When Vikki shows up alone to discuss the acquisition, Victor wonders why Ashland didn’t come. Told that he has a meeting regarding his treatment, Victor’s remark that he’s made a miraculous recovery doesn’t sit well with Vikki.
At Society, Ashland’s telling Nate that his treatment is a miracle. Nate seems to have something to say, and as a trusted friend, Ashland would like to hear it.
Also at Society, Lauren notices that Mike’s paying more attention to Nate and Ashland than to her. Mike confides that Victor has concerns about who’s funding this non-profit in Peru.
Chloe tries to keep things optimistic as she and Chelsea pack up the penthouse. You’ll soon be able to start a new chapter. A new chapter without Adam, Chelsea mopes.
Running into Adam at CL’s, Sally makes jokes about what she’ll do in her retirement. The truth? She’s worried about her future.
Chloe turns up her cheeriness up a notch. You’re a badass. You’re taking your power back. Chelsea flashes back to asking Chloe to be Connor’s Godmother. Chloe feels like this is going to be a good day for them.
Listing all the dead ends (jobs she’s been fired from) Sally perks up immediately when Adam invites her to have a bite at Society. It’s the best (and only) offer she’s had all day.
Lauren suggests that laws regarding non-profits might not be as strict in Peru. Victor gave Vikki and Ashland a dream wedding – why would he doubt him now? Victor’s playing 3d chess and is always ten moves ahead. That’s what Mike finds so interesting about working for Victor. It’s one thing to make concessions for a dying man but now it looks like Ashland will live.
Victor again questions Ashland not being there – and how’s his health? Insisting that Ashland is healthy, stronger and not hiding anything. Still, Victor wonders why he’d go do an experimental, obscure treatment in Peru when the best institutions are here. What do you really want to say? Vikki’s annoyed.
Nate admits that he had grave doubts about the unproven protocol – but the results speak for themselves. The cancer is regressing. Ashland had no intention of doing chemo – Vikki talked him into it. Nate’s expectations have been exceeded. He’s never been so happy to be wrong.
Chelsea and Chloe are making a pitch for Lauren to take on their design house. Lauren’s forgiven Chloe, but not Chelsea. Interested, she’ll consider their proposal – as long as it doesn’t include Sally (who, of course, arrives at Society in time to hear)
As Mike talks on the phone outside Society, Ashland tries again to hire his trusted friend. Nate’s not ready to turn his back on medicine. The men stand; Nate toasts to Ashland’s continued health. As he heads off for his doctor appointment, Mike hopes the info he’s just been given is useful.
Sally stops by the table full of talented women she’s worked for. Chloe’s the only one she has a polite exchange with. You’ll land she’s sure. Adam comes along to say that Sally will be just fine – she’s coming to work at NM. He then whisks her off to the bar.
Mike chats up Nate – could Ashland’s treatment be the cure we’ve all been waiting for? Nate can only go by Ashland’s results – which are almost too good to be true. When Adam sidles over to ask what Mike’s doing for Victor, Mike says mischievously that he and Victor are kindred spirits.
Adam returns to Sally at the bar to say that as much as he enjoyed the mic drop moment (at Chelsea’s table) he really does have a job offer for Sally.
Adam knows that frock designing is Sally’s passion but thinks her business savvy – and Vikki likes her (and that’s half the battle) He’s not sure what the job is. YES! is Sally’s loud answer.
Trying to ignore what’s going on at the bar, Chloe and Chelsea continue their bid to convince Lauren to take them on. They pitch exclusive fashion and social media. Comments? They’ll weed out anything negative. Chloe and Chelsea are thrilled when Lauren agrees to think about it. Chelsea’s excitement fades as she looks over at Adam and Sally.
Back at her office, Vikki relays her Father’s concerns about him not going to the ranch – and he kept asking about your treatment and health. In what way? Ashland asks.
Mike’s at the ranch for drinks and chess. He finds Nate and the Lockness Monster complete opposites. Victor was suspicious of Ashland asking Nate to be his best man. Perhaps he’s hoping for decency by association. Nate said Ashland’s results are almost too good to be true. Is he lying? If so, what is his motive?
Chelsea’s sorry she got distracted; she’ll focus now (not on Adam and Sally) She could tell that Sally was surprised by the job offer (which probably doesn’t exist) Heading out to work on their proposal, Chelsea and Chloe run into Adam and Sally. He makes a big deal o helping her into her coat – they happily go to the office to discuss Sally’s new job.
Ashland suggests that Victor might be curious as to whether he’ll be healthy enough to be a full partner to Vikki. She thinks her Father wanted to shake her up; maybe he wants me to see you as a threat. Does he think I’d undermine my wife? Ashland seems surprised.
It doesn’t smell right to Victor. Mike’s done some digging. The non profit in Peru is owned by a shell company – guess who the trail leads back to? Ashland.
Vikki and Ashland conclude that Victor expects unconditional loyalty but shifts his own loyalty among his kids. We’re a formidable team. Whatever Victor’s planning, Ashland will stand with Vikki.
Vic thinks the answers are to be found in Peru – and that’s where he’s sending Mike? Lauren won’t like it but Mike’s just as keen to solve this. Cheers, they clink glasses.
In Adam’s office, Sally hugs him impulsively and with gratitude. They almost kiss but resist the urge.