Monday, March 12th

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

In the interrogation room, Adam's skeptical (that Victor wants to help with his legal issues). A set up? Adam's assured that he couldn't be more wrong.

As the club, Kay's surprised to hear that Nikki and Victor are having problems already. Think it's cold outside? That's nothing compared to things at the ranch.

On the CL's patio, Sharon gives Vikki her 'I'm done with Adam' spiel (as he orchestrated Patty's escape). Declaring Sharon better off, Vikki's then stunned to hear that she's starting a new job too - at NE.

At Jabot, Ashley's delighted to welcome Tucker home. Devon's back - but it'll be weeks before he can hear again (if the procedure worked). Both are happy that Devon allowed Tucker to go along for the surgery. Ash would love to go play - but has a meeting with Cane and Jill. We're going into battle - against BofN.

Genevieve's not so happy to see Jill (at G-worm) - her lucky streak is now broken. Jill saw her at the wedding - but didn't tell the Ashby's for two reasons; she didn't make a scene - and Jill would have done the same thing. No sooner has Gen admitted that she hasn't seen Cane - he arrives.

Hello Ethan. Hello Mother. Genevieve's attempt to engage Cane in small talk (encouraged by Jill even) falls flat. She then gasps at the news that he's Jill's right hand at Jabot.

Back on the patio, Vikki assumes Sharon batted her eyelashes for the job. No - Victor came to HER (which Vikki somehow ties into her father hurting Nikki). I used to be BofN's spokesperson, Sharon reminds. Vikki continues with sarcasm - well, Sharon IS associated with the Newman name - in triplicate. Nick's fine with it - and if Vikki's not, oh well (Sharon exits). Oh Dad - what are you doing? Vikki wastes no time leaving a 'call me' message for her Mom.

Nikki complains that Victor refuses to acknowledge his role in bringing Patty back to town. Nikki, Nikki, Nikki - Victor never admits his sins - it's who he is. Yeah well, Nikki will no longer accept Victor's dishonesty (shocking after all the sacrifices they made for one another). All they do is argue. Is it really that bad? Apparently so - as close as they are, Nikki doesn't even know who Victor is anymore.

Victor reminds that he got Adam out of prison before. Yes - and I tried to ruin your life. A contrite Adam explains how his apology to Jack and Paul resulted in him being brought in for questioning. Victor can see that Adam's changed - and will stick to HIS plan (giving him a chance to prove himself). Victor was ready to remove Adam from his life (and the NE board) - but we now believes they can work together. Victor vows to help Adam out of this mess.

How ironic - Genevieve's been replaced by her own son. Cane points out that she shouldn't have betrayed Jack (and the Abbott's). On to business, Genevieve's sure that what she's working on will put BofN ahead of Jabot (but is alarmed to hear that Jill's not only aware of it - but is working on the same thing; Mitsagoshi. Jabot will come out on top, Jill crows.

Ashley likens Jabot vs BofN to King Kong vs Godzilla - Mitsagoshi is the largest department store chain in Japan. The Newman's past bribery scheme ended their exclusive contract (finalized only recently due to red tape). Tucker's informed that BofN is in the running - but Cane and Jill are already working on it for Jabot. Finally securing a place in the Japanese market would be a big coup (and give Jack something he desperately needs; something to be happy about).

Kay doesn't believe that Victor feels no guilt. He's keeping it well hidden then, Nikki comments. Work things out? Where to begin? Victor's birthday. 'Too late', Nikki sighs - it's tomorrow. You'll regret it (writing him off without making an effort), Kay warns.

Walsh arrives to release Adam (who's attorney's not available due to a high profile trial). You're not off the hook - Victor offers Baldwin (since Vance is busy). Adam's not sold - accepting a favour from Victor may cost more than he's willing to pay. Lemme know if you change your mind, Victor exits.

Ashley and Tucker reminisce about being spies - following Vikki to Japan - getting the dirt on how the Newman's kept their monopoly (and becoming lovers) ~kiss~ Duty calls for Ashley (and Tucker seems to have a lot on his mind too).

First calling Ashley, Jill sure hopes she shares their enthusiasm (and approves their ideas). No, Cane doesn't want to discuss running into his mother - any closeness they had was wishful thinking (on his part). Aww - Jill's sorry.

Vikki's called Genevieve over to her place - to fill her in on an urgent matter. Gen already knows all about the much sought after Mitsagoshi contract. BofN will come out on top, she assures.

Sharon arrives at Victor's office - to update that she and Nick had a 'nice' conversation. He won't work with her - but approves of her working at NE (Vikki isn't happy though). Victor doesn't give a damn - Sharon's work will speak for itself. Already aware that Adam's been taken in for questioning, Victor quickly changes the subject to business.

Making menu plans with a member of the club's staff, Nikki will be bringing her own cake. Spotting Adam, she approaches - to sneer about him showing his face in public. Recognizing Nikki's voice, Adam reports he just left the station - and guess who's offering his support? Victor. Initially thinking Adam delusional, Nikki can't imagine why - but is sure Victor has a good reason.

At G-worm, Tucker assures Sofia that they were all on their best behavior in Dallas - no friction between him, Harmony and Neil. Not even unpacked yet, Tucker's been summoned because Sofia's news can't wait.

In the boardroom, Jill and Ashley are equally enthusiastic to get the better of Genevieve (before suddenly realizing their her son's in the room). No need for awkwardness - Cane's loyalties are with Jabot.

Vikki wants to show everybody that BofN is still a force to be reckoned with (outside the NE umbrella). She can't fly to Japan (after what happened the last time) - but will be just as effective here. Genevieve hopes so. I know what I'm doing, Vikki assures.

Grateful to be starting her new job right away, Sharon gives Victor a birthday gift; opera tickets. I'll be damned - thank you so much, he mumbles - as Nikki pokes her head in to ask if she's interrupting. Enjoy, Sharon says in parting (which forces Victor to explain the gift). It's not appropriate, Nikki sputters - their quickie marriage was annulled. Victor's suggestion that it's a thank you gift goes over no better (Nikki's shocked to hear he's hired Sharon).

Ashley's open to anything - except questionable tactics. We won't resort to bribery - Jabot's riding a high. Cane shows Ashley his laptop; there's a Mitsagoshi shareholders meeting coming up. We need to contact the board members before hand.

Vikki knows the owner - we have an edge. Ah yes - Gen gets it - why walk away from a sure thing to take a chance on something new. The bribery scandal may have tainted her - but Vikki will say she was following her father's orders - NOW she does business honourably. But will it be enough? The competition will be fierce. What would Victor do? Genevieve ponders. He was gifting an official for years - that's how NE secured it's contract. He'd just be more careful this time - Vikki knows Victor won't hesitate getting his hands dirty - that's what WE need to avoid. Regardless, Genevieve wants to go squeeze info out of Victor.

You can't be serious (Nikki strongly disapproves of Victor hiring Sharon). It makes no sense - she's your ex wife - ex daughter in law! Victor doesn't give a damn about bad press. Why HER? Romantic feelings? Nikki has no idea where his head is - but doesn't like it. What the hell has gotten into you? Victor seems puzzled (and irritated). Nikki then yelps that he's acting like a crazy person - and now he's helping Adam?!

Back at G-worm, Sofia's ready to work - but can't set a date until she and Neil set a schedule for l'il Mo. Tucker thinks it good timing - I have big plans for you my friend.

So? What does Ashley think? Absolutely, she gives her approval. Cane's to stay and work on marketing - make contacts etc. Jill's to go to Japan - get her foot in the door there. Leaving when? Tonight.

Genevieve just wants to get a few pointers on winning Mitsagoshi over is all. We can't trust Victor, Vikki warns. Gen's not naive - remember, she WAS married to Collin (and has her ways of getting what she wants). There's no harm in trying, she insists. My father doesn't play fair, Vikki insists SHE handle things - we agreed we won't do business that way. But barely out the front door, Gen's already leaving a message for Victor.

At the club, Adam hears Sharon's voice - and calls out to her. I know you're there. With a guilty look in Adam's direction, Sharon continues to sneak out.

Explaining that Adam told her himself, Nikki thought he was lying - but he wasn't was he? SAY something! Why bother? You have all the answers anyway, Victor marches out (leaving Nikki to admire his booze decanter). Winning her inner battle, Nikki and leaves with one last reluctant look.

Next: Sharon Newman is the last person I'd want heading this (Lauren tells her fellow board members - who ask what Sharon's qualifications are). Outside, Sharon looks aghast ... Chelsea looks indignant - did you seriously think I was getting a drink!? I'm watching you, Nikki sneers down her nose .... Tucker coerces Lauren; If you and I join forces, we can do what we believe is best for the company.

My Thoughts: It boggles the mind - that Sharon - with her infinite capacity to 'forgive' - would abandon Adam (now that he's remorseful - and blind). Apparently him orchestrating Patty's escape was the straw that broke this camels back? Not him kidnapping Faith? Dumping her at the altar? Destroying evidence while being prepared to let her languish in prison for life? ... Doing nothing more important than whining to Kay at the club, why didn't Nikki take Vikki's call? It could have been urgent (though wasn't) ... If the Newman's exclusive contract was only just dissolved, does that mean the SEC allowed them a full year with the exclusive contract? ... Being BoN's spokesperson qualifies Sharon to start a new cosmetics line? Odd that all models don't jump into the industry ... If Mitsagoshi was accepting bribes for decades, I doubt they'll be too concerned about doing business 'honourably' (like Victor, their only concern will be not getting caught) ... Now Tucker's gonna go after the Mitsagoshi contract? Without even having a cosmetics company? Can't he leave make up to his wife and focus on his music and electronic empires?