Yes, Nick IS worried about Vikki’s safety. Both he and Sharon agree that Ashland’s despicable. Vikki’s determined to handle this on her own. But, at least Dad’s security team is looking out for her, Nick adds.
Vikki’s furious with Adam for concocting this scheme to ruin Ashland’s reputation. Before he tried to frame me (for tampering with Dad’s medication) he conspired with Jack to frame my Father with a fake diary. Adam will never change. What if he’s innocent? Ashland worries that Vikki will resent him for making her cross this line. He loves her so much, that he’s afraid he’s taking her to the point of no return.
Returning to his office, Adam updates Sally. She’s equally angry that he won’t be promoted after being the fake fall guy for the family. Adam thinks he should have let Victor take the fall. I’m the disposable one, the one thrown under the bus, he grumbles. At least Nick’s on your side, Sally advises Adam to bide his time. I’ll never be the kind of heir Vikki is, he continues to fume.
All that matters to Vikki is protecting Ashland and his reputation. He wants to walk away, to start a new empire. Our love is the only thing that matters. Think about it, he heads home to rest.
Adam’s tried to be good and reconnect with his family; donating a kidney to Faith – getting Gaines out of the way so Vikki and Ashland could say ‘I do’. He’s being a good Father to Connor, done right by Chelsea. Sally agrees – you’re turning your life around. Adam sulks that he’s being made the fall guy, only to be kicked to the curb when no longer needed.
Nick confides that this plan has a lot of moving parts and loose cannons. Adam? Sharon guesses. Speak of the devil, Ashland’s on his way over. Nick ignores Ashland’s greeting and leaves. Assuming Sharon’s been brought up to speed, Ashland hopes to get coffee anyway.
Back at Newman Media, Sally reminds Adam that he’s the CEO of a major communications company. Don’t give up because Victor let you know he can demote and promote you. Feel lucky that you’ve been given so many chances to reinvent yourself. Appreciating Sally’s honesty, Adam realizes he sounds like a selfish jerk. She’s sure he’ll get a chance to make his move.
Sharon gives the cold shoulder to anyone who lies about having cancer. Sorry she had to go through that, Ashland claims to be innocent of the charges against him. Sharon wants to give him the benefit of the doubt, but … Both look over at the door. Sally and Adam are giving him stink-eye.
******
Thanks SO much to everyone who’s donated to Winston’s Go Fund Me! I truly, truly appreciate it more than words can say. We’re keeping our fingers crossed for a positive update from his appointment with the specialist. If I’m not mistaken the next step is a biopsy. Anyone who’s donated and would like to be added to the subscription list, please email me at thpimen@gmail.com and I’ll add you asap. Thanks again!
Nikki hurries into the office to ask Vikki what’s wrong – did Ashland have more fake evidence to use against Adam? No, just the opposite; he’s having second thoughts about blaming Adam, Vikki updates – he doesn’t want me to get my hands dirty. I had to practically beg him to frame Adam so he’d still believe I’m on his side. Ashland’s never sounded more sincere. Nikki looks horrified.
Back at CL’s, Sharon serves Ashland his coffee – drink it in good health. She preferred green tea when she was sick. Oh wait, she lands a couple more jabs before excusing herself. Telling Sally that he has an idea, Adam approaches Ashland – he wants to make a deal.
Ashland’s a liar, a conman who’s been working us since day one! Nikki warns Vikki not to fool herself – maybe he’s figured out what we’re planning. He asked me to leave and start fresh, Vikki sounds conflicted. Ashland’s testing you, Nikki hopes she wasn’t tempted to run away with him.
As Sally listens from her booth at CL’s, Adam tells Ashland that he’s representing the Newman family when offering him 500 million to walk away. Leave Newman Locke and Vikki – today.
Now at NE, Nick wonders why his Mother and sister look upset. Ashland claims to be conflicted about framing Adam, Nikki informs. Nick never liked Vikki’s plan (which will make her cross the line) Ashland said the same thing, she reports. Victor arrives as Nikki asks Vikki if she still loves Ashland. All gape at her as she remains silent.