At the courthouse, Abby's pitching another fit. Why aren't Dad and Adam here - and what do Mike and Leslie know? We're SCREWED. Vikki calms her down - everything's gonna be FINE. On his phone, Mike orders Heather to fetch Victor - NOW. But when she gets to the DA's office, Victor politely dismisses her - he'll get to the arbitration when he can. Heather deciding to wait outside - in case he needs anything, Victor continues to tell the DA about his midnight hike (during which he heard the voices of Skye and Sharon).

At the tackhouse, Sharon apologizes for her melt down. Adam's under pressure - out of control - drinking and angry. And since Nick isn't all over this with 'I told you so's', she suspects he knows something.

Chance interrupts his work out to let Chloe in. So glad to see her, Chance gives her a hug (which makes Chloe very uncomfortable).

Neil typing away on the CL's patio, Sophia joins him uninvited. Happy about getting her job back, Sophia brazenly wonders why Neil went to bat for her - because she's good at her job? Or because they slept together?

We made love Neil, Sophia reminds (while he claims they were just two 'hurting people' who got 'caught up in the moment'). They DO make one another feel better, but it can't happen again, both agree. And as Neil's praising Sophia's business skills, Malcolm's delighted to find them together (Neil and Sophia not so much).

Back at the tackhouse, Nick ends a call with Vikki - and is now off to the arbitration. Suspicious and wanting answers, Sharon's going too.

Mike joins a nervous Abby - to praise her, and her TV show idea. Save your breath - Abby knows he has no interest in her or her show. Wrong - Mike DOES care (about all three Newman kids), regardless of how the lawsuit goes.

The recorder taping, the DA taking notes, Victor provides his version of what transpired on the volcano. Though too dark to see, Victor heard it all - including Sharon telling Skye to hang on. As Victor tried to get closer - Skye screamed that she 'couldn't hang on' - then Sharon emitted a blood curdling scream (presumably upset that she couldn't save Skye). It was an accident, Sharon didn't murder Skye, Victor states with full confidence.

Why was Victor in Hawaii? Duh - it's a beautiful vacation spot. And why is he coming forward now? Because the mother of his grandchild is falsely charged. Have a nice day, Victor makes it clear he's done talking. In the hallway, Heather directs Victor to his waiting driver. And when the DA comes out asking Heather to tell her 'friend' to wait a bit longer (as jury selection's delayed), she balks at delivering messages for the DA's office. Chance might wanna know - and the DA thought SHE might wanna tell him.

Looking out his window, Chance sure misses the smells of outside. Being cooped up is driving him crazy. Yeah - Chloe can relate. And as Chance rambles on about the smell of rain, Chloe's mind is on her relationship with Kevin (which is now on hold because of Angelo). She also gripes about working for the ex who's threatening to take her daughter away - and then there's the loopy Jana. Irritated and unsympathetic, Chance snaps that her life doesn't suck that much.

Serving Malcolm and Sophia coffee, Neil joins them. Sophia's overjoyed when Malcolm hands over a beautiful bouquet of flowers (along with touching words - and the admission that he's been an idiot). Malcolm wants to be the only man in Sophia's life - baby, I wanna marry you. Neil standing to leave, Malcolm stops him to ask if he'll be his best man. And taking Neil's seat, Malcolm again proposes. Neil can barely watch as the happy couple embraces (though Sophia's smile fades as she eyes third wheel Neil).

The three Newman kids, their attorney's and Sharon are outside the arbitration room, when Heather arrives to announce 'he's here'. Arriving to glare, Victor files in - let's do this. Last to follow, Mike hisses at Sharon and Heather - find Adam!

The Newman kids and Leslie take seats across from Victor and Mike (who assures the Judge that his colleague's looking for Adam). Leslie defends the punitive damages sought (which the Judge finds 'excessive') by explaining that both Nick and Vikki were once CEO's at NE. Sure Victor brought both into the company at early ages - but they didn't contribute to the growth of NE (in fact, Victor often regretted giving them the authority he did). Flashback to Nick giving Sharon a job at NE. Objecting, Victor thought making him CEO a mistake. Realtime, Nick reminds how many times he and Vikki took over during a crisis. Flashback to Victor putting him in charge, when going to see his father. Then flashback to Victor praising Vikki for a job well done. However, Victor now feels her mistake cost more than any good she accomplished (flashback to the SCC fiasco). I was covering for YOU, Vikki reminds. Victor always had to clean up their messes. No - you punished us for the choices we made! Flashback to Victor objecting to Vikki promoting Brad over Neil - and then Victor restricting Nick's role at NE so that he could pursue his 'outside endeavours'. Victor had to prevent them from destroying his company. We helped build that company! Nick jumps up. You were EMPLOYEES, Victor snarls. Vikki also stands to object (about Victor having her arrested on her wedding day - was THAT business?!) They then bicker over what's 'rightfully ours' (the kids) - or 'mine' (Victor). Flashback to Victor rallying the family against Tucker and Jack. No one threatens me and gets away with it. I built NE from the ground up, Victor now bellows - he'd rather blow the whole thing to smithereens than to give his ungrateful brats a penny of it. That's enough, the Judge sits them down.

Chloe brings Chance a peace offering sandwich (but wouldn't exactly say she was being a selfish jerk) Chance doesn't know how Jill and Nina will take the news - that he's going back into the Witness Protection Program when the trial's done (though it's already been made perfectly clear to Chloe and Heather). Don't settle for a fake life, Chance advises - be real. Leading a fake life is worse than leading no life at all.

Outside the arbitration room, Sharon leaves a 'call me' message for Adam - then assures Heather that HER relationship with Adam is nothing like hers was. Oh - so he never told you that you're the first person since his mother who really knows him? Heather taunts. The familiar words make Sharon squirm. Heather doesn't understand why Sharon's so worried about Adam (with the murder charges about to be dropped). Huh? How does Heather know that? Victor just gave a statement to clear you - that's how.

Back in the arbitration room, Victor approaches Abby (who's determination impressed him). She may have reason to blame her siblings and Jack - but SHE'S the one who started it, he reminds. Don't worry, I'm gonna end it, Victor gives her a kiss on the forehead (which puzzles Nick and Vikki).

Off to a photo shoot, Malcolm leaves Sophia in good hands - take care of her bro. Awkward, Sophia has stuff to do too. Like plan a wedding, Neil comments. And don't forget these, he hands the flowers over. Exchanging awkward 'good bye's', Sophia leaves Neil to mope.

When Heather explains that Victor testified that Skye's death was an accident, Sharon now understands his 'you'll be alright' comment at the park. I knew he wouldn't let me down, she murmurs. Know it all Heather is sure there's something in it for Victor - and Adam won't be found (if he doesn't want to be).

As it looks like Adam's not attending, the Judge wants to get back to damages. But first, Victor has something to say - he's mentored the kids (and compensated them extremely well) . Now attacking the company they claim to love, the kids don't deserve more than what they've already received. HE'LL decide how much they should be compensated.

Chance's work out is now interrupted by Heather (who relays the DA's message that he's to 'sit tight'). And when Chance grumbles, Heather tells him to go to hell. Angry that he lied (about coming back), she attacks - I hate you! Easily restraining her, Chance kisses Heather (who responds).

I wish you were here - Ducky, Chloe mopes at CL's.

Adam! Sharon soon realizes he's not home. His suitcases are gone! she wails. Why are all your things gone? she barks to his voicemail. Not believing that Adam doesn't love her, Sharon rethinks Heather's words (that there's something in it for Victor). My freedom - in exchange for Adam leaving town. Damn you Victor, she seethes as she puts the pieces together.

The Judge calls a recess - so he can review the evidence. And as Mike talks to Leslie, the kids head off to eat. Following, Abby pauses to look at Victor, and with a sigh closes the door. Victor's alone, and not too happy - to see Neil walk in - carrying a folder.

Next: Abby glares around the table - will you please tell me that any amount of money is worth this! ... Sharon has harsh words for Nick - You're so self righteous and manipulative - more like your father every day ... Victor shouts at Neil - If you have an ax to grind with me - come to me - look me in the eye - and DEAL with me.

My Thoughts: Victor doesn't 'give a damn' about Vikki's personal life? Then why did he have her arrested on her wedding day? If marrying Billy IS a mistake, it's Vikki's mistake to make. How many of Victor's many marriages have been a mistake? How many of Victor's wives did the kids disapprove of? .... Leslie claims that her clients (at least Nick and Vikki) were given considerable authority (and CEO positions) - with the 'understanding' that they'd ultimately be given an 'ownership stake'. Huh? An understanding? If it's not in writing, isn't it more of an assumption? ... Neil claims that Sophia's important to 'McCall Industries'. But isn't Tucker's company called McCall Unlimited (perhaps Neil's confused because he works for Chancellor INDUSTRIES) ... Now that she's reconciled with Malcolm, shouldn't Sophia be looking a bit guilty about sleeping with his 'best man' - not flirting with him in public? Never mind the Winters brothers (who fight over every woman like dogs with a bone) - does she know there's another handsome African American male in town? (DA Walsh) - though he'll likely vanish like that Detective who used to flirt with Tyra ... Oh Malcolm - you don't want anything to come between you and your woman? oops - too late - someone already 'came' - let's just hope Neil and Sophia used protection ... A week after having half his liver removed, Chance is lifting weights and doing crunches? My stepson (how had she same operation) was still hospitalized - and the only exercise he was allowed to do was blow a ball through a tube (which is not the same as Chloe's exercises - sucking a golf ball through a garden hose) ... Do the Newman's have the entire court house to themselves? There doesn't seem to be anybody else in the building. Guess their's is the only case being tried today ... Isn't the DA suspicious about Victor's story - he just admitted that he's there because Sharon's his grandchild's mother (which hardly makes him objective). If Victor was close enough to hear the conversation, why wasn't he close enough to help? ... Will someone please give Abby a Valium?! Why does she even care whether Victor and Adam show up? It'd be in their best interest if they didn't - as the kids might win be default ... Awww - poor Chance - sure must be 'hell' being locked up 'in a room like this' (with his flatscreen TV, 1000 thread count sheets - work out equipment - food delivered) Yeah - real 'hell'. If he misses the smells of 'outside', why doesn't he crack open the window - go out on the balcony - stroll through the 'grounds'? ... Likewise, if Chloe doesn't find working for her ex 'fun', go get another job already .. Step back and smell the pavement? Is that better than smelling the flowers? .. Guess Neil's so eager to escape the patio (and Sophia and Malcolm) that he was gonna leave without his laptop ... Having just been given her job back - and all those files of backlogged work Neil showed Tucker - shouldn't Sophia be WORKING? ... Why does Sophia automatically assume that her romp on Neil's sofa was 'making love'? Hello - it was just sex.