No, Vikki isn’t an accomplishment – marrying the love of his life is the best thing Ashland’s ever done. The accomplishment is the merger. Reminding Nate that he doesn’t know how long he’ll live, Ashland won’t let anyone take a second away from the time he spends with Vikki,
Still at Newman Media, Adam points out that once the contract’s signed, Ashland will be as powerful as Vikki. Mike said he was sending proof, Victor can’t stand the thought of losing Vikki’s love and trust. She’s furious and heartbroken, Nikki updates. What if you’re wrong? As soon as Victor mentions Mike again, Lauren appears to demand answers.
Kevin tells Chloe that Lauren might be right – something’s off. We owe it to Mike to investigate.
Nikki and Adam dismissed, Lauren frets about not hearing from Mike for two days. He’s on a delicate mission, Victor’s sure he’ll be home soon. Not satisfied, Lauren wants the truth – NOW.
Still at Newman, Ashland vows to expose this sham then focus on the future (and Nate’s new role at Newman Locke) When Vikki joins them, she’s humiliated by her family spreading these rumours. She’s sure Nate knows they aren’t true. Careful with his words, Nate agrees that everything he’s seen supports Ashland’s cancer prognosis. He hopes the truth will soon come out. The job at Newman Locke mentioned again, Nate leaves Vikki relieved that Ashland has Memorial’s chief of surgery on their side.
Meeting Elena at Society, Nate shares the Newman family drama; he doesn’t want to believe the scandalous accusations. But you’re not sure, she understands when hearing that Nick was the one who came to Nate. Ashland was very convincing but he’s second-guessing the job offer and Ashland himself.
Ashland gripes about Victor trying to poison his friend against him. He’s glad Nate heard the truth from him and will find the proof to remove any shred of evidence.
Lauren wants to know what Victor’s gotten Mike involved in. He wouldn’t put him in a dangerous situation and will move heaven and earth to bring him home. If anything happens to Mike, I’ll never forgive you! Lauren storms out.
Kevin updates Lauren that he’s come across dead ends and brick walls. Lauren got the same from Victor. Kevin will do some more digging. If he learns nothing by morning, he’ll involve his cop buddies.
Ever the voice of reason, Elena tells Nate to trust his gut. If it feels wrong it probably is. That’s what Nate’s afraid of – but he must find out.
Victor’s on the phone demanding someone find Mike – his friend has the evidence he needs. Adam returns to say that Mike’s a smart guy who can take care of himself. Yes, but Ashland’s a desperate man on the verge of being exposed.
Vowing to put a stop to all this, Ashland needs one thing from Vikki – her trust and belief that he’s telling the truth. Of course, she does – and hands over the co-CEO contract to prove it. I can’t tell you what this means to me, Ashland smiles up at her – and signs.