At Crimson Lights, Sharon tells Nick she can’t stop worrying about Mariah, who is throwing herself into work and shutting her and Tessa out. In a weird move to cheer her up, Nick relays that his father assigned him to buddy up to Cane. This doesn’t illicit a smile, especially when he explains they’re seriously concerned about Ashby.
At Newman Media, Chelsea learns Adam has launched the story revealing that Aristotle Dumas is Cane, and exposing Billy’s connection to him. She surprises Adam by saying that Billy’s involvement made him fair game. Adam doesn’t even have time to be relieved before Billy shows up to complain about him twisting the knife.
Adam reminds Billy that Cane is the focus of the story. Billy’s pissed off about the Cane part… it’s not a smart strategy to go after him. It’s reckless to attack his character and this will come back to bite all of them. Adam wonders if he’s acting as Cane’s mouthpiece… he knows he’d sell his soul to get his hands on his phony brother’s billions.
Billy accuses Adam of being so blinded by his hatred for him that he can’t see what a bad move this is. Adam needles about Billy’s various failures until Chelsea stops him. Billy tells her she’s sweet to stick up for him. Adam points out that the Abbott has no power or platform; he’s a yappy dog with nothing to back it up. Billy taunts that will make his victory lap even sweeter, and walks out. In a relatable moment, Chelsea declares that she hates everything about this.
Will Nick Kiss Sharon?
At Crimson Lights, Sharon’s freaked out by the Newmans being so intimidated by Cane. “What’s really the worst he could do?” she asks. Nick says he could get Chancellor. Sharon, like all of us, wonders how exactly. Nick admits he’s not sure, but ups the drama by warning that Ashby could come for Cassidy First. Sharon gushes about Nick looking out for her interests and then tells him she feels closer to him than she has in a while. Does he feel the same way? Nick decides to show her. He leans in for a kiss as Chelsea and Adam appear and interrupt.
Adam alerts Nick that the article about Cane being Dumas has dropped. Nick explains that Victor wants them to form an alliance with Cane. Adam wonders why he wanted the hit piece then. Nick says their dad must want a little “good cop, bad cop” action. Adam’s unsurprised that he’s the bad cop. He’s fine with that, but questions Victor being so intimidated by Ashby. Speaking for most of us, Chelsea announces that she’s sick of worrying about what Cane is up to. We feel ya’, girl!
Lily and Cane Showdown
On the train, Lily wants honesty from Cane, who lies that he just wants Chancellor. Lily doesn’t buy it. She has no issues with Victor and Nikki getting what they deserve, but knows he’s going for more. She warns him not to lie, or she’ll tell the kids everything about Colin. Ashby can’t believe she’s serious and warns trashing his father isn’t the way to get what she wants from him. Lily reiterates that until she has the whole story, all bets are off.
Lily continues with the warnings until Cane offers to tell her his plans after they meet with Mattie and Charlie. Lily scoffs that she’d lose all her leverage. “No deal.” They spar verbally until he tells her it’s her fault he became so cutthroat; his positive influence was gone. Lily sees through him trying to manipulate her. Cane declares that would abandon his entire plan and give absolutely everything up for her.
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Lily and Cane’s phones start binging and they learn the news that he is Aristotle Dumas has broken. Lily erupts. The kids are going to find out from a news site! As Lily loses her mind and lays into Cane, he says he’ll take the hit, so Mattie and Charlie don’t get mad at her. But he’ll need her help doing damage control. Lily will help… but only if he calls off what he’s planning against the Newmans and Abbotts.
Adam’s Warning
At Crimson Lights, Adam and Chelsea sit with Sharon and go over Chance’s death, questioning why he was even at the chateau in France. Spoiler: There’s still no answer on why Cane thought he was being targeted. Adam suspects Cane is a little “off” and unhinged. Sharon mentions having a few nice moments in Nice, and Adam notes that she and Nick have gotten closer. As Chelsea and Sharon gush about happy endings, Adam warns his ex not to let Nick hurt her again.
A Close Moment
Billy arrives at the tack house and Victoria apologizes for not warning him about the Newman Media article. He doesn’t blame her, but is there to check on the kids. Have they seen it? Victoria says they’re riding and haven’t yet. Billy ominously vows he’ll protect them no matter what comes next.
Over tea, talk turns to Cole. Billy knows Victoria’s keeping busy and taking care of Claire, but warns the pain will break through. Victoria admits Chelsea and Adam have been great. Billy snarks about Adam, and then assures his ex he’s there for her. The two share a close moment after Billy says Cole worshipped Victoria… and he wasn’t wrong.
Swerving, Billy tells Victoria that he got into it with Nick at the coffee shop and Adam, of all people, cooled it down. Victoria point blank asks if he’s getting into business with Cane. Billy lies that he’s focused on Abbott Communication.
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What Will Cane Do?
Nick shows up on Cane’s train and is immediately encouraged to disembark by Ashby, who complains about the bludgeoning from Newman Media. Nick takes him off guard by announcing he’s there to apologize. Cane wonders if this is some kind of joke. Nick explains Adam jumped the gun on the expose. Cane’s not buying it. Nick works to convince him that he’s extending an olive branch.
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Lily’s phone rings. She announces, “It’s Mattie. What’s it going to be, Cane?” Ashby agrees to a drink later with Nick, who then leaves. Lily asks Cane what matters most to him… his agenda, or her helping him explain to the kids that he’s been lying to them for six years? “The ball is in your court.” she declares.
