Coffee to go, Kevin glances at Lauren’s back and whispers his order. Not quite enough; a suspicious Lauren wants to know if Kevin got Mike mixed up in something he shouldn’t have.
Kevin’s just living his life, being a computer geek, raising his kid. Weeks ago, you said you were only in town for a few days, Lauren reminds – does this have to do with Adam? Yeah, we’re buds, Kevin’s sarcastic – why would I have anything to do with Adam? Why would Mike help the scum who killed Delia? That’s crazy talk. Yes, but Mike would help YOU, Lauren knows something’s going on and is scared. Have some faith in your husband. If something’s going on he can handle it, Kevin leaves Lauren frustrated.
Mike’s back at the penthouse grumpy because he betrayed a friend (only to protect his brother) Adam reminds Mike that he stabbed Nick in the back when Victor went after custody of Christian. Yeah, but Mike never believed Victor would win. He’s not playing anymore – I’m cashing out. No, you leave the game when I say, Adam then asks if Mike would like to be GC’s next DA. Mike did that already. Confident that he has Mike right where he wants him, Adam dismisses him – I have a custody hearing to get to.
In their suite, Victor flips through a magazine while Nikki reads fancy dinner menu items – shall I book us a table after our massages? Perfect, Victor’s enjoying being away from work. Jack wants you back – he misses competing against you. When Nikki suggests going to Paris, Victor casually drops the bomb that he’s considering stopping treatment for a while.
Arriving at the hearing alone, Nick tells the Judge that Mr Baldwin won’t be coming. Something came up. A smug Adam and his lawyer arrive.
Victor and Nikki debate him taking a break from treatment to spend time together in Europe. He’ll resume the treatment as soon as they get back to GC. Yes, it’s the side effects, he admits. His life isn’t worth living if he loses his independence (which is what’s happening now) Victor can’t handle not being able to think straight – he’s forgetting everything. It’s fine – Nikki doesn’t need gifts or trips – Victor can show his love for her by fighting this disease. I’m not ready to live life without you. I’m not going anywhere, they share a weepy hug.
The Judge warns Nick that if he wants to proceed without counsel, there will be no do-overs. OK, let’s proceed. Nick begins by telling the Judge that he’s raising Christian because Adam falsified the DNA results; he had zero interest in this boy from day one. Nick didn’t know Adam was his Father until after he was declared dead. I’m the only Father that boy has known. The Judge asks about the brief time Victor had custody of Christian.
Yes, Christian was temporarily placed with Victor – because there was concern over someone I lived with, Nick explains – the court realized they made a mistake and Christian’s been with me ever since. Nick has letters from his grown children. He also shares custody of Faith – they all adore their little brother; Christian’s loved and thriving. He then goes on to condemn Adam’s lifestyle and criminal record. Nick truly believes he’s the best person to raise Christian. Know who else believes that? Adam – he wouldn’t have falsified the DNA results otherwise. Christian knows I’m his Daddy (Nick lists Fatherly duties he performs – their connection isn’t biological but it’s real) To take that away from Christian would be wrong.
Adam decides that since his brother’s making his own case, so will he. He claims to have made his ill-advised decision out of love – Nick was in a relationship with Christian’s Mother and they could provide my son a good home. Things have changed; Christian’s Mother died and Nick’s been involved with a number of random women; hardly a healthy environment for a toddler. You sonofabitch, Nick snarls. The Judge asks Adam whether he plans to be celibate if he’s awarded custody. No? Then let’s move on. Oh, but Adam’s not finished.
Phyllis joins Lauren at CL’s. Neither have heard anything about the custody hearing – but why isn’t Lauren asking Mike? He withdrew from the case this morning. Yes, he told Lauren why – but she knows the reason she was given is bogus.