Nikki’s sick of talking about Adam. Nick sits to lie that he’s fine. After the ordeal with Sharon/Faith? Losing Sally’s baby? Vikki easing him out of Newman? Being in the middle of Sharon and Adam? Nick wonders if Dad would give him or Vikki as many chances as he’s given Adam. Nikki worries that he (Nick) pulling away from the family again.
Eyes glistening, Mariah and Tessa give themselves a pep talk. It’s time to tell Sharon. But first, a hug.
Nate arrives – Victor came to see you? Here, in your suite? Yes – Audra relays the visit. She’s sure she’ll be pushed out of Newman Media. Nate’s got her back. She appreciates his support; ‘more than you know’.
Audra thanks Nate for talking her off the ledge. That’s what friends do, he informs that Vikki will be gone for another few days and accepts her dinner invitation. Now alone, she receives a text from Kyle. She can’t do dinner but maybe drinks before?
Nick admits that everything’s wearing on him. He’s reminded of why he walked away from NE in the past. The company needs you, Nikki pleads – we’re the only balanced ones. Dad always sides with Adam – Vic kicked me out – Nick won’t put up with these power plays.
Getting a call from Mariah, Sharon will be right there. Adam again tries to get info out of her – give me an idea what you and Nick talked about. You’ll find out soon, Sharon leaves Adam frustrated.
When Victor joins them, Nick expresses his anger that Adam never faces any consequences. Gotta go, he hurries out after getting a text. That leaves Nikki to fret that Nick’s pulling away again.
Sitting at the stupid chess board, Nikki gripes that Victor keeps giving Adam chances. Nick sees it as preferential treatment (at the expense of his brother and sister) This might drive Nick away for good. OK, Victor will come up with a solution – he doesn’t give a damn if they don’t like it.
At CL’s, Nate asks Adam how his new venture’s going. Adam won’t confirm the rumours that Newman Media is merging with NSA. Nick appears to say it may not happen. So, you’re in on it, Adam piques Nate’s curiosity.
Mariah and Tessa tell Sharon about Aria’s hearing issue. First, they’ll try hearing aids; if that doesn’t work, a cochlear implant. All are in tears as Sharon gives them a pep talk; one step at a time.
Tessa and Mariah greatly appreciate Sharon’s supportive words but are still worried – is Aria in pain? Devon and Abby have been amazing, the Moms add.
Not surprised by the tension in the leadership team, Nate suspects Adam’s blackmailing Audra had something to do with it. You’re pathetic. Keep your brother as far away from Newman as possible, Nate wishes Nick good luck. After Nate leaves, Adam’s further frustrated when Sharon arrives to speak to Nick – in private.
Mariah asks Tessa to pretend that she’s Aria and sing to her. Both are in tears as Tessa’s voice cracks as she sings. I can feel every vibration; Aria may not be able to hear it but she can feel it. It’s beautiful, Mariah reduces Tessa to sobs.
Sharon wants to get Kirsten Inc back – working with Adam is untenable. Things could get ugly with Victor. Nick will go to bat for her. His Mom’s pressuring him to come back to Newman. Both get a text from Victor – come to the ranch, right now.
Adam sits at the bar with Audra. Your father told me the merger’s going through – guess you got what you wanted. Am I out of a job? Maybe we both are, Audra assumes. Adam receives his Dad’s text – I guess we’re about to find out where I stand.
It’s done, Victor tells Nikki. When she asks what he’ll tell them, she receives a hug. What are you up to? she wonders.