Sharon wonders who Nick thinks he’s protecting and worries he’ll get sucked into Victor’s pathology (and regret it) AGAIN. Victor threw both Vikki and Abby under the bus – and he couldn’t find Noah a job closer than Mumbai?! Nick feels he can handle Victor now. He knows I’m on his side. How will things be different this time? Sharon asks. Nick’s not sure – but just like their relationship, things WILL be different. As Nick works on his pro and con list, Sharon sends a quick text and leaves to meet someone at CL’s.
On the CL’s patio, Jack thanks Kyle for getting him out of Jabot. He’s sorry the blood-only clause screwed Kyle too. Maybe you’re better off with Victor. Kyle rejects that notion – you’re my Father. He knows what it’s like to be an outsider and admits he now feels less alone; it’s just you and me now. Jack’s beginning to realize that Billy wants to stay on as CEO – but we can wait him out until he screws up. Then we get the board to rescind the clause – I’m back as CEO, you’re second in command. And back to Jabot they go.
Waiting outside a dressing room, Abby explains how she was able to have a rack of suits provided; Jabot owns 49% of Fenmore’s (and she’s an Abbott who shops there a lot) When Arturo comes out, Abby dislikes the old and boring suit and gives him another one that says ‘skinny’. Go strip down – those pleats offend my eyes, Abby laughs.
At CL’s, a worried Sharon updates Vikki that Nick’s about to make a terrible mistake.
In the office, Phyllis declares the glass wall a genius idea from a genius CEO then leaves when Jack comes back to apologize. Billy thanks him for covering tonight’s fundraiser. You mean the one I was invited to? Jack sneers. He’ll attend in a dual capacity and get used to not being in charge. Billy appreciates that – Jabot needs you. Gloria’s ordering a new nameplate but doesn’t know what my title is. Whatever you want, Billy says – except CEO; that’s taken.
Nick wants to go back to NE – tell him it’s a mistake, Sharon implores. No way, Vikki loves the idea; she needs someone on her side and Dad needs a reminder that consolidating power within the family is necessary. Sharon all but rolls her eyes when Vikki says she’ll feel ‘protected’ with her brother at NE – and he’ll have a distraction from looking for JT. Sharon asks Vikki to think of what’s best for Nick (not herself) Vikki punches buttons on her phone.
Abby’s pressuring Arturo to come out in the next suit when Vikki calls needing her help. Nick’s thinking of coming back to NE – we need to convince him to say ‘yes’. As Arturo eavesdrops, Abby expresses how annoyed she is that her siblings come and go yet will always outrank her at NE. You’re on your own, she hangs up and asks Arturo to pretend he didn’t hear all that. Wow, she exclaims when he comes out – and without a word offers a sympathetic hug.