At the club’s bar, Dylan updates Nick that Sharon went off her meds (and basically asks for his input) Nick confides that Sharon wasn’t diagnosed until later in their relationship and shares some history; how she stole and was promiscuous. Admitting that he made mistakes too, Nick thinks Sharon is insecure about things lasting with Dylan (he, her Father etc. have left her) It could trigger a bipolar episode.
Sharon’s on the phone with Mariah – to get their stories straight. She hates putting her in this position, but once she’s pregnant again, it’ll all be OK. Nervous Sharon rummages in her purse behind the counter. Oh look; an ovulation test.
Noah knows his Grandpa crossed boundaries, but he wants what’s best for me. He’s less clear on Marisa’s intentions. If you said no, why would he send you a check? To make you doubt me! How well do you know your Grandfather? Never mind, Marisa only cares what Noah thinks. She feels loved – that means more to her than money. Maybe you agree with your Grandfather – I’m not good enough for you. The brief struggle (as she tries to leave) turns into a passionate kiss.
Now alone, Vikki quips that defending Victor is a big part of her job description. Are you planning to take Connor away from his Mother? No, absolutely not, Victor knows he belongs with his Mother; but he wants his grandchildren close. He won’t let Gabe, the outsider, have the power to change that. Relaying her earlier conversation with Gabe, Vikki thinks him a threat Victor shouldn’t take lightly.
After Anita takes Connor off for a drink, Adam joins Chelsea to relay trying to appeal to Vikki as a Mother; but she’s a Victor clone (except for the mustache) We need allies who have influence over Victor; who can prevent him from holding you hostage so we can raise our son. Both are stunned to see that Anita’s back to overhear.
Sharon knows I’m not going anywhere; how important this baby is to me. Wait – maybe she thinks I proposed only because of the baby. Dylan must show Sharon that she’s important to him too. Nick suggests he talk to her doctor. But without Sharon’s permission, Dylan wouldn’t feel comfortable. We just need to work on trusting each other, he decides.
Back at Jabot, Jack admits that mistakes were made – that’s beside the point. He just wants to spend more time with Phyllis. You’re not newlyweds – Billy wants the real reason Jack handed the reigns to Ashley. Jack lost his taste for fighting. The change will be good for the family, the company, and rebuild trust. Billy’s there for Jack (who has his work cut out for him) Jack’s left to pack some stuff, look at a framed photo of his Dad and a note his Father wrote to him when he took over as CEO. Jack decides to pen a Dear Ashley letter.
Ashley marches into Victor’s office to dump the contracts of both companies on his desk. She’s looked into the sealed bid small print and hearing that Chelsea must work from NE, realizes that Billy’s right – this is all about Connor. To debunk that, Vikki claims to be looking forward to changing the name of the fashion line and expanding it when Chelsea goes to Paris. She then leaves Ashley to announce that Jack’s stepped down – I’m the new CEO. I’ll be damned – just when Victor thought his day couldn’t get any better.
At home, a nervous Sharon eyes the ovulation test kit poking out of her purse. Dylan returns – hey, what are you doing here? (he thought she was at CL’s)
Sage interrupts Noah and Marisa kissing. The girls left to chat, Marisa tells her all about Victor’s visit (and bribe) As much as Nick loves you, don’t underestimate the threat his Father poses. If you get in Victor’s way, you could be next. Nick appears in time to listen.
Billy’s asked Vikki to meet him on the rooftop. Over iced tea, she assures him that Victor has no intention of taking Connor from his Mother. Billy appreciates her looking out for the little boy who means a lot to him (but does not trust Victor to keep his word)
No need for ‘Gabe’ to explain himself – Anita is happy that he considers Connor his own. Adam then surprises Chelsea by saying they can go home to Paris now – he’s done with Victor.
At the club, Victor approaches Jack’s table. Ashley already delivered the good news – congrats on the early retirement but it’s a ‘dangerous time’ for Ashley to take over Jabot. Jack disagrees; the Paragon Project doesn’t seem to exist – bringing Marco, a psychopath, to town was for naught. Whoa – you think this is over? Victor clearly doesn’t.