Monday, January 2nd

Copyright Toni's Spoiler Site. Not to be republished.

After spending the night together, Phyllis and Nick are alone at the penthouse. Good thing the kids aren't there - to be confused (like Phyllis is) They both started the night with others. And there Nick was - knocking on her door at 2am. But it's more than sex for Nick. Phyllis? She's confused.

Not having a restful night himself, Billy won't bother to ask how Vikki slept. He's sure Chelsea's not carrying his baby - and that Victor's trying to break them up again. It won't work, Billy promises to take care of it; I love you. After Billy exits, Vikki makes a desperate call to her Mom (I really need to see you).

Thinking she knows what this is about, Nikki's on her way. She then mosey's over to the bar - to needle Adam; NE's CEO - hard at work on a bar stool before 8am. Yes - but Nikki's the reigning champ of liquid breakfasts. Get this straight sister - Adam's father came to HIM. Doesn't she have some empties to hide or sumthin? Nikki assumes he's heard about Victor and Sharon's engagement. How could this happen? Adam mutters sadly.

Visiting Victor, Sharon can't accept Victor's generous offer (having already gotten a taste of the reaction). It'd hurt a lot of people. Victor implores Sharon to keep the ring on - give him more time to convince her it's for the best.

Suddenly almost friendly, Nikki confides that she wasn't thrilled with the news either - but her claws come out again when Adam defends Sharon's reasoning (as he can't believe she wants to marry that bastard). Sharon's not the angel Adam thinks she is - in fact, she's a master manipulator.

Arriving at the club, Billy approaches Chelsea - to warn the guy she's with (one innocent conversation and she'll take buddy for all he's got). Have a nice day, the man escapes. I wondered when I'd see you next, Chelsea says to Billy.

Look - Nick didn't see this coming either. He then credits Avery - with making him realize that he still has feelings for Phyllis. That's why he ended things with Avery last night. Ronan ended things with me, Phyllis confides. Both of which leads Nick to conclude that things just got a whole lot less confusing.

Not surprised that Sharon faced some hostility, Victor's sure, in time, he can prove that marriage will make things easier. Noah? He wants his mother to be safe, protected - all of which Victor can provide. Why would Victor want to do this? Sharon offers companionship without marriage. Listing everyone opposing Sharon, Victor will back her at all times. Think about it, he's sure she'll realize it's best for her.

~hug~ Thanks for coming Mom. Dad sure knows what buttons to push. Nikki blathers on - assuming Vikki's distraught over Victor and Sharon's engagement (which Vikki's stunned to hear about).

Billy's had just about enough of this - who sent Chelsea? No one - she tracked Billy down because of the baby. She's happy to take a DNA test. Directed to Memorial, Chelsea informs 'don't call me Liam' that she's done nothing wrong here. In Myanmar, he didn't mention anything about being married. In fact, when she questioned his tattooed ring, Billy assured there was no one in his life. Chelsea's not surprised that he doesn't remember - and didn't come all this way to cause trouble between him and his wife (which she knew nothing about). He's lucky she didn't press charges. Denying they even had sex, a furious Billy's sure he's being scammed. He'll ensure the DNA test isn't tampered with - nobody's coming between him and his wife again. Tell Victor Newman I said so! At the bar, Adam takes notice.

Vikki's horrified - Dad - and Sharon? How can they DO that!? She's hit the jackpot, Nikki explains. As for Victor - he's lost his mind or is determined to push everyone away. How's Nikki? It's a new day - a new year - what can she do? Does Nick know about this!? Vikki wonders.

Phyllis wishes she could just throw her arms around Nick - and say 'let's get back together' - but seeing him with Avery, her sister, was so hurtful. I'm not enough for you. It was never just us, Phyllis rehashes Sharon's intrusion on their relationship (yet, the issues were always blamed on HER). Then - when there seemed to be a chance of reconciliation; there was Avery. Nick wasn't with Avery to hurt Phyllis .... Vikki calls - are you sitting down right now? There's no easy way to say this - Dad proposed to Sharon. What!? Mom was there - saw the ring. Covering the phone, Nick updates Phyllis (who breaks into a maniacal grin).

Asking how Nick took the news, a lightbulb goes off above Nikki's head. If Vikki didn't know about the engagement, what else did Victor do to her??? Vikki confides the call they received in Jamaica - rushing home to meet a birth mother (only to be confronted by Billy's Myanmar fling). She can handle Billy's cheating - but the woman's claiming the sex wasn't consensual. Oh, and she's pregnant. Nikki's already sputtering and near tears when Vikki adds - it gets worse - the Abbott's think Victor brought her here - to break them up again.

Knowing that Chelsea's staying at the club, Billy will have someone contact her about the tests. In the meantime, stay the hell away from Billy and his wife. At the bar, Chelsea nods at Adam's glass of Scotch - 'you're off to an early start'. It's been one of those days, Adam wonders how she knows Billy Abbott. Whoops, he says - as Chelsea rubs her protruding belly.

At the revolving door, Billy's accosted by Phyllis. You can't ignore this story! RS MUST run this story! You have to hire me back - I'll get this story right, she implores. Oh wow - you don't know - about Victor and Sharon (Billy's eyebrows are skyward bound).

At home, with Faith, Sharon talks about doing something very important - for both of us. As Sharon admires the rock on her finger, Faith leaps into her arms. Oh sweetheart, Sharon looks conflicted as she hugs her daughter.

After a brief stare down, Nick announces that he's questioned a lot of Victor's decisions lately - but has left him alone (believing he knew what he was doing). But that's over - Nick's lost all faith in his father (who's sorry to hear it). Sorry? That's it!? Nick's perhaps incensed by his father's complete lack of emotion - how could you even THINK of marrying the mother of my children?!

Victor and Sharon? A stunned Billy takes a seat with Phyllis (who campaigns for her job). She wants to run the story - and use RS to investigate the murder. What murder? Diane's - Phyllis is sure it HASN'T been solved. Victor's protecting someone. This latest stunt is crazy - Victor doesn't care about his family or reputation. I'm hired right? Told Billy's about to 'go to press', Phyllis scoffs - with what? She knows he doesn't have a story better than this one. And when Billy concedes defeat (have at it), Phyllis assures - you won't regret it.

Marrying Sharon is beyond inappropriate, Nick continues. She needs someone to look out for her interests - and Victor needs someone he can rely on. Nick thinks this crazy - you can't protect Sharon from a cell. Victor can and he will. Why would Sharon want to marry someone in prison!? Nick already protected Sharon from Adam - with the restraining order. Reminding that Nick and Sharon have been over for a long time, Victor wants her to be his wife - and she wants that as well.

Sharon opens her front door; Nikki! Rolling her eyes - as Nikki walks in, Sharon closes the door behind her.

Back at the club's bar, Adam questions Chelsea - she's back in the States to remind Billy of the rockin' good time they had? Get some money? She's just here to make sure her child's protected. Adam heard that once already this week - he respected it - then the person did something that was a slap in the face - makes him wonder if anything said was true. For the baby's sake, Adam hopes she's on the level (but is skeptical of people who use their kids to ruin other people's lives).

What does Sharon hope to accomplish by marrying Victor? She's doing what she feels is best for her children (and doesn't owe Nikki an explanation). Nikki fails to see how marrying their GRANDFATHER is good for Sharon's kids. It'll further alienate the family. Is Sharon trying to hurt Nick? Adam? Or is it a sick way to get back at Nikki? (who knows she's always wanted what she had). You grew up a nobody - with nothing - but Nikki made something of herself. Her children love her unconditionally. I am Mrs Newman. So am I, Sharon reminds. Oh please - Mrs ADAM Newman? Mrs Nick Newman? Not quite as powerful as Mrs Victor Newman. Has that been Sharon's plan all along? To snag the ultimate Newman? Why Sharon's more of a gold digger than Nikki thought.

What if Nick said he was gonna marry Ashley - be a stepfather to Abby? Is that a relationship Victor would like to see Nick in? Wouldn't be my business, Victor replies. Nick then reminds that Victor's known Sharon since high school. Saying he's never been as disappointed as he is right now, Nick leaves.

When Billy returns home, Vikki reports an incredibly weird morning. Yeah - it's true - Victor proposed to Sharon (which has upset the entire family). Phyllis is running a story in RS, Billy reports - control the early spin. Yes, he hired Phyllis - partly because Victor deserves a good skewering because he's a royal ... and because she's good at her job. Vikki understands - right?

OK everybody, listen up, Phyllis marches into RS to rally the staff. Your fearless leader is back - hold your applause. Billy's hired me back. OK - applaud now. Hold the presses - we're about to break a story that'll be the biggest this magazine has ever seen - Phyllis basks in more adoring applause.

Sharon's indignant - if Nikki thinks she's been after Victor (and his money) all this time, it's her paranoia talking. Hands on her hips, Nikki knows an opportunist when she sees one. Oh please - if Sharon wanted Victor prior, she could have had him (there's not much competition). Nick then slams in - where's Faith? And as he marches upstairs, Nikki's glad that poor child has one parent she can count on. Carrying Faith, Nick calls the protesting Sharon 'out of control' - he doesn't trust her judgment anymore - and doesn't want her anywhere near HIS daughter. OUR daughter, Sharon corrects. Nick has full custody - and after this ridiculous engagement .... That has nothing to do with Sharon being Faith's mother. No - it goes beyond - Nick doesn't even know who she is anymore. Following Nick out, Nikki pauses to give Sharon a smug smirk.

Vikki feels that her father crossed the line - when hiring that woman. Any shred of loyalty towards Victor is gone. So - if Billy feels that hiring Phyllis is going to help him go after her Dad and Sharon, she won't stop him. Yes, she means it (and appreciates Billy telling her - more than she can say for her Dad). Yeah - Billy found Chelsea - she's agreed to a DNA test. Guess we'll soon know if her baby's yours or not, Vikki concludes.

Hurt by a woman - guess that explains your breakfast, Chelsea surmises. Draining his glass, Adam wishes her the best of luck. His name? Adam Newman - Billy's wife, the woman who's life she's about to destroy, is his sister (not that he gives a damn).

Victor's next visitor - is his fiance (who complains that all hell is breaking loose; Nick took Faith - Nikki bawled her out). She fears this is just the beginning. It may be hostile for a while, but Victor promises things will magically change (if Sharon keeps the ring on her finger). Not sure why - but Sharon feels reassured. Victor's glad. Having nothing to lose, Sharon will consider his proposal. Good - Victor's sure it's just a matter of time - before she agrees to become his wife.

At RS, Phyllis types - Eenie Meenie Miney Maddey - I've been through the brothers - now on to Daddy.....

Next: That Angelina - she's giving me adjula (?) I've got a guy looking for her, Angelo assures Gloria ... You posted a video?! an unimpressed Kevin has a phone in his hand. It's not like someone's gonna say 'hey - I know that nasty motel room', Angie doesn't see the big deal ... Chelsea undoes her coat - as she announces with confidence 'Billy's the father' (at Jimmy's, both Billy and Vikki squirm).

My Thoughts: Silly Vikki - Billy said he wasn't gonna ask how you slept... Nikki's even sillier. How did Nick take the news? How'd ya think? And aren't you in the room? Knowing Nikki was sure to ask, why wouldn't Vikki have put Nick on speakerphone? .. Though Victor's undeniably gone to extreme lengths to keep Vikki and Billy apart, there's no evidence that he's behind Chelsea's sudden appearance - nor was he responsible for Billy impregnating her ... That said, their suspicions are well founded (based on past behavior). Victor sure is able to pull a lot of strings from prison .... It IS 'ridiculous' for Sharon to marry Victor. But does it effect her ability to parent Faith? An argument can (and will) be made either way. Sharon's marrying her kid's grandfather doesn't put Faith in any danger - but - it would definitely be emotionally scarring. Nick makes a good point - what danger is Sharon in? Why does she need 'protecting'? (if anything her marrying Victor makes her a target). The writers continue to slaughter the characters of Victor and Sharon. It WAS nice to see Nikki back in action. Her bashing Sharon is much better than her bashing back a bottle. I'm only surprised that Sharon didn't sling any mud back. Her 'no competition' remark was well aimed - but why no mention of Nikki's stripping days or her recent slip from sobriety? Amazing that she didn't run to the nearest bar... Admired Phyllis' reaction to Nick's sniffing around - but her triumphant return to RS was over the top. No one else could write this story? It's the explosive material that'll make it a huge story - not Phyllis' silly rhyming. If they don't hurry, everyone will have already heard (the story Phyllis is hoping to 'break'). Let's hope someone has the sense to inform Noah and Abby - before they read it online.