Phyllis sees Jill alone and they talk. Jill is sure that Phyllis is happy to have jumped ship now that Jabot is in all this legal trouble. Phyllis denies that, saying that things are not as rosy over at Newman as Jill might think. Jill guesses that this has to do with Victor being too bossy. Phyllis nods, not saying more. Jill counsels her to stand up to the man and fight! Brad is working when Victoria arrives. "I did it Victoria! I closed the deal. Neil was moving slow. I found out that the man in charge fly-fishes in Australia I had him tracked down and closed the deal!" When Brad hears that Victor is giving Victoria a hard time, he suggests that they create a power-base. "Make me Head of this new acquisition " She thinks then she smiles. "Let's do it!" Nikki wants Phyllis in, and Victor wants her out. "I can't throw her out," Nikki says. " You are only the 'V' in NVP Victor, so Phyllis stays. Nikki heads to the office. Phyllis assumes she's being fired, and starts rambling to save her skin. Nikki calms her. "As long as you keep doing the kind of work that you do, you can stay." Phyllis worries about Victor. "If Victor doesn't like it," Nikki shrugs. "That is just too bad!" Victor is alone at the house now that Nikki has gone. He turns to the phone now and dials. "Yes this is Victor Newman I want you to pull all the financial backing that I have given to NVP yes ASAP!" Neil is waiting for news on whether his deal has closed. When he gets to work, he walks into Victoria's office and finds a document. The smiles fades from his face. Brad walks in behind him. "Did you hear? We closed the dead!!" Brad says. "That was my deal Brad and you know it!" Brad denies that he did anything underhanded. Neil crumples the document and tosses it in Brad's direction on his way out.
Nikki: A letter from the chapel, the florists. Victor: I guess it's for Victoria? Nikki: Yeah. I still have misgivings about this wedding but... Victor: But what? Nikki: Well, I'm hoping it'll just bring the family closer together. We need that. Victor: I guess our daughter hasn't told you about my conversation with her. Nikki: No, what? Victor: She asked me to be part of the ceremony. I refused. Nikki: Oh, Victor, no, you didn't. Victor: Sweetheart, I still think a marriage between Brad Carlton and Victoria is a mistake. Nikki: It's not your decision to make. Victor: I don't give a damn. Those are my instincts. Nikki: You call them instincts, I call them prejudices. But whatever they are, can't you just put them aside for the sake of harmony? This family is going through a difficult time. Victor: By that, I gather you mean... our son's affair with Phyllis Abbott? Nikki: I hesitated to bring that up. Victor: Well, I'm glad you did. Because there's something we need to do about that. [SCENE_BREAK] Jill: Would you please try to understand? All of us at Jabot are having a very difficult time. Yes, the investigation is ongoing. As soon as I have any information, believe me, "The Chronicle" will be the first to know. Phyllis: Is the media still hassling you? Jill: They love to make us squirm. It makes a much better copy. Phyllis: Right, right. So what's the latest? Jill: Well, our manufacturing plant is back in production. Phyllis: Great. What about Ashley's lab? Jill: Chaos. Forensics people went over every square inch of that place. Phyllis: Did they find anything? Jill: Haven't heard yet. Phyllis: How's Jack holding up? Jill: Jack? Jack is hoping for the best. So are we all. We're all hoping for the best. Until we figure out who is responsible for this nightmare. [SCENE_BREAK] Gloria: Uh-oh, bad timing? Ashley: We were discussing the crisis at Jabot. Jack: Will Bardwell seems convinced the contamination was not an accident. Gloria: Yeah, I know. Michael told me. Jack: What do you think about that, Gloria? [SCENE_BREAK] Neil: Hey, baby. Dru: Hey, yourself. Neil: I made you a pot of coffee if you want some. Dru: I want me a kiss. Neil: Wow! Dru: Wow! Neil: Nice! Dru: Baby, you know, judging by my hairdo, I'd have to say that, um, you really knocked yourself out last night. It was wonderful. Neil: Yeah, it was, wasn't it? Dru: Yeah! Neil: Hey, you know what my favorite part was? Dru: Unh-unh, what? Neil: The whipped cream and those high heels. Dru: I know. You know, it's been-- it's been a minute. Neil: Yeah. Dru: A girl could forget her tricks, you know? Neil: Oh, not you, not ever. It's all about like, riding a bicycle, isn't it? Dru: Ooh, yeah. It feels so good. Whoo! Neil: Me, too, baby. Dru: So... what else? You should feel good. Neil: Yeah, well, you-- Dru: But what happened? Neil: What? What happened with what? You don't believe me? Dru: Well, sweetie, you know, you got up in the middle of the night and you've been out here ever since. Neil: This has nothing to do with you. Dru: Well, I know that's right. But, you see a girl could get a complex. Neil: You know what I've been doing out here? Dru: What? Neil: E-mailing George Granville. Dru: Oh. Neil: From Granville Global, okay? Dru: Uh-huh. Neil: I'm waiting for him to get back to me. Dru: Well, give the man some time to wake up. Neil: He's in a different time zone right now. He's traveling in the Far East. Dru: Okay, so him not getting back to you has you worried? Neil: Mmm, a little bit. But making me sweat is a negotiating tactic. Dru: Oh. But you're not worried? Neil: A little bit. I expect this deal to go through any minute. And the timing's great. Especially with everything that's going on at work. Are you kidding me? Dru: I know. The Newmans jockeying for power. Neil: Yeah, and since Brad's gonna be joining that family soon, he's gonna be wanting a big chunk of the action. Dru: Well, that's just fine. As long as they keep a big chunk for you. Neil: Baby, all the more reason this is a good time to be dealing from a position of strength. Dru: Yeah, I know what you mean. Neil: Yeah, baby. [SCENE_BREAK] Brad: Well, that's it then. Oh, yes, I am delighted. Pleasure doing business with you as well, sir. No, thank you. Yes! Yes! Yes! Victoria: Oh, that's what I like-- a man who is happy to see me! Brad: Well, that, too. But guess what? Victoria: Tell me. Brad: That was the C.E.O. of Granville Global. I closed the deal! Victoria: Oh, congratulations! That's wonderful! Brad: I'd say this deserves a toast! Victoria: Absolutely. Brad: For you. To our latest acquisition. Victoria: And to the man who made it all happen. Brad: Not a bad way to start the day, huh? Vicki? Vicki? Victoria: I'm sorry, what did you say? I'm sorry. Brad: I said-- never mind what I said. What's going on? Victoria: I, uh... I would've told you sooner, but you were so into the acquisition, I didn't want you to lose focus. Brad: Okay, well, tell me now. Victoria: It's my father. Brad: I should've known. What's he done? Victoria: No, it's more what he won't do. Brad: What do you mean? Victoria: I asked him to... I asked him to give me away at the wedding. Brad: He said no? Victoria: Yes, can you believe it? Brad: I know I'm not his first choice for you, but to turn down his own daughter? Victoria: You know, at first, I was really hurt about it. But now I am just angry. Brad: Well, you should be angry. You have every right to be angry. Victoria: You know what? If he wants to refuse me this, that's fine. He's the one who's missing out. [SCENE_BREAK] [Michael remembering] Michael: Since you came to town, I've done nothing but help you lie. Gloria: That's not true. Michael: I lied to John about being your son, so you could marry him. I tried to cover up the fact that Tom was blackmailing you. I nearly ruined my life. Gloria: I told you to let me handle Tom. Michael: Oh! I'm sure you would've. He'd probably still be living like a king on John's money. Gloria: I did what I had to do. Michael: A couple of years ago, I wouldn't have cared. I would've done any underhanded trick I could think of to help keep you out of trouble. But I'm married now. There's too much to lose. Gloria: Michael, I need you. Michael: No. I am sick and tired of cleaning up your messes. From now on, you're on your own. Gloria: Fine. We'll see just how well you sleep at night knowing that you've abandoned your mother. Michael: You know, Gloria, I think the only way I'll be able to sleep at night is if I do abandon you. [SCENE_BREAK] Lauren: Hey, good morning. Michael: What are you doing up? Lauren: I just got off the phone with Scott. I told him our good news. Michael: So... what does your son think about having a new little brother or sister? Lauren: He's thrilled. He couldn't have been sweeter. Michael: Great, that's great. All right, now get back in your bedroom, and, uh... stay there until I serve you breakfast in bed. Lauren: You don't have to do this. Michael: No, please, you're the one having the baby. The least I can do is... pamper you a little. Let me. Lauren: You're so sweet. Michael: Mmm. Lauren: But first, um... Michael: Something wrong? Lauren: Well, that's what I wanna ask you. Is something bothering you? Michael: Bothering me? Nothing, nothing. Lauren: Are you sure? Michael: I'm the luckiest man on the planet. Lauren: You were very, very restless last night. I mean, you must've kicked the covers off like, 20 times. Michael: It was probably a bad dream, that's all. Lauren: Well, I think it's more than that. Michael: It isn't, really. Lauren: I'm your wife, honey. I know when you're upset. And I think this has to do with Gloria. [SCENE_BREAK] Gloria: What do I think? Until Mr. Bardwell has some proof, all we're doing is guessing. Jack: Then you have no idea who might be responsible? Gloria: How could I, Jack? Ashley: I ran into you outside the lab. Do you remember that? Gloria: Yeah. I was looking for him. Jack: You maybe notice anybody suspicious lurking nearby? Gloria: Not that I recall. Jack: I understand you got to the lab before Ashley arrived. Gloria: Yeah, that's right. Jack: How long had you been waiting? Gloria: Well, let's see, it must've been about, um... you know, Jack, I don't think I like your tone. Jack: Really? Why is that, Gloria? Gloria: Because if it wasn't too ridiculous to imagine, I'd say you think I had something to do with what happened. [SCENE_BREAK] Dru: Baby, you're gonna go blind staring at that laptop. Neil: Yeah, well, I'm tempted to e-mail George Granville-- find out why he hasn't responded, you know? Dru: Well, just do it. Neil: I don't wanna appear too anxious. Dru: So you're gonna sit there and stare? Neil: Yep. Dru: Isn't it driving you kinda crazy? Neil: Yeah, a little bit. But timing and patience are essential in these matters. Dru: Oh, wow. How can you be so focused, so smart? Neil: And how come you're always good at stroking your old man's ego? Dru: No, honey, I'm serious. After everything you've accomplished over the years... Neil: Yeah? Dru: You are the most magnificent husband a girl could have. Neil: I love you, I love you. And I'm not taking you shopping. Dru: No, I'm serious. Victor Newman has appointed you as his C.O.O. of an international conglomerate. That doesn't happen by accident. You must be doing something right. Neil: Yeah, but you forget, Victor doesn't run that company anymore, not like he once did. Dru: So what? Victoria and Nick know that you have a lot to bring to the company. Neil: Yeah. Dru: Right? Neil: Well, it's always a good idea to keep proving your worth to the company. Dru: Yeah, I know what you mean. Neil: And this deal-- acquiring this company-- Dru: Uh-huh? Neil: Oh, it's gonna be great. It's gonna earn me some high marks, maybe even a bonus. Dru: Bonus? Neil: Oh, are you kidding me? It's gonna be the best deal I've made in a long time. Dru: Okay, so now that you have everything worked out, how about turning your attention to the home front? Neil: Oh, my goodness. Are you feeling neglected already? Dru: Well, honey, let's just say that, um, I'm a girl who's high-maintenance. Do you have a problem with that? Huh? Do you have a problem with that? Ooh! Ooh! Ooh! Honey! Ooh! Ooh! Ooh! Wow! [SCENE_BREAK] Brad: I know it isn't easy, but try not to let your father get to you. Victoria: I thought he was beginning to lighten up. Brad: Because he agreed to stop having J.T. report to you? Victoria: Yeah, yeah, I hoped--I thought-- Brad: Honey, I told you not to make too much out of that. Victoria: Well, guess what? You were right. Brad: Listen, we both know that Victor is never going to welcome me as the son-in-law of his dreams. Victoria: You know, it's like when I convinced myself that he'd actually let Nick and I run Newman Enterprises without any interference. Brad: Men like Victor can never give up control-- not completely. It's not in their nature. Victoria: It's so frustrating, Bradley. I mean, he claims that he wants me to be successful. And he lets me think that I'm running things. Brad: As long as you don't don't do something he doesn't like. Victoria: Exactly. And it's so patronizing. There's nothing I can do about it. Brad: Well, maybe when you were on your own. But you've got back-up now. Victoria: The way you say that with that look on your face... you have a plan. Brad: We need to form a power base within the company. One that's outside of your old man's reach. Victoria: Right, right, and how do you suggest we do that? Brad: Putting me in charge of our latest acquisition would be a good place to start. [SCENE_BREAK] Michael: Honestly, I don't know what you're talking about. Lauren: Well, this mess at Jabot? I know that Gloria's sick about it. Michael: I'm sure she is. Lauren: I feel so sorry for her. Her husband goes to prison and then the company he built is having all these problems. Michael: I wouldn't be too sympathetic. Lauren: What? How can you say that? It's not Gloria's fault that the chemical got into Ashley's moisturizer. Michael: Could we talk about this later? Your yogurt's curdling. Lauren: It's just, I know she must feel helpless. Michael: If there's one thing Gloria isn't, it's helpless. Lauren: Come on, you know what I'm saying. All this stuff is happening at Jabot, and she can't do anything about it. Michael: Look, if you would rather have breakfast in here, I can set it up. Your wish is my command. Lauren: Sure, whatever you want. Michael: All right, your seat, my love. Mm-hmm. Lauren: You know, the one I'm most concerned about is you. Michael: Me? Lauren: It's just-- you've been there for Gloria. And I think this has caused you a lot more stress than you're willing to admit Michael: Look, stress is believing you died in an explosion, everything else I can handle. Lauren: All I'm saying is just... let me be there for you. If there's something troubling you, talk to me about it. Let me help. Michael: Well... if you put it that way... there is something you should know. [SCENE_BREAK] Jill: So, until the investigation is complete, we just stay calm and proceed as if it's business as usual. Phyllis: I still cannot fathom how something like this would happen. Jill: I know. It's mystifying to all of us. Phyllis: You know, when I worked at Jabot, I would always marvel at how painstaking Ashley was. How dedicated she was to quality and safety. Jill: Ashley's more devastated by this than anybody. Phyllis: This was either negligence or sabotage. Jill: Well, knowing Ashley, this was not negligence. I mean, I can't believe she'd ever make a mistake this huge. Phyllis: So it was deliberate. Jill: Right. Yeah, so it was deliberate. The next question is, who did it? And why? Until we figure that out, we're in limbo. Phyllis: Right, so in the meantime, some nut is still walking the streets. Jill: I bet I know what you're thinking. Phyllis: What? Jill: That you left Jabot just in time. Phyllis: Oh, Jill, on the contrary, I've been thinking lately how much easier my life was when I was working at Jabot. [SCENE_BREAK] Victor: You realize, of course, that Sharon is devastated. Nikki: Well, of course, she is. I would be, too. Especially since Nicholas didn't view this as a casual fling. I just worry that this is one crisis those two aren't gonna be able to overcome. Victor: And what does that mean? It means that you and I are gonna have to do something about it. Nikki: Victor, do you really think there's anything that we can do? Victor: Mm-hmm. Make sure that Phyllis Abbott is not anywhere near this family. Nikki: So you want her out of N.V.P.? Victor: I don't see an alternative, do you? [SCENE_BREAK] Victoria: You wanna be in charge of Granville Global? That's an interesting idea. Brad: It's a natural fit for the division I'm running. Victoria: And it would make this potential power base you mentioned all the more formidable. Brad: You got it. Victoria: Wasn't my father the one who originally started to check out this company? Brad: Yeah, he asked Neil to work on it. Victoria: So it's not likely that he'd be too cool with you running it. Brad: This deal never would've happened if it wasn't for me. Victoria: Neil didn't help? Brad: He made the original offer. Then I found out the C.E.O. had received a better one and was about to walk away from Neil's. Victoria: And what did you do? Brad: I found out the man's an avid fly fisherman, and I tracked him down at a lodge in Australia of all places. I upped the offer and hammered out the deal. And Newman Enterprises is one fantastic company richer. Victoria: So if you hadn't have done all that... Brad: We would've lost out. Listen, don't get me wrong, okay? Neil's a fantastic businessman. I'm not blaming him. But I said it before, sometimes he is just too conservative. Victoria: Apparently so. Brad: So, what do you say, beautiful? Victoria: Putting you in charge? Well, let's see. It would reward your initiative, while diminishing my father's influence on a key division. I say let's do it. [SCENE_BREAK] Jill: Phyllis... are you telling me that given the choice, you would pick Jabot over Newman Enterprises? Phyllis: Does that surprise you? Jill: Yes. Given that this spa venture of yours with Nikki was the culmination of a lifetime dream. Phyllis: Oh... Jill, it was. I mean, having my own company, not answering to anyone, creative freedom-- it was fantastic. It was the ultimate fantasy. Jill: And now it's real. So what's the problem? Phyllis: Um... things are complicated. Jill: Don't tell me. "Things," meaning Victor Newman? Phyllis: Mm-hmm. Jill: You should never have let him in on the deal. Phyllis: We needed the money. We still need the money. Jill: He's trying to take over? Phyllis: What do you think? Jill: I think you fight him. Phyllis: How? Jill: There are two of you. You and Nikki created the concept. With two of you, you can stand up to him, right? [SCENE_BREAK] Nikki: No, Victor, I don't agree that Phyllis should go. Victor: What do you mean, "No?" When we first discussed this, you were as furious about the woman as I was. Nikki: Yes, I was, and I still am. My first instinct was to just get rid of her. Put as much distance between us as possible. Victor: And now? Nikki: I've thought about it. And I think her leaving would have a negative impact on N.V.P. plus, she co-created it. Victor: So what? Nikki: So she is an essential part of the team. Victor: What about the negative impact her staying around will have on our son's marriage? Nikki: Look, why should she be the scapegoat? Nicholas is just as much to blame as she is. Not to mention, Sharon. Victor: What do you mean Sharon? Nikki: That marriage has been in trouble for some time. And I went to Sharon many times to ask her to fix it. And she didn't. Victor: You're not putting this all on Sharon's shoulders? Nikki: Look, I'm not going to get into a debate with you. This is business. And I would think of all people, you would understand that. If you'll excuse me, I have to get to the office. Victor: Please, don't leave just yet. [SCENE_BREAK] Lauren: Honey, what is it? You know you can tell me anything. Michael: Um... I've just been doubting myself. Lauren: About what? Michael: Whether I'm... father material. Lauren: Oh... honey, I told you. You're gonna be a wonderful father. Michael: Well, I know you think so. But am I gonna have the patience? Do I have the sensitivity? Lauren: Well, you know, we'll definitely have to... work on the patience part but... you-- you are the most sensitive man I know. Michael: You're prejudiced. I mean, look at my history. The only role models I have are an absent father and an abusive stepfather. Lauren: Oh, my God, you are nothing like Tom Fisher. Michael: I haven't always been a model citizen. Lauren: But you have changed. Even at your worst, you were a prince compared to that creep. Michael: Still... Lauren: Look, you are gonna be the best father, all right? And if it makes you feel better, I've been having doubts of my own. Michael: You? Lauren: Well, yeah. Look at my parenting of Scott. I mean, yeah, I got lucky. He turned out beautifully. But is that because of me? Or in spite of me? Michael: That is absolutely the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. After everything you went through to keep that boy safe... Lauren: Yeah. You and I have, uh, two ways to look at this, you know? When you're faced with something so awesome and challenging, you can... either give into these doubts, or you can choose to be positive. Michael: You really think I can be a good dad? Lauren: Yes. And there is no one that I would rather be going through this adventure with than you. Because I trust you completely. [SCENE_BREAK] Gloria: I always knew you two had a low opinion of me, despite my efforts to get past our differences. Jack: Oh, and what efforts would those be? Your incessant lies? Your bringing your slimy ex-husband into our lives? Gloria: Hey, he's dead, Jack. Ancient history. Jack: Ah, but the memory lingers on, doesn't it? With my poor dad behind bars for killing him. Gloria: Your poor dad, as you put it, happens to be my husband. Ashley: Okay, look, this isn't the point. Gloria: The point is, Ashley, that you two blame me for every rotten thing that's ever happened in this family. And you know something? I've kinda gotten used to it. That's the way you justify the terrible way you treat me. Especially now that John is gone. Not giving me a seat on the Jabot board, giving me all that useless busywork to do like that report! Jack: Careful, Gloria, you better watch that blood pressure. Gloria: My blood pressure is just fine. But you have now stooped to a new low of nastiness, Jack. You honestly think that I would endanger the health and the safety of hundreds of people. And you think that I would intentionally jeopardize a company that I happen to have a big stake in-- a company that happens to be my husband's legacy! And that I would willingly subject myself and that beautiful child to a toxic substance that burned us and could've scarred us for life? Do you think I'm insane? Ashley: Look, Gloria, we weren't actually accusing you. We were wondering... Jack: We are trying to make the best of a very difficult situation. Ashley: Exactly. You know, we were just trying-- Gloria: Just forget it! You've said enough. [SCENE_BREAK] Brad: Hmm, here it is! A hard copy of the terms of our agreement. I didn't know you shopped online. Victoria: I didn't... until now. Brad: Keeping secrets, huh? Victoria: Perhaps. Brad: Something to do with the wedding? Victoria: Maybe, maybe not. Brad: Well, if it is, how come I can't know about it? Victoria: You can torture me all you like. I'm not talking. Brad: I think I know what you're up to. Victoria: Not if I gave you a million guesses. Brad: Quite the mystery woman, aren't you? Victoria: Is it a turn-on? Brad: Now that you mention it... Victoria: Good. [SCENE_BREAK] Neil: (Whistling) Dru: Oh, see? Just like a dude. Neil: What's that? Dru: Make passionate love and then walk out the door. Neil: Oh, come on now. I have to get to work. You know that. Dru: What, Neil, no! Come on, take off the day. Neil: If it were up to me, we would never, ever get out of bed. Dru: I see. But since you have responsibilities, I know. Neil: Yes, I do. I do have responsibilities. Now wait a minute. What about you? Aren't you going in? Dru: Well, I might as well, since you don't wanna play. Neil: Honey, when I come home, I'm gonna dip you in chocolate and lick you all over. But right now, I gotta get to the office and impress Victor and Nick with all the hard work I've been doing on this acquisition. Dru: Right, right, buying up companies, since your wife's not that interesting. Neil: No way. Not even close. Dru: Right. [SCENE_BREAK] Jill: You know... you are the last person I thought would be this intimidated by Victor Newman. Phyllis: Jill, have you forgotten? My business partner is his wife. Jill: His wife, not his slave. Phyllis: It doesn't matter. I'm the outsider. Jill: Oh, my God! I can't believe that Nikki would turn on you after the two of you worked so hard for N.V.P. Phyllis: No, I never said she turned on me. Jill: Well, it sounded like it when you said that Victor is trying to take over. Phyllis: No, listen, Victor's... Nikki isn't letting Victor do anything. You know how he is. He does what he wants to do. Jill: Yeah. Yeah, you're right. Maybe I could talk to her. Phyllis: No, no, no, no. Thanks, but no. Jill: No, it might help. Phyllis: I have to take care of this, okay? And the only way you can help is just by staying out of it. So... Jill: Okay, whatever you say. It's your future. Phyllis: Yeah, it is. Um, listen, I have to run. Jill: Mmm. Phyllis: Talk to you later. [SCENE_BREAK] Nikki: What more is there to say? Victor: Sweetheart, our son made a big mistake. And he's paying a huge price for it. All the more reason for you to realize that family comes first. Nikki: Family always comes first with me, Victor, and you know that. But getting rid of my business partner is not going to solve Nicholas and Sharon's problems. Victor: What's the big deal? I'll find a suitable replacement. Nikki: No, there is no replacement. She's irreplaceable. Victor: Her continued presence around here is nothing but destructive to our family. And I won't have it. Nikki: Apparently, we see this situation differently. But because you are only the "V" in N.V.P., I'm afraid you've been outvoted. So Phyllis stays. [SCENE_BREAK] Ashley: You know, I feel kind of bad. Do you think we were just being overanxious trying to blame someone? Jack: Oh, Gloria's right about one thing. In harming Jabot, she's only harming herself. Ashley: Yeah, and the idea of her intentionally burning her face? I mean... Jack: Anger and resentment make people do very scary things, Ash. [SCENE_BREAK] Michael: Oh, goodie, another one. We've got a whole library. Lauren: Hmm, well, it's been a long time since I've had a baby. Michael: I haven't had this much reading to look forward to since I crammed for the bar exam. Lauren: Well, read up, Papa. Michael: I hear this Brazelton guy has all the mysteries figured out. I think I'll start with him. Lauren: Hey, Michael? Michael: Mm-hmm? Lauren: Are you sure there's nothing you wanna talk to me about? Michael: Nothing! Stop worrying. Lauren: You know, awhile ago you made me a promise. That you weren't gonna try and protect me and you weren't gonna hide anything. Michael: I know. Lauren: Yeah, well, that meant a lot to me. Michael: I know it did. Lauren: So there's nothing you wanna say to me? Michael: Not a thing. Lauren: Okay. All right, I don't know what I was thinking. Of course you'd never go back on your word. All right, I'm gonna go take a shower, all right? Michael: You want me to scrub your back? I'll read to you. Lauren: Uh, yeah, you're so tempting. But, you know, stay here. (Doorbell rings) Michael: What do you want? Gloria: Good morning to you, too, Michael. Michael: You're lucky I'm still speaking to you. You have no idea the horrendous position you've put me in. [SCENE_BREAK] Phyllis: Stop right there. Don't say a word. Nikki: I beg your pardon? Phyllis: Whatever guilt trip or power play you and your husband intend to lay on me, forget about it. I'm a founding partner of N.V.P. and you're not getting rid of me. Nikki: Will you just let me speak for a minute? Phyllis: No, no, no, I mean it. So you either accept that, or you help me find a solution-- getting new offices, whatever. But if you intend to force me out, you have a fight on your hands. Nikki: Phyllis, Phyllis, will you just shut up for a moment and listen to me? Phyllis: What? Nikki: I have no intention of getting rid of you. So cool off, okay? Before I change my mind. [SCENE_BREAK] Ashley: I don't know, Jack. I think you're reaching. I mean, I admit that Gloria is annoying and she's self-centered. And she will bend the truth to suit her own purposes. But she's not a complete lunatic. And I believe she loves our father. So I can't imagine her doing anything to harm him. Jack: Yeah, but what if she got Victor Newman whispering in her ear? Ashley: Oh, no, not that again, come on! It's not his style. Jack: No, I still wonder what the relationship between those two is. Ashley: Well, wonder all you want. Just keep it to yourself. Jack: I'll do my best. I'll tell you one thing is not gonna change. Ashley: What's that? Jack: I still don't trust that woman and I never will. [SCENE_BREAK] Gloria: Michael, just please don't start with me. I've had a very tough morning. Michael: Oh, so have I. Gloria: Why? What happened? Michael: Because of you, I just had to lie to my wife. Something I swore I'd never do. Gloria: Lie about what? Michael: Why I'm not my usual chipper self. Gloria: Michael, you're not gonna tell her, are you? Michael: You think I want my new bride to know that my mother's no better than a common murderer? Gloria: Oh, stop it! Just stop it, please! Michael: No! No! Ever since I found out, my guts have been churning, my chest feels like it's in a vise. Gloria: Baby, I know. You're upset. Michael: Upset? I've never been more conflicted in my life! And I can't lay this on Lauren, or she'd just suffer, too. And that's the last thing she needs. Especially now! Gloria: What do you mean, "Now"? Michael: Well, at least if she doesn't know anything, she can't get hurt, right? Gloria: Okay, honey, can we forget about Lauren for one minute? I need to tell you something. Michael: Oh, whatever it is, I don't wanna know. Gloria: You have to know. This is important. Jack and Ashley cornered me. Now they think that I'm the one that sabotaged that cream. Michael: Oh, poor, innocent Gloria. Gloria: I was able to cover. But if they're looking my way, then maybe other people are looking my way. Michael: You should've confessed when I told you to. Gloria: Well, I didn't. And I'm not going to. That's why I'm here. Are you going to help me? Or are you gonna desert me when I need you most? [SCENE_BREAK] Neil: Hey, uh, Vicki? Brad: Good news... we closed the deal. Neil: This was my deal, not yours. Brad: Neil, I know that. There was another bidder. I had to act immediately. Neil: I should've been consulted, Brad. Brad: I'm sorry. You should have been. But it happened very quickly. It was the middle of the night. The man was in Australia. I didn't want to disturb you. Having said that, you should've been informed. [SCENE_BREAK] Phyllis: You're serious? Nikki: Yes, of course, I'm serious. Phyllis: Well, you were so angry with me. I just assumed... Nikki: Look, I haven't forgotten what happened between you and my son, nor will I. But that has nothing to do with N.V.P. I need you, Phyllis. And as long as you produce at the levels that you have been, I have no intention of breaking up our partnership. Phyllis: What about Victor? Nikki: To hell with Victor. He doesn't like it, he can get out. [SCENE_BREAK] Victor: Richard, this is a very important matter since you're the bank's president, I need to talk to you personally. You remember the project involving my wife and Phyllis Abbott? The N.V.P. Project, exactly. As of today, I withdraw all financial backing of that project. You got it. Send the papers to my office. I'll sign them. [NEXT_ON] Lauren: Gloria, I have some news. Michael: I want you to do something for me. Paul: I'm listening. Nikki: I will not let N.V.P sink. Even if I have to sell my stock in Jabot.