When Dr Hedges arrives, Chloe thanks him on her way out – she can see that her friend’s making progress. Chloe’s a supportive friend, the doctor sits to comment. Chelsea knows he wants to help her. You’re the only one who can help me get stronger for my son, she smiles.
Victor wonders if this gossip site can be trusted. If the story’s true, buying Cyaxeres might be just the first step for us, Adam’s suddenly more excited about their meeting with Locke later. So is Victor.
Tara knows she’s just an easy target for Ash to lash out at – you forget how well I know you. After she leaves the room, Kyle tells Locke it’s his cue to leave. First, he mentions Summer taking a job in Italy. We’ve both been dumped; we’re the ones left behind.
Lily approaches Vikki at CL’s to compliment her outfit and make clumsy small talk before bringing up the article on Locke’s health. Vikki immediately guesses she’s fishing on Billy’s behalf and claims the story’s designed to make Ashland look vulnerable – a common business tactic, she shrugs it off.
Adam and Victor are with Ashland at Society. Hearing that they have some impressive names to add to the board, Ashland feels that they prove every day that they’re the best team to take his vision forward. After Victor expresses interest in buying more of Locke’s divisions, Adam brings up the elephant in the room. Are the rumours true? Billy arrives to ask more bluntly – how are you feeling Ashland?
Nikki’s caught snooping through a folder marked ‘Locke Communications Group’ on Vikki’s desk. It seems to be a list of assets and evaluations, she notes. As Newmans COO, I should be consulted, Nikki chides her daughter.
Assuring Kyle that she’s not behind the leak, Tara couldn’t help but notice that his mood changed – what did Ashland say? He mentioned Summer, Kyle admits. You can lean on me if you want to talk about your feelings – it’s obvious you could use someone to talk to, Tara sympathizes.
Ashland doesn’t recall asking Billy to join them. He shows up uninvited, Victor chimes in. You don’t look like a man on borrowed time, Billy persists. Adam chides him for believing everything he reads – the story’s trash. Ashland claims that he’s never felt more alive. Billy’s relieved to hear it – carry on gentlemen.
Vikki wishes her Mom didn’t question every breath she takes. Nikki’s simply doing her job. Does that document have to do with the future of Newman? Do you really not know whether that article about Ashland is true? Or are you protecting him??
Now alone with Adam at Society, Victor thinks Ashland appreciated them interceding on his behalf (to Billy) – which makes him think the story’s true. Adam confirms that he’s not sleeping well at the penthouse. He wants to move out but Connor needs stability. Victor wants them both to move to the ranch; the tackhouse or the main house. Teary-eyed, he wants Adam to be part of the family. He’ll think it over.
Kyle has no idea what happened – one minute he and Summer are planning a wedding, next she doesn’t love me and moves to Italy. Don’t blame yourself, Tara’s words are very much appreciated. Reminding that her breakup is still fresh, she feels pain connects her to Kyle. He’s sorry she went through this but sure is grateful for Tara’s company.
Back at ChanceCom, Lily and Billy compare notes. Both failed to verify the story but feel they’re on to something. Lily doesn’t look happy when Billy throws in a reminder that he knows Vikki better than anyone.
You can trust me, an insistent Nikki’s sworn to secrecy then told ‘every word of the story on Ashland is true’. A deal to merge our two companies looks promising. You are your Father’s daughter, Nikki comments. Not a word to anyone – we’re this close to making it a reality, Vikki warns.
When Adam drops by, Chelsea’s sure he’s there to make sure she hasn’t recovered enough to be released. No – he lives with the guilt every day (of being ‘partially responsible’ for her state) Connor’s coming home soon and Adam hopes that will push Chelsea to get better; to earn her release. Also, he’s thinking about moving to the ranch. Chelsea flips – sure she won’t have access to Connor if he lives there. You’ll poison him against me. YOU are my biggest enemy! she hisses at Adam (who seems genuinely taken aback by her fury)