Breakfasting at the club, Sharon and Adam discuss the secret ingredient that makes the food so darn good. Nice watch, Sharon admires - a college graduation gift from Hope. Jack eavesdrops as they then discuss Adam running NE alongside Nick (thanks to his right hook). Jack looks ill as Sharon gushes her support - and talks of their 'relationship'. Along comes Mike to take a few verbal jabs. Rest assured, Adam won't make the same mistakes he did last time he was in charge at NE.

Mike yawns as he joins Lauren's table - thanking her for letting him sleep in. Updated on the pet store rat Lauren found in her boutique - and that Ryder was seen shortly before, Mike wastes no time leaping into action - he's going down!

At CL's, Ryder discourages Kevin from confronting Deacon - and he's right, Jana doesn't like it - absolutely NOT.

Over a game of checkers, Daniel assures Phyllis and Amber that he's watching his back. Oh yeah, and his new cell mate's Billy Abbott. Don't talk to him - he'll put it in RS, Phyllis warns. Visiting time's over, the guard announces. As Amber leaves in tears, Daniel thanks Phyllis for looking out for her - it means a lot to him. Flashback to Phyllis instructing Deacon to get rid of Amber - she's a Mom (and will do what it takes). As Daniel heads back to his cell, the big bald con follows.

Also looking sharp in orange, Billy's still refusing to reveal his source (much to Rafe's annoyance). He's not considered a journalist - Billy's a pornographer. Name the source, Rafe insists (still to no prevail). As Rafe exits, Daniel returns - to scold Billy for using the magazine to slam Vikki, the only one brave enough to go up against Deacon. She's got guts - more than Daniel can say for Billy (who cautions that picking sides will get him caught in the crossfire).

In his office, Nick's on the phone conducting business. Knock knock - it's Jack (on personal business - Adam and Sharon - and what they're gonna do about it).

On the CL's patio, Amber plans a surprise party to welcome Daniel home. Phyllis tells her to go ahead - she has to get to work. Pleased that the situation has at least brought THEM together, Amber thanks Phyllis. It's the least I can do, Phyllis smiles back (then, once alone, calls Deacon - yeah, the deal's still on).

At the counter, Jana's delighted to see Kevin's updated the mailing list. Oh - that was Ryder. How thoughtful, she reluctantly thanks him. Jana then tells Amber she's given up on trying to figure Ryder out. But not Kevin - he's keeping Ryder at their home and business to see what it is he's hiding.

Noting Mike's attitude towards him, Adam vows to earn people's trust back - maybe even Nick (who's behavior Sharon blames on the stress of trying to fill Victor's shoes). Two peas in a pod, Sharon and Adam have learned from their mistakes - and are 'reinventing' themselves. And after pausing a moment, Adam returns the kiss Sharon leans across the table to give him.

Back in Nick's office, Jack's sick to his stomach - and determined to put a stop to this - before Sharon gets hurt. But he's on his own (as Nick's done involving himself in Sharon's business).

Still at CL's, Amber updates the Fisher's that the evidence found in the landfill could get Daniel off the hook. Should they hold the welcome home party at CL's? Is there any guarantee Ryder wouldn't come? Mike arrives - with a restraining order (and a warning) for Ryder. Go near my family again and you go to jail, he wags his finger (as Lauren glares over his shoulder).

In matching jump suits, the cell mates bicker over who's more popular. There on principal, Billy taunts Daniel for his connection to the Newman's. Daniel reminds that he loved Colleen too - EVERYONE'S been burned - and everyone's trying to get over it except Billy the jack ass (who reminds Daniel of Victor Newman).

As Jack continues to fret over Sharon, Nick's given up. See how punching Adam worked for him? If Victor wants to trust Adam, he gets what he deserves (but Sharon doesn't). And Nick's not impressed that Jack no longer even tries to hid the fact that HE was behind Victor's forged journal. Damn right Jack was behind it - and would do it again. Huh? ADAM got off 'easy' - what about YOU? Nick scowls.

A commercial break does nothing to calm things between Nick and Jack (who refuses to 'back away'). Adam's giving it everything he's got - WE have to do the same thing (before Sharon ends up in another asylum). Forget it - Nick's got a family to consider - he's not getting involved in any of Jack's schemes. It's not a scheme - it's an intervention. At the mention of him 'protecting' Ashley and Colleen, Jack snarls 'watch it'. Fine, he'll remember this when Adam's destroyed Sharon (and out Jack marches). Enter Adam (with a file Nick's been looking for). This is MY deal. Ours, Adam clarifies - his notes are in red. Gimme a call when you're done. Phyllis arrives to find Nick alone (and seething).

As Kevin reads the restraining order, Mike explains that Ryder was seen leaving the store before the lights went out. The lights were out, Kevin points out. And when Mike details that Ryder's to stay 500 yards away from his family (outside CL's), Ryder's 'relieved' he doesn't have to suffer his abuse anymore. As usual, Kevin goes after Ryder (against his family and wife's wishes). On the patio, Kevin assures that Ryder still has his job - but that doesn't mean he believes in him. Kevin knows about being a victim of abuse - we put up with crap - but we also know how to strike back, don't we?

And what brings Ole Smilin' Jack to Sharon's doorstep? He's about to make a brilliant business move - IF Sharon accepts his offer. Now inside, Jack talks about Tucker McCall and the 'bold' marketing he favours. It's time to broaden Jabot's reach with an aggressive marketing campaign. And that's where Sharon comes in - traveling all over the country. He'd be happy to look after Noah (as will Nick). Sharon immediately guesses that she's being sent away to keep her from Adam (and thinks it time Jack leaves). This is a golden opportunity, Jack insists (as he's shown the door - and left to grimace outside).

How's the ribs? the bald con approaches Daniel. Hey boys! Billy comes over to interrupt (then licking his fist, comes across as a crazy guy looking for a fight). It works - and after the bald guy waddles off, Daniel thanks his cell mate.

At NE, Nick credits Phyllis with Daniel's soon to be release. But as Phyllis invites him to the party at CL's, Nick's eyes are on Adam. Phyllis doesn't want to know what's going on between them - but the company will suffer if they don't work it out. With a quick kiss, Nick heads off for a conference call (leaving Adam to approach Phyllis). Phyllis recognizes Adam's watch (and doesn't think him 'picking a fight then running to Daddy' has 'earned him the right' to run NE). Adam chuckles - Yeah, Nick gets riled up so easily (about Sharon dating other men). Now alone, Phyllis calls to have her schedule cleared so she can take care of an important family matter.

Jack visits Daniel (who appreciates his extended family digging in the landfill). And when Daniel mentions Billy being his cell mate, Jack asks him not to mention him being there. Go talk to the kid - he needs you, Daniel encourages.

Why can't Kevin accept that Ryder's 'trouble'? Amber muses. Jana thinks he sees himself in Ryder - the day he realizes it's hopeless, it'll break poor Kev's heart. Meanwhile, on the patio, Ryder's sorry Kevin has to choose between his brothers (but not about sticking up for himself). And despite him pleading the 5th, it still worked out OK for Daniel. Mentioning the party, Kevin doesn't want him to come.

Phyllis visits Sharon - you KNOW why I'm here. No - Sharon doesn't. You and Adam (Nick's brother). Sharon figured she'd be happy she's moving on (with whom is none of their business). It has nothing to do with Nick. Phyllis ain't buying it - IF that were true, Sharon should stop degrading herself by dating a sleazeball - it's not working - her marriage to Nick is stronger than ever. IF that were true, Sharon claims she wouldn't be there - on the warpath. War path? It's friendly advice. Fine - Sharon has some too - get out before she has her arrested - again. On her way out, Phyllis congratulates her on that whole 'be your own woman thing' - you made it, what? ... a month ~slam~

Taking Daniel's advice, Jack visits Billy - what WILL it take for him to get the message?

Back inside CL's, Kevin understands why Mike and Lauren don't trust Ryder - but he was proud of Ryder for standing up to them. Jana points out that the way Ryder handled himself is the exact same way Kevin would have coached him. True, Ryder could be playing Kevin - but he'd rather believe that he's breaking the chain of abuse. Kevin WILL cut Ryder out of their lives if that becomes impossible to believe. And when Deacon arrives, Kevin won't go talk to him - he's gonna stay and hug his wife. That leaves Deacon to sit with Amber (who's counting her jailbirds before their hatched). She's already planning the celebrations - tomorrow night she'll be back with the one man she belongs with. Deacon's left to read a text message on his phone; 'Amber and phone are yours after bail hearing'. You have no idea how right you are, Deacon smiles at Amber's parting words.

Daniel gets another visit - this one from Lauren (who also doesn't get how Kevin sees himself in Ryder). Mike arrives with good news - the bail hearing's set for tomorrow. Reporting how Billy saved him from Deacon's thug, Daniel wonders if Mike can pull some strings for him.

Meanwhile, Billy gripes about the Judge having it in for him. Oh, Jack crows - someone else to blame for Billy's woes. Anger is NOT your friend - the more Billy goes on like this, the more he'll lose. And to prove that 'fact', Rafe returns to say the Judge won't budge - the only Billy'll get out is revealing his source. My brother's a lost cause, Jack sulks out (when Billy refuses).

Sharon opens a box of ornaments. Aw look - Noah's first Christmas. Of course she doesn't mind Adam using the spare key - that's why she told him where it was. Jack tried to get her out of town - and then Phyllis came by to accuse her of trying to get to Nick. Poor Sharon (having to deal with that). Wouldn't it be nice to get away from it all - on a tropical island ~kiss~ That WOULD be incredible. As Sharon has 'something to do first', Adam will go hop in the shower.

Phyllis marches into Nick's office claiming she had an appointment. Sharon then calls - reign in your wife - she came over waving her insecurity like some kinda 'freak flag'. It's MY life. Adam listens on the staircase as Sharon repeats it's no one else's business who she dates. Nick couldn't agree more - then hanging up, asks about her appointment. Carson Jones? Wasn't that tomorrow? Phyllis moved it up - and who was on the phone baby? National Air - regarding a contract - nothing Phyllis needs to know. Nick's got it covered.

Next: In her cell, Patty reads a newspaper clipping 'Jilted Bride Returns With A vengeance'. What else did I do? she wonders aloud ... You didn't hear? Tucker McCall got all 25%, Adam tells Vikki at CL's. Vikki looks skeptical - JT works for Mr McCall. He didn't say anything about it ... In his office, Nick advises his moping sister - you've got to do what's best for you - and your son.

My Thoughts: Daniel SHOULD stay out of the weight room - not like he's used to lifting anything heavier than a paint brush anyway ... Good that Daniel's watching his back (as I'm sure the other lonely inmates are keeping an eye on it too) .. Great that Phyllis is so secure in her marriage - but if so, why lie about going to see Sharon (when it's a good chance that Sharon would tattle - or Noah might mention it). Nick wouldn't really have the right to be THAT angry about Phyllis' visit (HIS visits are more inappropriate) ... Funny to hear Daniel boast about his 'string of visitors' (cause other than his lawyer, Mom and wife, the only other visitors he's had is the Chipmunk and is murderess wife. That said, no regular visiting hours seem to apply to Daniel. (Around here inmates are only allowed to have 2 half hour visits per month) And why aren't the inmates responsible for putting stuff away (like the newspaper and the game of checkers) ... Jack really considers hiring Sharon to be a 'brilliant' business move? What exactly IS his business nowadays anyway? He hasn't been seen at Jabot in ages (unless it's to beg Kay to let him on on her IPO) And what was he doing upstairs at the club? A meeting in the Founders Room? Or did he spend the night with some lady checked in there? .... Who did Phyllis order to clear her schedule? She HAS a schedule? And an assistant to clear it? What exactly does Phyllis DO at NE? Isn't she a web guru? Shouldn't she be behind a computer? ... Shouldn't Jack be running it by Kay and Jill - before offering Sharon a job that entails extensive travel? Nice that he offers to take care of Noah - but when is he ever home? And hasn't Noah been bounced around enough? .. Having just left Sharon at the club, why would Jack drive all the way over to her place (without calling to check that she'd gone home)? Isn't Sharon worried that if she continues to be nasty to Jack, he might evict her? ... What IS the secret ingredient in the club's omlette's? Heroin? ... Why the sudden interest in Adam's watch? If he sleeves were long enough, he wouldn't be flashing it ... Why would Sharon and Adam need to breakfast at the club anyway? She can make Pasta Primavera but not scramble some eggs? ... For an anniversary they never got around to celebrating, the Baldwin's sure talk about it a lot (but why on earth would Lauren suggest they tell everyone they spent their anniversary at a 'wildlife sanctuary'? - Would anyone believe it? Would anyone really care?) ... Why did it take Lauren so long to tell Mike about 'rat #2'? Wouldn't it be the first topic of conversation when she got home that night - or maybe filler for the drive to the landfill? ... As Lauren can't be certain it was Ryder she saw leaving the boutique, why hasn't Mike asked about surveillance tape? If there's a camera aimed at a dumpster in the alley behind Jimmy's - why not outside a department store? ... With a deadline always looming, who's gonna publish RS while Billy's lounging around in his jumpsuit? Shouldn't he have summoned Chloe over for some instructions? And given that he runs a magazine - and is always looking for good stories, why isn't Billy publishing his ordeal (in the name of freedom of the press)? And while Rafe wonders how long Billy wants to be kept from his business and family, one has to wonder when anyone will notice his absense ... Kevin needs to make up his mind on where he stands with Ryder - one minute he sounds like he's keeping him around to find out what he's hiding - the next he's buying his abuser survivor act ... If Mike has a restraining order against CL's barrista, wouldn't it make sense for him to steer clear of the place? And as the Baldwin's reside in the same building as the Fisher's, are their apartments 500 yards away from each other? What if they meet in the building's elevator, laundry room - or gym? .... How exactly does Daniel figure Billy's becoming like Victor? And what does he have against the man who's property and company his Mom sponges off? ... Sharon seemed to ooze intelligence today - then blew. How stupid to hide your spare front door key where a blind guy can find it. If she wants Adam to have a key to her place, why not hand him one for his key chain??