Nick and his parents are at Newman Media, discussing how Vikki’s doing. Oh boy, Victor gets a message – his security team reports that Ashland has joined Vikki at CL’s.
At the coffee shop, Vikki sees no point in talking – you said you’d given up on our marriage. How is she not supposed to believe her family? You’ve offered no defense. I love you, Ashland insists. Billy watches with a scowl.
Delighted to see Chance making Dominic giggle, Abby goes to make them a snack.
We can’t go in like the cavalry – don’t make a scene, Nikki instructs Nick. I won’t hit him, he hurries out.
Vikki saw fear and desperation in Ashland – where does that come from? Not here – Ashland wants to go home. Vikki wants an answer. Still watching, Billy continues to quietly cheer her on.
Ashland blames Vikki’s family for poisoning her against him. I’m being framed. Vikki finds that hard to believe. Ashland backed away for Vikki’s protection – he can’t ask her to go to war with her family. Trying another tactic, Ashland knows the evidence against him is impossible to ignore. Seeing that Vikki appears to be caving, Billy mutters – no, don’t do this.
As Chance’s building blocks tumble down, Chance flashes back to his team dying in the explosion (as told to his psychiatrist – I hid among their dead bodies. Why did I live?) Returning with snacks, Abby’s saddened to see Chance in distress.
Don’t interrupt them, Billy holds Nick back. He hopes Vikki’s about to throw hot coffee in Ashland’s face. How much does Billy know? Vikki told him everything.
Snack time, Abby announces her presence. Chance praises Abby to the point that she knows he wants something – all you have to do is ask.
Billy updates Nick that Vikki was mad at Ashland – but then he started playing the victim. Inside, Ashland will understand if Vikki can’t get past her doubts – but he hopes for the miracle of Vikki waiting while he clears his name. Vikki thinks everything will work out. She leaves to deal with her family – alone. Ashland will wait at Society. They hug. What the hell? Nick sputters on the patio.