On the CL’s patio, Jack records a statement claiming that Jabot’s reorganizing departments to better serve its customers (who they consider family) Be patient during this internal restructuring – thanks for your support. ‘Long on promises, short on details’, Jack mutters to himself that he bought time to fend off Victor’s next attack.
At the club, a furious Phyllis leaves a third voicemail for Victor; I don’t like being used or ignored. It’s time for you to keep your end of the deal. Call me ~click~ Let me guess – Victor’s stiffing you? Billy appears to assume.
Kyle leaves Summer a message – Harrison will be thrilled with the plane-load of Christmas gifts you sent. He wants to talk to her about something serious; Victor’s coming after us hard – it might help to have you more involved. Coming downstairs, Diane doubts either Summer or Phyllis can (or will) help.
Jack makes a call to have his statement circulated to all the media outlets (including Newman Media) When Adam and Chelsea arrive loaded down with shopping bags, Jack thinks they have a lot of nerve wishing him a ‘Merry Christmas’. Adam’s sorry – I knew you’d be upset. I thought we were friends, Jack’s hurt.
Diane agrees it’s not a good idea for Kyle to ask Claire for help. Even if Phyllis agrees to steal the software back – who knows what she’ll do with it? Diane can’t bet their future on her.
Billy blocks Phyllis’ attempt to leave the club – you could end up like Audra – jobless, friendless. Did you really think Victor wouldn’t screw you over? Phyllis is done with this conversation. Billy knows how she feels – Victor used you, then threw you away. He’s there to offer Phyllis a deal, one she can count on – he’s talking about generational wealth.
Adam understands why Jack’s upset but we have an obligation to report the news – the facts. You wouldn’t know a fact if it bit you in the ass! Jack reminds that Victor’s the reason they’re taking drastic action. How long have you and I been friends? A long time, it’s not personal, Adam insists. This is a stab in the back, from a friend, Jack will NEVER forgive him for this!
Adam takes no pleasure in this. Then do something about it – write a retraction, an apology, Jack implores – you both know it’s the right thing to do but are scared of Victor. That’s not fair, Chelsea stammers – we work for him. Taking responsibility, Adam offers to set up an interview. Go to hell! Jack snarls – There’s your comment – I’ll burn my father’s company to the ground myself rather than let Victor destroy it. I will never, EVER give your father that satisfaction. Have a lovely holiday, Jack marches out.
Kyle knows Phyllis isn’t trustworthy – but bringing Summer into the mix might help – she always sides with her kids and has worked hard to regain their trust. We need to offer Phyllis more than Victor did. She had to know he’d go after Jabot, and that Marchetti would be collateral damage.
Phyllis agrees to join Billy to hear his pitch. Make it fast – she has business to do. Getting straight to the point, Billy knows she stole the AI and gave it to Victor – that he reneged on their deal. He hopes she can steal it back from Victor. Name your price – it’s the deal of a lifetime – don’t screw it up.
Adam and Chelsea are both reeling and have never seen Jack so angry. This is why Adam’s always pushed back against his Dad’s vendetta against Jack. Both feel ‘awful’ but what choice did we have? We only reported the news. That’s not entirely true, Chelsea makes the point that Victor using dangerous/illegal software is also news. If we were being fair and unbiased, we’d have reported that Jabot was able to protect itself from a cyber attack. The reason we feel guilty is because Jack’s right.