The food is fine, Nick reassures Sharon with his mouth full. As he pours her champagne, he wonders aloud how Dumas made enough money to have a Chateau with a private train on his property that rivals the Orient Express. Is he a criminal? Did he inherit his money? Neither, Victor says with such confidence that all suspect he knows who Dumas is.
Audra told me everything she thought I needed to know about her past with you (and that’s good enough for Nate) Her past is her business and definitely not yours. Holden’s not trying to start anything. Nate disagrees – this is getting old. We’ve all had other relationships – so what. Holden only brought it up to explain his bond with Audra. Nate. Does. Not. Care. No, you didn’t ‘hit a nerve’, Nate’s just annoyed. You have so many fond memories of LA – go back and make some new ones.
Adam tells Chelsea that Jack’s the real target – but it won’t be hard to destroy Billy’s credibility – by ‘stating facts’. Victor wants to protect Chancellor for Nikki – so we have to publish these hit pieces.
Got room for two more? Billy and Sally board the train/join the party. Victor ignores them while Nikki issues a polite but stiff greeting. What does Dumas have planned for us all? Billy wonders. The only thing that will be revealed is what an incompetent ass you are, Victor claims. Thinking Victor might be the one who’s in for a rude awakening, Billy digs into the caviar.
Holden fakes a laugh – maybe you’re more bothered by my connection with Audra than you’re letting on. You want me out of the way – just in case. In case of what? Correctly guessing that Holden doesn’t have any other job prospects in GC (other than the one they offered him) Nate again thinks it time he went back to LA – what’s keeping you here?
Unable to think of a scandal to distract Victor, Chelsea hates that Victor put Adam in this position. Before you go after Billy (tonight) she asks him to think about Connor. He likes Billy (who was kind to our son) Adam appreciates that. We’re not going to publish any articles, he decides; Victor will be mad but he’ll deal with the fallout. It feels right to both of them.
Billy asks how Cole’s doing. He’s seeing a specialist in Chicago – Vikki and Claire went with him, Nikki informs. She’s keeping an eye On NE when we’re gone, Victor wonders who’s minding Billy’s ‘pitiful endeavour’. Sally boasts that Abbott Communications will soon be the talk of the media industry. Choo choo – the train’s leaving, but not everyone’s there. Are you disappointed Phyllis didn’t make it? Sharon asks Sally (who fires back ‘are you?) Nick assumes the train will go up and down the mountain, picking up the other guests. Billy suggests they buckle up – could be a bumpy ride. Are you ready to head into Dumas’ lair? Are YOU? Victor echoes.
I’m not a bad guy, Holden claims – ask Damian. Or Audra, Nate quips. I’d be annoyed with me too, Holden concedes. Again suggested that he go back to LA, Holden’s grown to like this place so is sticking around. When Nate’s phone pings (Audra) Holden thinks he better check and see what ‘our friend’ wants.
Chelsea’s in shock – she thought Adam would follow his Dad’s instructions. Just a short time ago, Adam would have caved to Victor’s demands but won’t make those mistakes anymore. He chooses his family over Victor. Tears in her eyes, Chelsea believes Adam. He’s fallen back in love with her so would be a fool to risk what they have now.
Nick suspects Dumas’ strategy is ‘divide and conquer’ so his guests can’t compare notes. It was never gonna be ‘all for one, one for all’, Billy’s ‘Three Musketeer’s’ joke falls flat. No, Victor isn’t nervous – you’re the one babbling nonsense. You’re the one with something to lose, Billy adds – the company you stole. The company we saved, Nikki corrects. Weren’t you just about to tell us who Dumas is? Sharon reminds. You know??? Billy’s interested.
Leaving Society, Chelsea gives Adam a hug – I’ve fallen back in love with you too. We’ve finally figured it out. They exchange I love you’s and a kiss.
Audra’s message reads; Just landed, mon amour. The adventure begins. Good luck, Nate replies. Assuming Audra made it to Paris OK, Holden tells Nate that she told him all about it over drinks the other night. Did she really tell you or were you eavesdropping? Nate gives Holden more advice (not so friendly this time) if you do stick around, stay out of our lives. Holden’s left to smirk to himself.
Victor didn’t confirm that he knows who Dumas is. Wherever this journey takes us – at the end of it, we’ll all meet him. You DO know, Nikki asks if it’ll surprise or upset them. Victor shrugs I dunno. Somewhere, someone is watching them remotely. ‘It won’t be long now’, the man comments (it’s not the voice of an old man)