Conducting an interview in his office, Victor assures the reporter that NE is as strong as ever - and not for sale. Next in line, is Billy Abbot (who enters with a cheery 'hello'). Still using my name to sell your 'rag'? Victor sneers - rumours of his company's demise are greatly exaggerated.

Finding the living room empty, Sharon's about to call Adam - when he comes in from his morning jog (after tossing and turning all night). He's trying to be the man she can be proud of - but agreeing that he shouldn't lie for his father, is gonna tell him the deal's off (and is rewarded with a hug).

Though Chance is struggling into his short, Nina reports that he's recovering ahead of schedule (having bumped into Dr Nate in the hallway). Remembering Chance as a child, Nina claims he was always 'giving'. Yes - but where has that gotten Chance (now with only half a liver)? It got you home, Nina answers with a hug.

Downstairs, Kay tells Murphy that she got a text from Nikki (who's companion is not the right choice). Vikki arriving - looking for her Mom - is told that she's not home. God knows what she's up to, Kay continues to fret.

Giggling and cuddling in Deacon's bed is what Nikki's up to. Others may not see what she does in Deacon - but she's perfectly happy. Their drama-free and honest relationship is way better than the turmoil she endured with Victor. What you see is what you get, Deacon beams. And Nikki loves what she gets *kiss*

Skeptical about Victor's story (that Adam forged the trust funds), Billy wonders how he can treat his kids this way. The other reporters may be eating up his 'I love my kids' act - but not Billy. Dismissed with a 'have a good day', Billy's skedaddles - as Adam skulks in. We need to go over this afternoon's deposition, Victor reminds.

After Vikki leaves, Kay grumbles about having to cover for Nikki - but doesn't want to be the one to drop the bomb. Dropping by to see Chance, DA Walsh mentions Meggie's trial (which is news to Murphy). The DA sent upstairs, Kay tells Murphy that Meggie is indeed in GC's lock up. Since WHEN? A week ago - Kay didn't want to upset him is all. I'm your husband, Murphy reminds - Kay shoulda told him.

Upstairs, the DA informs Chance that jury selection has begun - the trial should start the day after. What does that mean - for Chance? Nina wonders.

Nikki and Deacon are still giggling (after their 'acrobatic' shower for two) when Nikki answers Vikki's call. Where is she? Getting ready for an AA meeting (which Nikki insists on postponing so she can meet Vikki - who wants to grumble about something Dad pulled).

Murphy admiring 'the view' through the cell bars, Meggie assumes it's better than that of the old bag he's married to. And she'll be out of jail before he can swallow another nitro pill. Don't count on it, Kay reveals herself - this old bag's gonna see to it that Meggie spends the rest of her life behind bars.

Attending the AA meeting solo, Deacon's at the podium sharing his woes. He's fallen hard. And if he tells the truth, he may lose 'her'. It's tearing me up, Deacon's the picture of a tortured man.

At CL's, an updated Nikki isn't buying Victor and Adam's forgery story either. But why would they team up? Love makes you do crazy things, Vikki somehow manages to change the topic over to Sharon. Nikki can't understand the hold she has over Nick. But, she IS mother of her grandchildren (so sees that as a reason to go talk some sense into Victor). Arriving, Sharon stares at her sister in law.

Adam now refusing to perjure himself, thinks that Victor should help Sharon (but never mind - they'll handle it themselves). By insinuating that Skye's alive? Victor says pointedly. Stunned, Adam takes a seat. Victor clearly now has his full attention.

Vikki scoffs at the suggestion that she should have faith in her brother - the man who stole Sharon's baby. How CAN Sharon share a bed with him? You don't know Adam like I do, Sharon bleats. Vikki warns that she's in for a rude awakening (when the truth comes out). After Sharon exits, Billy joins his wife (who grumbles about Sharon defending Adam). Billy replays his interview wit Victor (imitating his 'I love my children' line). Oh, and then Adam slithered in, he reports.

Adam's in shock - as Victor reads off the dates he rented the Paris PO Box - ordering the perfume and shoes etc. etc. This obstruction of justice will only make Sharon look guiltier WHEN she goes to trial, he warns. Now, go along with the plan - and Sharon goes free. Confident, Victor gives his stuff to read before the deposition. Resigned, Adam leaves Nikki to blast Victor - of all the vile things he's done, aligning himself with Adam against his other children!?

Kay at his side (offering her considerable resources), Murphy informs Meggie that trying to kill him will result in justice for his son (who's surely smiling down from heaven). Sure that Meggie's off to Walworth State, the Murphy's are outta there. Guard! I need to make a call! Meggie's left to bellow.

In Chance's bedroom, the DA talks of his safety during the trial. And when the bad guys are all put away, Chance can come out of hiding, Nina chirps (then is promptly sent down for beverages so the DA can ask Chance why he's lying to his Mommy). Denying he's lying, Chance lashes out - being in the witness protection program is like being in solitary confinement waaaah. What kinda life is that? Not caring that he's 'still in danger', Chance is willing to take that chance.

Marching up to Meggie's cell, Deacon hisses that he doesn't respond well to threats. Oh, it's no threat. If he didn't show, Meggie's next call woulda been to Nikki And when Deacon says they've both moved on, Meggie knows he's lying (thanks to the G-worm/Valentine's Day newspaper article she reads aloud). Deacon's no friend assisting Nikki to stay sober - he's the louse who got her back on the sauce.

Nikki rants n raves some more. HOW can she get through to Victor!? Oh, the damage this is causing the family. Why can't he just let it go? Victor's heard all this before. The kids turned on HIM. Now let's see how well they get along without Daddy.

Back home with Sharon, a glum Adam explains that he can't recant (and must lie for Victor). Why? What changed? Well ... um ... Adam was doing something to help Sharon out (which Victor found out). Hearing that Adam created a false trail (to suggest that Skye's still alive), Sharon feels she's 'screwed' if the DA finds out - this'll look BAD.

Still at CL's, Vikki whines to Billy (about the kids being viewed as spoiled and greedy). Victor arriving on cue, Vikki makes a beeline to him - 'you love your kids? Prove it, she challenges - admit your collusion with Adam. Victor points out that Adam's willing to admit he's a criminal at least (and is the only one of his kids trying to save NE - not ripping it apart). Yeah, well, Vikki hopes that'll be of great comfort - cause that's all he'll have. What this has cost 'us' can't be measured in money.

Adam reassures Sharon that no one will find out what he's done. Victor won't talk if he goes along with the plan. Yes, it was an unconventional idea - but heck, they're an unconventional couple. We can handle it, Sharon's calmed down - as long as we're together.

After the DA leaves, Nina's all excited (Chance not so much) - soon the trial will be over - and everything will be back to normal.

No WAY will Deacon help Meggie bust outta jail. It's impossible! No, him keeping Nikki will be impossible. If Meggie goes down, she'll tell Nikki that Deacon was working against her from the start.

Nina's still on cloud nine. How about a movie - of course with popcorn. Oh, it's been so long, she gushes. Mom - wait, Chance calls her back. Losing his nerve, he instructs her not to forget the Parmesan. Of course not, Nina leaves Chance looking deeply troubled.

Now home, Kay's proud of the way Murphy handled that sick woman (and again talks of using her resources). Listing the lives Meggie's ruined; his son's, Nikki, Victor, Kay's determined that she won't hurt anyone else.

In her cell, Meggie's rethinking her threat (that Deacon better come through for her). In his room, Deacon's stressing too - when Nikki blasts in furious (that Victor's gone too far this time). And when Deacon declares the room a Victor free zone, Nikki's frown turns upside down. Oh, the integrity Deacon has - she knows he'll always have her back (though, over her shoulder, he looks ill).

Initially disapproving of Billy pissing off the Judge (by writing an article about Victor), Vikki's now in favour. Go for it! Vowing to write all about how Victor used and abused his kids, Billy wants a list of all Daddy's evil deeds.

Seeing no other way, Adam will go along with Victor this time - but never again will he be his father's puppet. Victor will be out of their lives forever. In tears, Sharon's deeply hurt (having thought that she meant something to Victor; whom she considered a father). Be glad he's not, Adam gives her a kiss before heading into the arbitration room. Taking a seat to wait, Sharon and Victor lock eyes.

Next: Mike barks behind Adam - what the hell kind of game are you playing?! ... I don't want this place involved, Kevin whispers at Hogan (who tells him that 'this place, his family are ALL gonna be involved) ... A sliver haired man (the Governor I believe) is all over Jill - you're not gonna turn me down are you? Katherine!!! Jill yelps as she jumps off the sofa.

My Thoughts: Geez Nikki - what part of go away/leave me alone do you not understand? Victor's just not that into you. As abusive as Victor is, it's increasingly hard to see Nikki as a victim (when she's constantly finding excuses to go over for another dose of verbal abuse by the ex who clearly has no desire to see - or hear her) .... Guard - I need to make a call! Does Meggie think she's in a hotel or sumthin? Aren't phone calls restricted to certain hours? And to certain people? Why is she allowed to call fellow felons? Meggie certainly belongs behind bars - but how does Kay figure she'll spend 'the rest of her life' in jail? And what 'resources' is she talking about? ... How would Victor have been aware of documents forged while he was in Mexico? He sure wasn't aware of dotted i's and crossed t's while he was cutting and collecting paper snowflakes either ... How is it that Victor found Adam (Skye's) trail - but Jack and Phyllis (or the authorities) didn't? ... WTH is Vikki talking about? What the lawsuit has cost the family can't be measured in money? Then forget the 3 billion - forget BofN - and accept the trust fund your father was willing to GIVE you ... It's YOUR children (who've turned against me) Victor snarls at Nikki. Oh? Has he disowned them now? That should solve everything ... How does Meggie plan to prove that Deacon was in on her plan from the start? (for one thing, he wasn't in on it until he caught her spiking Nikki's drink at G-worm). For another thing, Meggie's a murdering, lying psychopath ... Sharon thought of Victor as a father? Except for that time she shoved her tongue down his throat I guess ... When Vikki makes her list, I hope she makes another column (of all the good things her father's done for her; IE - buying up every copy of the girlie magazine she posed nude in ... holding vigil at her bedside when she was in a coma etc etc).