At NE, Vikki stands firm against her parents and Nick. She’s going to tell Ashland that nothing’s changed and that she still loves him. Her decision isn’t open for discussion. Back off and let me handle this. It’s the only way to save the company.
Ashland pretends to be interested in what Abby’s blathering on about. No, she hasn’t spoken to Vikki recently; the four of us should go out to dinner soon. Abby’d like to wait for Vikki to arrive at the restaurant. Is that her? Is she on her way? Ashland frowns at his phone. ‘Baldwin got away from us’.
On the CL’s patio, Lauren’s too worried about Mike to look at designs on Chloe’s tablet. Kevin left in a hurry to get Mike last night and hasn’t called Chloe since. On cue, Kevin arrives – with Mike; who gives his relieved wife a hug. Hello gorgeous.
Done clinging to Mike, Lauren’s taking him home for a shower. He needs one, Kevin jokes. Mike insists on seeing Victor first but Lauren wants answers – what happened to you and who’s responsible?
After Abby heads off to the kitchen in search of endives, Ashland makes a call. What’s happened? How long ago? He just walked out? Baldwin can’t leave Peru ~click~ His next call is to leave a message for Vikki – he hopes she’s just running a bit late.
It’s the only way to save the company, Vikki implores her family to trust her. What does that mean!? Victor shouts – trust you with the fate of the company I built!? Vikki knows what she’s doing. I’m the CEO of Newman Locke. I’ll protect MY company and the family name. How the hell will you do that?! Nick steps in to ask if she’ll be lying when telling Ashland that she still loves him.
The debate continues. Vikki doesn’t feel she owes her family an explanation. You went behind my back and don’t trust my judgment. How can they trust Vikki’s plan if they don’t know what it is?? Victor softens -Please listen to us, we love you. We must work together to get Locke out of the family and the company.
Back at Society, Abby prattles on obliviously about Ashland’s miraculous return to good health, shows off photos of Dominic, then confides that Chance is going back to work. She views Ashland and Vikki as a shining example to emulate.
On the patio, Mike reveals that Kevin came to get him in San Diego. Expressing how scared she was, Lauren grills him – why didn’t you call?! You’re taking it out on the wrong people, Chloe’s sure Kevin had a good reason for not updating them. Mike interrupts – I have to see Victor! Why!? Lauren’s frustrated.
Vikki has the family’s best interest at heart – trust me. She makes mistakes in her personal life but not in business. Nick disagrees that this is a mere ‘bump in the road’. Trust me, Vikki repeats – I can handle this ‘business problem’. Thanks for your support, she leaves Nick to wonder what her plan is. If she doesn’t have a plan, Victor does.
This isn’t all on Victor, Mike blames Ashland Locke. I’ll be back within the hour, he promises with a kiss. Lauren’s left to quiz Kevin – Where did you find him? How did he get from Peru to San Diego? Getting no answers, marches out to see Victor. That leaves Chloe to scold Kevin for making her worry. Where’s Mike been and what does Ashland have to do with it? she asks.
Abby’s sorry she can’t wait around to see Vikki – give her a hug for me and let’s do that double date soon. After she heads to the kitchen, Vikki can be seen peering in through the window as Ashland gets up to make a call.