When Abby approaches Amanda at CL’s, they make almost-friendly small talk about ‘family and work’ before the claws come out.
Damian joins Lily at the club – after looking over the paperwork, he accepts the job offer – consider me your double-agent. She’s no longer sure that’s the best way to proceed (with Dumas)
Over breakfast at Society, Nate doesn’t like the idea of his brother spying on Dumas but DOES like that his ‘girlfriend’ is taking his clothes to the dry cleaner. Audra reports that Victor’s made his first monetary transfer. Her next move? Full steam ahead, she watches Kyle arrive with Claire.
What’s changed? Damian’s alarmed. Lily explains. Lily thinks it odd that Dumas sent his lawyer (who they know) to deliver that message that he’s not interested in Winters. If that’s the case, he won’t need Damian to spy for him – and him coming to work at Winters might put Damian in a precarious position. You’re worried about me, Damian’s touched.
Reiterating that Aristotle isn’t interested in Winters, Amanda thinks it rich that THEY distrust HER. You seem like such a dutiful wife, this time – how’s Chance by the way? Why should Abby believe Amanda? Why wouldn’t you? I’ve never betrayed you or Devon, she makes Abby squirm.
Kyle and Claire stop to chat with Audra. Yes, they know she’s working with Victor. It makes no difference to Kyle. Can you think of a reason it would? Claire asks Audra (who now has three pairs of eyes on her)
Audra’s arrangement with Victor has nothing to do with Claire or Kyle (who surprises her and Nate by wishing her luck) She again looks uncomfortable when Kyle credits Claire with his new perspective.
While Damian’s focused on whether Lily’s concerned about him or not, Lily focuses on whether Dumas is lulling them into a false sense of security. Amanda went into great detail when saying that Dumas respects the way they run Winters. I’m your best shot at finding out his true intentions. You really never heard of Amanda? Yes, Lily knows her very well.
Amanda doesn’t resent Abby’s happiness with Devon. There’s no planned attack on Winters. OK, sure, she remembers what it felt like coming home to find Abby naked on her sofa with Devon when she came back from caring for her sick Mother (Abby’s ‘really sorry’ about that) but her only revenge will be living a good life. Relax – Dumas is trying to protect Winters, not take it away. Why? What’s in it for him? Abby wonders.
Abby persists – why would a stranger want to ‘protect’ another family’s company? She believes there’s more to it than Dumas respecting Lily and Devon. Because respect is a foreign concept to you, Amanda scoffs. When Devon arrives, he’s also suspicious of Dumas, and Amanda – why are you really here? What’s your mission?