Harrison’s making a family book about Mom’s side of the family – like the book on grandpa Jack’s family. Needing more ‘thinking time’, Harrison goes to sit at a table nearby; leaving Claire to tell Kyle that after this party her grandfather will be onboard – and we can enjoy our time together in peace.
Ashley had to cope with trauma – integrate her personalities. It wasn’t her first time experiencing a break with reality. While reassuring a devastated Traci that she’s naive and desperate, Ashley had to consider that her healing wasn’t real either. Alan didn’t send me to that clinic, Martin did. It’s so much to process. Ashley wants to take another leave of absence from Jabot to go back to the clinic in Paris.
Phyllis tells Daniel he can pick his own department to run and take time off for his guitar lessons. Daniel respectfully declines. He has a lot to figure out so doesn’t want a stressful job. Were you stringing me along to cut me loose? Phyllis asks.
Joking about Pietro’s ideas, Kyle has faith in Claire’s party planning skills but not her plan to win over Victor. She can already see it – he’ll change his mind and give us his blessing – we can get our own place with Harrison. Looking up from his colouring, Harrison smiles as his Dad and Claire kiss.
Ashley hasn’t had any blackouts. A lot happened to me. She’s not going to the same clinic (she has no faith in them because they didn’t know Martin was posing as Alan) She does have faith in the therapist she was working with. In awe of his wise sister, Jack tells Ashley not to worry about Jabot. Take all the time you need. He’ll take care of Traci – Martin won’t have the last word, they agree.
Daniel has no interest in being part of the empire Phyllis plans to run. Phyllis wanted to find something to take his pain away, to distract him. I’ll get better, Daniel reassures – then maybe I’ll want a big fancy job. Phyllis will do whatever she can to fix things for Daniel. You may not want to work with me but you’ll always be my son. Both are in tears as Phyllis hugs Daniel – I love you so much.
Running Chancellor is more than a job, it’s an empire. You would be an empress, Daniel quips. Yes, this is about Phyllis proving herself to everyone. If Dumas gave me Chancellor to run, it would say that I’m a contender. People just see my mistakes – they use my brains, talent and throw me out on my ass. The don’t respect me, they resent me. If Dumas gave her chancellor to run, everything would be different. Believe I’ll make it happen.
Admiring Ashley for getting the help she needs, Jack will look out for Traci. We’ll get to the other side of this. Jack’s planning a trip to Europe but will check in with Traci every day. They’ll meet up with Ashley in Paris ~hug~
Life without an angry Victor, Kyle just has to find the magic switch. Should he write a sonnet? Both he and Claire put their forefingers to their temples and look over at Harrison (who’s in the thinking position too)
Finding Diane in his office, Jack tells her that Ashley loves the remodel. She’s going back to Paris to work with her therapist. She’s been looking after Traci but now needs to take care of herself. Diane thinks they should postpone their trip but Jack disagrees. Listing everyone Martin’s hurt, he doesn’t think Martin being locked up but is punishment enough – will it ever be enough?
Back at the house, Ashley talks aloud. I was right, wasn’t I Daddy? You’d approve of the changes to the house and all of us moving forward. I know you’re with me – make me as brave as Jack thinks I am.
I exhaust you don’t I? Phyllis does everything out of love. Daniel knows that and is happy they understand each other better. I’m here for you when and if you need me, she seems to respect his boundaries. Be brilliant, be safe, Daniel says before leaving. Phyllis then gets a text from Amanda ‘are you still coming?’. Phyllis replies – Dumas won’t know what hit him.