Adam thought Phyllis too smart to be swayed by Nick. Listing everything a child needs; structure and routine, Phyllis reminds Adam that he had Chelsea; raising a child is easier when you’re a couple. And, you were different then; kind, sensitive, funny. And now? Now, you’re a man of your own creation; years of calling your own shots in Vegas. No, Phyllis isn’t still in love with Nick – but he’s a good Father and the only one Christian’s ever known. This isn’t a competition. A good parent does the best for their child – even if it breaks their heart. Nice try but Adam knows Phyllis is just like him – nothing is off-limits when going after what we want.
Kevin startles Billy at the Estate – everything OK? C’mere – see that there? Billy asks who came in and wrote that (Daddy) No one’s been here except Jill, Ester and I – and Kevin can see that the writing’s been there a long time. Look, the ink’s all faded. Unconvinced, Billy takes a second look.
His face inches away from the scribble, Billy could have sworn that it was fresh; done today. By who? Delia’s ghost? Kevin scoffs. No, he doesn’t remember when Delia did it. Sorry, he knows this must be hard; like opening an old wound over and over again. Billy saw this writing in his dream. That girl was always writing all over the place, Kevin reminisces. Billy still dreams about Delia; most are gifts – but not the latest nightmare he describes. Kevin blames Adam for Billy’s dreams going dark. Don’t let him be the cause of your mind playing tricks on you.
At Society’s bar, Nick’s leaving a message for Rey (find anything? We’re running out of time here) when Adam walks in to take a seat beside him and order Scotch, neat. Asked to drop the custody case, Adam’s heard that twice now today – what are the odds?
Advised to avoid Adam, Billy wishes he could stop him in his tracks. Don’t worry about it, he’ll get his, Kevin’s sure. After Billy leaves, Kev takes photos of the envelope’s contents and gets a call from Chloe. He’ll join her and Bella soon – the end is in sight. Returning the envelope to his backpack, Kevin opens the door to leave – and finds Mike blocking his way.
Mike comes in to ask Kevin where he’s rushing off to. What’s Adam got you doing now?! Nothing – it’s hit a plateau; this whole mess will blow over and Kevin will be rejoining Chloe and Bella in Portland any day now. Really, Mike’s sceptical. You can’t go against Adam alone – tell me! Sorry, Kevin can’t spoil the surprise.
The other person who asked Adam to drop the custody suit is Phyllis – you convinced her to join your side. Nope, Nick hasn’t had Phyllis on his side on anything in months but if the only ally Adam has is against him – doesn’t that tell you something? Phyllis isn’t exactly the warm and fuzzy type, Adam knows if she’s patting you on the back it’s only to a spot to bury the hatchet.
Looking like he’s sprinted a mile, a sweaty, gasping Billy stops and pulls out his earbuds. What are you running from? Phyllis asks from the park bench she’s seated on.
Back at the hotel, Cane raves about the great party he and Traci just attended in her honour. You were glowing – everyone gravitated towards the dazzling Traci. No, it’s not just flattery – do you have any idea how truly amazing you are? Traci’s expression indicates she doesn’t.
Knowing she’s likely the last person Billy wants to talk to, Phyllis asks if he’s alright. You’re gonna pretend to care now? Billy huffs – we’re friends? OK, wanna explain why you showed up at my recommitment ceremony – with Adam? Phyllis didn’t think anyone would care. We didn’t invite you or want you there – and to bring the diabolical Adam? You two just want to cause damage wherever you go. Your boyfriend’s messing with my head. I don’t know what’s right or wrong and won’t be responsible for my actions if he does something else to me, Billy warns. Phyllis implies that she’s using Adam and has a plan to make everything right and even the score. Then hurry up for everyone’s sake, Billy grunts before running off.
Back at Society, Nick thanks Adam for the warning and returns the favour – you’re hitching your wagon to a wrecking ball. You’ve shown all your cards and have no chance of winning custody of my son. I’ve got a great lawyer and plenty of ammo (and a lot more out there) Walking away would be the right thing but you want to win at all costs even if it means turning a little boy’s life upside down. But you won’t win. Mike and I will lay out every crime you committed, every person you wronged. You won’t get custody of a cactus, never mind a kid, Nick’s sure.
Kevin’s fine – he’s not going back to prison. It won’t get that far. Trust me for once. What do you call it when you make someone suffer in a trap they set for someone else? You hoist him with his own petard, Mike quotes Shakespeare. It’ll be poetic – I’ve got this, Kevin’s reassures his panicked brother. Adam crossed a line for the last time, Kevin leaves Mike looking very worried.
Still in the hotel hallway, Cane hopes he didn’t say the wrong thing. No, Traci sniffles – it’s been a long time since anyone talked to her like that. It’s time you let some new people in your life, Cane wonders why she shuts people out. I lost Colleen – my husband left me – my Mom’s diagnosis. Traci’s life revolves around her writing – and helping everyone else. Now you can turn the page and decide your happily ever after, Cane hopes he’s there to see it. Traci hopes so too (and hurries into her suite, leaving Cane to smile wistfully in the hallway)