Backstage, Jack and Lauren hope 'The Talk' isn't about Abby's announcement (neither believing Victor would go along with it). Jack gets a call from Kay - who's on her way to see Tucker (who's taking her to court to 'give her the boot'). So - she's putting him to a test. If he's not fit to run McCall, they'll take it from there.
Reporting that there's no confirmation (on Abby's announcement), Sophia, Ashley and Tucker conclude she got ahead of herself. No way Victor would be 'good' with this. Tucker's more focused on today's hearing (hoping the Judge will put him back in charge). He's going public - to reclaim what's his (and show the world and wall street that he's back).
Holly introduces the stunning Lauren Fenmore and the colourful Jack Abbott (who skip out a standing ovation)). Handing over 'gifts', a beaming Lauren and Jack pimp Jabot's new line. But first, Holly wants Jack's reaction to his niece being BofN's spokesperson. Praising Abby, Jack easily steers hosts Holly and Leah back on course.
At NE, Vikki has the TV remote in hand; see? THAT'S what I'm talking about; Jack was on the air 5 seconds before THEIR company was 'The Talk'. High five - hopefully Dad agrees (as he's on his way). Abby's worried - Vikki optimistic (she doesn't need to run every decision by Daddy). Creating buzz is what it's about. This could be the break Abby's been waiting for- things are finally turning around for her.
In the suite, Diane plugs the video into her laptop - salivating over Abby's 'naked truth' (in which she confesses possibly trying to kill Tucker). Thrilled, Diane calls to add a Mimosa to her breakfast order. A jackpot like this calls for bubbly.
At his suite, a bruised Adam finds Victor at his door. Apparently NOT there to 'kiss it better', Victor hands over a report from the grand jury (a very interesting read).
Oh, the report's no 'joke', Victor saunters in to suggest Adam use his ill gotten gains for the expensive lawyer he 'needs'. An indictment is no joke - it's serious business. And as Victor calmly leaves, the silent Adam's seemingly run out of jokes.
The Talk continues - as Lauren raves about the lip plumper/gloss. It doesn't taste bad either - Jack's TOLD (the applause sign musta come on). But ole smilin' Jack's not smilin' when one thing leads to another (Ashley trying to run Tucker down). Yes - by applause, it seems the audience WOULD like to hear about Ashley marrying the OTHER richest guy in the world. TWO rich guys - and Leah can't find ONE! And off to a commercial we go.
At Tucker's, the cameras are all set up. You'll only be on long enough to talk about the success of the line, Ashley reports (after a call from 'the producer'). Sofia looks forward to Tucker taking over again. Both she and Ashley will be off camera (should he need them). Outside the door, Kay pauses before knocking - to flashback to her and Tucker's argument in the hospital. I want you out NOW! he'd bellowed. Katherine?! Ashley's surprised to find her at the door (and now inside, Kay's surprised too). What's going on here?
As Vikki and Abby plan the 'formal campaign'; ads, photo shoots, giveaways and personal appearances, Victor arrives to say he's not accustomed to hearing news about HIS company on TV. He will NOT get accustomed to surprises. Never forget NE is HIS company. Vikki talks about how well Jabot's doing - the Naked Heiress as spokesperson can counteract that. Did Victor know Jack and Lauren were on TV today? And were asked about NE? How can you argue with 'buzz' like that?
Adam tosses the report aside; damn her!
Meanwhile, Diane sips her Mimosa - Abby's image is frozen on her laptop. Bravo - mesmerizing performance. Hiding the evidence, she answers (before Adam knocks down the door). What did you do? he asks when Diane opens it.
Does Jack know about this? He's about to, Tucker informs Kay. Holly then introduces Tucker via satellite. Did you know about this? Lauren hisses at Jack. Pleasure to meet you, Tucker grins at Holly and Leah (who discuss his accident). Any repercussions? (other than the car being driven by your fiance; awkward). Tucker says nice things about Ashley. Jack and Tucker kiss one another's ass for a bit. But when Jack decides to let Tucker explain the expansion, he and everyone in his office looks nervous (except Kay; who looks ready to pounce).
Sorry - must be satellite interference, Tucker fiddles with his earpiece - what was the question. Sorry - we're outta time, Holly thanks Tucker - and wraps up the segment by giving the audience a gift pack. And as the applause continues, Kay eyes Tucker and his sidekicks with suspicion.
Abby never meant to upset Dad - but got all excited. Vikki concurs - we weren't going behind your back. Surprisingly, Victor thinks it might work (but wants to have the final word on everything). Done - Vikki and Abby will issue a formal press release asap - and provide Victor a full plan mid August. This is gonna be SO great, Abby enthuses. Victor smiles too - let's see what happens.
Adam strolls into Diane's suite - the grand jury indicted HIM - and only him (for stock manipulation and fraud etc). He could be locked away for the rest of his life. How can that be? Diane's eyes are wide. Cut the crap woman! Adam knows she sold him out.
Diane denies she betrayed Adam - and what about the plan? Go to hell, Adam snarls - There IS no plan anymore - no money - we're THROUGH!
This makes me happy, Victor beams at his giggling daughters. Never thought the two of them would be working at his side. Well - here we are. All the bad stuff's behind us. Fists joined, they make a pact - only good things will happen to this family. Getting a call from Nikki, Vikki's about to deliver the incredible news - but is cut off. What!? How could she do something like that? Diane? What's she done? Victor wants to know.
Backstage, Jack gripes about Tucker blindsiding them - showing the world (and them) that he's the boss. Ashley coulda warned him - so much for family loyalty. Tucker's her family now, Lauren points out. Relax - it's over - we handled it. Yeah - but did Tucker?
The crew gone, Ashley's sorry she couldn't help Tucker (with Kay standing beside her). S'OK - the judge will soon sign off on Tucker getting his company back. When Kay insists Tucker go over her stack of reports, Sofia and Ashley rally to run interference. Refusing to be put off, Kay demands the files be addressed NOW.
On the jet heading back to GC, Lauren has the utmost faith in Jack's abilities (though he worries Tucker's first move will be to replace him with Ashley). He doubts Ashley will side with HIM over her new husband.
Kay prattles on about business - check out the graph on page 6. Stumped by her questions, Tucker will get back to her. Fair enough - but Kay wants Tucker's point of view (instead of Sofia's). Eager to get going, Tucker signs a contract (as Kay watches with growing suspicion).
Alright, Diane admits she made a deal with the DA. She has Kyle to think about - needed to protect herself (because of Kyle). The plan's already in motion - Kyle's on the other side of the planet. How will she get to him? Diane shoulda thought about that before selling Adam out. Diane's frantic - help me disappear. You'll walk, she 'guarantees. Adam can't trust her - what kind of fool does she take him for? He leaves her to look worried.
Hang in there Mom - we love you, Vikki hangs up - then reports that Diane's suing Nikki for alienation of affection (blaming her for the break up). Victor thinks that ridiculous - Diane caused the end of their marriage. Abby's furious too. It's the last thing Nikki needs - hopefully it won't derail her recovery. Marching out, Victor vows to take care of things (including Diane).
Over drinks on the jet, Lauren and Jack discuss Victor's plans for BofN (which Lauren can't divulge). Jack admits he IS still interested in merging Jabot and BofN.
In a private court room, Tucker (Ashley at his side) hopes he's convinced the Judge that's he's ready to regain control of his company. Since Kay's not there, the Judge assumes it's uncontested. She didn't bring it up, Tucker and Ashley assume she's OK with it. But as the Judge is about to sign off on the transfer, Kay barges in. Please, your Honour.......
Back in his suite, Adam finds it swarming with people searching through his things. Yes, he's Adam Newman. The SEC are seizing his computer and files (and don't seem to care that Adam's running a hedge fund).
Leaving a message for Nikki, Vikki's really worried about her Mom. Abby doesn't blame her. Hopefully Dad can make it go away. Abby's sure he will ~hug~
Open the damn door or I'll kick it in, Victor growls. Now inside Diane's suite, he asks - what the hell were you thinking? Suing Nikki in the precarious state she's in. What about DIANE'S state (after catching Victor with Nikki - TWICE). Victor has nothing but disdain for Diane (who has NO case). He'll destroy her. Diane has a better idea - check this out (she plays Abby's confession). Take out your checkbook and it'll go away. When Victor throws the camera, Diane gloats that she has copies in a safe place.
Next: A furious Vikki shows up at Diane's suite - You went after my mother and my father - now you're gonna have to deal with me ... Tucker snarls at Kay - I have more contempt for you now than when I first laid eyes on you ... From now on, you're no longer a member of the NE board of directors.
My Thoughts: Poor Diane - catching Victor with Nikki twice (she'd get more sympathy if she wasn't sleeping with her stepson) And she's dreaming if she thinks she'll get anything out of suing Nikki. Rehab's an excellent defense (IE - she was inebriated when sleeping with Victor - and therefore not responsible for her actions) ... How would Victor get his hands on the grand jury's report - before the defendant? .... Why are Kay's hands always so purple? ... Why would Tucker have a hard time regaining control of his company - especially with the competent Ashley and Sofia at his side? And why would Kay even fight it? It's NOT her company to control. Doesn't she have enough work to do at CI - and her various charities? Why not retire and go fishing with the lonely, neglected Murphy? ... I guess we can add Victor, Vikki and Adam to the long list of suspects (when Diane bites the bullet) ... Nice that she's sipping Mimosa's - while her son's in a foreign boarding school ... Alienation of affection? That's gotta be a first (literally everyone in town could have sued (or been sued) on those grounds at one point or another) .... I guess we'll have to watch The Talk now - to see if Jack and Lauren really DO appear on the show ... Tucker can't think of a 'more effective' way to show the world that he's back? Instead of a daytime talk show (with an audience and demographic comprised mainly of housewives) - how about an interview with Fortune 500 - or any other business magazine? ... The Talk has an exclusive interview with one of the world's richest men (who was almost killed by his wife) - and Holly and Leah don't give him the full hour? (and waste what little time they have debating lip gloss/plumper? Maybe they shoulda gone on The View.. Yeah - go ahead Victor - kick Diane's door in. It's all on the surveillance camera (and will give her another reason to lay charges against a Newman).