>> Lauren: You know,
it's wonderful to see you.
And such a relief to have you
back, and you look so beautiful
and healthy.
>> Nikki: Oh, thank you.
I do feel much more like myself
than I have in a long time.
I'm sorry about that abrupt
voicemail the day that I left
for rehab.
>> Lauren: Look, I was just
grateful to hear from you.
When you didn't answer your
phone all night, I had a pit
in my stomach.
I just-- I knew something
was wrong.
>> Nikki: It was horrific.
But it got me to treatment,
made me realize how far
I had fallen.
>>
>>Lauren: And now you're out
the other side?
>> Nikki: Well, you know, it's
always one day at a time, but
I would say that I am on the
other side of that nightmare,
yes.
My inpatient treatment went
well, and I'm feeling more
confident that I will be
all right.
>> Lauren: Well, you can always
rely on me whenever you need.
And you certainly have the
world's most devoted sponsor
ever.
Have you been able to speak to
Jack since you've been back?
>> Nikki: I have.
Unfortunately, he can no longer
be my sponsor.
>> Lauren: Is that because of
what happened in the hotel suite
when he took those pills?
>> Nikki: Lauren, I put him in
a terrible position that night.
>> Lauren: I know Jack.
And I know that he would do
anything for you.
Literally.
And I thank God that he was
able to get you out of that
spiral that you were in.
But I am baffled as to why he
would take drugs when he knows
how dangerous it is for him.
>> Nikki: I know.
Things could've ended
very differently
and Jack realizes that now.
>> Lauren: Well, I'm glad
to hear that.
So, did you both decide that
you needed another sponsor?
>> Nikki: Actually, I wanted
Jack to stay on as my sponsor
and it seemed like he did, too,
until he didn't.
>> Lauren: What changed
his mind?
>> Nikki: I think it was Diane.
>> Adam: So that's where we are
as of now.
>> Nick: I'm really sorry, man.
I know how much
you were looking forward
to seeing Connor.
To get let down again is tough.
>> Adam: Yeah, and I was in
a better place, too.
I was optimistic.
I was telling Chelsea that
everything was gonna be okay.
But that video call, I mean,
seeing in real time how
powerful the OCD can be.
>> Nick: I never even considered
that self-harm was a possibility
with something like this.
>> Adam: I mean, how is it
nobody tells you any of
this stuff in advance?
How bad it can be.
My kid punched himself
in the face, Nick.
I mean, this stuff,
it keeps me up at night.
>> Nick: Yeah.
But you did say that he
realized and understood what
he was doing and stopped, right?
That has to be a positive sign.
>> Adam: Well, the doctors say
it's an important step.
Recognition and awareness.
And it increases Connor's
confidence that he can
manage the OCD.
>> Nick: All right, well,
then there's hope.
>> Adam: There is.
I mean, there has to be.
Oh, update on the Mailer deal.
>> Nick: All right, and?
>> Adam: It's going through.
>> Nick: It is?
Yes!
>> Adam: Contracts are being
drawn up as we speak.
We did it!
>> Nick: Hell, yeah, we did it.
>> Adam: I think we need
to celebrate.
I think even Dad might be
impressed with this one.
>> Nick: Yeah, I actually have
to run out to the ranch
and talk to the big man.
I'll, um,
I'll share the news with him.
>> Adam: I also got
an invitation to the ranch.
You have any idea what
this one's about?
Some kind of family meeting?
>> Nick: Adam, I gave up a long
time ago trying to figure out
what he has in store for us.
I recommend you do the same.
>> Adam: Yeah, fair enough.
Guess we're gonna have to brace
ourselves for anything.
♪♪
>> Michael: Victor,
please be straight with us.
There is clearly an agenda
behind this plan of yours.
You want me to keep closer tabs
on Diane and Cole has to buddy
up to Kyle Abbott?
>> Victor: This is what
I want you to do.
The reason behind it is of
no consequence, okay?
>> Cole: Victor, I just don't
wanna go into this blind.
>> Michael: Diane is my friend.
There's no reason she warrants
being on your radar except for
her tie to Jack Abbott.
>> Victor: May I remind you that
the two of you
called for this meeting
in order to explain your
betrayal regarding Jordan?
>> Cole: And-- and we still
wish to do that.
>> Victor: All right.
So...
I told you what I asked of you.
Are we on or not?
>> Victoria: Hello.
>> Victor: Hi, sweetheart.
>> Cole: Hey.
>> Victoria: This is quite
a group.
What did I just walk in on?
>> Victor: Thank you for coming,
sweetheart.
>> Victoria: Uh, sure.
I mean, is something wrong?
Why are you all here together?
>> Victor: We were just
discussing the security protocol
at Jordan's prison.
>> Victoria: Is there a problem?
>> Victor: No.
>> Victoria: Has Jordan caused
any trouble?
>> Victor: Not at all.
I promise you, she'll never see
the light of day again.
>> Victoria: Well, I certainly
hope that's the case and that
she's out of our lives for good.
>> Victor: I certainly agree.
Now, gentlemen, I think we're
on the same page now as to how
to move forward.
>> Michael: We hear you
loud and clear.
>> Victor: If you don't mind,
I have a meeting now with
Victoria and Nicholas and Adam.
>> Michael: Right, it's good
to see you, Victoria.
We'll talk soon.
>> Victoria: Yes.
Is everything all right?
>> Cole: Yeah, yeah, definitely.
>> Victoria: All right.
>> Cole: I'll see you later?
>> Victoria: Mm-hmm.
>> Cole: Hey, guys.
>> Nick: Hey.
>> Victor: Hey, son.
>> Victoria: Didn't know the two
of you would be here.
>> Victor: Adam.
>> Adam: Well, Pop kept
the guest list secret.
>> Nick: What's going on?
What's up with the summons?
>> Victor: What's wrong with
wanting to see my children
all together?
>> Victoria: That's not usually
how these things go.
>> Nick: Yeah, a casual
get-together is not really
your thing.
>> Adam: Well, we're all here.
What bomb are you about
to drop?
>> Lauren: So you think Diane
is behind Jack's decision to not
be your sponsor anymore?
>> Nikki: It's just a hunch
I have.
>> Lauren: You know, I'm no fan
of Diane's.
And I'm sure
she can be demanding.
But I don't blame her
for being scared.
Jack took drugs to pull you
back from the brink once.
It's possible
he could do that again.
>> Nikki: No, no, no, no, no.
He would never do it again.
>> Lauren: You don't know that.
You know how precarious
addiction is.
You and Jack can never risk
going to that extreme again.
Ever.
>> Nikki: I agree.
I think maybe our closeness
as friends worked against us.
>> Lauren: And I'm sure,
after what happened,
Victor doesn't want you to work
with Jack again.
>> Nikki: Oh, no, he does not.
He was furious that I asked
Jack to stay on as my sponsor.
He basically forbade me
from seeing him.
>> Lauren: But you're not gonna
listen, are you?
>> Nikki: Well, no,
of course not.
Jack is one of
my closest friends.
If I'm gonna come out
of this stronger,
I'm gonna need his support,
even if he's not my sponsor.
>> Lauren: But you are gonna
need a sponsor.
>> Nikki: I will find one.
I always miss Katherine
and Neil,
especially at times like this.
>> Lauren: I believe that they
are watching over you.
And that you will find
another sponsor.
>> Nikki: Right now, my focus is
to continue to get stronger.
>> Lauren: With your focus being
on your sobriety,
what does that mean
for Newman Media going forward?
>> Victor: I can assure you
there's no bomb to drop.
>> Adam: Well, maybe not
in your mind.
But none of us have any idea
what this is about.
>> Nick: Should we wait for Mom
before we get into
whatever this is?
>> Victor: Your mother will not
be joining us, all right?
>> Victoria: Is she all right?
This isn't about her drinking,
is it?
>> Victor: No, she's doing okay.
She has some outpatient
sessions, and she's doing well.
>> Nick: Okay.
If this isn't about
Mom's health,
then what's on your mind?
>> Victor: I asked you to come
here to refocus our attention
on matters pertaining to
the Newman business, all right?
First off, my darling,
I wanna ask you,
have you considered
returning to the company?
>> Victoria: Well,
I have to say,
you caught me off guard.
Uh, I was not really prepared
to have this conversation,
and I certainly didn't expect
to do it in front of
an audience.
>> Victor: Well, I just wanted
to know what your thoughts were
about this.
>> Victoria: Do you want me
to return to Newman?
>> Victor: Of course,
sweetheart.
That's where you belong.
>> Victoria: So then
that's a yes.
>> Victor: Yes.
>> Victoria: Well, I appreciate
your confidence in me, Dad.
It really does mean a lot, but
I'm not sure I will return
to Newman.
>> Victor: But, sweetheart,
I know you were concerned about
Claire's well-being, but she
seems to do very well right now.
>> Victoria: Claire's recovery
is going wonderfully.
>> Victor: Okay.
>> Victoria: I mean, I love
watching her open up
to the world.
It's-- it's so wonderful for me.
But...
I mean, look, she has been
pressing me to go back
to work, too.
But there's just still so much
for me to do.
Johnny and Katie are coming
home soon, and they're gonna
need time to adjust to
their new home
and to their new big sister.
>> Nick: That's great that
the kids are coming home.
They'll be thrilled.
And, yes, of course, there will
be some time where they need to
adjust, but they'll get there.
>> Victoria: I know that they
will, but I'm not just gonna
let them do it on their own.
I wanna be available
for my children.
I wanna help bring us
together as a family.
>> Adam: I think that's totally
understandable.
>> Victor: But, I mean,
can't you do both?
Can't you go back to work
and deal with your family?
>> Victoria: Dad,
I don't want to.
I don't want to split my focus.
>> Victor: Sweetheart, you have
multitasked before.
I mean, what's different now?
You're a very talented
businesswoman.
It would be a pity to see it
all go to waste.
>> Nick: Okay, let's just say
Vic does come back.
In what role, Dad?
How do you see this
playing out?
>> Victor: I have not
determined that yet.
>> Adam: Okay, but we all know
what that really means, right?
If Victoria comes back,
I'm probably gonna end up
in the men's room.
>> Victor: Adam, please.
>> Adam: There is always
something I can count on.
When it is convenient,
I am the first one
to get shoved aside.
>> Michael: Cheers, my friend,
to another day of surviving
Victor's wrath.
I be damned.
>> Cole: Well,
you know what, Michael?
I gotta say, I don't miss that
after being gone so many years.
>> Michael: Why on earth
would you?
>> Cole: So-- so,
what's this all about?
What does Victor really want?
>> Michael: I can't be positive,
but my instinct tells me
that somehow this has to be
tied to Jack.
>> Cole: Okay, well,
could he be sincere?
I mean, maybe he does just
really want me to get closer to
Kyle since Claire
looks after Harrison.
>> Michael: No, it feels like
an excuse to me.
Look, he asked us to keep tabs
on Kyle and Diane both.
That is Jack's son
and his wife.
>> Cole: All right, so--
so what do we know?
What are the facts?
>> Michael: Oh, Kyle and Diane
both work at Jabot.
Diane is currently in
Kyle's former position,
and I have heard from Lauren
that there are whispers
about tension between them.
>> Cole: What?
What, resentment?
>> Michael: Rumor has it
that Kyle feels that Diane is
in the position he should have.
>> Cole: Okay.
So, what does that have to do
with what Victor's interests
are in Kyle and Diane?
>> Michael: Victor wasn't happy
when Jack stepped in
as Nikki's AA sponsor,
and I even heard from Diane that
right before
she went into rehab,
Jack broke his
own sobriety for Nikki.
>> Cole: I know, I know.
Victoria told me that.
I mean, that's a hell of a risk
for Jack to take.
>> Michael: It was a desperate
attempt to shock Nikki into
getting sober, but Jack passed
out when he took the drugs,
and Victor thought that left
Nikki vulnerable, in danger.
He thought what Jack did was
unconscionable.
>> Cole: Okay, okay, all right,
so that's why
Victor is angry with Jack.
It's-- it's enough to make him
want to gather ammunition
against him.
>> Michael: I can't be certain,
but that's what it feels like.
>> Cole: I know, I think,
listen, I trust your judgment
when it comes to Victor.
I mean, you-- you know him.
>> Michael: Given the details,
I can imagine Victor
feeling inspired to
take revenge against Jack,
you know, for what he's done,
putting him in his place.
>> Cole: Okay, I don't wanna be
a part of any kind of a vendetta
attempt, especially when it
involves my daughter.
All right, she works at
the Abbott house.
I'm not gonna do anything
to disrupt that.
>> Michael: Well, once again,
Victor has squeezed us
between a rock
and a very, very hard place.
>> Cole: Listen,
just be honest with me.
What if I refuse his request?
>> Michael: That may be
the wrong question.
>> Cole: So you're saying
there's no choice, is there?
I mean, if you and I wanna
repair our relationship with
Victor, we must do as he asks.
>> Victor: But I see no reason
why the three of you cannot work
together at Newman Enterprises.
Again.
>> Adam: Dad, historically,
that hasn't worked out.
>> Victoria: You're always
the victim, aren't you?
>> Nick: Kind of with Adam
on this one.
The two of us,
we've made it work.
If there's three of us,
you know,
it could get tricky.
>> Victor: I didn't say that
the three of you would be
working together directly.
>> Adam: Well, then what exactly
are we talking about here?
>> Victor: What we're
talking about here, son,
is that I put you back
as the head of Newman Media.
>> Adam: Why--
why would you do that?
>> Victor: Because you did
a hell of a job running
that company.
You made it a strong,
viable entity.
>> Victoria: What about Mom?
Is she okay with this?
>> Victor: She is focusing
on getting better.
>> Nick: Then you've talked
to her about this.
She is on board with it.
>> Victor: We are right now
talking about Victoria
and my desire for her to return
to Newman Enterprises.
>> Victoria: In what capacity,
Dad?
In Adam's role?
>> Victor: I don't know yet.
>> Adam: How am I supposed
to take this?
It appears you're offering me
a CEO position.
>> Victor: That's right.
>> Adam: Well, then why
does it feel like I'm still
being sidelined?
I mean, are you unhappy with
the work that I've done
at Newman?
>> Victor: Did I say that?
>> Adam: Dad, I believe that my
work as co-CEO has been stellar.
>> Victor: Son, I never said
anything to the contrary,
now did I?
>> Adam: Nick and I have managed
to make things work.
>> Victor: Yes.
We're a solid team.
In fact, we found out today
that we closed on
the Mailer deal.
>> Victor: Well done.
>> Adam: Yeah, especially since
Newman has been trying to align
with them for years.
And up until this point,
we haven't succeeded.
>> Victoria: Is that a dig
at my leadership?
>> Adam: I'm just stating
the facts.
>> Victoria: Trying to make
yourself look better
at my expense.
>> Adam: The point is,
things are working.
Nick and I have managed to work
well together.
We're thriving.
Am I wrong?
>> Nick: He is not wrong.
The company is in a very
solid place right now.
Everything's running smoothly.
>> Adam: So why mess
with a good thing?
Why put unnecessary obstacles
in the path?
>> Victoria: And by obstacle,
you mean me.
>> Adam: Any variable that
threatens the stability
of the company.
>> Victor: I'm very proud of
what you and your brother
have done.
Very.
Warms my heart to see both of
you work together, okay?
>> Adam: We-- we have
each other's backs.
I mean, why remove me
from my position?
>> Victor: What I am proposing
is no reflection on you.
I'm proud of what you
have done.
You have taken Newman Media
and brought it to heights.
And it meant a great deal
to my company.
>> Nick: Well, that
is certainly true.
You did an amazing job.
But I have a feeling Mom's not
gonna be cool with this.
And the fact that
you keep dodging the question
means you haven't talked to her
about it yet.
>> Victor: All three of you have
got to listen to me.
I've always done, always wanted
what was best for this family.
For my wife, for my children
and grandchildren.
Is that clear?
>> Nikki: I can't thank you
enough for stepping in for me at
Newman Media while I was away.
Your work has been phenomenal.
Nicholas even mentioned how
impressed he was.
>> Lauren: That means a lot
to me.
But I have to tell you,
it's been quite a challenge
balancing both Newman Media
and Fenmore's.
>> Nikki: Oh dear,
I've overloaded you, haven't I?
>> Lauren: I was happy to do it.
But I have to be honest with
you, it is not sustainable for
me to run both companies
long term.
>> Nikki: Oh no, no,
of course not.
You have done more than enough
for me.
And I expect to be able
to come back full time
in the next few months.
>> Lauren: Months?
Ah, that is a-- a long time.
I-- I actually thought our
arrangement was more temporary.
>> Nikki: Oh no, don't worry.
I-- I don't expect for you
to stay there that long.
But you're not coming back
to run it, right?
>> Nikki: Not yet.
But I have another solution
in mind.
>> Victoria: I appreciate that
you want me to come back
to the company, Dad.
There was a time when I thought
you weren't interested in
having me there anymore.
>> Victor: Sweetheart,
that was never the case.
>> Victoria: I just don't
think that I'm ready
to come back to work.
And for what it's worth,
I think that Adam should retain
his current role and Mom should
remain CEO of Newman Media.
>> Adam: Oh, let me guess,
you don't want me to have
a CEO title.
>> Victoria: It's not all
about you, Adam.
I want my mother to keep her job
so that she can stay focused
and that will aid
in her recovery.
And I would think that
you would wanna spend
your energies on Connor
and not some career shift.
>> Adam: Well, that is
a good point.
You're probably right.
>> Victoria: All right, then.
There's nothing left to say.
>> Victor: Sweetheart, whoa,
whoa, whoa, whoa.
Will you at least consider
coming back to Newman?
>> Victoria: Daddy,
I appreciate the offer.
I really do.
But it sounds like a delay in
my return would be better
for everyone involved.
I really do think that.
>> Adam: I have
to get going, too.
I've gotta meet Chelsea.
>> Victor: Wait a minute, Adam.
How is Connor doing?
>> Adam: He's all right.
He's recovering after
his recent setback.
>> Victor: I'm happy
to hear that.
>> Adam: Thank you.
I guess given Victoria's
answer, I don't have to worry
if I'm gonna be sidelined
or rewarded just yet.
So, good for me.
Nick.
>> Nick: All right.
It's just us.
What was that about?
>> Victor: Well, son...
I've gotta tell you that
I'm very proud...
of you and Adam
working together,
making this all
very successful.
>> Nick: Thank you.
Yes, it's all true.
>> Victor: Right.
But I also know that you have
two different styles, don't you?
>> Nick: We not only have
two different styles,
we have a different set
of morals,
and I don't think I'm ever gonna
be fully past that.
>> Victor: So it's inevitable
that the two of you
will come to a clash,
and that would do
an enormous damage
to our company, right?
>> Nick: Adam and I are never
gonna see eye to eye
on everything, but I...
I believe that
we will be able to get past that
for the sake of the company.
>> Victor: I think Adam
has done a hell of a job
with Newman Media
when he ran it,
and as far as Victoria
is concerned, I know that she
says she wants to focus on her
family, which is all good.
However, I know her.
She'd chomp at the bit
to come back to work,
to have some sense of purpose.
>> Nick: Yes, she has a purpose.
It's not the purpose that
you want for her.
And Dad, Vic is not wrong.
Adam's got a lot on his plate
right now with Connor.
It is not a good time for him
to be shifting gears
at the office.
You know, I'm curious.
All I've ever heard from you is
that you want the three of us
to be working together
at Newman.
>> Victor: Mm-hmm.
>> Nick: What's changed?
I mean, why did you
reverse course?
>> Lauren: So what is your plan
with Newman Media
if I'm no longer involved?
>> Nikki: I am going to ask
Victoria to step in
until I can return.
>> Laure: Do you think she's
ready to come back to work?
>> Nikki: Well, she has
expressed some reluctance,
but I think Newman Media
is a great option for her.
And it's not like I can leave it
to just anybody.
>> Lauren: Well, I have been
honored to be in your place,
and I will happily
turn things over to Victoria
if she accepts the job.
>> Nikki: She is the perfect
person to do it.
And really,
there is no one else,
aside from you, of course,
that I would trust
with that responsibility.
>> Victor: I would like nothing
more than for you and Adam
and Victoria to work together.
But I also have got
to be concerned about
your mother's recovery.
She's, you know,
working very hard
to get sober again.
And I don't want her
to fall off the wagon.
>> Nick: Well, I don't want
that either.
But, Dad,
you need to talk
to Mom about this,
and you need
to really listen to her
about what she wants.
>> Victor: Son, my aim is to do
what is best for the company.
I need you now to encourage
your sister to come back.
I know she wants to.
She just needs a little
encouragement, a little push
from you.
>> Nick: You're putting me
in a tough position.
You know that, right?
I mean, this can really
backfire on you, on Mom,
Victoria, Adam, I mean,
especially Adam.
If Adam feels like
he's being sidelined,
Dad, there's no telling
how he's gonna react.
>> Sally: Hey, you're home.
I thought you were supposed to
be meeting with Chelsea.
>> Adam: Uh, I had some time,
and I wanted to see you first.
>> Sally: I love that.
Okay, I have a question.
Now that you're home,
I need your opinion.
What do you think of these?
>> Adam: Uh, they are--
they're fine, they're great.
>> Sally: You hate them.
Okay, no, not your style.
Um, I can go a different route.
I...
>> Adam: No, I like the pillows.
Okay, the place, it--
it feels better already.
>> Sally: Really?
>> Adam: Mm-hmm.
Your presence is the best
change of all.
I want you to feel at home.
>> Sally: I do.
You don't have to worry
about that.
>> Adam: All right.
>> Sally: Okay, let's forget
about the pillows.
Have you had an update
on Connor?
>> Adam: Not yet.
I mean, he's constantly on my
mind, but as far as I know,
there has not been any change.
>> Sally: Okay, did something
else happen?
>> Adam: I got a summons
from Victor to the ranch.
He called me, Nick,
and Victoria all together.
>> Sally: What did he want?
>> Adam: I don't know, honestly.
But there was an agenda
at play.
He was questioning Victoria
about her return to Newman,
and then he floated the idea
of me taking over Newman Media
to run again.
>> Sally: But I thought things
were going well between you
and Nick as co-CEOs, that you
guys had found a balance.
>> Adam: Yeah, we have.
I mean, we found a groove.
We've succeeded.
I bent over backwards to try to
make that work, and now Dad
wants to shove me out.
>> Sally: Okay, well, isn't it
a possibility that this is
a good thing?
Like, maybe...
I don't know, you know?
If-- if you go back and run
Newman Media, you would have
autonomy again at the company
that you built yourself.
>> Adam: Well, I am attached
to Newman Media.
I did invest a lot to turn it
into a powerhouse.
That's where I got to work
side-by-side with you.
>> Sally: Yeah, there's a lot
of good memories there.
Well, is it something you think
you'd take on again?
>> Adam: It just--
it doesn't feel right.
Okay, Dad says it's not an
insult, but I have a hard time
believing that his sole motive
is to do right by me.
>> Sally: Okay, well, what else
could it be?
>> Adam: I think that once
again, I am a pawn in a larger
power play that my dad
has going on.
>> Cole: So, Michael,
what do you suggest?
I mean, how-- how
do I handle this?
>> Michael: Agree to his request
to befriend Kyle.
There's no harm in that.
>> Cole: Oh, man, that is just--
that is so cheap
and disingenuous.
>> Michael: He's simply asking
you to get to know the man
who employs your daughter.
Make that your goal as well.
From what I know of him,
Kyle is a very good man.
>> Cole: He-- he is-- he is, but
so what about you?
I mean, how are you gonna
proceed with Diane?
>> Michael: She is good company.
I will grant Victor's request
by enjoying time
with a good friend.
>> Cole: Okay, well,
we both know that Victor must
want something more
out of all of this.
>> Michael: Yes, there may come
a time when he requests
additional information or
possibly something
more insidious.
But in the meantime, you keep
your head down, play the game,
and I will...
try to get some insights
into Victor's state of mind,
find out what
he's actually up to.
Right now, I have to take off
because I have a meeting with
my beautiful wife.
>> Cole: All right.
Hey, listen, thank you.
I appreciate your time,
and please say hello
to Lauren for me.
>> Michael: Listen, take care
and let me know
if anything comes up.
>> Cole: I will.
>> Michael: All right?
>> Cole: Okay, see you soon.
>> Sally: So, what do you think
Victor's after?
With this move.
>> Adam: He really seems
to want Victoria back
at the mothership.
And if I am relegated
to Newman Media,
it paves the way for her return.
>> Sally: Okay,
but what happens to Nikki?
I mean, what happens to her
if you're in charge
at Newman Media?
>> Adam: I don't know.
I think Dad wants to give her
time to recover
from her relapse.
I mean, there could be more
to it than that.
>> Sally: Okay.
And hear me out.
What if Victor is just taking
a look at the company
and trying to find
the best place for everyone?
>> Adam: Sally, is that
the Victor Newman that you know?
Making moves that
aren't power plays,
no hidden agenda?
>> Sally: No, but I tried.
Okay, so do you think Victoria
is aware of Victor's
overall goal,
that she's a part of it?
>> Adam: Probably not.
But I don't believe for
a second that she's gonna stay
away from Newman forever.
She could be stringing Dad
along until she gets exactly
what she wants in return.
>> Sally: I mean, you could be
right, but, I mean, hasn't she
been focused on her daughter?
And up until this point,
there's been no indication that
Victor hasn't been pleased with
the work that you're doing.
>> Adam: No, he's been
supportive of Nick and me
working together as a team.
>> Sally: Yeah, this is odd.
Especially since Victor
has been satisfied.
I mean,
I can see why you would wonder
about his change of attitude.
>> Adam: If I'm in Newman Media,
what happens when
Nikki is stronger
and she feels like returning?
Am I gonna be out
completely again?
>> Sally: I really don't think
Victor would do that to you,
especially after all that you
have going on with Connor.
>> Adam: I don't know why my dad
keeps jerking me around.
Every time I think we are past
this, it happens again.
No matter how many times
I prove myself to him,
he just sees me as
merely a tool to be used.
>> Victor: Just do me a favor
and leave Adam to me, all right?
It-- it'll all fall into place.
I want you to focus on
convincing Victoria
to come back.
>> Nick: All right.
I really think you need to
think this through.
>> Nikki: Think what through?
>> Victor: Hi, sweetheart.
>> Nick: Hey, Mom.
>> Victor: We were just talking
about how to convince Victoria
to come back to Newman.
>> Nick: That's Dad's plan,
by the way, not mine.
Vic's made it very clear
she's not ready to come back.
>> Nikki: Well, I think I can
help you with that.
>> Victor: Really?
>> Nikki: I was just with Lauren
and we talked about the fact
that she can't possibly keep
taking over for me indefinitely
at Newman Media.
>> Victor: Well, we'll find
someone to take your place
while you focus on your rehab.
>> Nikki: But we don't have
to do that.
I wanna ask Victoria
to do it.
>> Nick: I like it.
I think that is a much more
viable plan.
>> Nikki: More viable than what?
>> Victoria: Hi.
>> Cole: Hey.
How are you?
>> Victoria: I'm good.
I'm glad you texted me.
I could really use
a distraction.
>> Cole: Oh, uh-oh.
Does that have anything to do
with your meeting with Victor?
>> Victoria: He's pushing me
about returning to work
at Newman.
>> Cole: Hmm.
So what did you say?
>> Victoria: I made it clear
that I'm not ready
to come back yet.
That I wanna focus
on my children.
Being there for Claire
and Johnny and Katie.
>> Cole: Your kids come first.
>> Victoria: Yes, always.
And I get this sense that,
I don't know,
that he's up to something.
Like maybe he has some
mysterious plan in the works
that he's not telling
any of us about.
Of course not.
Well, I don't want anything
to do with those games.
>> Cole: That makes sense.
Yeah.
>> Victoria: Is there something
going on?
What's wrong?
>> Cole: I just was thinking
about you.
And how happy I am to see you.
>> Victoria: Oh.
Well, I'm happy to see you too.
>> Cole: And I-- I just wondered
whether we could have
dinner together.
>> Victoria: Sure.
Yeah, you and me and Claire.
>> Cole: No, actually I was
thinking more just like
the two of us.
You know, you and me.
You know, like a date.
>> Lauren: Hi, darling.
>> Michael: There's a sight
for sore eyes.
>> Lauren: Yeah,
since this morning?
>> Michael: Well.
Well, feels like a lifetime.
>> Lauren: What happened?
>> Michael: Hmm.
There is something
I need to tell you.
And it has to stay between us.
>> Lauren: What's going on?
>> Michael: I'm in a bit
of a pickle.
>> Lauren: How big?
>> Michael: Massive.
It's another mess with Victor.
>> Lauren: Ah, sometimes I just
wanna shake him.
I do not want you involved
in any trouble.
>> Michael: Ah, it's too late
for that.
>> Lauren: Okay.
What are we talking about?
>> Michael: It appears Victor's
on the warpath.
>> Lauren: Is there a target?
>> Michael: Jack Abbott.
There is reason to believe that
the dormant war
between Jack and Victor
is about to reignite.
>> Nick: Dad's talking about
installing Adam back
at Newman Media in your place.
>> Nikki: What?
That's a terrible idea.
>> Victor: I disagree with you.
>> Nikki: Why would you choose
Adam over Victoria?
It's only until I can return.
Victoria will honor that wish.
>> Nick: I certainly
agree with that.
Victoria would happily step
aside or even step into
a different role.
>> Nikki: Whereas if you put
Adam in there, oh, he'll
fall in love with the power.
He'll never wanna leave.
>> Victor: Well,
as far as I'm concerned,
it's a terrible idea
to put Victoria
at the helm of Newman Media.
>> Nikki: If you let Adam
get a foot in the door,
he will create so much chaos.
Why do you wanna put all
of us through that?
Unless...
>> Victor: Unless what?
I know how upset you've been
that I chose Jack as my sponsor
not once but twice.
>> Victor: What does that have
to do with anything?
>> Nikki: Tell me the truth.
Are you punishing me for that?
Captioned by Los Angeles Distribution and Broadcasting, Inc.
Captioning provided by Bell Dramatic Serial Company,
Sony Pictures Television and CBS, Inc.
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