Make her problems disappear? Good one - Victor IS Diane's problem. At the ranch, Victor and Mike offer to call off the SEC - all Diane has to do is recant her 'story' (of what happened the night of Tucker's accident).

Applauded, the newlyweds thank the Minister. He and the audience obediently exit - so that Kay can have a word with her son (and his 'new wife'). Clearly disapproving, she feels the 'timing' is ill advised (to say the least).

Seeing the Minister and crowd spilling out of Tucker's room, a worried Jack's quickly reassured that there's no problems. Hearing of the 'happy occasion', he peeks in at Kay with the newlyweds (wearing his usual worried grimace).

At G-worm, Vikki also has 'amazing' news - she's to run NE (alongside Dad) - AND will have a seat on the board. Huh? Wasn't the purpose of the lawsuit - to escape Dad's control? Nick reminds. Yeah - but - everything's changed. Losing her daughter and husband, Vikki needs her family (so, won't Nick come join her at NE?).

Beer in hand, a disheveled Billy listens to a race on the radio. 'Glue factory for you', he smashes the radio (when his horse loses by a nose). Grabbing the newspaper, Billy slumps onto the sofa - time to pick some more.

Nick and Vikki debate her going to work with Victor (and whether he 'sent' Nikki and Abby to rehab; or helped by taking them there). Nick also questions the timing of Victor's offer. The IPO? Or is Vikki being rewarded for breaking up with Billy? Nick'd hate to see the wedge between the Abbott's, driven even deeper (by Victor).

Reluctant to make Victor's life any less miserable (by recanting), Diane doesn't agree that she's Adam and Jack's patsy (or that the SEC think her the ringleader). Mike lists the reasons it's NOT ridiculous - and what will Kyle do if Diane's locked up? Accept Victor's 'way out', he encourages. Agreeing to think it over, Diane maintains that she told the truth - Ashley intentionally drove into Tucker. Listen up - Victor warns that she better go to the cops and change her story.

Glued to her hubby like a Siamese twin, Ashley sure wishes Kay would grant them her blessing. Kay waves her hands about - sputtering words like 'reckless'. Life's short, Tucker now realizes. Arriving, Jack's approval of the wedding earns him no brownie points with Kay (who now accuses Ashley of taking advantage of Tucker's condition). Not needing a list of the charges against Ashley, Tucker shuts Kay up - be happy for us or leave. Asking her to stay, Ashley encourages Tucker to speak to his mother. For YOU, he complies - then is left to glare up at Kay.

Meanwhile, in the hallway, Ashley appreciates Jack's support - but knows he's worried about his new job. Her wedding a long time coming, Ashley won't let Kay (or anyone else) ruin her happiness. And as she looks through the window, Kay prattles on about Tucker putting her in charge (but is told he'd have chosen Ashley had they been married). Appreciating all Kay's done, Tucker's taking over again.

Vikki points out that Victor approached her BEFORE Billy left (to drink at his trailer). Vikki can't trust him. But Nick can't trust Dad (or work with him). And, he doesn't wanna see Vikki get 'burned' again.

When Diane doubts she can change her story at this point, Mike explains how she can - that she's only 'speculating' on Ashley's motivation. He paints the picture - a dark, windy road - perhaps Diane's not comfortable testifying as to Ashley's intentions. And that's what she's to tell the DA, Victor concludes (then, to prove he'll keep his word, has Mike call his 'inside man' at the SEC - who'll shift the suspicion towards Adam). Alright - you win. But after Diane leaves, it's made clear that Victor doesn't expect the SEC to let Diane off the hook (nor does he give a damn). His only concern is protecting Ashley and Abby.

Letting himself into Billy's trailer, Nick finds him passed out on the floor (surrounded by empty beer cans). What the hell's the matter with you? he scowls (as Billy slowly gets up).

At the ranch, Vikki wants details about her new job (and is told she'll be Victor's right hand - his chief operating officer). She'll get plenty of latitude - and autonomy (when on the board). OK - but will Vikki make her own decisions - or will she be carrying out Victor's? How will they resolve their differences? In other words - can we trust each other (Victor believes she's asking).

Bringing coffee in lieu of champagne, Jack accepts Ashley's apology (for snapping at him). As Kay kindly pointed out, she's still in legal trouble (but amazes Jack by remembering it's his birthday). Ashley will let Tucker know she supports Kay's decision (to make him CEO) - and as long as he meets the profit projections, who'd even want him fired?

In Tucker's room, Kay's fussing is brushed aside (as Tucker wants to know about the business). Things have operated the way he mapped em out - except Kay didn't execute his plan to buy NE stock. No longer trusting Kay, Tucker wonders what else she 'monkeyed' with (then hears about Jack being hired as Jabot's CEO - and the benchmark sales he's contractually obligated to fulfil). So - while I was laying here - incapacitated - you undermined me!? Tucker's furious. Kay defends her decision - Jabot needed strong leadership - she HAD to act. Go! Tucker's heard enough. This is how Kay's thanked - for agonizing over every decision?! Tucker will get someone else (to run his business). I don't want YOU. Exiting, Kay tells Ashley that she can have that man in there (whom Ashley races in to join).

Meeting the DA at G-worm (a great place to interview witnesses), Diane can't say for sure that Ashley swerved to hit Tucker. She was under duress that night - and reacted to seeing a man she cared about possibly dying. Walsh isn't happy that his only witness is destroying his case. Sorry - but Diane's just trying to do the right thing (and can't ruin an innocent woman's life).

On the patio, Mike's also doing damage control - telling Gus that Mr Newman (after much thought) has realized his account of the incident with Diane reads a bit vindictive. Victor's written statement should exclude Ms Jenkins from the investigation. Adam's the one the SEC should be going after.

Tucker updates the supportive Ashley (on his conversation with Kay). He heard the words - but didn't understand what she was talking about. Frustrated that he couldn't understand his own plan, Tucker worries it's a permanent condition. How will he function? Who am I?

Back at the ranch, Victor believes neither of them would change things (if they could go back) - as both he and Vikki are stubborn. Time will tell if they can work together - but he wants his beloved daughter at his side (as they guide NE into a new era). He knows she'll fight for what she thinks is right.

Hands on his hips, Nick thinks Billy smells like he fell off a garbage truck. He came to talk sense into him. THIS is how you cope when things get rough? Struggling to lace his shoes, Billy knows Vikki doesn't want anything to do with him (and who can blame her?). He doesn't deserve Vikki - or care about RS (which he offers to sell to Nick).

In Jack's office - he's aghast. Tucker fired you for hiring me? Kay refuses to leave McCall with no leadership (just because Tucker had a tantrum). With no one else to replace Jack, Kay states that he'll be locked into a three year deal (if he can prove himself in 90 days).

Tucker hopes Kay didn't realize his confusion. Borrowing Tucker's glasses, Ashley reads the key points of Jack's employment contract (to see how Tucker does). Not understanding Ashley's explanation, Tucker takes his glasses and reads it for himself - but, much to his frustration, still doesn't comprehend. This can't happen to me, he whines.

Listing all Kay's hard work, Jack's unimpressed that none of it matters to Tucker (and sorry that she feels so let down). Kay deserves better. But - did Kay really think Tucker'd wake up and be someone else?

Tucker relays telling Kay that he was taking back the reigns - but how can he (when he can't connect the dots)? Ashley's sure the neurologist will have answers. Arriving to announce the restraining order's been lifted, the DA isn't sure which Newman or Abbott puppeteer is responsible for this derailment of justice - and it's not HIS choice that the charges are dropped. Walsh leaves Ashley one happy woman. But her smile fades when Tucker asks her to run McCall Unlimited. She's the only one he trusts - and no one can know why.

Joining Diane at G-worm, Mike praises her for leaving the DA's case in shambles. And was Mike equally brilliant with the SEC? No - Gus is still focusing his investigation on Diane (who KNEW she couldn't trust Mike or Victor). Screw you! She's not surprised that Victor betrayed her - but Diane THOUGHT Mike was her friend. Alas, he's just one of the many 'vipers' surrounding her! And as Mike calls out her name, Diane storms off.

Still at the trailer - still with his hands on his hips, Nick's not buying the magazine (but will consider it when Billy gets his act together). Vikki needs you dude - but not like this. Shape up - or lose her forever, Nick warns in parting.

Vikki accepts the COO position - and the board seat ~hug~ What's done is done, Victor wants to move forward. Forgive but not forget (lest they repeat their mistakes). I love you, Vikki gushes in her Daddy's arms.

Next: You're asking ME out? Sharon's surprised. Yes Ma'am - that's the idea, Sam smiles .... Are you going to jail? Kyle asks Jack. That's a very good question, Victor appears in the doorway to say ... You in or you out? Which is it? Adam asks Diane.

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