Torn up letter in hand, Sharon (clad only in Sam's shirt), wanders out of the bedroom. Awakening, Sam rubs his eyes - as if her retreating back is a mirage.

On the CL's patio, Abby finds Noah 'probably wasting his time'. Declining her help with the restored memory cards, Noah takes a break (and learns that Abby's folks aren't yet aware that she 'ditched' rehab).

As Mike helps prepare for the board meeting, Lauren gives Victor an opportunity to bail out (of giving her a seat) - and spells out the conflict of interest (Fenmore's is promoting Jabot's products - in competition with BofN). As Victor sees Mike as no conflict of interest either, Lauren will just take her seat. Vikki's next to arrive - and after being greeted by a welcome hug from Daddy - wonders about the board members who forced their way in. 'Speak of the devil' - a dapper Adam saunters in.

At RS, Nick's check is rewarded with keys and 'good luck'. But Billy flips out when Phyllis arrives. Hired HER? After what she did to Vikki and me?! You're gonna NEED that good luck, Billy obediently 'takes off' (leaving Nick and Phyllis to stare at one another).

Showing a good expanse of thigh, Phyllis claims the hungover Billy can't take care of himself - let alone a child. Nick thinks it a devastating thing to lose a child. We don't have to 'do this' - is getting back to 'the way things were' a bad idea? Phyllis wonders.

For the record, Mike lists off the board members in attendance - including Lauren, Vikki, and a couple of newbies (and Adam; stock holder). First on the agenda - to elect a chair. Vikki nominates Victor - Adam seconds it.

Back on the patio, Abby's not all that worried (that her parents will soon realize she's not in rehab). She was only sent there so she wouldn't confess to hitting Tucker. YOU were driving? Abby tells Noah that she was drinking - and is sorry. Her parents won't let her 'do the right thing'. At least the charges against Ashley have been dropped. Apologizing for 'bailing' on Abby, Noah's warned not to go AWOL again.

Finding Sharon in her room, Sam offers coffee. Declined - and she's not hungry either. Hey - Sherry - what's goin' on? Last night was a mistake, Sharon claims.

Nick does indeed understand Phyllis (as he would have taken Faith - no matter how Ashley felt). Well - he's the only one in town who doesn't think her Cruella De Ville. You're a great mother - Lucy will be fine, Nick reassures. Now - on to the magazine. Why did Nick buy it? Not like he needs the aggravation.

Racing Journal in front of him, Billy channel surfs - pausing at a Father Knows best marathon. Removing his wedding ring (to reveal the tattoo beneath it) - Billy tosses it into his nearly done drink - then calls his bookie to place a bet.

Victor tells the board about a contract with China - advantageous to NE. And while Vikki and Lauren are in support, Adam makes a well informed case for opposing the deal. The other board members would like to hear more about Adam's alternative deal. Let's table this vote - get more information. You're making a grave mistake son, Victor frowns (as do Lauren and Vikki).

Listening to one of Noah's songs, Abby knows it's about his painful break up with Eden. Tattling that she was her in rehab, Abby claims Eden's less obnoxious - but won't be coming to GC (which of course cues Eden's arrival; though, on the patio, Noah and Abby remain unaware).

Meeting adjourned, the board members file out - leaving Lauren to whisper her support (of Victor) to Mike (feeling it best to keep her distance). And as Mike walks Lauren out, Vikki's left to gripe to Victor (about Adam sabotaging the company) - then feel guilty and responsible. Over the lawsuit, Victor's just happy they're working together again.

Heading to her office, Vikki pauses for some verbal sparring with Adam (the Harvard grad - and 'ass') - who wastes no time sneering that she can quit - like Billy. Oh - you haven't heard? He sold RS - to our brother.

Back at RS, Phyllis wonders why Nick would buy this business - or ANY business (with his half billion). Surely raising two daughters is enough to keep him busy. This is familiar - like coming home, Nick explains.

You don't have to do this. Yes, I do, Sharon continues to pack. What is she afraid of? The same thing happening to Sam (that happens to everyone Sharon cares about). She doesn't want to bring him trouble.

Told that Kevin's not there, Eden spots Noah and Abby on the patio (where Abby's telling Noah about her eating disorder). It IS you, Lauren distracts Eden with a warm hug.

Nick's vision is hard hitting investigative journalism - something other than Newman family scandals. So - it's true, Vikki arrives to express her disapproval (at Nick buying RS and hiring Phyllis). Given some privacy, Vikki's also not impressed that she heard the news from Adam. Likewise, Nick's not impressed that Vikki's back at NE. Didn't they sue to escape Daddy's control? Nothing Daddy's ever done has hurt Vikki as much as losing Lucy (and a brother she thought would always stand by her).

Adam rejoins Victor - to say he's the only one of his kids who inherited his business sense. Too bad Victor didn't include him as part of the team (so he wouldn't have to embarrass Victor publicly). You're slipping Dad - and everyone in the room saw it. You're playing with fire boy, Victor scoffs that Adam's 'little show' is proof of his brilliant mind. He just cost NE millions. The newbies might be impressed - but the rest know Adam's a total fraud (who's playing with fire). Kindly leave this building.

Now alone with Victor. Mike reports that ACS is a holding company based in the Pacific rim. It doesn't seem to be connected to Jack (who'd be flaunting it if he had enough shares to get on the board - like Adam is). Victor's upset to hear the SEC is focusing their investigation on Diane (not Adam). He won't let that SOB hijack the board!

Back at his suite, Adam moves Sharon's engagement ring - and plugs another memory card into his laptop.

Sharon figures San should be glad she's leaving. But he's not - nothing could change how he feels about her. And he DOES know her. She's gentle, forgiving - stubborn when scared - a survivor. THAT'S what matters - not old mistakes. Sam's willing to take his chances - there's a reason 'Sherry' ended up there. Stick around, he implores.

Billy's got a visitor at his trailer (a guy there for cash - not a check). Things get even more awkward when Vikki arrives. Discreetly handing over his watch, Billy gets rid of his old pal. Vikki's needs to talk - but first sends Billy to shower (leaving her to tidy up newspapers - and see his wedding ring in what's left of Billy's drink).

Lauren thinks it GREAT that Eden's back - Fen will be so excited. Running out to the car for her phone (so she can cancel a meeting), Lauren tells Eden not to move. Strolling onto the patio, Eden finds it empty (except for the ipod Noah left behind). Listening to the song Noah played for Abby earlier, Eden's surprised to find herself face to face with Noah. Hey. Hey. Now Abby returns - hey - whatcha doin' here?

Mike's back with Victor - to report that the SEC isn't investigating Adam because they have less evidence against him. That's their JOB, Victor grumbles. Mike made (and will continue to make) that point. They then discuss the loyal Vikki (who made bad decisions because of Billy). Everything Victor said about that SOB came true.

Freshly showered, Billy comes out in a towel. Vikki's there to discuss RS - and Phyllis. She lists reasons why he should 'cancel the sale' (ending with 'unemployed' won't look good for the custody case). I'm not your problem anymore, Billy reminds. Agreeing, Vikki exits (telling Billy to take care of himself).

Nick gripes to Phyllis (about Vikki being 'sucked back in'). She'll learn - be there for her, Phyllis reminds that she's a good source (who has a front row seat to the cage fight between Victor and Adam). Come on - we can't overlook that story. They agree that there'll be no more stories about Vikki and Billy - but Adam's fair game.

Lo and behold, Adam finally finds what he's looking for - kinda. My God - that's lava! He makes an urgent call to the forensics guy - wanting the memory card restored.

Returning with coffee, Sam's relieved that 'Sherry's' still there. For now - but she can't make him any promises. That's fine - Sam won't worry about what's gonna happen (if she'll stop worrying about what's already happened). What they have now is good enough for Sam ~kiss~

Next: Tell me why any of us should trust you to do the right thing now!? Devon squints his eyes at Cane. Arriving on cue, Lily echoes - why SHOULD we trust you Cane? .... You don't want me to stay here? Sharon asks. No, Sam agrees (and you don't have to be psychic to guess he's gonna invite her to move up to the main house)... Adam's at RS - I need your help proving she didn't kill Skye. You need evidence to do that, Nick points out. I'll have that - soon, Adam assures.

My Thoughts: Never mind calling to cancel a business meeting - shouldn't Lauren's first call be to Mike (to let him know his sister's in town?) ... Eek - Sam's not exactly a morning person is he? Those are quite the saddle bags under his eyes ... And why couldn't Sharon put her OWN shirt on? .. With all his blustering about Nick hiring Phyllis, why didn't BILLY mention her leaving Lucy at home (something Vikki would not have done). Funny that Phyllis claims that Nick's raising two young girls - I guess she's forgotten she is too (and that Summer's not part of the family she refused to 'sacrifice')..... Both Nick and Phyllis are kidding themselves (if they think RS was (or will ever be) 'hard hitting investigative journalism') .... 'Eventually' Abby's folks will find out she's not in rehab? Hanging out at the local coffee shop's a sure fire way to leak the news. Isn't Abby supposed to be somewhat of a celebrity? ... I guess Eden was pretty sure it was Noah's ipod that was left behind - cause I'd hate to think she'd put a stranger's earphone into her ear (actually, the earbud traveling from Noah's - to Abby's - to Eden's ear is kinda icky in itself) .... Maybe Vikki thought her memo read 'toga party' (instead of 'board meeting') ... Of course Mr Lemon is the CEO of 'Pure Foods' (just not sure why he's on NE's board of directors) - and why isn't Kay there? ... Happy July 4th! I have the name of the contest winner - but since today's a holiday (and readership will be reduced considerably), I'll post an announcement tomorrow. I will say that a winning entry was submitted the very first day. To thank you for such an incredible response - I'm hoping to add some consolation prizes (nothing grand. I'm no Newman - ya got that?!) And, I'm definitely inspired to revisit adding more contests to the site.