As the party continues, Claire and Kyle chat the bar. His speech praised, Kyle meant every word he said about Nikki. Both hope it had an impact on Victor.
At a nearby table, Nikki tells Victor how touched she was by Kyle’s gift and his toast. Victor thought it a calculated effort to change his mind (it did NOT)
Claire doesn’t see how her grandfather couldn’t be swayed by Kyle’s toast. No one’s as good as a Newman in his eyes, Kyle sighs. Claire wasn’t a Newman – I tried to kill the whole family and he accepted me. Neither willing to bring down their evening, Claire has to go touch base with Pietro, Kyle has another idea to impress Victor.
Can’t you see that Kyle loves Claire? Nikki tells Victor – what will it take for you to give it a chance?
Chelsea thinks they have a scandal to distract Victor from going after Billy. Everyone was moved by Kyle’s speech except him. If looks could kill…. Adam would face the wrath of ten Victor Newmans for Chelsea. Let’s dance.
The Baldwins approach Nick and Sharon (seems Mike has more ass kissing to do) Nick’s not mad, he’s disappointed but understands – hopefully, Mike will one day come back to the ‘good guys’. Not if I have anything to do with it, Lauren chimes in.
Chatting over cake with Jack and Diane, Devon gets a text – Lily’s invited to Dumas’ party, he announces to them and Abby. The party then comes to a screeching halt when Cole suddenly has a coughing fit. As guests crowd around, Vikki helps him to a seat. ‘I’m OK’, he croaks.
Cole protests weakly as Claire and Vikki haul him upstairs. Sharon hopes he’ll be OK! Lauren notes that Mike seems more worried about Victor. No, he’s worried about Aristotle Dumas – watch him, Mike cautions Nick. The Baldwins were invited to his chateau too (but Mike pouts – your Father doesn’t want me there)
Bringing Nikki a refill of sparkling cider, Kyle hopes Cole’s OK. Nikki expresses how moved she was by his toast – we all were. Victor doesn’t look up from his phone and refuses Kyle’s request to speak in private. Please, Nikki implores – do it for me.
Ashley chats with Devon and Abby – all wondering why the reclusive Aristotle Dumas has invited them all to his chateau for an ‘extended stay’. Despite it sounding like the plot to a horror movie, Devon’s inclined to go meet the man face to face.
When Nick bumps into Adam as he dances with Chelsea, he guesses he should be used to Nick stepping on his toes by now. You don’t approve of him being with Sharon? Adam doesn’t think anything’s going on. Then you’re as oblivious as your brother, Chelsea quips.
Dancing, Sharon asks Nick about the invitation to France. It may be a competitive billionaire posturing. Dumas might be making a play for Chancellor. We’re ready for a fight but it’d be better if we knew who we were fighting. Nick doesn’t like it – Dumas lives in the shadows. Hopefully this trip will give them clarity on what he wants.