Rumor has it that Faith will be back from Boarding school in a different body. I guess it had to be I will miss her .

Monday, October 7, 2019

by Anne Carpenter


In her office at Newman Enterprises, Victoria spoke on the phone with a concerned business partner and assured the caller that she was running the company smoothly despite the confusion over Victor's fake death. Billy entered as the call concluded. Victoria expressed relief after the caller had agreed to continue doing business with Newman Enterprises. Billy shared Victoria's happiness after she announced that she'd saved a contract with one of the company's property developers.



Victoria sadly noted that Victor's news conference had triggered the loss of several big contracts, though she seemed more determined than ever to succeed. Billy kissed Victoria after she proclaimed, "I still got it." Billy assured Victoria that Victor was lucky to have her in charge.

At the Newman ranch, Victor assured Nikki that he'd been improving since he'd resumed taking the proper dose of medication. Victor attributed the slight strain she noticed on his face to the turmoil his family had faced. Nikki reminded Victor that their children and grandchildren were struggling with the way they'd handled things. Victor explained that he'd just had another physical to ensure he was strong enough to resume his role as his company's CEO.

Nikki, taken aback, cried, "What about Victoria?" Victor reminded Nikki that Victoria would once again be a valued member of his team. Nikki, frustrated, replied, "She was arrested to keep your secret from Adam, and now you're going to take her job?" Victor insisted he'd never handed over the company to Victoria, who'd serve as COO.

At Devon's penthouse, Devon was eager to hear from Cane about his search for Chance. Elena reminded Devon that though resolving the issue with Katherine's will was his top priority, he should instead focus on the ribbon-cutting ceremony for New Hope. Devon expressed frustration after failing to convince Amanda that her client might not be on the up and up. Elena again urged Devon to refocus his energies and ease his mind. Devon kissed Elena and agreed that they both could use a break from stress.



At Nick's house, Chelsea told Nick that she wouldn't be attending the New Hope building dedication. Chelsea explained that she would instead keep Connor home from school because he was hurt and angry, and he would barely speak to her. Nick agreed it was the right thing for Chelsea to do, and he offered to skip the event, too. Chelsea urged Nick to attend and celebrate his accomplishment. Nick assumed most of the responsibility for Connor's distress and suggested he stay away from home as much as possible. Chelsea agreed it would be best and said it was her place to comfort her son.

Nick suggested to Chelsea that, though it might be awkward and uncomfortable, Sharon might be of help because she had experience working with troubled children. Chelsea declined Nick's offer, citing Sharon's complicated history with Adam, who was the core of Connor's issues. After Nick left, Chelsea whispered to herself, "There's got to be someone else." Chelsea, desperate, summoned Sharon for help. Sharon agreed that working with Chelsea would take getting used to, but she wanted to help Connor.

Chelsea explained to Sharon that Calvin's death had dealt a huge blow to Connor, which had been quickly followed by Adam leaving, and then Connor discovering that Victor was alive after believing he was dead. Sharon agreed that it was a lot to handle, especially for a young child. Chelsea was frustrated because Connor had shut her out and refused to talk to her. Sharon suggested that in the midst of chaos, Connor was attempting to gain control of the situation, even by cutting off communication. Chelsea said she could see how it made sense because so many had abandoned him. Sharon offered to speak to Connor in hopes of getting him to open up. Sharon assured Chelsea that enlisting help didn't make her less of a parent and instead proved she was willing to try anything to help her son.

After Sharon spent time with Connor, she told Chelsea that Connor had talked a little about baseball before shutting down when she'd mentioned Adam. Chelsea panicked and said she didn't know what to do. Sharon suggested they be patient. Chelsea blamed Adam for torching everything. Chelsea said she was considering taking Connor and leaving town for good. Sharon explained that Nick was a solid father figure for Connor. Sharon encouraged Chelsea to stay because Nick loved her and Connor.

In the lobby at the Grand Phoenix, Devon and Elena greeted Victoria and Billy. Billy praised Devon and Nick's project. Devon noted that Nick was the driving force in making New Hope relevant again. Nick arrived and took Victoria aside for a private conversation. Nick asked Victoria how she was doing after their family meeting. Victoria said she'd wanted to ask Nick the same question, and she inquired about Chelsea and Connor.

Nick admitted that things could be better. Victoria expressed relief that Adam was out of their lives. Nick said that though he was relieved, he was questioning their methods. Nikki arrived and greeted Nick and Victoria, noting that Victoria had left work to be present. Victoria said she'd never miss Nick's big day.

Nikki took Victoria aside for a private conversation. Victoria noticed one of Newman Enterprises' disgruntled partners and rushed off to talk to him. After Victoria returned to Billy's side, he explained that he was needed at the office. Victoria said she understood better than anyone how Billy had to deal with every problem at Jabot in Jack's absence. Billy admitted that it felt good to be back in charge again. Victoria nodded in agreement.

At the Abbott mansion, Jack thanked Traci for agreeing to help him write a book about their family's history. Their work was interrupted by a knock at the door. Jack opened the door and greeted a distraught Summer, who was seeking support after being misled and believing she'd suffered the loss of her grandfather. Traci expressed her sorrow for Summer's grief and left the room. Summer's pent-up frustrations spilled out as she cried that she had been hurt by Victor, was angry because Adam had attempted to kill her grandfather, and found it bizarre that her mother had taken up residence in Adam's penthouse.

Summer, stifling tears, recalled that her entire family, including her father, had been in on Victor's faked death except her. Summer expressed her feelings of pain from having believed she'd have to face life without her grandfather and couldn't, as her family expected, suddenly act as if everything had gone back to normal. Jack agreed that it was wrong to mess with people's emotions. Victor showed up at Jack's in search of Summer. Summer said she wasn't sure she was ready to speak to Victor.

Victor was eager to set things right. Summer unleashed her frustrations and told Victor that Jack had been supportive and cared about her feelings. Summer began sobbing and poured out her heart, describing the deep, intense pain she'd felt after believing Victor had died. Summer added that finding out it was all a lie had hurt her more. Summer told Victor she'd decided to trust him less and love him less, so she wouldn't be as badly hurt the next time he betrayed her.

After Summer left abruptly, Jack told Victor he'd bungled it. Victor agreed and requested that Jack spare his judgment because he didn't know the whole story. Jack refused to butt out because, he explained, Summer had sought his support. Jack added that even he had mourned Victor's supposed death and had ordered a shot of tequila at Society in his honor. Victor replied, "Well, I'll be damned. You want me to reimburse you for the drink?" Jack wasn't amused and noted that Victor's charade had triggered real emotions for people. Jack said he'd even felt suckered after learning Victor was alive, and he understood why Summer was angry.

Victor told Jack that he'd been protecting his family, including Summer, and didn't have the luxury of worrying about people's feelings. Jack berated Victor for having approached the issue like a general determined to win at any cost and charge on without concern for collateral damage. Jack added that there could have been easier ways to deal with the son he hated. Victor replied, "The problem, Jack, is that I don't hate Adam. I really don't. If that had been the case, this would've been solved a long time ago." Jack seemed taken aback when Victor explained that he'd been protecting his family and wouldn't explain because what he'd done was no one's business, especially not Jack's.

Victor arrived at the Grand Phoenix and greeted Nick, glanced at the architectural rendering, and noted that it appeared to be an impressive project. Nick said he was happy to provide Genoa City with additional low-cost housing. Victor replied, "How about the funds in your coffers?" Nick said he was okay, though he'd talk to Victoria about additional funding after Victor offered. Victoria hurriedly approached and told Victor that she'd been asked to comment on a rumor that he planned to return to the company as CEO.

Nikki joined Victor before he responded to Victoria's question about what she believed to be a rumor. Nick read his father's face and bit his lip. Victoria, devastated, cried, "This isn't happening. It's true? It' not a rumor?" Victor replied, "No. It's not." Nikki looked down at her feet. Victoria appeared stunned. Victor told Victoria he hadn't intended for the news to get out before he'd talked to her.

Victoria cried that she'd been humiliated, especially knowing that he'd spoken to others about his plans without talking to her first. Victoria expressed concern about Victor suffering a relapse because running Newman Enterprises was very stressful. Victor insisted he knew what he was capable of. Holding back sobs, Victoria replied, "We all know what you're capable of."

Victoria pointed out all she'd done, stressing that she'd been the picture of loyalty. Victoria cried that she didn't deserve to be demoted on a whim. Victoria added, "You only put Adam in charge so that you could rub his nose in it. And now he's gone, so I'm out because I serve no purpose to you anymore. Is that what it is?"

Victor denied Victoria's accusations. Victoria insisted that Adam wasn't worth his father's time and love because all he ever did was hurt Victor in the end. Victoria angrily berated Victor for using her and letting her down. Victoria left abruptly. Victor insisted to Nikki and Nick that Victoria would get over it. Nick replied, "I wouldn't. It's not right." Nikki angrily told Victor it was time for him to pull the family together instead of pushing them farther apart.

After Devon finished his press conference, Elena told him he shouldn't downplay his involvement. Devon admitted he'd only served as an advisor and added that he was glad to honor Neil's wishes while doing something good for the community. Devon explained that Nick had saved the ribbon-cutting by navigating last-minute issues with city permits. Elena and Devon both suggested that Nick could be a natural-born politician. Nick joined Devon, and together, they conducted a press conference, explaining that New Hope would help provide housing for low-income families. Devon praised Nick as photographers snapped photos.

Victoria returned to Newman Enterprises. She slammed the door and slung her purse into the CEO's chair. Victoria, distraught, paced. She appeared to be struggling with the blow Victor had dealt. Victoria stood near Victor's desk and glared at his bigger-than-life portrait hanging above the fireplace. Victoria picked up a letter opener and threw it like a dagger. The pointed end of the opener stuck into the portrait, barely missing Victor's face. Victoria said, "You're not getting away with it this time, Dad."

After Victor left Jack's home, Traci tiptoed back into the living room and said, "Uh, we rarely get a visit from Victor. Is everything okay?" Jack admitted it hadn't been a pleasant visit, though he hoped the things he'd told Victor had gotten through his thick head. Traci admitted it was a comfort to know that they weren't the only family with challenges. Jack replied, "Thank God we're not the Newmans." Jack suggested his statement might be a good title for their book. Traci laughed and suggested they find a more uplifting title.

Jack and Traci sat together on the sofa and talked about what should and shouldn't be included. Jack mentioned Dina and said he'd been too judgmental and had treated their mother unfairly. Jack added that he'd blamed Dina for a lot of things, though he'd come to realize they were a lot more alike than he'd wanted to admit. Traci told Jack that if he meant strong-willed and defiant, she would agree. Jack admitted that he, like Dina, had been a searcher, always looking for something else that was bigger, brighter, and more exciting.

Jack expressed regret for the ones he'd hurt during his chase for the next shiny thing. Traci replied, "Are you talking about paramours?" Jack admitted there were similarities between Dina's affairs and his romantic history. Traci nodded and said she'd never put any of what Jack had just admitted together before that moment. Jack said he doubted that Dina had ever meant to hurt their dad. Jack added that Dina had struggled not to feel limited or confined.

Traci said she wished Jack could share his feelings with Dina. Jack replied, "In my heart, I want to think she knows." After Traci began writing, Jack begged her to read what she'd put down. Jack was touched and tears welled in his eyes as Traci recalled the details of their family's close bonds.