♪♪♪ >> Hope: Wait, wait, wait, wait,
wait--lock the door. Lock the door.
>> Brooke: Carter, what are you doing?
Oh, my God. Hope!
You and Carter? ♪♪♪
>> Eric: Well, it's all news to me.
>> Steffy: It's so strange--he never mentioned anything to you?
>> Eric: No. No. >> Steffy: Dad, what about you?
You and Carter are really good friends--he never brought this
up? >> Ridge: Nothing like this, no.
>> Steffy: This push for growth and corporate expansion?
It's just--it's out of nowhere. >> Eric: Well, it's kind of his
job description, isn't it? I mean, we always want our COO
to be looking for new opportunities, but this--this is
off the chart. >> Ridge: Yeah. Turning
Forrester into a global luxury conglomerate.
>> Eric: Wasn't what I was expecting.
Pretty interesting meeting, though.
[chuckles] He was so fired up, and Hope and Zende both very
excited about it. But it's never gonna happen.
♪♪♪
>> Ridge: I like Carter's initiative, I like his
commitment to the company. >> Steffy: Yeah, we all do.
>> Eric: Yeah, absolutely, but what he's proposing--
>> Steffy: It's a lot. >> Ridge: No, it's not just a
lot, it's too much. It's changing everything.
>> Steffy: Absolutely. It's more than just reviving a line or
shifting resources. >> Eric: Taking Forrester
Creations in a whole different direction.
>> Ridge: Right. It's changing the way we see the company, our
company. >> Steffy: Yes, our company,
the family company. We don't have to answer to
shareholders or investment firms.
>> Eric: Well, his plan would change all that.
>> Ridge: And why now? Why-why is this happening now?
Why does he wanna take such a risk now?
What's Carter thinking? >> Brooke: You and Carter?
Honey! >> Carter: I'm sorry.
>> Hope: But I'm-I'm not! Mom, it is not what you think.
>> Brooke: I know what I saw. >> Hope: Okay, well, there's
more to it than what it seems. >> Brooke: My daughter and the
company COO fooling around in the office.
>> Carter: I think what Hope means--
>> Hope: Mom, we aren't just fooling around.
>> Brooke: Oh, wait. You two are involved?
Okay. That makes sense. I mean, you were defending Hope
and her line and... she was backing you up in the
meeting today. >> Hope: I believe in Carter and
his idea for the company, Mom. >> Carter: And I believe in
Hope for the Future. >> Brooke: [huffs] But Steffy is
not gonna look at it this way she finds out.
>> Hope: Because she can't, Mom. No one can know about this.
I mean, not-not yet, and especially not Ridge.
♪♪♪ >> Eric: Well, Carter has
obviously given this whole thing a lot of thought.
He says he's been thinking about this for years.
>> Ridge: Mm-hmm. So why'd he keep it to himself?
Why spring it on us now? >> Steffy: Well, it didn't come
out of nowhere. I mean, every time we talk, he
brings it up, but this goes way beyond just a pitch.
>> Ridge: Yeah, he's never talked about transforming
Forrester into some kinda luxury company--we don't know how to do
that. It's uncharted territory. >> Eric: Fragrances and leather
goods, jewelry, wines. >> Ridge: And what does that
make this company? >> Eric: It turns the company
into a brand name instead of a fashion house.
I don't wanna do this. >> Ridge: But you have to look
at the other side, right? If this were to work, it'd be a
huge amount of money. >> Eric: And also a huge and
unbelievable risk. >> Steffy: One Carter feels is
necessary. >> Ridge: Carter's not wrong.
He said that we have reached the apex of the fashion industry,
and he's right. So maybe it's time for something
else, to move into...a new era. >> Eric: Yeah, or drive us into
bankruptcy--could be the end of Forrester Creations as we
know it. >> Ridge: Yes, it could be.
It could also be the start of something amazing.
This could make us the biggest luxury company in the world.
>> Eric: Yeah, having taken on huge debt and a bunch of private
investors. >> Steffy: Giving up some of our
control. >> Ridge: Right. And this is
where I don't agree with Carter, because he's looking at this as
an executive. We're creative-- we're creative,
right? What if somebody were to tell you what to do or not to
do, even if you're sitting on a big bag of money?
What would you do? It's a great pitch, and you
expect that. It's-it's Carter...
He knows what he's doing. But why now?
Why do it right now? ♪♪♪
>> Steffy: I'm not saying
Carter's plan isn't though out. I-I just don't know if it's
right for us. >> Ridge: Or the right time for
us. >> Eric: Forrester's a family
business. It's not a conglomerate or,
you know... >> Steffy: Yeah, but I think
Carter just wants a bigger future for us.
>> Eric: Is that what you want, Steffy?
>> Steffy: Well, I'm all about innovation.
I mean, there's a reason why Forrester is such a leader in
this game. >> Ridge: Right. We're not
afraid to take chances. >> Steffy: Mm-hmm.
>> Eric: I took the biggest risk of my life just even starting
this business. >> Ridge: And Carter knows that
and he's inspired by it. >> Eric: He's been a big part of
our success, you know. As COO, he has overseen
some of the biggest gains in our history.
>> Ridge: Absolutely. The rollout of the Bedroom line
was flawless. >> Steffy: But this is the
House of Forrester. We don't need investment bankers
over our shoulders reacting to every single decision we make.
>> Ridge: That's what I'm saying, we're artists--you can't
put us in the balance sheets. It doesn't work.
>> Eric: Exactly right. A Forrester original is a work
of art, a real original piece of beauty.
>> Ridge: Yes, it is. >> Steffy: But that's the thing.
We've all seen the trends, and there's been a lot of mergers in
this industry-- >> Eric: We don't follow trends,
Steffy--we set them. >> Ridge: Whoa, there he is.
Okay. I guess so. >> Steffy: I really do love
that. >> Eric: Do you?
>> Steffy: Yeah, I do. I mean, we have dominated this
industry. And, yes, Carter wants to take
some risks, but...why should we be doing that right now?
>> Ridge: Yeah, it's too much. >> Eric: You know, something's
going on here. The Carter I know would be just
as wary of all this as we are. I mean, that's the surprise in
all this. Why this...sudden desire
for change? ♪♪♪
>> Hope: Mom, I know this is a lot to process.
>> Brooke: Yeah, I thought that you and Carter were friends.
>> Carter: We are. [small laugh] >> Brooke: Okay. Well, I didn't
expect to come in here and see you like that.
I mean, what about my sister? Katie. Hope's aunt.
>> Carter: We've been over for a while now.
>> Brooke: But you're close and you still talk.
Does she know about this? >> Hope: No! No one, does, Mom,
and we don't want anyone to know.
>> Brooke: Why, because it's a fling?
It's a rebound? >> Hope: No.
>> Brooke: Well, then, what is it?
I need to know how serious this is.
>> Hope: I mean, we don't even really know yet ourselves.
>> Carter: No. We know we care about each other, and there's an
obvious attraction. >> Hope: [giggles] Yes, a mutual
attraction. And we are just giving ourselves
some time to see how it goes. >> Carter: Yeah.
>> Hope: Yeah. >> Carter: See what develops,
given our past. >> Hope: Yeah, so there's
nothing to be concerned about, Mom.
We just are really enjoying seeing each other.
>> Brooke: In secret. >> Hope: For now.
>> Carter: And you understand why, right?
The situation at the office, what's going on with Hope's
line, the company. >> Hope: So please, Mom, I mean,
we really don't want anyone to know just yet.
So can you promise me... please promise me that you won't
say anything. ♪♪♪
>> Ridge: Well, Carter's never
steered us wrong before. >> Eric: No. He's a valued
member of our company. >> Steffy: Normally, I rely on
his advice. We work so well together.
But lately, things just feel as though it's so out of sync.
>> Eric: He has his own vision for the company, doesn't he?
Wants to stroke the profits. The company's never been just
about pursuing profits, actually.
We've, uh, sustained this company for peace of mind.
I don't wanna close my eyes at night and wonder about stock
prices and balloon payments. >> Ridge: Same.
>> Eric: I want this company to be here for my
great-grandchildren. And I'm afraid it won't be if we
take on all this debt, you know? Our company's defined by our
pursuit of beauty and our motivation is, uh, that divine
spark that hits when pen touches paper.
>> Ridge: [laughs] Yes. And that is a legacy to be proud
of, Dad. >> Eric: Yes, it is.
We have to. >> Steffy: I do have another
concern. Carter's had a lot to say about
the Logans, like he doesn't like my position
on Hope and her line. You heard him.
He thinks that I have a personal beef and I allow it to interfere
with my business decisions. >> Eric: I think you've been
very patient with Hope for the Future.
>> Steffy: Thank you. I really appreciate that.
But Carter feels as though I'm- I'm holding Hope for the Future
to an unfair standard. >> Ridge: Well, he has been
defending her quite a bit. >> Steffy: Yes, he has.
He said it again when he tried to pitch the jewelry line.
>> Ridge: And that was surprising.
>> Eric: I love Ivy. I would love to have her back at the
company. It'd be great. >> Steffy: Yeah, it would be
great, but...Carter should have told us first.
He should have consulted with us first before having this meeting
with Ivy. >> Ridge: Maybe.
I didn't offer a contract. It's just--it was an idea like
this meeting was an idea. >> Steffy: Yeah, but it's the
timing of all of it, it all happening at once.
Look, I-I don't know. It just makes me wonder.
I-it makes me wonder if Hope is getting into Carter's head
somehow. ♪♪♪
>> Hope: Don't you want us to take our time with this?
>> Brooke: Of course I do. >> Hope: Okay, so we're not
going to be able to do that if everyone chimes in with their
opinion. >> Carter: Or objections.
>> Brooke: I'm not objecting. >> Hope: No, I-I know that, Mom.
I'm just saying... we hope no one else will object
either. >> Carter: Office romances
invite gossip, and I don't want that for Hope.
She shouldn't have to justify her feelings or defend them,
especially if she's not ready to share them.
>> Hope: Well... I can share with you.
>> Brooke: And what about you, Carter?
>> Hope: Mom. >> Carter: It's okay.
Your daughter's had an impact on me.
She's the one who encouraged me to share my vision for
Forrester, how it can grow and adapt and go to the next level.
And to be honest, I would have never shared it if not for her.
She encouraged me to pursue my goals the same way she does with
tenacity and integrity. She inspires me.
Brings out the best in me. >> Hope: Well, you bring out the
best in me too, Carter. I mean, he believes in me.
He believes in my line. I mean, you saw the way he
defended Hope for the Future in there, Mom, and the way he asked
Steffy to put aside her agenda and do what's best for the
company. >> Brooke: Well, that's all
wonderful, but it's business. >> Hope: No. It's also about
respect and integrity. >> Carter: We understand and
support each other. >> Hope: And we share the same
desires. We want what is best for each
other, and we also want this silly war between the Forresters
and the Logans to end here at work for good.
And I think you know, Mom, that's not going to happen the
way things are. >> Carter: No. We want things to
change at Forrester and in our personal lives.
>> Hope: We just, you know, doesn't hurt anyone if we have
a little fun while doing it. >> Carter: [laughs]
We're-we're just sorry you had to walk in on it.
>> Hope: Yeah. Sorry. >> Brooke: Well...
>> Carter: Are we busted? >> Brooke: No. I'm not here to
bust anybody. I mean, you're both consenting
adults, right? [sighs]
But I do have my concerns... and you're gonna hear them.
♪♪♪
>> Ridge: Listen, you have every reason to be guarded where Hope
is concerned. >> Eric: Yeah, her behavior with
Finn really crossed the line. >> Steffy: Well, she kissed my
husband. I don't trust her.
>> Ridge: Okay. But she's not pursuing him.
>> Steffy: Oh, she better not. But I don't trust her across the
board. I don't trust her near my
husband, I don't trust her here at Forrester, and...
I'm starting to think that she might be manipulating Carter.
>> Eric: What do you mean? >> Steffy: Well, they're
friends. And if they're friends, then
that means Carter's on her side. A close ally.
>> Ridge: His loyalty is to the company.
>> Steffy: I know that, and, hey, maybe I'm wrong about Hope.
But it wasn't that long ago when Carter agreed with me.
He saw the numbers. He thought that we should cut
the line and now, out of nowhere, he's defending it?
He wants to save Hope for the Future?
He's all about growth and focu-- >> Ridge: Okay, you know what?
It really doesn't matter. You gave her enough time to turn
things around. >> Eric: But there is a limit.
>> Ridge: There is a limit, and at the end of the day, this is
business. If she doesn't come up with the
numbers, we gotta make a change. It doesn't matter what Carter
says. >> Eric: Exactly.
This is our company. We know what's best for
Forrester. ♪♪♪
>> Brooke: Carter, I need you to be completely honest with me.
>> Carter: I have been. [laughs] Hope's very important to me.
>> Brooke: So you're no longer involved with Katie?
>> Carter: We're still friends. >> Brooke: That's it?
>> Carter: Maybe it's all it ever was.
We wanted it to be more. We tried, but...
>> Brooke: Okay. What about the fact that you are
Ridge's best friend and you're a top-level executive here at
Forrester? >> Hope: What are you implying,
that we shouldn't be involved because we work together?
>> Carter: I'm not Hope's boss. >> Hope: No. Steffy and Ridge
control my line, sadly, not Carter.
>> Brooke: And I'm very grateful that you've been there for my
daughter to support her and her line.
>> Carter: Well, I appreciate what your daughter brings to
this company and into my life.
>> Brooke: Well, I am relieved to know that she has somebody
in her corner. For a long time here at
Forrester Creations, Hope, Katie, and I feel undervalued.
>> Hope: Yes. But we shouldn't be--we bring a lot to the table.
>> Brooke: Yes, but it's all the tension between the Logans
and the Forresters. >> Hope: Yeah, it's a tradition
which I believe Steffy wants to continue.
>> Carter: Certainly can't get past it.
>> Brooke: Yeah. And I don't want that to impact you.
And Hope tells me she doesn't wanna get in between you and
Steffy. >> Carter: Thank you.
>> Hope: Yeah, we just... we want to take our time with
this and see, you know, how it develops, how it goes.
>> Carter: Yeah, we do. >> Brooke: Okay. Well, that's
definitely a healthier way to do it.
[both laugh] >> Hope: Uh, just so you know,
he-he does know about that whole mess with Finn
and how lost I was. >> Carter: I understand what
it's like to be drawn to the wrong person.
>> Hope: Yeah, so we won't make that mistake again, will we?
>> Carter: [laughs] No. >> Brooke: Okay. Well, that's
good to hear. But this is still very new, and
I don't want there to be any broken hearts or hurt feelings.
>> Hope: Thank you, Mom. >> Carter: For your support and
for keeping this to yourself. >> Steffy: Carter, I was won--
Oh, uh, what's this? >> Hope: Uh, what?
>> Steffy: Oh, am I interrupting something?
>> Hope: No. Why? >> Steffy: Just the three of you
huddled up--is there a reason for it?
>> Carter: We were, um, discussing work.
>> Steffy: Oh, okay, well, if it's about work, then you can
tell me what's going on. ♪♪♪