In the office, Victor asks if it was Nick or Adam who was just here. Adam, Nate overheard them talking about the Kirsten-McCall merger. I gave the company back to Sharon, Victor’s alarmed to hear he said otherwise. What’s happening to me?
Feeling bad about what he’s put his Dad through, Kyle won’t be a spoiled brat anymore. This isn’t about loyalty, I’m doing a good job, Billy points out. Kyle’s decided not to return to Jabot. Jack comes home to ask ‘what’s going on’?
Still at Society’s bar, Ashley and Tucker continue to bicker like a married couple. Did you ever really love me? he asks. Yes, with my entire heart. But, she wouldn’t choose between him and her family. Perhaps there’s a way back. When Tucker bluntly says there’s not, Ashley has to wonder if he ever loved her.
Tucker admires Ashley’s performance but has no more trust in her. Throwing some money on the bar, he congratulates her for pushing him away. Guess that’s my answer as to whether you ever loved me, she’s left in tears. Outside, Tucker sobs for a moment then moves on.
Kyle tells his Dad that he’s decided to go in another direction – he’s pursuing other options. He then apologizes for putting him in a bad position. No, he doesn’t want the COO job – it’s time to move on. Billy looks skeptical.
When Nate informs that Adam’s spoken to a specialist, Victor sees that as a sign that he’s planning to take over. Nate doesn’t think so – perhaps you should consider a leave of absence.
Victor won’t leave – it’d look like weakness. The stability of Newman matters most. Your health matters most, Nate believes Victor taking a leave of absence would thwart Adam’s plans. How can I find a way to beat this? Victor asks.
Nick hates the uncertainty of his Dad’s condition. Sally hopes he and his sister will work with Adam. Nick doubts that – he’s surprised Adam talked to her about this. Either he’s working you or you’re getting close again. He takes her silence to mean it’s the latter.
Jack wonders what changed Kyle’s mind on replacing Billy. He got a wake up call – Billy showed me how self-righteous I’ve been. You and Mom will be the first ones to know when I have something concrete. Thanking Billy, Kyle leaves. How the hell did that just happen? Jack’s surprised that Billy doesn’t believe Kyle’s being sincere.
Billy relays telling Kyle that he’s being a selfish jerk. It feels like he’s throwing us off. Have you heard from Tucker? Ashley walks in to ask. No, her brothers wonder why they would have.
Downstairs, Nick thanks Sally for her discretion. Adam arrives – he needs to speak to Nick. Telling him about Dad’s confusion re: merging Kirsten, Adam says they need to do something. Nick doesn’t trust that Adam has their father’s best interest at heart.
Nate heard back from his medical contact – it’s best to get tests done. Victor balks at being ‘put away’. No, it’s voluntary treatment for a few days or weeks at the most. The cover story? An extended business trip. It’s your call (though Nate’s clearly pushing it)
Adam’s indignant that Nick doesn’t think he cares about their Dad’s health. Reminded that he tampered with Victor’s meds, Adam was in a dark place then – he didn’t want to kill him. Nick agrees to join Adam and Victor for drinks – when the doctor will happen by.
Billy fills Ashley in that Kyle’s been trying to oust him but has now backed down. It seemed a bit abrupt. Ashley updates that Tucker doesn’t trust her. It’s not like him to back down either. Billy mentions asking Kyle to have Audra spy on Tucker. Maybe there’s a connection. Tucker may be turning Kyle against us.
Tucker’s summoned Kyle for his loyalty test. I won’t let you down, Kyle assures (but looks concerned)