noted that Jack and Phyllis had stayed strong despite what Victor had done to them. Chelsea showed Phyllis the inscription inside her wedding ring. Phyllis examined the words and said, "Now and forever. That's so nice." Chelsea said, "If anyone has earned those words, it's you and Jack."
At the prison infirmary, Meredith met with Victor. She assured him that prison would soon become a distant memory. Victor said he doubted his family would welcome him. Meredith mentioned her encounter with Nikki. Victor said he'd remain incarcerated for a long time because Adam had met with Judge Gates.
Adam, Victor explained, had told Meredith's father that he intended to use her influence to get an early release. Meredith asked Victor if he was using her. Victor asked the doctor if she'd ever encountered a prisoner that wasn't eager to be freed. Meredith said she'd met a few. Victor explained that he wanted out because he'd been wrongly convicted. Meredith recalled her conversation with Nikki. Meredith said Nikki had claimed that Victor was a like a chameleon who'd change into whatever he needed to be to get what he wanted.
Victor told Meredith that Nikki was an alcoholic. He added that his family and his business would fall apart because no one would be able to put the pieces back together. Meredith replied, "But you think you can?" Victor said he definitely could. Meredith asked how she could know she could trust Victor. Victor replied, "You don't." Victor approached Meredith, kissed her cheek, and said, "Goodnight." After Victor left, Meredith caught her breath and sat down.
At Chancellor Park, Nikki sat on a bench and retrieved a small bottle of vodka from her handbag. She opened the bottle and was about to drink the liquor before she noticed the plaque on a wall, dedicating the park to Katherine Chancellor. Nikki put down the bottle and said, "It's no coincidence that I came here, is it? What I wouldn't give to have you sitting next to me right now." Nikki cried that she needed her dear departed friend's support to conquer her need to numb her loneliness and pain. Nikki begged Katherine to give her the strength and grit to power through.
Billy was surprised when Hannah stopped by the mansion to take Johnny to school at Victoria's request. Billy grumbled about the way Victoria was playing things.
At Newman, Victoria confided to Nick that she was struggling with personal boundaries, but she acknowledged that his problems were much bigger than hers. Nick apologized for blowing up at her earlier, and he explained that he hated not knowing how he'd be feeling from one minute to the next. He imagined the years he should have had with Sage and Christian, but within a year, he'd gone from having an amazing woman with a child on the way to being alone. Victoria wished she could help, and he said he needed to be there, doing important work and proving that Victor wasn't the only Newman who could run the company.
Victoria told Nick that he was needed and wanted there, and he'd been right to call her out on throwing herself into work to escape her problems. He surmised that she was talking about Billy, and she groaned that even the mention of her ex's name drove her crazy. Nick urged her to do something about it, and she refused to let Billy have any power over her. Nick advised her not to do anything reckless, and she proposed a pact to take care of themselves and one another. Michael entered, and Victoria announced that he was part of her new game plan. Nick departed, and Victoria told Michael that she needed an emissary to help with a sensitive matter.
d Victoria emailed Michael the formal custody agreement between her and Billy, and Michael inquired whether Billy had violated the terms. Victoria vaguely replied that she wanted to remind Billy of what was in the contract so that he would adhere to the rules, and she requested that Michael ask Billy to confirm his acceptance of the terms in writing. She mentioned the times that she'd stopped by and found Billy in seemingly compromising situations, and Michael recommended that she discuss the matter directly with Billy, but she thought getting Michael involved would result in less tension. Michael wondered if there was any hope of reconciliation, but Victoria stated that there was none, and she and Billy needed to live separate lives.
At the Athletic Club, Hilary approached Jack at a table and asked what he was doing there alone, and Phyllis returned and declared that they were finishing breakfast. Hilary suggested that she and Jack go over some agenda items before a foundation meeting, and she tried to dismiss Phyllis, but Phyllis pointedly stated that she'd love to hear what was on Hilary's agenda. Later, Hilary gushed that Phyllis had improved upon all of her PR ideas, and Phyllis chalked it up to spending years in tabloid journalism. Hilary thanked her, and Phyllis admitted that she'd been too wrapped up in her own projects and not paying attention to Jack's work at the foundation, but she promised to make it up to him. Billy entered the club, and he and Phyllis stared at one another.
Jack invited Phyllis to join him and Hilary at the meeting, but Phyllis said she had to make some calls. After Jack and Hilary left, Phyllis crossed over to Billy at the bar, and she expressed surprise that he hadn't said hello. Billy replied that he hadn't wanted to deal with Jack's condescension, and he preferred to have her all to himself. Phyllis protested, but Billy wondered if it was wrong for him to want a private moment with her after she'd run out on him.
Phyllis thought she and Billy needed to get something straight, and he offered to book them a room, but she stressed that they had to act as if nothing had changed. She added that Jack was already asking if she had feelings for Billy, and she'd told Jack that she cared about Billy as a friend and that she hated to see Billy making mistakes. Billy asserted that their tryst hadn't been a mistake, and he called it inevitable. She professed her love for Jack, and she reiterated that was why she and Billy would never have sex again. Billy half-heartedly agreed if that was what she wanted, and Michael interrupted and asked for a private word with Billy. Billy guessed that Victoria had sent Michael because she didn't want to deal with Billy herself.
Michael summed up Victoria's request, and Billy suspected that it was the first step to changing the agreement to keep him away from his kids. Michael assured him that Victoria just wanted to stick to the rules already established, but Billy thought it was punishment because Victoria had found him with another woman. Michael confirmed that Victoria didn't want her personal life to be intertwined with Billy's any longer, and Billy realized that she felt that he'd been preventing her from meeting another man.
Later, Hilary expressed surprise when she found Phyllis still waiting for Jack, and she anticipated that Phyllis would shower him with tons of affection. Hilary revealed that Jack had been worried about things at home, so she thought Phyllis was clearly overcompensating to fix the problem. Phyllis barked that her marriage was none of Hilary's business, and Hilary sweetly replied that she hadn't meant to overstep. Phyllis warned Hilary to keep her mouth shut, or she'd shut it for Hilary. Jack joined them and praised Hilary's contribution to the meeting. Hilary cooed that they were totally in sync, and she left to get some work done.
Phyllis confronted Jack about talking to "that woman" about their relationship. Jack said he hadn't divulged the details of their marriage, but he'd alluded to a bumpy road and nothing more. Phyllis regretted that she and Jack had fought, but she thought he hadn't needed to turn to Hilary to discuss his feelings. Phyllis asserted that she was there, and there was no room for anyone else in their relationship.
Victoria entered Hank's Bar and eyed Travis from across the room. Travis greeted "Tori" and offered to pour her usual beverage of choice, but she said she wasn't there for a drink. He doubted that he wanted to know why she was there after the way she'd left the night before, and she explained that she wanted to clear the air. She reminded him that their involvement was supposed to be about fun, but it wasn't a relationship, and she'd wanted to keep things on a first-name basis with no questions asked. He acknowledged that he'd violated the rules when he'd inquired about her kid, and she didn't think the night they'd shared could happen again.
Travis incredulously asked if Victoria was going to walk away just because he wanted to get to know her better, and she bemoaned that she had too many complications in her life. He suggested that he was a complication she needed, but she replied that she couldn't do it, and she walked out. Luca's investigator chatted up Travis about women making them crazy, and he sent a text message indicating that Victoria and Travis couldn't stay away from one another.
Victoria discovered Billy pouring himself a drink in her office, and she snapped that he had to stop making himself at home there. He announced that he'd had a delivery to make, and he handed her the signed document that stated he'd follow the custody agreement to the letter. He pointed out that he'd even had it notarized, and she reasoned that things would be cleaner if they focused on their children and stayed out of one another's personal lives. Billy proclaimed that they were both free to be with whomever they wanted.
Abby entered Stitch's hotel suite, and a shirtless Stitch emerged from the bathroom. He observed that she'd changed her clothes, and she told him that she'd picked up coffee while she'd been out. He thanked her for staying with him, and she said she wanted to be there if he got any news, since she cared about Max, too. She noted that they hadn't gotten a chance to talk the night before, but Stitch said he had to get to the hospital to discuss the next steps for Max. Abby prepared to go to work, but Stitch admitted that he wanted her to go with him. He took her hands in his and insisted that she be there when they talked about Max's future, and she was glad he wanted to face things together.
At the hospital, Paul informed Stitch and Abby that he and the social worker had met with Dr. Rosen to discuss Max's treatment, and Stitch assumed that Max would transition to outpatient therapy. Paul said there was an issue, and Stitch protested that Max had only been admitted for evaluation. Paul revealed that Dr. Rosen and social services felt that it was in Max's best interests to be in a long-term facility, and Abby reasoned that if Max stayed in the hospital, Stitch could see him all the time. The social worker stated that Max would be sent to a local facility that specialized in children's psychiatry. Stitch argued that he'd promised that he'd be there with Max, and he didn't know how to tell his son that he didn't know when Max could go home again.
At the cottage, Sharon found Dylan downstairs and asked if he needed something, and he pulled her into a kiss. Mariah apologized when she interrupted the moment, and she offered to make coffee, but Sharon mentioned that she'd already made it. Mariah rattled off a list of things she could do around the house, but Dylan encouraged her to enjoy her day. Mariah assumed that she was in the way, but Sharon swore that she wanted Mariah there. Mariah pointed out that Sharon had never asked Dylan about it, and she questioned whether Dylan liked the new setup.
Dylan insisted that Mariah was more than welcome, but Mariah suspected that Dylan hadn't been thrilled when she'd interrupted Sharon and Dylan's make-out session. Dylan explained that he'd been embarrassed, and he amorously admitted that he hadn't wanted it to end, but he'd meant what he'd said about Mariah staying. Mariah promised to be a chill roommate, but Dylan clarified that she was family, and she always had a place there.
Nick stopped by the cottage to take Faith to a new bakery, but Sharon informed him that their daughter was at school. Nick realized that he'd gotten the days mixed up, and he admitted that he'd been having a hard time keeping things straight. He added that it was proof that Faith was better off with Sharon, and Sharon assured him that Faith understood why she was staying there. Dylan received a text message from Abby, who asked him to meet her and Stitch at the hospital. After Dylan departed, Mariah remarked that it hadn't been a banner year for the Newmans, and Sharon invited Nick to stay for a visit.
Nick said he had to finish packing up his apartment, since he was moving back into the tack house, and he had to figure out what to do with Sage's stuff. Mariah jumped at the opportunity to help, adding that it kept people guessing if she occasionally did something nice, and Nick agreed. After Mariah left, Sharon marveled that Mariah had really stepped up, and Nick commended Sharon for her kindness throughout everything that had happened. Sharon sympathized that he missed Sage, and he explained that it was why he had to move out of the apartment where he and Sage had tried to start over after losing Christian. He continued that he still expected Sage to walk through the door, but it would never happen, since the life they'd planned together was gone.
Later, Mariah returned with a box of some of Sage's things that she thought Nick might want to keep, and she reported that she'd donated the rest to charity. She volunteered to put the box in a closet until he was ready to deal with it, but Nick insisted that he wanted to look through it. He asked Mariah and Sharon to keep him company, and he pulled out a notebook and recognized it as Sage's journal. Sharon tried to hide her panic. Nick thought Sage's words might help him feel closer to her.
Nick read from the journal that Sage had barely been able to leave the couch after Christian's death, and just hearing Nick say their baby's name had been like a knife through her heart. Sage had written that she'd dreamed about Christian almost every night, and she'd still felt his presence very intensely. Sharon cautioned that maybe it was too soon to read the journal, and she repeated Mariah's suggestion to pack away Sage's things. Nick opted to keep the journal with him, and Mariah apologized for upsetting him. He said he was glad Mariah had found it, and he leafed through the journal and remarked that there were a lot of entries about Christian.
Nick intended to finish reading the journal later, but Sharon blurted out, "No!" Sharon quickly added that he should be with family when he read it, but Nick wanted to be alone, and he hoped Sharon understood. Nick departed, and Sharon testily wished Mariah had never found "that thing." Mariah questioned why Sharon was getting upset, and she demanded to know what Sharon thought Sage had written in the journal. Later, Nick perused the journal in the park, and he suddenly looked up in astonishment.
Dylan arrived at the hospital, and Paul informed him that the social worker was finalizing the paperwork for Max's transfer. Abby lamented that it was killing Stitch, and Dylan asked Abby what he could do for his friend. Abby advised him to remind Stitch that he was doing the right thing for Max. Dylan insisted on checking in on her, too, and she recognized that all of them were damaged after losing people they'd loved. She resolved to try to focus on the positive.
In a private room, Max asked Stitch if he'd ever get out, and Stitch gently explained that the idea was to give Max the best care in the best place. Max wondered why he couldn't get it at home with Stitch, and Stitch reasoned that the personal attention Max would get at the facility would allow him to get better faster. Stitch swore that he'd see Max all the time until he was ready go to home, and Max whimpered that he was ready then. Max raged that Stitch only cared about being with Abby, and Max's mom never would have sent him away. Stitch calmly recognized that Max was scared and angry, but he lectured that yelling and saying hurtful things wouldn't help.
Stitch thought that Max was lashing out because the boy hadn't dealt with his mom's death, but he firmly stated that Max had to stop using his pain to justify his behavior. Max wailed that Stitch was sending him away, but Stitch contended that he was getting Max help, and he compared it to fixing a child's broken arm or leg. Max begged Stitch not to make him go to the facility, and Stitch hoped that Max found a way to accept that sometimes accidents happened, but no one was to blame. Max cried that it wasn't fair that his mom had died, and he missed her. Max threw his arms around Stitch, and Stitch swore that Jenna would always be in Max's heart.
Stitch encouraged Max to think about Jenna whenever he got sad or scared, and he said he wanted Max to get better because Stitch loved him. Max asked what would happen if he never saw Stitch again, but Stitch promised that he would never leave his son. Stitch and Max emerged from the room, and Max reluctantly invited Abby to visit him. Stitch assured Max that everything would be fine, and they exchanged declarations of love and a hug. The social worker led the boy away, and Abby comforted Stitch.
After Stitch and Abby left, Dylan told Paul that he hated that his best friend doubted himself as a father, and he thought Stitch had only wanted to believe in his kid. Paul empathized that it was easier said than done to see one's child for who he really was.
Abby and Stitch returned to his hotel room, and she thought they'd taken a step in the right direction that day. Stitch thanked her for being there for him and Max, and he recognized that they still had a lot of things to work out, but he believed they could get past it. They hugged.
At Chancellor Park, Dylan met with Nikki, who was babysitting Sully. Nikki let Dylan know that she was grateful to him and Sharon for allowing her to spend time with Sully because he seemed to have a way of always making her feel better. Nikki confided in Dylan about her recent urges to drink, but when he tried to blame Victor, she insisted that she didn't want to keep using him as an excuse.
Dylan agreed that Nikki needed to take ownership of her sobriety. Dylan argued, however, that Nikki also needed to make changes in her life for her own good, including distancing herself from the things that were dragging her down. "I know that you have fought like hell to save your marriage, but there comes a point when you have to admit that you're in a toxic relationship, and it's probably not gonna change," Dylan advised. Dylan knew it would be tough for Nikki to walk away from Victor, but he was confident that she could because she was one of the strongest people he had ever met.
At the Athletic Club, Lauren greeted Michael with a kiss and excitedly announced that she had just finished looking into ways that he could appeal to have his law license reinstated. Michael appreciated Lauren's efforts but admitted that he already knew everything there was to know about the process. "Then why haven't you done anything about it?" Lauren asked incredulously.
Pointing out that there was more to life than being a lawyer, Michael suggested that he might want to take his suspension as an opportunity to do something else with his life -- or nothing at all. Lauren scoffed at the idea of Michael going into early retirement, but he argued that they already had plenty of money and could use the free time as a chance to travel while they were both still young enough to enjoy doing so. Lauren pointed out that she would still be quite busy with Fenmore's either way, but Michael countered that she had a brilliant management team in place that could handle things without her help once in a while.
Lauren started to protest that she wasn't ready to slow down yet, but she quickly stopped herself, remembering that the conversation was supposed to be about Michael, not her. Maintaining that she wasn't buying Michael's claim that he wanted to retire, Lauren demanded to know what was really going on. Michael explained that he had missed out on a lot with Lauren while running his own practice, and he wanted to use his suspension as a chance to make things up to her. Lauren argued that her schedule had always been just as intense. Lauren added that while she loved spending time with Michael, his happiness was just as important to her.
"I'm happiest when I'm spending time with you," Michael stressed. Lauren knew Michael meant that, but she also knew he loved practicing law. "[It's] in your DNA, [so] please, do us both a favor and go get reinstated. And not just for you -- do it for me; do it for us," Lauren advised with a bit of playful flirtation. Chuckling, Michael conceded that he couldn't possibly refuse Lauren's request.
Later, Nikki approached and asked Michael for some legal advice. "I want a divorce," Nikki explained. After hearing Nikki's reasons, Michael promised to do everything he could possibly do to help her.
At the prison, Victor received a visit from Adam, who bragged about foiling Victor's plan to secure an early release and vowed that he would also ruin any future plans Victor managed to concoct. Victor guessed that Adam was worried about what the consequences of his latest betrayal might be, but Adam insisted that he wasn't worried at all because he knew Victor would be forced to serve every second of his ten-year sentence -- if he even lived that long. "You may very well die alone in here, Dad, [and] you can blame yourself for that one," Adam continued.
After warning that Adam would live to regret what he had done, Victor summoned a guard to escort Adam out of the visitation room. Once he was alone, Victor stuffed his right hand in his pocket then slammed his body against the doorframe. Later, a guard offered to take Victor to the infirmary so Dr. Gates could tend to his injured hand, but he insisted he didn't need medical attention at that time. Victor soon began thinking about how he had confronted his father years earlier, with Nick at his side, and had washed his hands of the man after noting that being abandoned as a child had made him realize that wealth and power meant nothing without family.
Nick went to Adam and Chelsea's penthouse in search of Adam, but when he realized that Adam wasn't home at that time, he decided to confront Chelsea instead, demanding to know what Sage had said to Adam in the letter she had left for him. Chelsea claimed that she didn't know. Nick found that hard to believe, but Chelsea stuck to her story and quickly changed the subject, wondering why he was upset.
Nick explained that he had just finished reading Sage's journal in the hope that doing so would make him feel closer to her. Nick continued that Adam had been featured in parts of the journal. "What he did... Adam's capable of a lot of things, but this is unforgivable," Nick insisted. Chelsea tried to get Nick to elaborate, but he stormed off after warning that he was going to make Adam pay.
When Adam returned home later that day, he immediately launched into a rant about Victor, admitting that visiting him had been a mistake. Chelsea quickly interrupted, stressing that although she was sorry to hear that Adam's visit with Victor hadn't gone well, she was afraid they might have a bigger problem on their hands. Warning that Nick had likely learned the truth about Christian's paternity, Chelsea fretted that Victor would find a way to make the situation even worse. Adam dismissed Chelsea's concern, reasoning that Nick had to be upset about something else because Sage wouldn't have disclosed that particular piece of information in her journal.
At Sharon and Dylan's house, Mariah demanded to know why Sharon was scared about the possibility of Nick reading Sage's journal. Sharon tried to deflect, but Mariah refused to drop the matter, fearing that Sharon might suffer another breakdown if she didn't confide in someone soon. Sharon stressed that she had been searching for a new psychiatrist but hadn't managed to find one yet.
"Then that leaves me or Dylan," Mariah reasoned. Sharon insisted that she couldn't talk to Dylan about the matter because it involved Sully. "He's not our baby," Sharon hesitantly admitted. Mariah was stunned to learn that Sully was really Christian and that Sharon had decided to let that secret die with Sage instead of telling Nick the truth. Sharon reasoned that the revelation would have destroyed Dylan. Arguing that she was just as much a victim in the situation as Nick, Sharon continued that she couldn't just hand her child back to him because she was the only mother the boy had ever known.
"Nick's child. He is that baby's real father," Mariah stressed. Suddenly realizing why Sharon had really been pushing for Nick to spend time with Sully lately, Mariah wondered how Sharon could live with herself, knowing that Nick was suffering over the loss of a child that she was actually raising as her own. Sharon tearfully acknowledged that she would soon have to suffer the consequences of her deceit because Nick had probably already learned the truth. Mariah advised Sharon to find Dylan and admit the truth to him right away, reasoning that he would be more upset if he heard the news from Nick instead.
Sharon tracked Dylan and Sully down in Chancellor Park, but before she could reveal the truth, Nick approached and announced that he had just read some shocking information in Sage's journal. Sharon tried to stop Nick, but he forged ahead, insisting that Sage wouldn't have lied about such a thing. As Sharon braced herself for the worst, Nick continued that Dylan needed to arrest Adam -- for murder.
At Hank's Bar, Luca reviewed the photos that his investigator had taken of Travis and Victoria, and he approached Travis at the bar. Travis asked how Luca's cocktail was, and Luca commented that it was strong, but the point was to drown the pain. Luca imagined that pour souls opened up to Travis about their problems all the time, and he spun a story about being crazy about a woman who'd suddenly left him with no explanation. Luca imagined that it wasn't the kind of problem Travis had, and Travis confided that he and "Tori" had hit it off, but she'd called it off because of something to do with complications. Luca suggested that perhaps the complications would work themselves out, and she'd walk back through the door.
At the Athletic Club, Kevin asked whether Michael had taken up any new hobbies since his retirement from law, but Michael announced that a brilliant legal mind was appealing the suspension of his law license. Michael explained that Lauren had given him the push he'd needed, and Kevin spotted Mariah alone at the bar and remarked that women had a way of doing that. Kevin commended his brother for getting back in the game, and he joked that at least he could finally afford to pay his own bail. Michael advised Kevin to try to stay on the right side of the law, and he asked what was up with Mariah. Kevin replied that he didn't know because she'd moved out. Mariah downed a drink.
Michael surmised that Mariah had been fed up with Kevin spending all of his time with Natalie, and he chastised Kevin for bragging about his newfound wealth on social media. Kevin argued that he was exploring a new lifestyle, and Michael noted that Kevin had been doing so with a new best friend. Kevin confided that he hated that Mariah had moved out, and Michael ordered Kevin to talk to Mariah. Kevin crossed over to the bar and offered to buy her another drink, and she ordered a top-shelf drink on Kevin's tab, disdainfully adding that he could afford it. He admitted that he'd been a jerk, and he insisted that he still cared about Mariah. He asked if she was okay, but she mumbled that she couldn't be further from okay.
Mariah groaned that it was complicated, and Kevin asked if solving her problem involved scuba diving. She wished that she hadn't moved back to Sharon's place, but she couldn't "un-know" what she knew. Kevin encouraged her to move back in with him if she couldn't resolve the issue, and Mariah started to confide that many people would get hurt, but a yodel ringtone on Kevin's phone sounded. He claimed it was nothing, but she testily assumed Natalie was calling. Kevin insisted that he wanted to know what was going on with Mariah, and he urged her to return home, but she asserted that she was staying at home with her family.
At Newman Enterprises, Victoria griped to Summer about the energy division, since the executives wouldn't listen to her. Summer guessed that management was still loyal to Victor, and Victoria pledged to give them no choice but to respect her. Summer offered to help, but Victoria insisted on doing the heavy lifting herself. Summer asserted that she'd researched all the divisions, and she was more than capable of carrying her weight.
Victoria said she was sorry if she'd hurt Summer's feelings, but the energy division had a lot of moving parts. Summer rattled off a summary of her knowledge of the division, and she recommended that Victoria redirect some funds to offset the costs of some expenditures that had gone over budget. Victoria was impressed, and she apologized for shutting Summer down. Victoria explained that she hadn't known who to trust since Victor had manipulated the sale of Brash & Sassy, and it seemed like the people she cared about were the ones she should be most afraid of. Summer swore that she wouldn't let Victoria down.
Over the phone, Victoria barked that her father was no longer running the company, so her changes would be implemented, and she'd find other executives if she had to. She slammed the phone down and refused to be pushed around by the old boys' club. Victoria planned to give them a chance to cool down, but Summer worried that Victoria couldn't afford to wait. Michael entered, and Victoria asked if Billy had changed his mind about the custody agreement. Michael handed Victoria a copy to sign, and he assumed that she wanted to settle everything before the divorce went down. The women pressed to know what he meant, and he counseled them to be prepared to give Nikki support.
Victoria wondered if her mother was aware of what "hell" divorce proceedings would unleash, and she asked Michael to talk Nikki out of it, but he thought Nikki's impulse to get away from Victor had merit. Victoria anticipated that filing for divorce would take Victor's rage to a new level, but Summer thought that Victor would be devastated, since he already felt abandoned. Victoria testily asked when Summer would grow up and see her grandfather for who he was -- a ruthless, vengeful man. Victoria headed out, and Michael commented that Nikki had to do what was right for her, but he hoped she faced the situation with painful honesty instead of anger.
Later, Luca entered the office and guessed that Summer had had a bad day, and she rushed into his arms and said she was glad he was there. She griped that every time she thought things couldn't get worse, they did, and he asked what had happened. Summer reported that Victoria had clashed with the other executives and had relegated Summer to intern status. Summer lamented that while she'd researched facts and figures from the Internet, she couldn't learn the business overnight. Luca picked up a document and informed her that he was well versed in that aspect of the company, and he offered his help.
Luca noted that the executives were playing old school in a modern world, and Summer thought he sounded like Victoria. Luca guessed that the way Victoria had addressed it hadn't gone over well, and Summer relayed that Victoria had hung up on one of the businessmen. Luca said communication was key, and Summer requested that he compose an email to the management team to lay everything out. She planned to sign Victoria's name to the document, and she thought it would show Victoria that Summer could do the job. Luca smirked.
Victoria entered Hank's, and Travis was surprised to see her. She conceded that she might have overreacted, and she confided that she had an ex and a custody situation in the balance. She warned that she'd walk out the door if he asked any questions, and he remained quiet. She turned to leave, but he invited her to join him in a "silent, question-less, last-nameless dance." He took her into his arms, and they swayed close together.
Victoria and Travis retreated to his place, and he imagined that being there had to be more fun than what she normally did in the afternoon. She mused that she didn't want to talk about that, and they began to slowly undress one another. She added that she didn't want to think about anything, and they fell back onto the bed in a passionate kiss.
In the park, Nick insisted that Dylan arrest Adam for murder, since Sage had written in her journal that Adam had killed Constance. Dylan recalled that Constance had died of natural causes and that Constance had been like a mother to Sage, and he contemplated why Sage would have protected Adam. Nick speculated that Sage had been afraid of what Adam might have done to her. Sharon thought Nick had misunderstood Sage's words, but Nick explained that Sage had written that Constance had been good to Adam, and Sage had questioned how she could live with the fact Adam had killed the old woman in cold blood. Nick continued that Constance had figured out that Adam had been posing as Gabriel, so Adam had killed her to keep his cover from being blown.
Nick ranted that his wife had suffered because she'd kept the secret, and he refused to allow Adam to get away with it. Dylan took the journal and offered to look into it, and he started to head out, but he remembered that Sharon had wanted to tell him something. She claimed that she'd forgotten what it had been, and Dylan departed. Nick wondered why Sage had felt she couldn't trust him with the information, and Sharon rationalized that sometimes there were good reasons for not telling a loved one something. Nick questioned how a person could look someone they loved in the eye and lie to them over and over again.
Sharon reasoned that Sage had wanted to protect Nick, but Nick pointed out that he and Sage had been "to hell and back," so he couldn't understand why she hadn't trusted him with the secret. Sharon imagined that Sage hadn't been able to talk about it because it would have made the pain and loss of the crime real, and sometimes living in denial kept the world as they knew it from falling apart. Sharon insisted that Sage and Nick had loved one another, and she advised him to stop driving himself crazy by trying to get answers that he might never find.
Sharon added that Nick should stop reading the journal, but Nick informed her that he'd already finished it. Sharon disguised her relief and declared that Nick knew everything, so there would be no more surprises. Nick thought he should have been a better husband, but Sharon assured him that he'd been exactly the kind of husband that Sage had needed. Nick felt terrible after reading the entries about Sage's depression and desperation to get over losing Christian, and he wailed that she hadn't deserved any of it. Sharon consoled him with a hug.
At the penthouse, Adam and Chelsea contemplated whether Sage had revealed Christian's true paternity in her journal. Adam thought Nick had been infuriated about something else, and he asked what Nick had said. Chelsea recounted that Nick had wanted to know about the letter Sage had left for Adam, but she'd lied that she hadn't been privy to the letter's contents. Chelsea added that Nick had said Adam had to pay, but she had no clue what for. Adam couldn't think of any explanation other than Christian's paternity, but he saw Chelsea looking at him oddly. She wanted to be sure that she wasn't dealing with the old Adam -- the one who'd had no problem keeping secrets from her.
Adam swore that he wasn't lying, but Chelsea said he'd told her that before. He acknowledged that he'd lied in the past, but he reiterated that he was telling the truth, "now and forever." He asked if she believed him, and she nodded and said she was sorry she'd asked. Adam recognized that he had to start earning her trust. Dylan dropped by and reported that Nick had accused Adam of murder, and Chelsea gasped. Dylan revealed that Nick thought Adam had killed Constance.
Adam professed his innocence, and Chelsea recognized Sage's journal in Dylan's hand. Dylan explained that he was investigating the claims in the journal, and he asked again about the voicemail Sage had left for Adam before she'd died. Adam maintained that Sage had been looking for Chelsea, and he'd deleted the message because he'd considered it to be innocuous. Adam swore that he'd cared for Constance, and they'd been kind to one another.
Dylan said Constance had cared about Adam because she'd thought he was her grandson, but Sage had claimed that Constance had figured out Adam's true identity and that Adam had killed Constance to keep his secret. Dylan argued that there had been no reason for Sage to lie in a personal journal, and Adam theorized that she'd written it when she'd been medicated at Fairview. Chelsea remarked that they'd never know the truth because Sage was dead, but Dylan revealed that he was going to exhume Constance's body to have an autopsy performed.
Nick and Sharon returned to the cottage, and Nick wondered what else Sage hadn't told him. He confirmed that he'd read every page of the journal, and Sharon expressed confidence that Sage's confession about Adam was the only shocking discovery. Sharon encouraged Nick not to make one secret lead him to doubt his entire relationship, and she assured him that Sage had loved and trusted him. Mariah returned home, and Sharon nervously said she hadn't expected Mariah to be back that soon. Sharon explained that she and Dylan had run into Nick in the park, and Nick warned that he wasn't the best company. Mariah proposed a way to make him feel better, and she asked where the baby was.
Sharon said it was Sully's naptime, and the tot was exhausted after a long day in the park with his daddy. Mariah pointedly said she was sure Nick would be able to spend time with the baby soon, and Nick left to find out whether Dylan had gotten Adam to confess. Sharon informed Mariah about Sage's journal entry, but Mariah confronted her about not telling Nick or Dylan the truth. Sharon swore that she'd been about to spill everything to Dylan when Nick had shown up and accused Adam of murder, and Dylan had left before she'd had a chance to say anything.
Mariah contemplated what would happen once Nick read the truth about Sully in Sage's journal, but Sharon revealed that Sage hadn't written anything about the baby's paternity. Mariah incredulously asked if Sharon expected to continue to lie to Nick and raise his son. Sharon acknowledged that the right thing to do was to tell Nick the truth, but she thought it would damage Dylan beyond repair if he lost another child. Mariah called it an impossible situation, but she insisted that the truth be told.
Sharon thought everyone could go on believing what they already believed, and she pointed out that Nick would always be in Sully's life as his uncle. Mariah snapped that it wasn't the same, but Sharon cried that she loved her little boy and the life she'd created with Dylan, and she vowed to lie to keep Sully with them. Mariah argued that she'd also have to keep up the lie for decades, and she didn't know if she could do that. Dylan walked in and asked if everything was okay.
Sharon mentioned that Nick had been a wreck when he'd left, and she inquired whether Dylan had found out anything else about Sage's claim. Dylan divulged that Adam had denied it, but he'd put in a request to exhume Constance's body to get to the truth. Mariah curtly wished him luck with that, and she rushed out. Sharon remarked that there was a real chance the truth might stay buried with Sage.
At the penthouse, Adam pondered why Sage had lied in her journal, and Chelsea thought it hadn't seemed like Sage at all. Chelsea looked agitated, and Adam asked if she believed he was guilty. Chelsea swore that she believed Adam, and she declared that the whole thing was insane. They hugged, but she forlornly stated that the problem wasn't going away. He resolved to face it head-on, and she promised to be right there next to him no matter what happened.
There was a sharp rap at the door, and Nick stormed in and blasted Adam for pretending to be Sage's friend. Adam insisted that he had been, but Nick accused him of forcing Sage to keep a terrible secret. Adam swore that he hadn't murdered Constance, and Nick demanded that Adam prove it by handing over the letter that Sage had left him. Adam asserted that Sage hadn't wanted the letter to be made public, and Nick asked what Sage had wanted to keep secret.
Nick guessed that Sage had been protecting Adam, but Adam maintained that he'd had nothing to do with Constance's death. Chelsea backed up Adam's claim, and Nick questioned why Sage would have lied. Adam suddenly had a brainstorm, and he recalled that he'd visited Victor to gloat about stopping Victor's exit strategy. Adam relayed that Victor had told him that he would regret it, and he wondered if Victor was framing him for murder.
In the prison infirmary, Victor downplayed his bruised hand, but Meredith scolded him for not seeking treatment sooner. She chided him for pretending that his son hadn't driven him over the edge, and she questioned whether Victor's talk about forgiveness had only been to get her to help him. Victor asserted that he'd forgiven many people in his life, but his family wasn't returning the favor, and Adam wanted to see him rot in there. Meredith asked if Victor had hurt his hand because he'd wanted to punch Adam, and Victor admitted that it had been a mistake to let his son get to him. Meredith queried whether Victor had considered forgiving Adam, since forgiveness made people feel better as long as they expected nothing in return.
Meredith grew uncomfortable with her closeness to Victor, and she firmly stated that they had to keep things professional as a doctor and a patient. He said they'd just been people for a moment, and she replied that she was only there to make him well. He confided that it was good to talk to someone after his family had turned their backs on him, and it had been lonely when no one had seen him for who he was. Meredith assured him that she saw him and that he wasn't alone. He placed his hands on either side of her face and called her beautiful, and they shared a tender kiss.
Meredith pulled away and apologized for giving Victor the wrong impression, and she stressed that it couldn't happen again. A guard knocked on the door, and Meredith called out that she was done, so Victor could go back to his cell. Later, a flustered Meredith accidentally knocked over some equipment in the exam room, and she flashed back to her kiss with Victor. Moments afterward, a guard informed Victor that the doctor wanted to see him, and he led Victor back to the infirmary.
Meredith claimed that she wanted to go over the x-ray she'd taken of Victor's hand, and he apologized for what had happened earlier. She asked why he'd kissed her, and he touched her face again and called her beautiful. She stepped back, and he said she didn't have to treat him anymore, but she replied that it was her job. She admitted that she couldn't stop thinking about him, and he recalled listening to her and watching the way she took care of him. He added that the real prison was not being able to have her because of that place, and she planted another kiss on him.
Stitch and Abby happily strolled through the park after feeding the ducks, and she said she'd missed laughing with him. He recognized that there hadn't been much to laugh about, and he was sorry. She insisted that it wasn't his fault, but he regretted that he'd pushed her away when she'd needed him after her miscarriage. Abby reasoned that Max had also needed him, and Stitch swore never to abandon her again. Abby urged Stitch to call and check on his son, but he stressed that it was his time with her. He suddenly caught someone else's soccer ball and became thoughtful, and she was sure that he was thinking that Max should be playing in the park, too.
Stitch threw back the ball, and Abby encouraged him to visit Max that day. Stitch imagined that the psychologist had filled Max's schedule with therapy and activities, but Abby argued that Stitch and Max had been apart too long already. Stitch protested that he owed Abby a good day, but she said his love was all she needed. She assured him that she knew he wasn't going anywhere, and she pushed him to see his son. Stitch called her the best thing that had ever happened to him, and he professed his love and took off.
At the lab, Billy asked for Ashley's opinion about a new fragrance that Brash & Sassy was developing to target Millennials. He explained that he had a nose for cigars and scotch but not for perfume, and Ashley joked that it had been part of Victor's plan for Billy to be forever tortured for snapping up Victoria's prized brand. Billy said he wouldn't put it past Victor after everything Victor had done to ruin his life, but Ashley pointed out that Billy was hardly suffering by running a company and living in a mansion. Billy grumbled that Victoria wanted him to pine over her, but he wanted to care about someone else one day. Ashley asked if there was a new woman in his life.
Billy envisioned the next woman in his life as being smart, sexy, and independent, and he would remember her perfume because she was a "brash and sassy kind of girl." He pledged to concentrate on business, but Ashley thought his work and his kids would never be enough for him. Billy expected that others would think he was a jerk if he moved on, but waiting for Victoria forever was no way to live his life. Ashley questioned whether another woman would be able to help him forget Victoria, but Billy didn't respond as he headed to the door.
Abby arrived at the lab and cheerfully asked whether Ashley had found the cure for Hilary yet. Abby revealed that she'd had a sweet morning with Stitch, but he'd needed to be with Max. Ashley called her a great stepmom, but Abby wasn't sure Stitch would agree, since he changed the subject whenever she mentioned Max. Ashley guessed that Stitch was sorry that he hadn't listened to Abby earlier, and it was human nature to want to rewrite history. Abby wanted to help Stitch through it, but she didn't know if he would let her, and she blamed the Newman curse. Ashley pointed out that Abby was also an Abbott, and she promised that Abby would find happiness.
Later, Ashley greeted Stitch at the hospital, and she inquired about his visit with Max. Stitch was relieved that Max had been willing to see him, since Max blamed him even though he had been protecting Max. Stitch lamented that he could have saved Max from himself if he'd seen things the way Abby had, and Ashley inquired whether Stitch resented Abby for it. Ashley encouraged Stitch to talk about Max with Abby or to let Abby visit Max, but Stitch refused, since he was also supposed to protect his wife, and he hadn't. Ashley lectured that life was too short to keep pushing Abby away, and she urged him to reach out to his wife.
At the Athletic Club, Jack suggested to Phyllis that they include Hilary and Neil in their discussion about the foundation, but he observed that she was distracted. He remarked that he'd like to take a mental vacation himself, but she insisted that she was right there with him, and she was exactly where she wanted to be.
In the foyer, Cane showed Lily photos of the twins on his phone, and she marveled that they were lucky their kids were happy, especially when she thought about Max. Hilary overheard as she walked in with Neil, and she remarked that she hoped Max got the help he needed. Lily sarcastically stated that Hilary was all heart, and Hilary led Neil over to meet with Jack. Lily wondered how Jack couldn't see what a snake Hilary was, and Cane asked if Lily's desire to take Hilary down had changed her mind about protecting Neil and Devon. Cane pledged to stand by whatever she decided, since he refused to let anything get between them again.
Abby arrived at the club and stared at the stairway. Lily invited her into the dining room, and Abby remarked that the fire had destroyed the surveillance footage, but she felt like she had a tape inside head and was watching herself fall. Lily wished there was something they could do, but Abby was determined to focus on the present, and Max was getting well. Lily told Abby that it was okay to think about herself, too, and Abby confided that she missed the first days after her wedding, when anything had seemed possible.
In the dining room, Hilary commented that it was nice to see Phyllis and Jack together, and Phyllis dryly noted that it had been the second time Hilary had expressed surprise that a husband and wife enjoyed one another's company. Hilary insinuated that sometimes things got in the way, and Neil pulled Hilary aside to speak privately. Neil sternly stated that his friends had been through enough, and she countered that Jack had also been her friend for a long time. Hilary pointedly added that Jack had no idea how much they had in common, since they'd both been held captive, and she implied that perhaps she would tell him. Hilary envisioned that Neil would go to prison, but at least he'd be there with his son.
Phyllis reminded Jack that they'd agreed to keep what happened in their marriage between them, and Jack said Hilary had meant well. Phyllis called Hilary a human wrecking ball who had bulldozed her way into the foundation and the research project, and Jack recognized that Hilary had done some unorthodox things to get what she wanted -- just like someone else he knew. Phyllis told him not to dare compare her to Hilary, but Jack defended that Hilary had fought for what she wanted, and no one had ever cut Hilary a break. He wondered if Phyllis' hostility stemmed from the fact that Hilary had left Neil for Devon.
Phyllis said she was just being emotional, and she believed that Hilary should pay for her sins instead of acting like a queen who wanted to control everything. Jack quipped that there had to be statute of limitation on infidelity, and Phyllis guiltily replied that it was none of her business if Jack and Neil wanted to work with Hilary. Phyllis warned Jack to watch his back, since Hilary would always want more, and she hurried off.
During the foundation meeting, Hilary suggested arranging a weekend retreat to focus on the strategy for the foundation, and Jack thought it would be a chance for directors and staff to bond away from the constraints of everyday life. Neil sourly asked if Hilary intended to invite Devon or if she considered him to be a constraint, and Jack questioned whether Hilary and Neil still thought they could work together. Hillary asserted that she'd addressed Neil's concerns earlier, and Neil agreed that it wasn't an issue. Hilary cooed that she wanted to make sure that Jack had everything he needed.
Jack praised Hilary's idea, and he wanted to run it by Ashley. Hilary suggested that she and Jack present it together, but Neil said he had PR questions for Hilary, and Jack instructed them to keep their heads together while he talked to Ashley. After Jack left, Neil noted that Jack didn't need anything from Hilary, but he imagined that since she had Devon's billions and had Neil where she wanted him, she had to conquer something else -- Jack. Neil thought Jack deserved to know exactly the kind of person she was, but Hilary expected that Neil wouldn't say a word unless he wanted the cops knocking at his door. Neil stormed past Cane and Lily on his way out, and Lily glared at Hilary.
Lily ordered Hilary to sit, and Hilary found it cute that Lily was feeling feisty. Lily called her disgusting, and she guessed that Hilary had been torturing Neil again. Lily added that it was torture just being in the same room with Hilary, and she couldn't stand watching Hilary suck up to Jack. Hilary clucked that poor Cane had almost gotten away from Lily's self-righteous whining, and Lily spat that Hilary might be able to blackmail Neil and charm Jack, but Hilary couldn't shut her down. Hilary dared Lily to turn her father in.
Lily suggested that she could take Hilary down without exposing Neil, since Hilary was a climber who wanted money and status, but Hilary wanted someone to look at her like she was a decent human being even more. Hilary huffed that she had a husband for that, but Lily contended that Devon knew what Hilary was, and that was why Hilary would move on. Lily contemplated how long Devon would keep Hilary around once Lily told him that Hilary was making a play for Jack.
Abby found the bed in Stitch's hotel room scattered with flower petals. Stitch appeared, and he said he hadn't had the words, so he'd decided to show her how he felt. He scooped her up into his arms and proclaimed that they were going back to the moment he'd carried her over the threshold. She said she wanted that, but it wasn't possible. Stitch agreed that they couldn't undo the last few months, but they could start again. They kissed and slowly fell back on the bed.
Jack went to the lab and relayed the retreat idea to Ashley, and she was impressed that he'd suggested it. Jack gave credit to Hilary, and Ashley wondered what was in it for Hilary. Jack pointed out that the town was full of people who'd been granted second chances, including Billy. Ashley argued that Billy had only hurt himself, and Jack countered to tell it to Victoria. Ashley recognized that Billy had become reckless when he'd lost Victoria, and she sensed that he'd gotten involved with someone to try to get Victoria out of his system.
Jack guessed that Billy was seeing Fiona, since Billy would consider it a challenge to pursue a smart, beautiful woman after he'd failed to seduce her into stocking Brash & Sassy. Ashley thought the new woman in Billy's life had nothing to do with business, and she mentioned that Billy had worked hard to deny that there was any woman at all. Ashley had a feeling that whoever the woman was meant something real to Billy.
Neil sat with a drink in front of him at a bar, and Cane approached and asked if Neil was getting drunk. Neil flatly replied that it was what alcoholics did, and one or two drinks wouldn't do the trick, but the next few after that might. Cane questioned how Lily and the twins would feel when Neil ended up facedown in a ditch, and Neil contended that they were better off without him. Cane said Neil had gotten himself into the situation, and he implored Neil to be a man and get himself out of it. Neil told him to shut up and drink or get out of there, and he tossed back a shot.
Neil got up to go, but he couldn't find his keys. Cane revealed that his dad had taught him how to lift things off people, and Neil prepared to take a cab, but Cane indicated that he'd also swiped Neil's wallet. Neil chuckled, and Cane was glad Neil found it funny because Lily wouldn't. Neil declared that Lily was done with him, and Cane blasted Neil for punishing her when she'd kept his secret. Neil contended that Lily was only concerned about Devon, but Cane insisted that she loved Neil and was on Neil's side, but that might change. Cane headed to the door, and Neil ordered another drink.
At home, Billy sniffed a fragrance in a test tube and griped that it would keep the vampires away, and he contemplated what women wanted. He flashed back to having sex with Phyllis, and he grabbed his motorcycle helmet and left.
Phyllis sat in the park, and Billy stumbled upon her and swore that he hadn't been stalking her. He explained that he'd gone for a ride on his bike, and she asked who'd been on the back that time. Billy divulged that he'd been trying to forget about Phyllis, but he thought some people would call it fate that he'd found her there. She told him to get back on his bike and leave her alone, and he invited her to take a ride with him. She begged him to go, but he sat down next to her and said he couldn't.
Phyllis protested that someone might see Billy, but he pointed out that he was her brother-in-law and former partner, and no one needed to know they were lovers. She ordered him to shut up, and he recognized her perfume, since he hadn't been able to get it out of his mind. He said he couldn't focus on business because all he smelled was her. Billy softly asked how often Phyllis thought about what had happened between them, and she maintained that having sex had been a selfish, impulsive mistake. Phyllis refused to destroy their family, but Billy expected that it was going to happen over and over again because what they had was real.
Phyllis reiterated that things were over between her and Billy, and she started to leave, but he stopped her and said the pull between them was magnetic. He whispered that even when he was alone, he heard her voice and felt her skin, and Jack didn't deserve her. Phyllis protested that it wasn't Billy's decision, and Billy replied that he'd hold onto her for dear life if she were his wife. Phyllis argued that he was turning a few moments into a love affair, and Billy confessed that he thought about being with her every moment. He urged her to confirm that it was them against the world. She weakly told him to stop it, but they melted into a passionate kiss.
