At Vikki's, the kids sound pretty confident that they'll win. But will they be awarded money - or B of N? Leaving, Nick returns with the newspaper he picks up off the front step. The headline? Shattered Empire. Shattered Family. Newman for sale? Oh well - we better get used to it.

At CL's, Mike drops the newspaper on Leslie's table - implying that SHE leaked information to the press. Not appreciating that implication, Leslie comments on Mike's colourful history - fitting; as his client's shady too. Mike's left the loser as she clip clops out.

As Adam blathers on about Victor 'marching' down to the police station (to do the right thing), Victor can no longer conceal his chuckle (amused that ADAM'S preaching ethics). Adam WILL help, Victor's sure. In fact if he wants to keep Sharon out of prison, he'll shut up and listen.

Victor shares the how's and why's of his plan. Adam's to testify that the trust fund documents are fraudulent - as forged by HIM (while Victor was in Mexico). The old trust funds gave him full control - who knew they'd been revised? Certainly not Victor. This in ingenious Pops - but Adam sees two problems. 1. Will Victor really implicate himself regarding Skye? 2. Adam could be charged and sent to prison. That won't EVER happen again - you got that!? Adam refuses.

Sharon accosts Nick on the CL's patio to discuss the video - and wonder if SHE'S the reason he joined the lawsuit. It's not about you, Nick assures. The fight with his father is his own.

At G-worm, Sophia declines lunch - and smiles at Malcolm's suggestion (that they get back to the way things were). But is she smiling at that thought - or because she's flashing back to sex with his bro? Cause, in Tucker's office, that's what Neil's distracted by. With a heap of backlogged work files to prove his point, Neil indeed DOES expect Tucker to rehire Sophia. Too bad - ain't gonna happen.

Still at big Sis's place, Abby reads the article aloud (which reports on the plaintiff's overblown sense of entitlement; demanding 3 billion or a division of NE). Daddy's choice. This is mean, Abby whines - and nasty. We'll be vindicated - by the Judge, Vikki reassures.

Seated on the patio, Nick admits he's disgusted with what Victor's doing to Sharon - but - for other reasons, he's through with his father (which Sharon finds hard to believe - what if it's for good this time?). Yeah? And? Nick has nothing good to say about Victor - anyone who trusts him is a fool.

In Victor's office, Adam's concerns are addressed. He won't be prosecuted (for fraud) because Victor won't press charges. He'll only get probation (and Sharon will be free). Shocking - but Adam doesn't trust Victor (so needs a guarantee). Mike's summoned in (and Adam's given 'something to sweeten the deal') - a trust fund for Adam. Sign what? Mike comes in scowling. Victor wants the papers explained - signed - and delivered to Adam once he keeps his end of the bargain. So? IF Adam shows up, that'll be his answer. Victor adds that Adam will be righting the wrongs he committed against the family - and be rich. See you at the arbitration, Mike and Adam exit.

Malcolm does some groveling - all apologetic to his 'baby'. Her lies are different from Dru's. They were to protect his family. Actually, Neil gets the credit - for reminding Malcolm that she's a catch. Neil said that? Sophia's secretly delighted.

Meanwhile, Tucker plans to hire an executive who WON'T rob him blind. You never made mistakes? Regretted decisions? (Neil hints about the painting Tucker used to bribe an foreign official). Sophia deserves another chance. Tucker reminds Neil that he could barely stand working with Sophia - what changed?

Neil was wrong about Sophia; a rare talent. Yes, she's good at what she does - but Tucker feels her disloyal. Neil argues - she was protecting a mother and her children - her motives were pure. Sophia's an honourable woman. McCall, Neil and Tucker NEEDS her (so forgive her already).

Holding Sophia's hand across the table, Malcolm wants to put it all behind them. Sophia wants that too. Taking a call from Neil, Sophia puts her hand over the phone. Tucker wants to see me - right away.

At CL's, Vikki runs into a NE employee (and her son) - or rather a former employee. She's been 'let go' - after 15 years. Smile fading, Vikki's surprised to hear that the whole department's gone (thanks to this 'feud' of hers).

At G-worm, Abby's asked for an interview (while waiting for her order). But as she prattles on about her latest cause (reducing their carbon footprint), Abby's cut off mid babble - and asked about a more interesting story (screwing her father over for billions).

Nick marches into Victor's office - to toss the newspaper onto Victor's desk. The Judge is gonna rule against you - why not settle this privately, within the family? Whaddaya think? Can we come up with a solution ourselves? Nick challenges.

Awkward, Vikki heard there'd be lay offs - but didn't realize. Never the less, what they're doing is best - for the company (and it's employees). Once the dust settles - she'll be one of the first people rehired. The woman appreciates that - but will believe it when she sees it. Blinking, Vikki doesn't look confident herself.

Abby's grilled - on her non-relationship with Big Daddy (and will she still show her 'goodies' if she's no longer an heiress). Wow - Abby doesn't feel like talking after all. The lawsuit is non of the public's business. Listen up little girl - she doesn't get to pick and choose when she's in the spotlight. No, YOU watch ME - the woman who made Abby a 'phenom' can unmake her just as fast. Have a wonderful day, Abby marches past the photographer - get outta my face.

Behind his desk, Victor's already tried settling - Nick's sisters weren't interested. Not his fault they've got a bad name in the press. Nick now wants to resolve their issues (out of the public eye). Admit he was in Hawaii - be accountable for your actions. Mike barges in babbling - clamming up as Victor wonders if Nick's serious about 'accountability'. Take your holier than thou attitude and stick it where the sun don't shine.

Returning home, Sharon wonders why Adam called a lawyer. Not believing his lie, she knows he's up to something. OK - Victor admits he went to see Victor (who he thinks will come around). Please tell me you didn't make a deal with the devil (to get me off these charges) - did you?

Bumping into Sophia and Malcolm, Neil's vague about something he did on impulse (that he hopes works out). Tucker opens his door - let's talk. As she cautiously heads inside, Neil looks nervous.

Adam denies he made a deal with Victor (who hates him). But he's not above using you, Sharon knows. Victor won't keep his end of the agreement - now, what did Adam agree to? Sharon demanding he stay, Adam declares his love. Don't worry, he says as he exits. Nanoseconds later, Sharon follows.

Abby meets Vikki in the arbitration room - groaning about the paparazzi. Sharing her run in with a laid off employee, Vikki vows to help the innocent people hurt (when they win). Nick joins them with a story of his own - no, Victor won't settle. He's calm - resigned to his fate, Nick reports. Maybe he thinks he'll win - but why?

A deal with Adam? Have you lost your mind? Mike's horrified. This plan is illegal. But no, he won't recluse himself. Can Adam be trusted? If not, taking NE public will the least of both their problems. Yes, but Mike wasn't in the room when Victor made the deal with Adam. And now - time to spring it on everyone.

So - why has Tucker summoned Sophia? Because Neil thinks he should give her another chance. Forget the charges - and repaying the money. She'll make up for it by saving the bio diesel project. Thank Neil - he made quite a case. Sophia's given a file - of course she can handle it. I missed you too boss.

Arriving, Judge Phelps is ready to rule - the kid's trust funds are binding and final. Mike has an unusual request - having just obtained new information. Adam arrives - announcing himself as a witness. The door closing as Sharon races in (the security guard's glare indicates she's too late). Inside, Adam apologizes for being late. And as Victor introduces the only child who hasn't turned against him (the three who have look dumbfounded).

Loitering outside Tucker's, Neil and Malcolm both hope Tucker rehires Sophia (which makes Malcolm very grateful). And thanks to him, he and Sophia are back on the right track. What makes you happy makes ME happy, Neil claims. Malcolm praises his brother - who always takes the high road. Tucker and Sophia emerge with the good news. My pleasure, Neil smiles - he and his brother knows a good woman when they see one. His smile fades as Malcolm mauls Sophia.

Don't do something we'll both regret, Sharon frets in the hallway. Inside, Leslie states that the Judge has already made his ruling. Yet to be announced, Mike adds. The Judge will listen - and decide if it's relevant. Mike shares his new info - something they just found out (that happened two years ago). Raising his right hand, Adam stands - solemnly swearing to tell the truth (then lies that he revised his siblings trust fund - forging Victor's name). Victor informs his children that they've crippled the company that has provided for them all their lives - hundreds will be laid off. But it ain't gonna happen. Your case is based on fraud - and now, they'll get what they deserve - nothing.

Next: No matter what happens after this, I'm done with you, Nick glares at his father. We all are done, Vikki whispers agreement ... Mike raises his voice at Phyllis - I guess you'll be writing that Jack initiated this lawsuit to begin with. You DO know that, don't you? ... We've got a big problem Tucker, Jack walks in talking. What's that Jack? Ashley's head whips around.

My Thoughts: Yes Adam - make a deal with Victor - get charged with a felony (which, with his record, should result in more than probation). What a 'hero' you'll be to Sharon. But if saving the lives of BOTH her kids doesn't make him a hero, I doubt comitting a crime will .... If Abby's such a 'phenom', why isn't she shooting her Naked Heiress show right now? Surely it'd never get any more exciting than right now .... Could Vikki look any more like a granny? Lavender dress. check. Pearls. check. Spectacles hanging around her neck. check. Nice that she's gonna help the 'innocent people' laid off. What will she do if someone, depressed and close to retirement, throw themselves out of their office window? ... Nice that Nick's become such an ethical young man. Almost like HIM coming up with the plan to read Tucker's 'closed bids' (for Jabot) didn't happen ... Yeah - Nick - you busy man - just leave your coffee mug on the mantle. The maid will come pick up after you. And just leave that front door wide open. I'm sure Vikki can afford to heat the neighbourhood ... This fight with Nick's father is 'his own'? Yeah - 'cept he's jumped on the coattails of his sister's lawsuit last minute .... Never. Ever. Again. (will Adam *see* the inside of a prison). Of course not - like I mentioned yesterday, he's blind. Remember? ... What makes you happy, makes me happy, Neil tells his brother (and truer words have never been spoken lol). Obviously, Malcolm won't be quite as grateful - or think his brother takes 'the high road' once it comes out that Neil slept with Sophia ... Sharon racing into the courthouse seconds behind Adam - did he not see her in his rearview mirror? Actually, he wouldn't be driving would he? Odd that he didn't call to have his driver bring the car around. Yet, Sharon (who presumably hopped into her own car) wasn't able to catch up .. Sophia declines lunch? Bet that doesn't happen every day. Oh well - I guess she's already full (of Neil). Neil thinks Sophia loyal, honourable - a rare talent? Huh? I'm sure she's very 'talented' - but where's her honour and loyalty where Malcolm's concerned? ... Abby the environmentalist babbles on about people riding their bikes to work just one day a week blah blah blah. Guess she peddled over to G-worm to buy her salad - then over to the courthouse? The Newman kids didn't even carpool.