Victor awakens in bed (with Nikki sprawled all over him). Hand resting on his chest, she can feel his heart beating - the rhythm of life (though his is the samba). Victor's so grateful for the gift of life - and that Nikki's going to Europe with him. He admires the ring on her finger - a promise to take one step at a time - together.

At NE, Vikki's still fielding calls regarding the SEC (as Adam eavesdrops - then wonders if there's anything he can do to lighten her load). Hearing that Victor wants him to take on more responsibility, Vikki assigns him some menial but time consuming work.

At CL's, Jack's unable to reach Billy, so whines to Ashley about Patty being mentioned in the article. Also with a copy of RS, Kay comes to gripe at Jack and Ashley - she's so disappointed in Billy.

At RS, Billy's on the phone giving Mac instructions for his 2nd annual Halloween party. Nick marches in - you're supposed to be gone. According to Billy's lawyers, Nick doesn't have the right to kick him out - but he'll publish RS from his car if need be. Nick will NOT let it go - be out by the end of the day.

Jack's upset too - but what can be done? It's on the newsstands. Kay wonders how Victor will react. Perhaps it's good that Billy's not coming back to Jabot (with Jack assuring that he and Ashley can manage just fine). Kay tells Ashley to take her time - her job will always be there. Wonderful to see you, Ashley smiles at Kay as she wheels the carriage out.

Nikki tends to Victor's bandage - and now to talk to the kids before the flight (to ensure they don't need her). Victor's sure Vikki will handle the SEC - but wonders what the press will think of him leaving. But first, Victor gushes that it feels so good and so right. Having things to do, he'll meet her at NE.

The RS article has put Nick in a foul mood - another punk attacking Dad in print. Sitting beside Vikki (at her desk) Adam understands why Billy lashed out. I bet you do, Nick sneers.

At RS, some guy arrives with photos from the Savaneur stock holders meeting (briefly outlining what transpired). He's offering an exclusive. I'll take it, Billy doesn't hesitate (as he starts forking cash over). In fact, he'll take anything on the Newman's. Once alone, he gets online - Hmmm. Deacon Sharp; who ARE you?

Victor solemnly places a flower on Colleen's fresh grave, kneeling down to pray silently, he tears up.

Kay serves Nikki some tea - my, what a beautiful ring. Nikki confides it was a gift from Victor - but not an engagement ring. Yes, it looks like the emerald ring Kay gave her - to honour her (their confidante and good friend). Kay knew it wasn't over - there's too much love between the two.

Vikki hangs up the phone - good news - the SEC has a weak case - all heresy. With Dad now out of the hospital, it won't be an issue. See? She WAS right to stay. Nick wonders why JT went after Deacon like that. A misunderstanding, is all Vikki will say - the worst is over.

Over to Jimmy's bar. Of course Deacon knows who Billy Abbott is (as he knows all the players in GC). Care to explain this? Billy sits to display the photos he just bought. JT was 'confused'? Deacon's got nothing to say - can't help ya. That's OK - Billy scoops up the pictures that 'say it all' - and without further word, walks out.

Jack's followed Ashley home to scold her - Kay needs to see the Abbott's as a united front. Ashley's NOT coming back to work - not with Victor leaving GC.

Victor talks into the camcorder he's set up on a tripod. It's a 'Dear Faith' message - oh, how much joy her birth has brought. He's leaving town - to focus on his health, and will be back stronger than ever. As Faith won't have gotten the chance to know him, Victor would like to explain his version of the stories she'll undoubtedly hear.

As Kay and Nikki continue their discussion, Nikki invites Kay along when she and Victor make their announcement to the kids. Kay's game - and can't wait to hear what they have to say.

Into the camera, Victor speaks of the orphanage his mother placed him in. As a teenager he up and left one day - and started a new life - with a new name. Victor (promising to be victorious) - and a 'New man'. Flashback to Kay signing the document that put Victor in charge of her company. From there, Victor did what he had to do - to build his empire. Another flashback to the beach where Victor was shot with some type of harpoon gun (screaming, Nikki runs to his side). Then, when married to Julia, Victor locked her lover, Michael, in his dungeon. Yes, Victor's done things he's not proud of - but he has no regrets.

Still at the ranch, a desperate Jack suggests a compromise - Ashley can work part time - from home. But no, Ashley needs to be a full time Mom. Jack's disappointed - but pleased to hear Ashley so confident. Ashley goes on to explain that Abby's been through so much. Uncles Jack and Billy will look out for her? Yeah, that's comforting.

Victor now addresses the Abbott/Newman feud - he respected John - and Faith's mother - but Jack? Not so much. Flashback to the argument that ended with Jack hurling Victor's chair out the window ('Have a seat, on me!') ... and another - 'You don't BEGIN to understand the power of Victor Newman' (who then smashes the portrait of Jack and Brad - I will crush you!). More - a furious Jack blames Victor for his son being dead. Yeah, but it's an accident Victor's really sorry for - and when Jack comes at him with a poker, Victor defends himself with his fists .... Last but not least, the infamous moment when Jack stood over Victor (who's on his office floor having a heart attack) - pausing to watch for a few moments, before striding over him to walk out. In conclusion, Victor claims that he and Jack are similar - they protect the ones they love.

Upstairs, in the club's hotel, Billy chats up the housekeeper. He's supposed to find the lady who cleans Deacon's room and give her a tip. Ever seen her? he flashes a photo of Vikki. After dutifully reciting 'I'm not supposed to ___' a few times, the maid's memory improves greatly when Billy hands over some money.

Nick joins Vikki and his Mom as they chat about the SEC dropping the case - oh what a relief it is. What's this? Nikki's there to meet Victor? Ah ha - Nick bet that his Dad would be back to work - pay up. It's not what you think, Nikki teases with a coy smile.

Victor's next topic? 'Real' friends. Like Neil (who informed Victor that Nick's out of control at NE. He thinks he's YOU. Reign him in!). Another friend? Colonel Austin - who's planning to duel Derek Thurston (for the love of Katherine). And then Katherine, herself - the one woman with the guts to talk to Victor Newman 'that way'. Oh yes, how Victor loves Faith, and her brothers and sisters. Flashback to holding baby Vikki - and then 'my boy' Nicholas - then Adam (as Hope snivels), Abby; as a youngster, then a snotty teen ... Then Vikki (all bent outta shape about Dad's relationship with Sabrina)... Adam - the self proclaimed black sheep son ... Finally, Nick, the 'sniveling, snot nosed, ungrateful son who 'betrayed his own father'. The moral? No one can hurt deeper than family - but no one can bring greater happiness. Did someone say 'happiness'? Here's Vikki in her wedding dress ... Young Abby giving Victor a clay horse .... Visiting Nick (in the hospital - after coming back from the dead). Adam - recently - at his bedside - promising to be a good son. You already are, was Victor's reply. Remember my sweet Faith - family above all.

Victor now speaks of the incredible women he's loved, including Faith's mother. Flashback to a young (and slightly younger) Victor - no two people in the whole wide world could be happier ... Unless it's Victor and Hope - riding a horse through the mountains. I'm so happy right now, Victor tells his 'darling' ~kiss~ Victor then answers the phone - it's Nikki to announce that everyone's gathered and waiting. Victor will be there soon - but they'll all have to wait until he's done thinking back to kissing a young Nikki. Victor sure has known great happiness, and pain. They all made him the man he is today. His advice to Faith? Never quit - or close your heart. And don't cross Victor Newman - cause whomever does is in really big trouble (whether it's Nikki - or the kids). By God the world will know that Victor Newman was there! Ya got that? But back to Faith - whom Victor will love, always, no matter what. Blowing a kiss at the camera, Victor finally shuts it off.

Over at RS, Billy's getting a head start on RS's next issue. His next article? All about Deacon and the Hellstrum's - the SEC should know that Mr Sharp's holding a lot more than stock.

Jack BETTER accept it - Ashley's not coming back. She and Victor have two beautiful children together - but she'll never, ever lose herself to someone again.

At NE, all speculate on what the big announcement could be. It's not bad news, is all they can pry out of Nikki. Victor arrives - thanks for coming. What's going on? Nick asks. His hand resting on Nikki's shoulder, Victor merely smiles.

Next: It's Halloween - Sharon opens her front door with a startled gasp. Looking like he's had a few drinks, Adam whips off his mask. 'Trick of treat, he challenges ... Setting you up was one of the greatest joys of my life, Jack boasts to Victor (as Nikki approaches). So, you're fearless now that I'm leaving town? Victor responds ... Dressed up as a football player, Billy's on the dance floor with Mac (until Vikki swings him around to deliver a stinging slap across his face).

My Thoughts: Why is Jack pretending to be all pissed off about Billy's article? Didn't he write most of it? Does he really think folks wouldn't be just as angry if Patty hadn't been mentioned? The article STILL attacks Victor ... What exactly turned Victor against Adam so suddenly (when so recently he considered him a 'good son')? Victor now either totally ignores the man, or insults/warns him. What happened to the father who was so grateful for the way Adam took care of Ashley? ... Uh yeah. There's nothing Faith will want to hear more from VideoDad than about ALL the incredible women he's loved - even her mother ... I guess this yawn down memory lane was in honour of Eric Braeden leaving the show (which he's no longer doing) - hardly original though (it can be stored beside the tape a 'dying' Ashley did for Abby (Hey - maybe he taped over hers). Feeling the need to spew his whole life story, Victor could have saved himself a lot of time (and not kept a room full of people waiting on him) by just telling Faith to buy a copy of Leanna Love's 'Ruthless' ... Is there ANY woman who Victor's been involved in - and not said the words 'I'm happy right now' or 'That makes me so happy'? So what? Any trick who's paid a hooker for the next half hour could say the same thing ... Check out the size of Ashley's eyebrow's (that likely inspired the bogus rumours of her being born a man) ... Often, I hear grumbling about how much worse the writing is now than in the golden years. But, for me anyway, the dialogue in these flashback's is cringe worthy. Actually, corny would be the word .... Um - didn't Nick only give Billy 15 minutes? Or else? Or else what? Since Billy had time to consult with his lawyers (whomever and wherever they may be), he was obviously gone much longer than 15 minutes. Perhaps Nick needs a lesson in giving ultimatums and orders. Cause now he might as well have said 'You're gone in 15 minutes. No, I mean an hour. Ok, by the end of the day, but I really mean it this time mister - It's like those parents who count to ten, and the kid continues doing whatever they aren't supposed to be doing - and it's like ... 8.... 9 .... 10.... and then nothing happens except the parent looks like an ass (who can count). Here's the only parenting I (a mother of 4) will ever give. Don't count to ten unless something real big's gonna happen when you get there. You can then follow this up with the ever trusty 'I'll give you something to cry about young man and/or lady'. And if it's illegal for Billy to be evicted in 15 minutes, does Nick really think he can do it 'by the end of the day'? .... OK - first scene into the show and I'm already puzzled. Victor's in bed - bare chested and beneath the sheets. Nikki's there too - her hand rests on his chest (but she appears to be fully clothed, in long sleeves)? Oh no - it's not an engagement, Nikki assures Kay (not sure why she had to explain that - as she's not wearing the ring on her left hand) ... Yeah, Adam's looking for work to do at NE - but why would Vikki send him to 'the rest of the states' to represent the company? In any capacity? Plus, um ... he's blind ... Why must Victor go all the way to Belgium for therapy? Isn't there anything good enough in the United States? And if not, why can't the billionaire build one?