Kyle gets emotional as he confides his struggle to his Mom. What kind of person steals from his family to sell them out to their enemy? He fights the devil on his shoulder because of Claire. Listing reasons why he hates Victor, Kyle wants to beat him, not make a ‘grand gesture’ to prove himself worthy of Claire’s love. Can I really be the man she wants me to be? Or am I just like Victor; needing my pound of flesh no matter the cost?
Offered more money or some vacation time, Mike can’t give Victor ‘more time’. You won’t change my mind. No, it’s not ‘easy’ – he hasn’t slept, weighing the pros and cons. More than the prestige, he values Victor’s friendship. He’s quitting to spend time with his family. Since you consider me a father figure, Victor points his finger – family does not abandon family.
Now seated with the ladies, Jack knows Victor won’t make this easy for Mike. Victor’s on the warpath and needs Mike to fight that war, Lauren tears up – we can’t do it anymore (fighting over Victor’s negative influence) Lauren will kill Mike if Victor changes his mind. Then what? Nikki knows Victor won’t find another lawyer to tell Victor ‘no’. We know what he’s capable of; he’ll launch another attack against Jack’s family. He DOES listen to Mike – that’s why he can’t leave; not now.
Diane knows Kyle wants to be his best self for Claire but you’re already there. She and Claire are a lot alike in that they’ve both worked hard to turn their lives around. She struggles too – be inspired that she’s such a good person. Claire just wants you to think before you act – to NOT be Victor.
The night I was shot, you said you learned loyalty from me, Victor reminds – family doesn’t jump ship! Mike HAS made sacrifices – he wants to spend more time with his son and wife. When Mike also cites his feud with Jack, Victor thinks that ‘ridiculous’ (as reason for quitting)
Mike is one of the few people Victor will listen to, Nikki then appeals to Jack – he might come back at you stronger. Jack agrees with Lauren – it’s best for Mike to divorce himself from Victor – I’ll be fine. Seeing their points and not wanting Mike to sacrifice his happiness, Nikki better go home to Victor. That leaves Lauren to thank Jack – do you really think this could work out for everyone? It’s Victor, there’s a chance things could get worse before they get better, he admits.
Happy that she and Kyle are so close again, Diane gives him a hug. Kyle then reads a text from Audra – she wants to have a drink to run an idea by him.
No! Mike didn’t tell Jack that they planted spies at Jabot – he’d never betray Victor. Yes, Jack IS a ‘goody-goody two shoes’. He IS and YOU are a great man when not consumed with hate. When Victor bets Diane and Jack put Mike up to this, it’s clear to Mike that Victor will never let this go, but HE has to. If it’s a ‘huge mistake’, it’s his (Mike’s) to make. You said something else the night you were shot – that you’d never forget that I risked my life to stay with the Newmans. I want you to let me go and wish me well. When Nikki appears to ask if everything’s alright, Mike ignores her as he says ‘goodbye’ to Victor and leaves.
Audra’s trying to set a trap for me but will get the surprise of her life, Kyle tells his protesting Mom that this is what he was talking about – he must react when he’s being played. He must do what’s best for Jabot. Diane can’t disagree – be careful.
When Nikki expresses sympathy for Victor, he tells her never to speak the name Michael Baldwin again.
At home, Diane tells Jack that she had a nice talk with Kyle. He updates that Mike’s resigned as Victor’s lawyer. Nikki wasn’t happy about it and thinks he’s the only thing standing between us and Victor’s wrath. Perhaps we should postpone her trip – he’ll be fully unleashed. We’ll give it right back to him, Jack vows.
A depressed Mike joins Lauren in the jazz lounge – where she hands him a drink. I did it, I told him, Mike reports. Lauren’s proud of him and will do everything she can to ensure he doesn’t regret that decision. I’m all yours now, he jokes.
Next Week: So, what do you think? Diane asks. You’ve left me speechless, Traci looks at the new living room … Kyle hates to throw cold water on Audra’s big idea but has to call it like he sees it. You honestly can’t see how this would benefit you too? she’s surprised… Vikki really wants tonight to be special for her mother. This party will be one of GC’s most legendary – ever, the party planner promises.
My Thoughts: If Victor and Audra think I’m a pushover, they’ll get the shock of their life, Kyle boasts. I don’t know what Kyle has planned, but, for obvious reasons that I won’t list, I highly doubt anything could give Victor ‘the shock of his life’…. Has anyone, ANYONE ever heard or used the term ‘grand gesture’ in real life? The only grand gesture that would make Victor happy is if Kyle broke up with Claire? Unless this is all for naught, Claire will discover Kyle and Audra in a compromising position (literally and possibly at Nikki’s party) – so, HE will be largely responsible for Claire’s heart being broken…Diane’s confidence that Claire also struggles with a devil on her shoulder indicates that the reformed psycho might revert to type and seek revenge. With all her talk about not letting anyone control her (as Jordan did) it makes no sense that Claire’s letting her grandfather do just that… What a giant baby-drama queen Victor is for telling Nikki never to speak the name Michael Baldwin again. Will he forbid his wife from being friends with Lauren or shopping at Fenmores?