This is SO surreal – an amazing coincidence. Maybe Lily will find her Dad’s notes in the pages. Has he ever made his presence known to you after his passing? Yes. Damian feels Jackson has been guiding him too. He’s glad his gift is ‘well-received’. Lily loves the book – thank you. She has something for Damian too….
Diane and Jack are sure Cole’s exactly where he needs to be. They then ask about Kyle’s deal with Victor. It never goes well for anyone – his deals have strings attached. Kyle saw an opportunity and took it. He will tell them about it AFTER he tells Claire. Diane wouldn’t put it past Victor to use Cole’s illness to his own advantage.
Holden suspects that Audra’s task is to interfere in Kyle’s relationship with Claire. You get the money – Victor undermines the Abbotts – that’s why you’re so ‘flirty’ with your competition. Is the plan to seduce Kyle? You’re grasping at straws and have no idea what’s going on – but you do know what I’m capable of, Audra warns Holden not to cross her. Victor again glances over.
If Victor tries to pull anything, Kyle will be on guard. He took you away from us, Diane reminds. That won’t happen – Kyle promises, then leaves for a lunch meeting. That leaves Diane and Jack to change the subject – she’s excited about their trip and thinks it important for Jabot that they go to Aristotle’s party. She wants to solve the mystery as much as Jack does. This is the first time she’ll be attending a function as a power player. Dumas feeling that she’s important to his plans makes her day. You’re amazing, Jack gushes.
When Audra tells Holden to back off, he recognizes the ‘real’ Audra and doesn’t need a reminder of what she’s capable of – he’ll never forget.
Bon voyage, Holden says as Kyle arrives. Nice to see you – I’ll leave you in Audra’s very capable hands. Victor continues to watch. Kyle comments that Audra and Holden always seem ready to tear each other apart – or their clothes off. You have a more ‘heated’ history that you’re letting on. Audra can’t help it if men want her – you did, she reminds. Kyle isn’t sure her big battle royale will benefit Jabot. You need a boost, we don’t. Audra’s convinced it’ll be a mutually beneficial campaign. She has an idea for their first public battle.
Lily’s ‘gift’ is that Devon and Nate are considering hiring Holden. Damian’s grateful but is having second thoughts, so’s Holden. He feels I’ve betrayed him. The bigger problem is that he resents me being his boss. We shouldn’t work in the same division. Maybe we shouldn’t be working together at all. Holden and his attitude appears – So – you get me fired and don’t want to work with me anymore!? How could you toss your best friend aside????
You don’t want me to work at Winters after costing me my job? Holden takes a shot at Lily (who is defended by Damian) Holden rants about all he did for Damian – I convinced you to talk to your mom. Now, you have her back and a brother, cousins (he gestures at Lily) While glad that Damian made peace with his Mom and has a place with his new family (again gesturing towards Lily) Holden didn’t expect to be left out in the cold in the process. It’s clear our friendship served its purpose and is now over. Have a nice life, he storms out.
Diane’s ready to play ball – she’s gone up against powerful people before – anyone who tries to mess with our family will answer to both of us. Turned on, Jack invites her out to lunch – you are dazzling.
Kyle’s surprised to hear that Audra’s been invited to Nice. His parents are going – he’s staying behind to run Jabot. Asked why she was invited, Audra points out that she’s been in business for a while – maybe I caught Aristotle’s attention because I’m just that good. Buy me lunch and I’ll fill you in. Kyle already has a lunch meeting – tell me now. At the bar, Audra suggests a competition – we play up our rivalry for the battle royale. When Kyle agrees to run it by his Dad, Audra prefers Kyle be the one to take her on. Victor continues to eavesdrop.
Jabot is competing with Vibrante, a young hip start-up. You’re the young, hot co-CEO, Audra thinks it would be a mistake if they don’t compete. You could be my plus-one, she offers. Kyle needs to be here for Claire and Jabot. What we’d be selling is sex, Audra goes all in – we go head to head, toe to toe – there’s a spark between you and me. Imagine how big this could be. Nice try, but it’s not happening, Kyle says. It’s in both our best interests, Audra’s frustrated when Kyle leaves and Victor comes over to say she needs to try harder. When he runs into Jack and Diane at the revolving door, Victor’s told that there’s something he should know.
At CL’s, Damian worries about Holden and thanks Lily for defending him. Holden’s right – I was so focused on reconnecting with my Mom and Nate – meeting you and Devon, that Holden felt left behind. After losing his father, Holden was there for Damian. Sure, we fought but we had each others back. I’ve blown it, he mopes.
We’ll see you and Nikki in France, the Abbotts announces. I’m the reason for the event, Victor claims – we’ve had business dealings before; Dumas considers me a worthy advisory. You’ll be pawns in his bigger game – you should stay home. Just wait, Victor leaves the Abbotts to worry.