Commenting that it’s ‘super bizarre’ that he and Chelsea live at the ranch, Adam talks about how well Connor’s doing. Sally’s happy for the three of them and insists she’s happy with Billy. Adam’s not convinced.
We’ve all defied our father at some point, Vikki tells Kyle (who wonders what her life would be like if she didn’t have to answer to Victor)
I don’t matter to Mariah, Tessa whines to a supportive Daniel.
Kyle continues to badger Vikki – standing with the Abbotts against Victor would be the right thing to do. She points out that her father won’t change – no one gets the better of him – and that Jack’s contributed to the feud.
Lily relays Traci’s theory that she’s getting in the way of her own happiness – that Cane does want to be decent and honourable. Like a fool, she came to see him – and saw him kissing Phyllis. That woman has an agenda – SHE kissed ME! Cane claims that she knows the only woman he’ll ever love is YOU (Lily)
With Lucy staying at a friends’ overnight, Daniel and Tessa kiss passionately in his bedroom. She HAS thought about it, and dreamt about it.
Bringing drinks over, Kyle admits that his father’s a ‘player’ in this war – but, he’d never disown me; he’d kick me out of the company but never the family. Knowing his father feels that Nikki’s on the verge of helping, Kyle wants Vikki to stand up to Victor too.
Back at Society, Adam and Sally have an animated conversation. It’s almost midnight, they note that the time went fast. Chelsea’s crashed out and won’t notice I’m there, Adam’s in no hurry to get home. On the subject of new year’s resolutions, he asks what Sally wants for herself in 2026.
Cane continues to declare his undying love for Lily. She can’t regret being with him (because of the twins) but we have no future. He knows she didn’t come to say she didn’t want to see him – you want me as much as I want you.
Jabot doesn’t need to fail in order for Newman to succeed, Vikki humble-brags. My father’s the one enemy your father can’t destroy, Kyle counters. Vikki doesn’t want to set a bad example for her kids – she’ll do what she can, but, no promises. Maybe this year will be full of surprises, Kyle checks his watch – it starts in ten seconds….
3….2….1… Happy New Year! Adam clinks Sally’s glass and again asks what her new year’s resolution is. Corporate success aside, she wants to swing for the bleachers – love better, forgive more, be the best version of herself and help the people she cares about do the same. Adam wants to be the best father and partner he can be. Both hope they can call each other ‘friend’ again.
It must be after midnight, in bed, Tessa and Daniel wish one another happy new year. Neither regret ‘this’ – he just wants her to be OK. This is the safest she’s felt in a long time.
Near tears, Cane’s pitch continues. Stop pretending you hate me – you hate that you still think about me – that you and Traci talk about me – that you want the kids to forgive me so we can all be together – that I’ve let you down – that you want me to hold you. I know you hate Phyllis – it gives you an excuse to walk away – but you don’t want to. Can we stop pretending we don’t belong together? I love you. Please let me love you. Lily finally gives in to a kiss.