In her office, Vikki doesn’t know what to believe – it can’t be true, can it? Nick treads carefully – something’s shifted, you were so certain before. Did new information come to light that’s changed your mind?
Nate must tell Victor and Vikki what he’s found out. You don’t have anything on me, Ashland points out – you’re not an oncologist. There’s no proof you had treatment, Nate repeats his intention to tell the Newmans. Think long and hard before doing anything rash, Ashland leans in. Are you threatening me? Nate does not back up.
Victor won’t let Adam blame Vikki – we’ve all been fooled by love, haven’t we? *cough Chelsea cough*, We must extend the same empathy to your sister that we showed you. Adam sees nothing wrong with blaming Vikki for her blind loyalty. Sally finally pries her ear off the door.
On the CL’s patio, Chelsea and Chloe make a pitch to Lauren. Alas, she’s too distracted by Mike’s disappearance – something’s definitely wrong.
Vikki’s not eager to give Nick more ammo against her husband. You hate him. Nick can see that his sister’s struggling (and can relate) Tell me as little or as much as you want. I’m just here to listen.
Ashland’s not threatening Nate – but do you really want to hurt Vikki? Nate won’t be the one hurting Vikki, disagrees that this is a ‘smear campaign’ and is enraged to have been duped by Ashland (who denies having an ulterior motive) Nate doesn’t believe Ashland’s denial and Victor won’t be manipulated either. Ashland stands – I can prove my innocence and you’ll be sorry you doubted me. Tell them or I will, Nate orders before Ashland leaves Society.
At CL’s, Sally whines to Sharon about not being included in ‘closed-door meetings’. Perhaps Sharon can share some insight on how to navigate Newman family dynamics. And you know Adam quite well. Sharon agrees to chat but won’t speak badly of Adam or discuss her past with him. Understood?
Sally’s just looking for insight from one of the few other people who see the good in Adam. Supporting him hasn’t been a popular position, Sharon understates. Sally’s not exactly popular herself. Whether she’s involved with Adam is irrelevant – her main concern is Adam making decisions to please his Father, not what’s best for himself.
Putting Vikki’s culpability aside, Adam decides they need a Plan B to oust Ashland (since Vikki’s standing by him) We need a backup plan to the backup plan, and Adam has one – we leak to the press that Ashland faked his illness. The negative publicity will drive him away.
Nick’s seen the video Mike sent (of a doctor who claims Ashland lied about being sick) A disgruntled employee, Vikki’s been told. Ashland thinks Dad might be setting him up – to take control of Newman Locke. Dad showed her physical proof – money traced to one of Ashland’s companies. It doesn’t matter what I think, what does the evidence say to YOU? Nick asks.
Still at Society, Nate’s joined by Elena. She’s horrified to hear that Ashland lied about having cancer. After Victor showed him evidence, Nate dug further and learned that Ashland’s Xrays show no signs of cancer and there’s no record he had chemo. Ashland issued veiled threats that I’d be sorry if I went to Victor and Vikki, he adds. Pure evil, Elena can’t believe anyone would do this.
Nate wishes he could believe that Ashland was set up – I was his best man; almost went to work for him. Elena’s also in disbelief – he flew us out to his wedding. Nate owes the Newmans the truth. That sonofabitch lied about having cancer.