Avery visits Dylan at Crimson Lights and finds him having trouble with his espresso machine, yet again. They discuss Ian's wife and whether or not she and Ian could be working together. Victor has a visit from Nikki and they hug. In the Athletic Club entrance hall, Leslie meets up with Neil. She notices his overnight bag and asks if he is going out of town. Mark comes into Paul's office and lets him know that a homeless man had come to see him about Victor. In the park, Chelsea gets a call and wonders if it is from Adam. Billy grabs the phone and asks, "Who is this?" Neil tells Leslie that this trip is not what she thinks, but she doesn't want to know the details. She tells Neil to have a good time. Hilary joins Neil. Dylan tells Avery that he is concerned over Nikki and how she will react when she finds out that Ian's ex-wife is in town. Victor gives Nikki a small envelope and lets her know that he is planning for them to go to Europe and Monte Carlo on a vacation. Nikki sees through his sudden kindness and wonders what he is up to. Billy, still holding onto the phone, asks who it is but doesn't get an answer. In talking to Chelsea, Billy demands to know what she is holding back from him. Chelsea reveals to him that Victor found a homeless man who thinks that he saw Adam get out of the car. Billy orders Chelsea to call off this investigation. Leslie sits at a table with her laptop in front of her. When she sees Avery walk up, she suddenly closes the laptop. Avery sits down with her and asks for her help. Avery tells Leslie about Ian Ward's wife being in town and paying her and Dylan a visit. Avery wonders if Ian and his ex-wife could be working together. Nikki asks Victor what he is up to. Victor admits he was thinking about what she said about staying out of his children's lives. Nikki is thrilled but she is even more thrilled when he tells her that he will accept Dylan as part of her family. The homeless man comes into Paul's office and lets them know about his conversation with Chelsea and Victor concerning Adam. Dylan calls Nikki to come to see him. Nikki visits Dylan and finds him having trouble with his espresso machine, but she knows that he didn't called her here to talk about his espresso machine. Nikki tells Dylan about her conversation with Victor. Dylan tells Nikki about Ian and his ex-wife. Leslie decides to help Avery. Avery turns around the laptop and finds that Leslie is on an online dating site. Leslie reveals that she submitted her application to see what will happen. Leslie tells Avery that Neil went on a trip with a woman. Hilary and Neil are on a plane headed for Los Angeles. Neil tells Hilary about his visit with Leslie and how he misses her. Billy comes to visit Paul in his office and tells him that Chelsea and Victor are looking for Adam. Paul advises Billy not to jump to conclusions. Chelsea visits Victor to tell him about her confrontation with Billy over Adam and about the phone call. Victor wonders what Billy is up to. Dylan asks Nikki about her family. Nikki tells him all about her parents. Avery returns to the coffeehouse and sees Nikki and Dylan spending time together. Avery leaves before Dylan can see her. Billy and Victor have a confrontation over Adam and the phone call. Victor accuses Billy of wanting to find Adam first, so he can finish the job. Chelsea begs Victor not to give up on helping her to find Adam. Victor gets on the phone to check out Chelsea's phone records to see who has been calling her. Victor also wants to know how much Billy knows about Adam.
Dylan: Single or double? Avery: After that encounter with Ian's former wife, make it a double, please. Dylan: I have a feeling we haven't heard the last from Willa or Ian. Avery: Well, threatening to have someone arrested can be a pretty strong deterrent. Dylan: Why do you think she showed up? Avery: You know why she showed up. She saw a way to make some easy cash. Dylan: She was pretty adamant that she had information that I needed to hear. Avery: I know, but the important thing is you didn't take the bait. [Espresso machine leaking] Dylan: It's not like I have a whole lot of money to give her, anyway. I spent it all fixing this stupid machine. I'm -- I'm just afraid that she's gonna go find somebody who does have money. [SCENE_BREAK] Victor: That is so sweet of you. [Knock on door] Victor: Bye-bye, Sweetheart. Bye. Nikki: Am I disturbing you? Victor: No, no, no, no. Not at all. Nikki: Good. Well... Victor: I'm so happy to see you. Nikki: Mm. Victor: Mm-hmm. That was Abby calling, wishing us a happy anniversary. Nikki: That was so sweet of her. Victor: Wasn't it? Nikki: Well, I just dropped Faith off at a play date, and she insisted that I come here and personally give you this. Consider it an anniversary gift. Victor: That is so sweet. Nikki: Mm-hmm. Victor: Look at that. And she labeled it. Nikki: Yes. Victor: My goodness. And who might this be down here? Nikki: Dylan? Faith said he's part of her family. What do you think of that? Victor: Hmm. [SCENE_BREAK] Leslie: Ohh! Neil: Sorry. Pardon me. Leslie: Yeah. No harm, no foul, right? Neil: Should have been more careful. Leslie: Oh, um, how are you? Did you watch the games this weekend? Neil: Yeah. I did. Leslie: Okay. So, I guess there's no point in asking you to maybe sit down, chat for a few minutes? Neil: I can't. I'm -- I'm headed to the airport. Leslie: Oh. Where are you off to? Oh. You going away with someone? A woman? [SCENE_BREAK] Paul: Okay. Keep me posted. [Knock on door] Paul: Right. Come on in, Harding. Right. I want a blow-by-blow as soon as you meet with Ward. I love you. Bye. Mark: Aww. Was that Chavez? Paul: Ha ha ha. Very funny. It was my wife. She's in Madison, deposing Ian Ward. The trial starts very soon. So, what's going on? Mark: Well, there's a guy here who wants to talk to you. He says he has information about Adam Newman. [SCENE_BREAK] Chelsea: Adam? Say something. Billy: It can't be. Chelsea: Talk to me, please. W-- no. Billy: Who the hell is this? [SCENE_BREAK] Neil: Uh, Leslie, this, uh -- this suitcase, this trip -- not what you think. Leslie: Okay. So, you aren't taking a woman away with you? Neil: Well, yes, I am, but the thing is we're -- Leslie: Okay, Neil. You know what? You don't need to make excuses. You are free to take whoever you want wherever you want. Neil: You got that right. Leslie: I hope you two have a nice time. Excuse me. Hilary: Success! Even if it did take me forever. But at least I got a chance to double-check and make sure that we have everything we need for our trip to L.A. Neil: Do you? Hilary: Yep. All set. Neil: Okay. Then come on. Let's get a move on. Car's waiting. [SCENE_BREAK] Dylan: This is the last thing I need to be dealing with right now. I need to tell Nikki about Willa, and she's not answering her phone. Avery: Well, maybe her ringer's off. Dylan: Thought maybe I should go -- go out to the ranch to see if she's there. Avery: Yeah, or you could stay and fix old Bessie here. You know, a coffeehouse without a coffeemaker -- that's a problem, Dylan. Dylan: You're right. Avery: Yeah. Dylan: You're right, as long as I tell Nikki soon. I mean, she's been feeling so good about getting Ian out of her life, she doesn't need his ex-wife showing up looking to get paid. Avery: Do you hear yourself? Dylan: What? Am I, what, too worried? Do I sound too worried? Avery: No. No. But I think you've grown to care about your mother, and, given where you two started, that's saying something. Dylan: Again, I'm the one who led Ian to her doorstep and now maybe Willa. The least I can do is protect her from that. Avery: Well, whatever you say. I have to get back to work. I'm meeting Leslie. Sorry I can't stay here and help you with this mess. Dylan: I'll figure out how to fix it. Avery: I know you will. I'll call you later. Dylan: Mm-hmm. Dylan: Nikki, uh, it's Dylan. I need to see you as soon as possible. [Sighs] [SCENE_BREAK] Nikki: Well? Victor: This is so beautiful. I shall cherish it. So sweet. Nikki: Faith will be very happy to hear that. Victor: Now... I have an anniversary gift of my own for my beautiful bride. Nikki: Victor, another one? Victor: Yeah. There. Nikki: "IOU"? What do you owe me? Victor: That beautiful trip to Europe. What? Nikki: Victor, thank you so much. I-I-it's too much. Victor: Sweetheart, you already turned down the vacation I offered you at Christmastime to go to Tahiti. We will go to Europe. We'll go to Monte Carlo. We'll stay in the hotel that we both like. And we charter a boat and we the Mediterranean. Nikki: That all sounds wonderful, but -- Victor: But what? Nikki: Usually when you are overly attentive like this, you have an ulterior motive, and I'm just trying to figure out what that is. [SCENE_BREAK] Billy: You answer me. Who is this? Hello? Chelsea: What are you doing? Give me my phone! Billy: Whoever it is hung up. Chelsea: Well, yeah, because you were yelling at him! Why did you do that? He would have spoken to me. I know he would have. Billy: "He," meaning Adam? Do you really believe that it was him, that he's alive? Chelsea: What if I do? Billy: What are you holding back from me, Chelsea? Chelsea: Holding back? Billy: Well, I mean, you've been asking questions about the crash, about Adam maybe surviving, and now you got this feeling that he may be out there somewhere, so what is it? Is he out there? Chelsea: I don't know. Billy: Chelsea, I-I swear... if you're protecting him or hiding him from the police -- Chelsea: No. I would never do that. I can't believe you'd even imply that. Billy: Well, you've been so forthcoming with the authorities. Chelsea: I'm not hiding anything from you, Billy. Billy: Then how are you so sure it was him on the phone? Chelsea: I don't have any proof, but a few days ago, I got a phone call just like that one. The person on the other end -- he didn't say anything, but they were listening, and then they hung up. I have a feeling that was Adam. Billy: How? From the way he was breathing? Chelsea: If Adam's really gone, I would feel that. I would sense that. But I don't. Plus... I'm not the only person who thinks he survived the crash. Billy: Who else? Chelsea: There was an eyewitness at the accident site. Billy: [Chuckles] Right, right -- the guy that saw me escape. I heard of him. The homeless man, right? Chelsea: Yeah, and maybe he's not all there, but I met with him yesterday, and I believe him. He thinks he saw Adam crawl out of that car. Billy: He says he saw Adam crawl out of that car? That is not possible. Chelsea: Well, I think it is possible. Billy: Oh, come on, Chelsea. He's probably seen sightings of Elvis, too. How can you even give them the time of day? Chelsea: He got all the facts about you correct, didn't he? Billy: So, how did this meeting between you two happen? How were you able to track him down? Chelsea: I put some feelers out. Billy: Wh-where -- Skid Row? Chelsea: I have my own resources, thank you. Billy: Ah. Someone I know? Chelsea: It's none of your business, Billy. Billy: Okay. So, in other words, yes. So, who was it? Who helped you track Raggedy Andy down? Chelsea. Chelsea: Victor, okay? Victor found him. Billy: Of course, he did. Okay. That's it. You are going to call off this investigation of yours right now. [SCENE_BREAK] Avery: Hey. You haven't started without me, have you? Leslie: Oh. Hey. Avery: Why do you look so serious? There's nothing wrong with our tax return, is there? Leslie: Oh, no. Just, uh -- just jotting down some notes. That's all. Avery: Okay. Well, before we start, there's something I need you to do for me. Leslie: If I can. What is it? Avery: Ian Ward's ex-wife came to town. She claims she has information about him but only if Dylan will pay the price. Leslie: Well, not to disparage my client, but that sounds like something Ian would do. Avery: Exactly, and I think they could be working together. Leslie: Definitely within the realm of possibilities. Avery: And I know you have a responsibility to your client. Leslie: Oh, but I also have a responsibility to you as my partner and friend. So, what would you like me to do? Avery: I need you to keep Ian in check. Dylan and Nikki have been through enough. They don't need any more trouble. [SCENE_BREAK] Nikki: Victor, the necklace, the dinner in Chicago, and now a in the Mediterranean? What is going on? Victor: Well, don't think of it as an anniversary gift, if that makes you feel better. Think of it as us celebrating the last 12 months. Nikki: I just want to know what you're up to, 'cause when we spoke earlier today about you alienating the kids, you didn't take kindly to that, and now you're your most charming self. Victor: Well, what's wrong with that? Let's just say that... I've taken what you have said to me to heart. Nikki: Does that mean you'll stop trying to control everyone's lives? Victor: Well, let's just say that I'll be more cognizant of your concerns, okay? And that extends to Dylan, as well. Nikki: Really? Victor: I mean, I'm not quite ready to... accept him as part of our family, but I certainly, you know, accept him as part of yours. Nikki: Really? You really mean that? Victor: I need to see you happy. Nikki: [Chuckles] Victor: I need to see you smile again, okay? Because without that, I'm unhappy. I love you so much. Nikki: Oh, Victor, I love you. I love you so much. Thank you. [SCENE_BREAK] Paul: It's nice to see you again. We first came across Chick at the Adam Newman/Billy Abbott crash site. Mark: Yeah. I read the report. So, you witnessed the accident, right? Chick: Yep. The car slid off the road right down the hill. Mark: And then you saw Abbott walk away from it? Chick: Run -- run away. Paul: Okay. And now you're saying you know something about Adam, too? Chick: I spoke to a rich old man about it and pretty wife, but they weren't listening. Paul: You mean Victor Newman and Adam's wife, Chelsea? What was it you told them? Chick: The truth. Mark: Well, why didn't they believe you? Did you ask for money in exchange for information? Chick: I'm not that kind of guy. Mark: Mm-hmm. So, no money changed hands? Chick: Hey, I didn't say that. Paul: Okay. Chick: I just said I didn't ask. Paul: Why don't you just tell us exactly what you told them? Chick: I saw another man in the car that night. The guy's clothes were on fire, but he made it out. Paul: So, Adam Newman got away? Chick: He's alive -- no doubt about it. [SCENE_BREAK] Chelsea: I'm only working with Victor long enough for him to find Adam. Billy: You're not going to find Adam. Chelsea: You don't know that. You don't know what happened after you left the accident site. Billy: Nothing could have happened. Chelsea: But maybe -- Billy: The police said that they saw someone in the car right before it exploded. I mean, who could walk away from that? And I don't care what some self-proclaimed eyewitness saw or how many mysterious phone calls you get. Adam is gone. Chelsea: Why are you being so mean about this? Billy: Chelsea, I'm just trying to protect you from more pain. I know what it's like. And going down a road that leads nowhere is not the solution, and neither is tying yourself to Victor, who, I promise, will make you pay more than you're willing to give. And for what? For a lying bastard like Adam? Chelsea: I know what Adam is. And, yes, maybe Connor and I deserve better, but there is a part of me that still loves him, okay? I need answers. Connor -- Connor needs answers. Billy: The price isn't worth it. Chelsea: You want me to give up hope, but I'm not gonna do that. What if this was Victoria, hmm? What if she was presumed dead and they didn't find her body? Would you ever stop searching? [SCENE_BREAK] Nikki: Hey. I got your message. I hope nothing's wrong. Oh, I see. Dylan: What is it with Crimson Lights and espresso machines? Is there a curse or something? Nikki: Yeah, it certainly seems so. Dylan: Thank you for -- for coming over. Nikki: Well, I'm sorry I didn't check my messages sooner. Victor and I were having a long conversation. We talked about you, actually, among other things. Dylan: Uh, how'd that go? Nikki: Not as bad as you would think. Baby steps. Dylan: That's good. You don't need your husband giving you a rough time. Nikki: Oh, not today. It's our anniversary. Dylan: Well, happy anniversary! First round is on the house. Nikki: Ohh! Dylan: What are you guys doing to celebrate? Nikki: Nothing much. We're, uh, just flying to Chicago to this new restaurant that's getting all the buzz. Dylan: That's cool. Don't tell Avery. She'll stow away. Nikki: [Laughs] Dylan: Actually, I think she likes cooking really good food but not eating it. What is wrong with her? Nikki: Oh, my God. I am so with you. I just don't understand that kind of thinking. But it seems like the two of you are very happy together. Dylan: Yeah, we are. I mean, things couldn't be better. Nikki: Except for your temperamental friend here. Dylan: Yeah, except for this. The last time it broke, the repairman left me a patch that he guarantees will fix the leak. Nikki: Well, as much as I love watching you work, I don't think that's the reason you asked me over here. Dylan: No, I do have some news. There's something I need to tell you about Ian and his ex-wife. [SCENE_BREAK] Avery: So, will you help? Leslie: Will I? Yes. Can I? That's another matter. Avery: Okay. I know that Ian is gonna deny any collusion with Willa. Leslie: Oh, yeah. No doubt about it. But I will gladly point out that if he's still trying to extort money via his ex-wife, he needs to desist or he'll end up making the case against himself worse. Avery: I appreciate it. Thanks. Leslie: Yeah. Let's just -- for everyone's sake, let's hope he listens. Avery: Oh, excuse me. Can I get a double espresso, please? Thank you. I did not get my coffee at Crimson Lights earlier, and I'm gonna need it when we see how much we owe the IRS. Leslie: Oh, yeah, but that's not -- ohh. Avery: Ooh! That's...the sexiest tax return I've ever seen. Leslie: Oh, goodness. You got me. [Chuckles] Avery: I didn't mean to snoop. Leslie: I know. I'm just actually a little bit embarrassed by it. Avery: Why? Checking out an online dating site? Why are you embarrassed? Leslie: Oh, I have done more than check it out. I submitted my profile. Avery: [Gasps] No. Leslie: Is it too soon? Avery: No. I'm surprised. Leslie: Oh, well, not as surprised as I was to find out Neil is going on vacation with another woman. Avery: How is that possible? You just ended your engagement. Leslie: I know. Obviously, Neil couldn't wait to move on. Hilary: I was so looking forward to flying on the Jabot jet. Too bad it's getting repairs done, huh? Neil: Yeah, that's -- that's too bad. Hilary: Um, well, we are meeting with Rick and Caroline Forrester this afternoon. Neil: Yeah, that's -- that's good. Hilary: And I have compiled a list of everything that you should need. Neil? Neil: Hmm? Hilary: It's the latest stats on the Forrester Hope for the Future line. I thought you'd like to secure it for the fashion show. Neil: Oh, yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Sure. Hilary: You know, I'm sorry. I mean, did you -- did you want to watch a movie or -- or sleep or something? Neil: No, no, no, no. We need to get this done. Come on. [Clears throat] Hilary: Doesn't seem like you're here right now. Does it have anything to do with running into Leslie when we left? Neil: You saw that, huh? Hilary: Just the tail end. Neil: It wasn't one of my better moments, you know? Leslie assumed that I was going away on a romantic trip with another woman, and I-I didn't try very hard to correct her. Hilary: Well, it's not the worst thing that anyone's done after having their heart broken. Neil: I feel bad. I-I should have handled it better, you know? As a matter of fact, there's something else that I have to confess to. [SCENE_BREAK] Billy: Hey, look, I know you got a million things to do, but I really need to speak to you. Paul: Is something wrong? Billy: I just ran into Chelsea, and, uh, she and Victor are looking into Adam's death. I guess they met with the homeless guy who was an eyewitness. Remember him? Paul: Of course. Billy: Well, get this -- he says that Adam survived the crash. Paul: Oh. That's quite a statement. Billy: Yeah, and Chelsea took it and ran with it. I told her it was pointless, that Victor and her are holding on to false hope, but, uh, now I'm starting to wonder if there's something to it. Paul: And you want what? You want me to either, uh, deny or verify that? Billy: Have you learned anything that might indicate that Adam's still alive? [SCENE_BREAK] Chelsea: Hi. I got another call from Adam. He didn't say anything again, and there was no caller I.D., but I-I know it was him. Victor: Are you sure? Chelsea: Yeah. We have to find him, Victor. There must be some way we can trace the call. Victor: I'll put my people right on it. Chelsea: Okay. There's something else you should know. Billy -- he was with me when I answered the phone, and it was the weirdest thing. Victor: What was? Chelsea: Well, when I mentioned Adam's name, he, like, freaked out. He kept insisting it couldn't be Adam and that I shouldn't look into it any further. Victor: Have a seat. Well... that's interesting. I want to hear all about it. Start at the beginning. Chelsea: [Sighs] [SCENE_BREAK] Billy: Look, I know you can't talk about an ongoing investigation, but this whole thing started because my little girl was hit by a car and killed by Adam. Don't you think I deserve to know what's going on? I mean, don't you think I've earned it? Paul: Of course, Billy, but what you don't understand -- Billy: I mean, if this was Chelsea running on emotions, then I wouldn't give it a second thought, but now that Victor's involved, there's got to be something to it. Paul: No, no. That's not necessarily true at all. Victor is Adam's father. Of course he would want to know definitively what happened to him. Billy: So, what are you telling me? Paul: Well, uh, don't jump to conclusions. Billy: In other words, there's no new proof? Paul: I think it is safe to assume that. Otherwise, I would have to produce Adam, wouldn't I -- either alive or dead? Billy: All right. Well, I guess there's nothing else to be done. Case is closed. Victor's just gonna have to accept that. Thank you, Paul. Mark: All right. If we have any more questions, we'll be in touch, all right? Paul: Oh, Chick, uh, I'd like another word with you, if that's all right. Mark: I already took his official statement. Paul: Did you get anything new? Mark: No. It's just the same story as before. Paul: Chick, is there anything else you can think of that you might have left out -- something that would have convinced you that Adam Newman is alive? Chick: I told you everything -- him getting out of the car, his clothes on fire, the bath. Paul: The bath? Mark: You didn't say anything about a bath. Paul: What bath? Chick: Oh, yeah -- he got nice and clean. Paul: Where was that? Chick: Where was what? Paul: Where -- the -- the -- the bath! Where -- where did that take place? Chick: I take showers at the shelter. There's no baths there. Paul: Right. They -- they just have showers. Um, okay. Thanks for coming in, Chick. I appreciate it. Chick: Yeah. I got to catch a cab. Our dinner reservations were at 6:00. Paul: That's all right. We don't want to keep you. Goodbye. Mark: [Sighs] [Chuckles] Well, that was a waste of time. Paul: Not necessarily. [SCENE_BREAK] Victor: That's just unacceptable to attack you like this. Chelsea: Well, I wouldn't call it an attack, exactly. I mean, before my phone rang, we were actually having a lovely, honest conversation. It felt like we really understood each other. Victor: Until the phone rang? Chelsea: Yeah. Victor: Huh. Wonder what the hell upset him so much. Chelsea: My best guess -- Billy probably got a real sense of closure, thinking the man who took Delia's life had died, so finding out Adam might still be alive robbed him of that. Victor: Hmm. Chelsea: I mean... what else could it be? [SCENE_BREAK] Nikki: I don't think it's anything to be concerned about. I think Ian is just playing another game. Dylan: At least you'll be prepared if Willa knocks on the door. Nikki: Well, if she does, she'll wish she hadn't. You saw how I dealt with Ian. Dylan: Yeah. I just hate the thought you might be bothered at all. Nikki: Well, they aren't the first ones to try to get their hands on Newman money, and they won't be the last. Dylan: I can't imagine how many times you and your family have been the target of people's greed. Nikki: Yep. I've had to learn how to deal with that a lot over the years. I wasn't always this tough. I wasn't always this wealthy, which I'm sure you know, because I think you did a little research when you found out I was your mother. Dylan: Yeah, I did a bit. Nikki: And you probably saw your fair share of articles like "Stripper turned socialite." Dylan: Yeah, there are a few of those out there. Nikki: Well, it must be kind of strange for you to reconcile that the woman in front of you is the same one who was a cult member and an exotic dancer. Dylan: I do have a few questions. Nikki: Like what led me to my misspent youth? Dylan: You once mentioned that your father was a pretty bad guy. But other than that, I don't know anything about your parents or your childhood. Nikki: Are you saying you want me to tell you all that now? Dylan: If you wouldn't mind. I mean, your history is -- is my history, too. [SCENE_BREAK] Hilary: A confession? That sounds serious. Neil: Well, if you call jumping at the chance to get away from Leslie serious. Hilary: Is that what this trip is about for you? Neil: Oh, Hilary, you know, I just figured some warm weather, a few palm trees would help me forget that Leslie didn't want to marry me. Hilary: And yet here you are, talking about her. Neil: Yeah, I know. What can I say? I miss her. I miss her every day. I miss hanging out with her. You know, she was my best friend. I mean, we even planned to watch March madness together. Hilary: Whoa. She -- she's in to basketball? Neil: Yeah, she is. I mean, she filled out her own brackets for the tournament. Hilary: Oh, God. That's all I'm hearing about lately -- brackets this, brackets that, everybody trying to figure out who's gonna be the last team standing. What is the point? I mean, it's just chance, right? Neil: Wait, no. What is the point? It's not just chance. There's -- you know, there's a whole science behind it. Hilary: Oh, right. Yeah. Tell that to Stephen Hawking. Neil: Tell that to -- okay. Young lady, look. Here. Look at this, okay? I watched every single team, almost every single game, all season long. You know, I analyzed every stat just so I would have the best possible shot at winning the damn thing. Hilary: And that seems like an awful lot of work, if you ask me. Neil: Well, it is a lot of work, but it pays off if you win. Hilary: Yeah, so you say. But, you know, I bet that most people -- they do just as well on instinct alone. Neil: Hmm. [Chuckles] Hilary: I'm serious. Well -- Neil: Okay. I tell you what -- why don't you fill out your own bracket for the rest of the tournament? We're down to the sweet 16. That means there are 16 teams left. Let's see how you do. Hilary: Did you just challenge me? Neil: I believe I did. Hilary: Hmm. Well, you are so on. [SCENE_BREAK] Leslie: I love Neil, and I really wish things had worked out with us, but, I mean, I can't sit around, all dreamy about what could have been, or getting weepy about the fact that we're not watching March madness together. And I sure as hell am not gonna drive myself nuts thinking about him frolicking in some Hawaiian lagoon with miss rebound. Avery: The hell with him. So, what is this? This, uh, online dating -- it's a distraction? Leslie: I mean, for now. After that, I mean, who knows? I'm not expecting to find Mr. Right. That ship has clearly sailed. Avery: No. You just need time to heal. And you do whatever you need to do to take control of your own life. You'll find love again. You'll see. [SCENE_BREAK] Dylan: [Sighs] I can't -- I can't believe what you lived through, losing your mom so young and what your father did to you. Nikki: It was the single most definitive moment in my life. I measure everything else against it -- my life the day before and my life after... not that I was a happy little child before. Dylan: It's no wonder you acted out. Nikki: I had no self-worth. In my mind, I was just something to be looked at, objectified, used for others' pleasure. Dylan: I wish I would have known you back then. Nikki: Hey, even someone as sweet as you would not have been able to help me. That's why I gave you up for adoption. I wasn't emotionally equipped to be a mother. I had no idea how to have a home, a loving home for a child. Dylan: Well, considering the role models you had... Nikki: It really wasn't until I met Victor and he showed me so much love and respect. And I thought, "You know, maybe I do have something worthwhile inside of me after all." And... I wish I had known that before you were born, but I didn't. I wanted you to be raised by two people who adored you. I wanted them to give you everything that -- that I couldn't. [Espresso machine leaking] Dylan: [Sighs] Repair patch fell off. Guaranteed to stop the leak, huh? Nikki: Well, I can fix that, you know. Dylan: You can? Nikki: Sure. Got some chewing gum? Dylan: [Chuckles] That's... [SCENE_BREAK] Victor: What in the world is so urgent that you couldn't wait? Billy: I should have known you'd run straight to your partner in crime. Victor: What crime are you talking about? Chelsea and I are trying to find out what the hell happened to Adam, okay? Billy: You know the answer to that, and so do the police. I spoke to Paul, and he's satisfied that Adam is dead. Chelsea: Well, I'm not. Billy: Yeah, you've made that very clear. But I'm hoping Victor will listen to reason. There isn't a single shred of evidence suggesting that Adam has survived. So, let it go. Move on already. Victor: You don't barge into my office and tell me what the hell to do! Got it?! You're hoping that Chelsea and I will stop looking for Adam so that you can find him yourself and finish the job that you started the night of the crash. Is that it? [SCENE_BREAK] Hilary: Okay. Done. Neil: Done? What? No, that was f-- that was too fast. What did you do? Did you close your eyes and go, "Eeny, meeny, miny, moe"? Hilary: Okay, give me a little bit more credit than that, all right? I based my decisions on the teams' mascots. Neil: Team mascots? Hilary: Okay, listen. Hear me out. I asked myself, "If two mascots came face- to-face in the real world, which one would win the fight?" And blue devils trumps cardinal and so on and so on. Neil: What? Why does-- why doesn't a tiger win every time, then? Hilary: There are things that can beat tigers. Neil: Are you sure you want to stick with that? Hilary: You know, in fact, I am feeling very good about this. Neil: I'll bet you are. All right, I'll tell you what -- let's make this a little more interesting, all right? If your crazy team-mascot picks beat out my stat-based picks, I will buy you dinner. Wait. Hold on. Not finished. What if I come out on top? Hilary: You could buy me a really nice dinner. Neil: [Chuckles] No, no, no. That's not gonna work, though. You're gonna have to agree to go to a basketball game with me. Hilary: Ugh. Okay. Deal. Neil: Deal. [Chuckles] [SCENE_BREAK] Leslie: Three people. It's a start. [SCENE_BREAK] Dylan: How did you know that chewing gum would work? Nikki: A little trick the girls and I used at the Bayou when our coffee pot would leak. It's cheap and effective. Dylan: You're a very resourceful woman. Nikki: Yeah, well, I had to be to survive. I survived a lot. Dylan: I understand a lot better now. Nikki: Including why I gave you up? Dylan: You did what you thought was right for me, and it was. I couldn't have had more amazing parents, who gave me love and security and a deep appreciation for the Chicago Cubs. Nikki: What more could a kid want? [Chuckles] Dylan: Seriously, I guess what I'm trying to say is... thank you. Thank you for giving me a good life. Nikki: Thank you for telling me that. [SCENE_BREAK] Mark: Chief, you don't actually believe a word that guy said, do you? Paul: Uh, let me put it this way -- Adam's wife and father are holding out hope, for some reason, that he's still alive. Mark: But you saw the body in the car, right? Paul: No, I didn't. Nick did. What if he were mistaken? Until we find a body, we have to investigate every single lead, no matter how unlikely they may seem. [SCENE_BREAK] Victor: I see I've struck a nerve. Billy: You think I want to hunt down Adam so I can kill him? Seriously? Victor: You've tried it before, haven't you? Billy: That's not what happened. Chelsea: Billy, maybe you should leave. Billy: Why -- so he can reel you in even further? Huh? So he can look like he's looking for Adam when all he wants to do is get access to Connor? Victor: I do not need a ploy to see my grandson. Billy: You know, you might be related, Victor, but there is no one that wants you around that boy. [Chuckles] Adam named Jack Connor's guardian so he can keep him away from you. Don't let Victor make inroads here, 'cause once he gets a grasp, he will never let go. Victor: Look who's giving you that advice, Chelsea -- a drunk, a gambler, a ne'er-do-well who cheated on his wife and ruined his family! You get the hell out of here now! Stop bothering my daughter-in-law! You got that?! Billy: This man is gonna keep telling you exactly what you want to hear. Victor: Get out! Billy: Don't trust him. Victor: You're pressing your luck, boy! Where were we? Chelsea: You're the best shot I have at finding Adam, Victor. Please don't disappoint me. Don't disappoint my son. Victor: Chelsea, you will do well not to question... my honesty and my faith, okay? Chelsea: Let me know what you find out about that phone call. Victor: Listen, I want you to dig in to Chelsea's phone records -- cell phone records. I want to know who has been calling her, okay? And listen -- find out as much as you can... about Billy boy Abbott and how much he knows about Adam's death, okay? [NEXT_ON] Jack: Why are you suddenly so concerned about how Phyllis is doing? Victor: Why the hell are you spreading lies about me? Dr. Mead: Sharon underwent electroconvulsive therapy. Nick: Shock treatment? Sharon: No. You're not supposed to be here.