Summoned to CL’s by Sally, Adam hopes she has good news for him. I do not, she admits.
At Society, Nick and Sharon brainstorm what to do about Adam. What it we back out of the deal and run Kirsten on our own – free of Victor and Adam.
As Mariah agonizes over the possibility that Aria can’t hear, Tessa has an idea and goes to make a call.
Surprised to find Ester managing CL’s, Nikki hears how excited she and Sharon both are about their new careers. Don’t get too comfy, Nikki’s sorry to confide that things might not pan out.
Sharon feels foolish for thinking Adam could change. Yes, she’s serious about proceeding without him. They’re debating when Victor appears at Society.
All Nikki can say is that Adam’s to blame. Ester’s disappointed for Sharon. Nikki too (but is more focused on her family) Adam’s giving his father false hope that this time he’ll be the son he wants him to be. Nick’s stuck in the middle. Ester’s disappointed – she had so many plans for this place. It’s all gone, after all the time she’s invested. You’ve been in charge for 5 minutes, Nikki’s sure Ester will get over it.
Sally’s flattered by Adam’s offer but has decided to take Nick up on his offer to fund her starting her own business. Adam thinks it a mistake to trust that Nick will be hands-off.
Victor joins Nick and Sharon to confirm that Adam wants to run the company and that he plans to strip things down. Does that mean at Kirsten Inc or our partnership? Nick wonders.
What’s this big surprise? Mariah asks. Tessa lets Devon in. Giving Mariah a hug, he’s there to help in any way he can.
Back at the ranch, Nikki asks Victor what he thinks of her idea to have Adam report to Nick and Sharon. There’s other issues – Sharon’s threatening to back out and Nick might go along with it. Nikki asks if it’s really worth it – how does all this drama benefit you in any way?
At Society, Nick updates Sally that this new partnership might be more trouble than it’s worth. Maybe he should forget it and focus on her new venture. Sally’s accepting Nick’s capital as an investment, she’s not looking for a business partner. If she can’t run the show, there’s no deal.
Oh no, you’re back to take control, Ester mopes – I’ll leave you the keys. Sharon’s not taking back the keys. Things are back on track and look better than they did before. A scowling Adam eavesdrops in the background.