At CL's, Rafe and the Abbott's talk strategy. Tomorrow's court hearing will determine whether Daisy's parental rights are reinstated. There's no guarantees, but Rafe hopes he can get Daisy to blow up on the stand. Plus, there's her criminal history. We have every reason to stay positive, Rafe concludes (though the Abbott's look anything but).

Likewise, in the interrogation room, Leslie's having a pow wow with her redheaded clients. Not a 'sure thing'? It better be - Daisy didn't come back to this stupid town to get nothing except jail time. Transform me? How do we accomplish THAT? Daisy scoffs. Drop the attitude and do as you're told, Phyllis orders.

In Tucker's room, Kay's on the phone. So - Jack's promoting the new line. I'll be damned. Thanks for looking into it for me ~click~ Whaddaya know? Kay thinks aloud - Jack wasn't bluffing. But what will she do now? If only Tucker could tell her. Victor and Jack both offering enticing deals makes Kay's decision impossible *sigh* Damning Tucker for putting her in control, Kay merely wants to do what's right - but what IS right (when it comes to Jabot)?

Also having a meeting, Victor and Mike are at G-worm - anticipating the success of the IPO (which Victor's now looking forward to; because he's adding Lauren and Kay to his board of directors - and merging Jabot and BofN. Kay 'almost' assured Victor that it's a done deal. Get the papers signed - quickly, Mike worries about Jack.

Visiting Ashley, Jack worries that Kay's going to sell Jabot to Victor. Ashley's NOT happy - she 'sweat blood' on this new line - and Jack's the only one she trusts to bring this 'breakthrough' to market. Jack has an idea - pool their resources to buy Jabot. Abby bursts in - insisting she speak to Ashley (and once Jack leaves, claims she has a way to get her Mom off the charges - without saying SHE was driving). What if Diane recanted her statement?

Meanwhile, in the hallway, Jack leaves a message for Traci (for whom he has a proposition). Lo and behold, ghost John appears - you really think your sister's gonna join you in your obsession?

Jack and his dead Daddy continue to butt heads in the hallway. Jack's NOT wrong to want this - and will prove it (once he's back in John's office).

Back in the interrogation room, Abby persists with her plan to offer Diane money (since she has oodles of it). All Diane has to say is that the brake lights came on. Her idea rejected, Abby whines - it's all my fault. When Jack returns, Abby (told not to 'do anything stupid') exits. Back to Jabot, Jack demands Ashley step up - to save their legacy! Victor will obliterate everything their father worked for! The thought makes Ashley sick - but - she simply can't afford it.

When Victor drops by Tucker's room, Kay explains that she hasn't sent the paperwork because she hasn't decided yet. John was her dear friend too. Victor ups the ante; throwing in a block of stock options, a seat on the board and a piece of NE. He has enormous plans for Jabot (once it's under the NE umbrella). Don't let sentimentality drive this enormous business decision. Kay's impressed - and will give Victor an answer in the morning. Now alone (with her comatose son), Kay puts on her 'conflicted' face.

Taking a seat beside Leslie, Phyllis explains how important tomorrow's hearing is. Lose, and she'll lose her motivation to pay Daisy's legal fees. She must change her image - be polite before the Judge etc. You've got to be kidding me, Daisy clearly doesn't like the dowdy dress Phyllis has bought her.

Back at CL's, Rafe warns that a biological mother fighting for her child carries a lot of weight. Plus, Daisy hasn't been charged with anything. Vikki worries the hearing will be a disaster. What if they start flinging mud at us? In fact, why is Vikki even here? Emotional, she leaves (to spend time with Lucy). Leaving Rafe to pay the tab, Billy quickly follows Vikki (as she wheels Lucy out).

No way I'm wearing that - you're the Granny, not ME, Daisy really dislikes the dress. Phyllis tells the 'idiot' that she's putting her Entire. Life. On. The. Line - and if Daisy messes this up, she'll drop her so fast ... Do what Leslie and I tell you to do! Daisy doesn't trust that she'll keep her word. Put it on, Phyllis tosses the dress. Kill me now, she mutters to Leslie (after Daisy sulks out).

The Abbott's now at the park, Billy suggests they go home to rest. No, Lucy likes the swings - and Vikki wants to be with her as long as she can (and is irritated with Billy's promises). Vikki marching off leaves John (relaxing on the bench) to warn ' don't let her get away Billy'.

John's now with Ashley - you aren't the one who should be in here, are you? Silently, Ashley gives him a forlorn look.

Now home, Jack's on the phone - your father's company and I can go to hell, he grouses. No wait. I can go to hell - the company can go to Victor. Jack's not angry, he's 'frustrated'. Love you too, he hangs up (then gets a visit from John) So, WILL Jack leave Billy alone (as per Traci) - or will he allow his brother to turn him down too?

At Tucker's bedside, Kay mulls over her decision - Victor will take Jabot to the next level - but she's been thinking a lot about John. Which one of her dear friends should she disappoint? Sounds like you could use a friend, Kay turns to peer up at John.

On the park bench, Billy frets to his Dad - Vikki (and his marriage) may not survive another setback. John coaches Billy on getting his family through hard times. Billy appreciates his support. Poof - John vanishes.

Jack's seething with anger - but if he blames anyone, it's John's dear pal Katherine! John wonders why Jack's the only one who's obsessed with holding onto Jabot. Because it represents your life work! When John points out that he's dead, Jack snaps (that he doesn't give a damn). What if John doesn't - and what if Jack didn't either? Jack can't let it go - because he failed his father (by talking him into going public). John tells Jack to forgive himself (as he has). All he ever wanted was .... For your kids to be happy, Jack sniffles. You really meant it... Jack's left alone to swipe away his tears.

John's worried about Kay (exhausting herself by running both businesses from Tucker's hospital room). He suggests she's having a tough time with the decision because she's going against Tucker's wishes. Kay realizes she's catering to her own self interests. It's not between Jack and Victor, is it? It's about being loyal to her son.

John would stand by his flawed son every time - but Kay mustn't make her decision based on what HE wants. Kay leans in to tell Tucker that John's done them a 'good turn' (but as she turns around, John's vanished - and Jack's marching in). His timing praised, Jack's NOT there to plead his case one more time - he's there to take the pressure off. Respecting Kay's business savvy, Jack won't take it personally if she accepts Victor's offer. He will always want what's best for Jabot. Who are you - what have you done with Jack Abbott? Kay's eyes widen. Jack feels their friendship is more important than any company. He's sorry he lost sight of that. And with a kiss, Jack leaves an astounded Kay to make her decision.

Not able to trust that 'freak', Phyllis is pleased to hear that Plan B is discrediting their opponents on the stand (until Daniel's name is mentioned). We need to go after all three of them, Leslie insists. Looking uncertain, Phyllis now needs time to think about it.

Thank God you're here! Abby hauls Victor out to the CL's patio - to babble about the mess she got her Mom in. Wanting all the 'bad things' to go away, Abby regrets the lawsuit that tore their family apart - and wants to give the money back. Please take it Dad!

Victor doesn't love Abby, Nick or Vikki any less because of the lawsuit. Of COURSE he means it. Abby's so sorry she hurt him - please, take the money back. Victor doesn't want the money back. And what does Abby feel so guilty about?

It breaks John's heart to see Ashley in jail. Protecting Abby (as she did him) will just make things worse (when the truth comes out). Ashley knows what she's doing is wrong - but, as a mother, she can't let her child ruin her life. Ruining YOUR life is better? John ponders.

Approaching Phyllis at G-worm, Mike admits he almost walked out when he saw her. Phyllis understands him supporting his wife - but what about THEIR friendship. Wanna be a hero? Phyllis is told to stop supporting Daisy - leave her behind bars until her trial. Everyone will forgive Phyllis for this 'gigantic mistake'. See what you're really doing (Mike lists everyone she's facing - to put Lucy in Daisy's hands). And if Phyllis follows through, yes, Mike's name IS on that list.

Please - you don't MEAN that, Phyllis is sure (then gets a call from Leslie; who updates that Daisy's cooperating; arms folded she's still not liking the dress she's now wearing). Yes - Phyllis has given it some thought. Go after Vikki and Billy with everything you've got. Yes, Daniel too. Thanks - Leslie's job has just been made easier ~click~ We're through, Mike stands to leave (causing Phyllis to jump up - desparate to save their friendship). Being forced to choose, Mike's 100% on his wife's side. And Phyllis is 100% on her son's (and Lucy's) side. There's nothing more to say! Mike, tears in his eyes, leaves.

Still at the park, Billy admits that Vikki's right - he can't guarantee their win tomorrow. But he CAN promise to be there - face it together as a family ~kiss~ On the bench, John smiles on proudly.

Getting another visit from John, Ashley points out that the charge is attempted murder (meaning, Abby would be charged with negligent homicide AND the DUI). It's better this way, Ashley stands firm with her plan.

Back on the patio, Abby denies she's withholding anything about the accident. There's nothing to tell. Since neither her Mom (or Victor) will let her make things right, Abby reserves the right to 'feel like crap' (and scurries off). Was Nikki right? Victor's left to wonder - WAS Abby driving?

Returning to his empty house, Jack pours a drink as he talks aloud (in case John can hear him). He can't remember the last time he felt this good. Jack may have lost Jabot - but he promises to find a way to be happy. Here's to you Dad, Jack smiles.

Taking Tucker's hand, Kay wonders if he can hear anything. Bad news; she's disappointing a dear friend. Good news; Kay knows exactly what she should do. Through the window, John again watches proudly.

Next: I'm counting on you. Do NOT mess this up, Adam orders Diane ... Accept that we're through with you and walk away, Mike (with Lauren) tells Phyllis (who grins like an idiot).... What's so damn important? Victor snarls. I'm pregnant, Diane announces.

My Thoughts: If Ashley's charged with attempted murder, why does she think Abby would only be charged with negligence? And is she forgetting that she'd likely still face charges (IE. obstruction of justice) .. Looking healthier than he ever did alive, John sure gets around - but why didn't he scold Kay (or even mention) her shoddy treatment of Ashley. And why is Jack apologizing for having 'lost sight' of their friendship? Has he forgotten that Kay's the primary reason he's visiting Ashley at the county jail? .... Damn right, the Abbott's have reason to stay positive. Is Rafe smart enough to have Daniel take the stand - to tell the Judge that Lucy wouldn't even exist had Daisy not drugged and raped him. Plus - Daisy assaulting and leaving Daniel for dead at the side of the road should give a Judge qualms about putting an infant in her care ... Does Leslie really think a Judge will be fooled by Daisy wearing a dowdy dress? How many did Phyllis buy? (cause you'd think a hearing involving placement of a baby would take a few days) Perhaps they should stop tossing the dress around - it's getting wrinkled ... Kay shouldn't need to ask Tucker what he'd want her to do with Jabot. Sofia's well aware of his business plan for the company (Kay just doesn't like it - because it opposes her precious Victor) ... When exactly did Ashley 'sweat blood' on this new product line? Was it after she miscarried and gaslighted by Adam? ... Does the DA know that their star witness, Diane, has a long history with Ashley? Surely the fact that they were both married to Victor - and Diane's relationship with Jack should make her testimony suspect. And why is Ashley referring to her as Diane 'Jenkins'? She's still Diane Newman ... Huh? Ashley 'simply can't afford' to pitch in to buy Jabot? Without blinking, she wrote Billy a check (from her personal account) that enabled him to buy RS. Why not ask him for partial repayment? And why hasn't Jack thought to hit his niece up for a loan (since Abby's so eager to part with the half billion she's apparently now received). Why does Jack have to buy the company outright (for cash) anyway? Hasn't he heard that with a good buiness plan, he'd qualify for a business loan? .... Kay's 'under a lot of pressure'? Seems to me she's wasting most of her time hangin' around the hospital? Why doesn't she bring her paperwork and work from Tucker's room? ... It'll be hard for Billy to make it appear they're the 'best parents on earth - with Chloe filing for full custody. Poor Rafe - he's struggling to get his private practice off the ground - and his wealthy clients just managed to duck out and stick him with the coffee bill ... Now Victor has two vacant board seats to fill? Why can he suddenly appont anyone he wants to the board?