Gloria is on the telephone wheeling and dealing to pay who she can for services that were used already for the wedding and for services that she will need again when the wedding is on again. Henri the floral arranger isn't pleased with the way that things were handled the last time and reminds Gloria that for her to get service from him for the wedding when it does happen, she will have to pay for her flowers in advance. When she gets off the cell phone, someone is sitting on the doorbell. It rings repeatedly and over again. Gloria opens the door to her angry son Michael. "You told me that you didn't know Jennifer Mitchell mother. She saved your life at the party! Remember that? You set her up to bail Tom out didn't you? DIDN'T YOU?" Gloria is cornered. She hangs her head. She is busted. Michael gets even more livid when he realizes that this woman knew Tom before he was bailed out of jail. It wasn't someone that he met up with afterwards. It was as Michael feared. Tom has a friend and an extra pair of hands. Michael demands to know where it is that he can find Jennifer. He rethinks his request telling Gloria to forget it. "Every time that you get involved in something you screw it up," he says. "I will find her myself." The computers have crashed at Newman and everyone gets on a telephone to do their part in finding the answer to this problem and getting things fixed. Brad gives Nick periodic dirty looks knowing that this has Phyllis written all over it. Victoria too is unhappy but keeps her comments to herself. Neil suddenly gets a call. "What?" He rushes to Drucilla and asks her to log on and try to get on the website. She does and it works! Everyone claps and shouts with happiness. The site is up. Brad asks what the problem was. Neil says that he was told that the problem wasn't computer programming at all it seems, it was a hardware issue instead. Brad keeps his surprise well hidden as he was sure that Phyllis took at shot at them when she had the chance. Nick asks his sister for an apology for thinking that he screwed up by having Phyllis work on the computer, but she will hold off on that. She isn't sure that they are quite out of the woods with Phyllis at this point! Phyllis calls when she later hears from Jill what happened. She tells Nick that she wants him to know that she didn't do this. He tells her not to worry. "I knew that you didn't do anything Phyllis. Don't worry about it." Scott shows up at Sheila's room ready to work but something is different about him. Sheila notices right away that he is way too happy and smiling all over the place. "What is going on Scott?" He gives her a business card. She reads it. "Mr. Adrienne Wiley Publisher " she shrugs. "So?" Scott takes out a copy of the manuscript that he sent to the publisher. Sheila reaches for it and looks at it. "I sent it in Brenda. I sent it to a publisher and they are picking it up! We sold our book!" Sheila is not happy and it shows. "What do you mean? No! I don't want this! This is my life and it isn't for public consumption! I know that we were going to publish this in the beginning but don't' you see? This is my life and I don't want this anymore." Scott gets angry but he holds back. "I understand you wanting to keep your privacy, so I tell you what we will do Brenda. We will make any changes that you want so that the story doesn't mirror your life as much if you like. We can change the title, anything that you want." Sheila will not let up. She will not allow this book to go to print. Now Scott blows his top. "What was all this about then Brenda? Look at all the work that we did. What was it all for if you never planed to publish it?" Phyllis shows up at the Athletic Club, not realizing that Jack has just left. She is accosted by Jill who asks her if she is happy now. Phyllis has no idea what she is talking about. Jill tells that the Newman web cast was a failure as their computers crashed. Phyllis had no idea and denies that she did anything to bring this on. Jill doesn't believe her. Phyllis assures her that she had the chance to wreck the system but she didn't. She knew that the whole thing would just point straight back at her. She offers to tell the truth to Jill, a truth that not even Jack knows about. "I was in the brains of the Newman computers and I didn't do anything bad to them, but what I did do was leave a back door open so that I and no one else could go in and do a little damage. I didn't do it for any particular reason; I just did it because I could. What I have done is not illegal Jill so don't worry. When I do something to hurt their computers, that is when I will have crossed the line." Jill assures Phyllis that she had better not cross the line or she will be promptly out of Jabot and fast! Both ladies decide that Jack isn't to be told of the back door' that Phyllis has built for herself in Newman's computers. "If he learns about that Jill, he will ride me day and night until I destroy that company with their own computers." Jill agrees. Sheila has to do something about Scott selling the story to a publisher. She swings into action heading to the bathroom and slipping into her disguise. She takes the business card of the publisher and heads out to do damage control. Sheila ends up, (dressed as Jennifer) walking into the Athletic Club to find Gina. She tells that she is looking for a Mr. Wiley and she flashes the business card asking Gina if she knows this man or if he had been staying at the Athletic Club while he was in town. Gina says that the man was around but had to leave suddenly. She tells Jennifer to go sit at a table and she will bring the woman a coffee. After Jennifer walks to a table, Gina goes around the counter and gets out her phonebook quickly flipping the pages. She calls Michael and tells him that Jennifer is here in the club. Michael rushes over and appears suddenly at Sheila's table. He smiles at her telling her that he knows all her secrets, knows that she has been hiding, and that she has been lying all along. He assures her that all her secrets end right now.
Victoria: No. No, I don't want to hear that. Don't give me excuses. I want to know what's going on. I want to know why... Nick: I understand. Yes, it is frustrating. We were hoping to have our webcast up and running by now, and my sister's on the phone with our I.T. people. I assure you, this problem will be solved very soon. You're just gonna have to trust me. Look, I understand. Brad: You okay? Sharon: Does anyone know what the problem is? Brad: Well, not yet, but I'm sure Phyllis could. Brad: It's certainly beginning to look that way. Sharon: Jeez. Brad: Anyway, you just... you hang tight, okay? I'm sure we'll be ready to roll soon. And you do look beautiful. I know I've told you that already, but you do. Sharon: Thanks. There are some things a girl can't hear enough of. Brad: This webcast is going to make you a star, Sharon, and it's gonna be great for the company. Now we just need to get these damn computers working. Nick: We are working on it right now. We're gonna have this fixed very, very soon. [SCENE_BREAK] Jill: Thank you. Jill: And what are you looking so happy about? Jack: Well, I just heard from my insider at Newman. I guess the servers that host their web site just went kerplooey. Jill: And you're pleased about that? Jack: Are you kidding? I couldn't be happier. So much for their live webcast on launch day. I guess Bradski and Victoria won't be getting any marketing awards after all. Jill: You did talk to Phyllis, didn't you? Damn it, Jack! I told you to call her off! [SCENE_BREAK] Ashley: Okay, what do you think? Do you like the decorations? Abby: I love them. They look beautiful. Thank you, Mommy. Ashley: You're welcome. It's all for you, sweetie. By the way, do you know what a very special thing it is when you actually lose your tooth on your birthday? Abby: It feels kind of funny when I talk, but I like it. Ashley: Sounds kind of funny, too. Abby: Mommy, did you invite Victor? Ashley: Do you want him here? Abby: Well, it'd be nice. Even if he's too busy to come, we should still invite him, don't you think? [SCENE_BREAK] Nikki: Oops, what's that? Victor: It's a birthday present for Abby. Nikki: Oh, I completely forgot about that. Victor: Well, with all that has been going on in your life, how could you possibly remember that? Nikki: Well, it was sweet of you to get her something. You gonna drop it by Brad's later? Victor: You know, I was thinking since both of her parents are very busy, why don't we have a party for her? Nikki: I'm sorry. You want to have a party for Abby? Victor: Yeah, right here at the ranch. Why not? [SCENE_BREAK] Sheila: Well, I take it you're here to work on the book. Scott: Oh, you'd better believe we're working on the book. Sheila: Well, you're in a good mood today. What's up? Scott: Here it is. Check this out. Sheila: A business card? Scott: Read it. Sheila: "Adrian Wyle, Harwell-Berg publishing company, New York, New York." So it's a card. Why should I be interested in this person? Scott: (Laughs) you should be very, very interested. Sheila: What are you talking about, Scott? Scott: I'm talking about this. This is our novel. They're gonna publish it. Isn't that incredible? Sheila: They're gonna what? [SCENE_BREAK] Gloria: Uh-huh. Oh, but of course not. I mean, who would want to throw away a beautiful room full of exquisite flower arrangements? And you are such an artist, Henri. The church? Well, I think that's wonderful. Oh, but, Henri, you know then that I'm going to have to have the receipt for my taxes. Yes, Hen-- yes, Henri, but please, Henri, I will be able to get you when we reschedule the wedding, right, please? Well, of course, Henri, cash in advance. Thank you. I'll be in touch. (Doorbell rings) Michael: Okay, Gloria, enough with the lies. For once in your life, you're gonna tell me the absolute truth, and I'm not playing games. Lives could be at stake. [SCENE_BREAK] Lauren: Get out of my head! (Crying) please! Please, God, make it stop! [SCENE_BREAK] Gloria: What are you talking about? Whose lives are at stake? Michael: Did you think I wouldn't find out? Gloria: Find out what? Michael: Jennifer Mitchell. Name ring a bell? You said you had no idea who she was, remember? You care to amend that statement? Gloria: Michael, I already told you-- Michael: You know damn well this is the woman who saved your miserable life! Gloria: Really? Michael: She's also the woman who paid Tom's bail! Only she's a part-time waitress. She probably has less than 50 bucks in the bank, not 50 grand! Gloria: Stop it. Stop it. Michael: No more of your lies! You put up that money, didn't you? Didn't you?! Gloria: I had to. Michael: You! All I wanted was that bastard behind bars, and you had to cave! No, you had to cave, and then to rope some poor, unfortunate waitress into doing your dirty work! Gloria: It was Tom's idea! Michael: Wait a minute. Are you telling me that Tom knew this Jennifer before she showed up with his bail? Michael: Oh, no, you tell me. I need to know. Tell me! She could be very dangerous. [SCENE_BREAK] Scott: Harwell-Berg wants to publish our novel. Well, say something. Sheila: Wait, what is this? Scott: Oh, it's the first few chapters we roughed out, plus a treatment of the rest of the story and a working title. Sheila: "One stolen heart." Scott: Yeah, we don't have to call it that if you don't like it, but Adrian loved it. He actually showed up at my place last night with a contract. Can you believe this? Sheila: You sent this out to a publisher? Scott: Yeah, if they like the finished draft, it's a done deal. Well, what's wrong? You don't look happy. Sheila: Scott, no. Scott: No, what? Sheila: No, I don't want this published. Scott: Getting this story between hard covers, Brenda, this is our dream come true! Sheila: Yes, at one time, at one time, yes, but now, no. Scott: Brenda... Sheila: Don't you get it? This is my life. I don't want it out there for public consumption. It's too personal and painful. Surely you can understand that. Scott: Fine, fine, then we'll play away from the reality angle. It'll just be a novel, pure fiction. No one has to know it actually happened to you. I think I can get-- Sheila: What is it you don't understand about "no"? I am not an angle that you can play away from, Scott. This is my life, my life! Scott: I can't believe you, Brenda. I can't believe you'd do this. You gave me this story. You said it was mine! Sheila: No, please, please, don't be mad. Scott: Don't be mad?! What did you think, I'd be thrilled about this?! Sheila: I can't let this happen. I won't let this happen. [SCENE_BREAK] Ashley: Okay, you can finish your homework in here, and I'm gonna run out for a little bit. Abby: Where are you going? Ashley: I gotta go to the bakery to pick up your cake, and I gotta get a couple of other things. Dylan's gonna keep his eye on you, though, all right? I'll be right back. Abby: Okay. Mommy? Ashley: Mm-hmm? Abby: Did you talk to Daddy? He said he had a really busy day today, but he'd be here no matter what. Ashley: I don't know, honey. I haven't spoken with him since last night. Abby: I really want both of you here. It won't be the same without him. Ashley: I know. Well, Daddy's gonna do his very best to be here, all right? In the meantime, homework. Get going. [SCENE_BREAK] Victoria: Tell him that we need a little more time. Drucilla, would you get west coast distribution? Dru: Wait. Brad: Okay. Dru: Hello? Nick: We need to think about pulling the plug. Brad: You're kidding me. Nick: No, I'm not kidding. The sales are strong. The webcast won't affect that much. Brad: Well, it goes beyond that, Nick. We made a promise to our retailers. They've been publicizing this for weeks. If it doesn't happen, it's a black eye for everyone. Nick: Some more than others. Brad: What's the status of the servers? Nick: I'm not gonna take no for an answer. Uh, they're still down. They haven't been able to find the source of the problem. Brad: Any idea how long we'll be off-line? Neil: It's hard to say, you know? Could be a few more minutes, could be a couple of days. They just don't know. Yeah, I'm right here. I don't care how long it takes. Just get it done! I mean it, now. Brad: We need to make a decision. Nick: I agree. We need to pull the plug. They can still show the DVD of Sharon and the products. At least there will be something. Brad: Victoria? Victoria: All right, let's do it. Neil: Okay, I'll start calling the stores. Dru: Should I take the east or west coast? Neil: Take east. Yeah, this is Neil Winters from Newman Enterprises. Yeah, that's right. We have a problem with the servers. Brad: Sorry about this, Sharon. Victoria: So something's wrong with the server. Maybe you'd better get Phyllis in here to save us, or is she the reason that we're in this mess? [SCENE_BREAK] Gloria: Jennifer's not dangerous. Michael: Then Tom does know her? Gloria: Yeah. Michael: Then I'm right. She helped him. Gloria: Helped him what? Michael: Poison Lauren. Gloria: Oh, come on, Michael! Michael: What happened to Lauren was no accident! Gloria: Oh, please! He's lots of things, but he ain't no killer. Michael: There is only one thing missing. Tom was in prison when Lauren was poisoned, and now I find out he has this friend, this very special friend on the outside. Gloria: Jennifer saved my life. How bad can she be? Michael: We'll see. How do I get in touch with this Jennifer Mitchell? Gloria: I don't know. Michael: Gloria... Gloria: I don't know, Michael. She's new in town. Michael: Oh, save it. Just, you... all right, when you see or hear from this Jennifer Mitchell, you te-- no, don't, don't. Don't do a thing, per usual, because when you do things, they make matters worse. [SCENE_BREAK] Jill: You agreed to have Phyllis undo whatever she did to their web site. Jack: I never had a chance to talk to Phyllis. Besides, I didn't know her little bomb would go off quite so soon. Jill: Don't you remember what happened to Victor when he broke the law? Jack: Yes, I do. He had his wrist slapped. He did a little community service. What do you think, they're gonna haul me off to jail? Jill: You and whoever else is involved. God, nobody's above the law, not even my mother. Jack: In a worst-case scenario, there's no way they'd haul your mother in for something Phyllis did. Jill: I'm not gonna argue scenarios with you. My mother happens to be the chairman of the board of our parent company, and you'd better believe she'd disapprove of this, as would your father, who values his good name above everything else. Jack: Don't you dare bring them into this. Jill: Jack, if this kind of thing doesn't stop, I will bring them in. Jack: Are you blackmailing me? Jill: No, I'm looking out for the best interests of our company. Jack: You are being naive, sweetheart. It is not enough to play nice with the other kids at this level. You've got to play to win. If the shoe were on the other foot, if Victor's people had a chance to sabotage our web site, you'd better believe they'd jump at the chance. Jill: Oh, nice work, Phyllis, very nice work. You must be as proud of yourself as Jack is. [SCENE_BREAK] Nick: I asked Phyllis point-blank if she messed with our computers. She told me I had nothing to worry about. Victoria: And you believe her? Nick: I do. Dru: Thank you. Brad, there's a rep from Batterman-Taylor on the line. He said he never got the letter for the line of credit. Brad: Oh, great. Thank you. I'll be right there. Dru: Okay. Brad: This may take awhile. Sharon: All right, well, hey, don't forget about this afternoon. Brad: This afternoon? Sharon: Yeah, Abby's birthday party. Miguel's taking Noah over to the coffeehouse. Brad: Oh, I totally forgot. I'm gonna have a lot of trouble being there on time. Sharon: Oh, well, if you want, I could go over to Crimson Lights and tell Abby you'll just be there as soon as you can. Brad: Really? You would do that for me? Sharon: Of course. You know, I have my cell phone on me. Call me if something comes up. Brad: Sharon, thank you. I really appreciate it. Sharon: You're welcome. You know I love spending time with Abby. Brad: She loves spending time with you, too. I'd better go take this. Sharon: Okay, I'll talk to you later. Brad: Thanks again. Sharon: Um, I'm gonna run out for awhile, so just call me if you need me here. Nick: Okay. Sharon: Okay. [SCENE_BREAK] Victor: Uh, I know that you're not happy about my relationship with Abby. Nikki: No, Victor, it has nothing to do with that. She's a sweet kid. You should be proud of her. Victor: I am proud of her. Nikki: I'm just saying, isn't there some other way that you can let her know you're thinking about her? Have a special dinner or take her to the zoo or something, something that doesn't require her to come over here with all of her little friends and ultimately Brad and Ashley. Victor: Wait a minute. Don't you think it's unfair for a child to pay the price for our animosities? Nikki: I have made a tremendous effort to get along with Ashley. I've tried to treat her just as I would any other colleague at Jabot, but the truth of the matter is, there is still a lot of resentment between us. Victor: Sweetheart, none of this has anything to do with Abby. Nikki: Look, Ashley created this situation. She's the one who should be making concessions here, not me. (Doorbell rings) Victor: I was just talking-- Nikki: I'll get the door. Ashley: Hello, Nikki. Is Victor home? [SCENE_BREAK] Phyllis: What's the attitude, Jill? Jill: Look, I realize that you and Jack are very close, but from now on, if you value your job, you'll be real careful who you take orders from. Phyllis: Okay. Jill: You and Jack think you're so clever sabotaging the Newman computers, but here's the deal. If you did it, you're fired. It's that simple. Phyllis: Wait a second, wait a second. Are you telling me something's wrong with the Newman computers? Jill: Oh, please don't play innocent with me. Jack was just in here crowing about it, telling me what a genius you are. Phyllis: Oh, my God. Oh my God. Jill: See, you know exactly what I'm talking about. And here's something else. Jabot doesn't need your dirt-- Phyllis: Okay, wait a second, wait a second. You stop right there. You heard Jack's version. Now do you want to hear the truth? [SCENE_BREAK] Lauren: Oh, Michael! Michael: What? You okay? Lauren: Thank God. Yeah, yeah, I just... sometimes when I'm alone, I just think about things I shouldn't and... but you know, when you walk through the door, then it's all okay. Michael: Well, you can just call me anytime, and I'll come home and make it better. Lauren: Oh, I just love being in your arms. I feel so safe. Michael: Well, I would do anything to protect you. Lauren: I know. Anytime I go anywhere or I look out a window, there's that car. Michael: There are men in that car whose job it is to protect you with their lives, if necessary. Lauren: Don't you think you're going too far, hmm? Lauren: All right, well, I have a hundred things to do today. Michael: I need you to stay put. Lauren: Why? Do you know something I don't know? [SCENE_BREAK] Ashley: I'm sorry to drop by like this. I just needed to speak with you, Victor. Nikki: Oh, well, then that would be my cue to go. Ashley: Not at all. I wanted to let you know that we're having a birthday party for Abby this afternoon at the coffeehouse. Victor: And you know, I bought a present for her, so can I just-- Ashley: Actually, I'm not here to invite you. Victor: Oh, why not? Ashley: Um, because Brad and I are divorcing, and I don't think it's a good time to remind him of your relationship with Abby. Victor: So then you're saying I can't do anything for her birthday, is that it? Ashley: Not at all, no, no. I'm sure we can plan something special in the very near future. Victor: Well, if she wants that. Ashley: She loves you. In fact, it was her idea to invite you to her party, so there's no problem there. It's just with the situation with Brad and everything... Victor: All right, good. Well, then I'll make some other arrangements. Ashley: Okay, I appreciate this. I gotta go to the coffeehouse. Victor: Let me take you to the door. Nikki: Bye. Ashley: Bye-bye. Bye. Victor: Well, I guess things turned out the way you wanted them. Nikki: Darling, the only thing that I want is to be comfortable in my own home and for you to be able to spend time with your daughter. Victor: Yeah, I understand. Nikki: You could have insisted on going to that party. I'm glad you didn't. Victor: This is not about me. This is about what's best for Abby. Nikki: I agree, and you proved that. [SCENE_BREAK] (Knock on door) Abby: Come in. Sharon: Well, there's my favorite little girl. Someone told me you were back here. Abby: Hi, Sharon. Look, I'm drawing a picture for my art class. Sharon: Oh, wow, that is beautiful. You know, I had no idea you could draw so well. Abby: Do you want it? I could give it to you after I get it back from my teacher. Sharon: I would love that. Hey, honey, um, the reason why I'm here is because I have a message from your daddy. He's very busy. Abby: I know. He's gonna be at my party, right? Sharon: Well, he might be a little bit late. Abby: Well, I guess that's okay, but I really want him and Mommy here when I blow out my candles, 'cause that's what I'm wishing for, for them to be together again. Sharon: Come here. You know, even if you don't get exactly what you wish for, as long as you wish for something good and something happy, someone will listen. Abby: Thank you. [SCENE_BREAK] Neil: Winters. Travis, yeah. Okay, we'll give it another shot. Hang on, stay there. Honey, honey, honey, I.T. says we can try again. Dru: Okay, okay. Neil: Go ahead, log in with your screen name. I'm here, Travis. Okay, just give us a second. Dru: Oh! Neil: That's it. We're back up! We're back up and running! Dru: Oh, my God! Neil: Thank you, thank you. You're a genius! We're up and running, people! Brad: What was the problem? Neil: Well, it wasn't in the programming. It was hardware, uh, a bad chip. They replaced it. We're good to go. Victoria: Excellent. Dru: Oh, my God. Oh, I thought I'd die. Oh! [SCENE_BREAK] Jill: I'm waiting. Phyllis: I did not plant a bomb in the Newman system. I did not. But I did leave a backdoor access, a secret bit of code that only I know about, which allows me to access their servers from any location. I didn't do it to make Jack happy. I did it... well, I did it because I could. Phyllis: It's a game, Jill. It's a game. It's harmless, I promise you. Jill: Harmless unless you decide to use it. Am I right? Phyllis: Did I make a mistake telling you this? Jill: Phyllis, just answer me this one question. Is what you did illegal? Phyllis: Not in and of itself, no. Jill: But you could use it to do illegal things. Phyllis: If I wanted to, yes, but I don't. Jill: (Sighs) okay, I'm gonna hold you to this. As long as you never use your little secret weapon, you can continue to work at Jabot. Phyllis: Okay, listen. Even if you're tempted, you can't roast Jack with this. Jill, if you do, he's gonna be on me 24-7 to exploit it. Jill: Believe me, he will never hear this from me. Now you, on the other hand... Phyllis: Yeah, I know. I don't want to lie to him, right? Jill: I really don't see that you have much choice. He thinks you're the one who brought down their servers today. Phyllis: Oh, my God. I'm sure he's not the only one. Will you excuse me? [SCENE_BREAK] Nick: What's that? Victoria: Latest nationwide sales figures. Nick: Wow. We're looking very strong. Victoria: Yes, well, just imagine where we'd be if we'd done the webcast. Nick: Well, we'll give it a shot tomorrow. Are you, uh, planning on apologizing any time soon? Victoria: For what? Nick: You automatically assume that Phyllis messed with our servers. Turns out it was a hardware problem. You know that's not her fault. Victoria: What I know is that you took an awfully big risk trusting Phyllis. Your gamble paid off, but we're not out of the woods yet, are we? (Cell phone rings) Nick: This is Nick. Phyllis: Hey, Nicholas, it's Phyllis. I heard the webcast hit a snag. Nick: Yeah, but its okay. We solved the problem. Phyllis: Oh, good. Good, because I didn't want you to think it was something I did on purpose. Nick: I never thought that, Phyllis. Phyllis: That's good to know. All right, I'll see you later. Nick: All right. Brad: Oh, believe me, Frank, I know it's frustrating. Yeah... all right, how about if we reimburse you a portion of the advertising dollars you spent on the webcast? [SCENE_BREAK] Sharon: Okay, don't forget to put your name on top of the page. Ashley: Well, I am back. Sharon, what are you doing here? Sharon: Um, well, Brad's running a little late, so he asked me to stop by and let Abby know that he'll be here as soon as he can. Ashley: Oh, that was nice. So you're sort of his goodwill ambassador? Sharon: Something like that. Abby: Mommy... what's in the bag? Ashley: Well, I've got all sorts of party favors, and I've got streamers. You wanna help me finish decorating? Abby: Okay. Ashley: Sweetie, Daddy's gonna be here. Abby: I know. I just wish he was here now to help us. Ashley: You know what? Maybe its better that he's not because he's not very good at decorating. Remember that time? Abby: No, he's not. Ashley: That's right. Abby: But he could cut the cake. Ashley: Yes, he could. I think its better we go that way. Come on, let's finish decorating. Abby: Okay. Bye, Sharon. Sharon: Bye. Abby: Bye. Sharon: Hello, Katherine, this is Sharon Newman. I'm well, thank you. Is Esther there, by any chance? [SCENE_BREAK] Sheila: (British accent) hello, Gina. Gina: Jennifer, hi. What can I do for you? Sheila: Well, actually, I'm looking for a gentleman. I understand he was in town last evening. I assumed he stayed here. The rooms are so lovely. Have you heard of him? Gina: Oh, yes, Mr. Wylie. He was here last night for a quick dinner, but he didn't stay. I believe he was in Chicago at a convention. Sheila: Oh. So I've missed him. Damn. Gina: I... I'm sorry. Listen, can I get you something? Sheila: You know, a coffee would be lovely. Gina: Good, why don't you make yourself comfortable, and I'll send the waiter right over? Sheila: Well, thank you. [SCENE_BREAK] Michael: I'm just following some leads. That's all. Lauren: You don't think Tom Fisher's gonna come bursting in here, do you? Michael: Tom will not get anywhere near you again. Lauren: All right, so what are you not telling me? Michael: All right, I have no proof. It's really just a theory. Lauren: All right, well, tell me. I mean, especially if it's about keeping me safe. Michael: All right. You remember that party we gave Scott at the Athletic Club? Lauren: Yeah, what about it? (Cell phone rings) Michael: Hold on. Michael Baldwin. Gina: It's Gina. Listen, Jennifer's here. Michael: Keep her there, Gina. I don't care how you do it. Just keep her there. Gina: All right, I'll do my best. Michael: I'm on my way. All right, I won't be long. Lauren: Wait, keep who where? Michael: I'll explain later. You stay put. Just stay put, please. [SCENE_BREAK] Brad: Yes, Frank, absolutely. We'll get the money out to you right away. Okay, keep me in touch, thanks. Everything's set with Batterman-Taylor. Victoria: Excellent. Speaking of excellent-- take a look at these numbers. Brad: When did these come in? Victoria: Just a few minutes ago. Pretty impressive, huh? Brad: Absolutely beautiful. Dru: Who? Brad: You. Dru: Me? Brad: This incredible new product line was your brainchild. Thanks to you, it looks like Newman Enterprises is going to make a lot of money. Dru: Yes, sir! Brad: Everyone, let's give Drucilla a well-deserved round of applause. Dru: Oh! Brad: And let's not forget Mr. Winters. Dru: Oh, that's right. Brad: Neil, you and I didn't always see eye-to-eye on this project, but when it came down to it, you put your shoulder to the wheel, and you gave it your all. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Neil: No, wait, wait, wait. I can't take all this credit. You know, this was a team effort. Everyone in this room should be very proud of yourselves, so... Dru: That's right. A round of applause for ourselves. Good work, everybody. Neil: All right, listen, um, I've gotta get back to my office, return some calls. Dru: Me, too. Neil: I'll see you later. Dru: Bye. Neil: Bye, guys. Brad: We'll talk soon. Nick: You know where Sharon is? Brad: Yeah, she's at the coffeehouse. Abby's having her birthday party there. She was nice enough to let her know that I'm going to be a little late. Nick: So you sent our corporate spokesmodel on a personal errand at a time like this? [SCENE_BREAK] (Cell phone rings) Jack: Jack Abbott. Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. How's it going over there? Is it a real bloodbath? You're kidding. Wait, those are incredible numbers. How'd that --how did that happen? Damn. Yeah, keep me informed of any changes. Thanks. Phyllis... [SCENE_BREAK] Gloria: Jennifer? Gloria: Jennifer, its Gloria Abbott. Please open the door. We have to talk. Jennifer? [SCENE_BREAK] Lauren: Well, this is a pleasant surprise. Scott: Thought I'd stop by, see how you're doing. Lauren: I'm fine. How about you? Scott: I'm great-- just great. Lauren: You don't sound great. What's the matter? Scott: Nothing. Lauren: You know, if you took that face to Vegas, you'd lose. Come on, honey, maybe I can help. Scott: It's Brenda. I can't believe that woman. Hey, what's that? It's pretty cool. [SCENE_BREAK] Phyllis: Jack?! Jack! How dare you? How dare you tell Jill that I sabotaged the Newman web server? Jack: Funny, I have a question for you. Why didn't you, when you had the chance? [SCENE_BREAK] Brad: I didn't send Sharon to the coffeehouse. She offered to go. Nick: Why didn't you tell her she's needed here? Brad: How about because she isn't? Not right now. What are you so upset about? Nick: My wife doesn't need to be at your little girl's birthday party. She should be here. She's our company spokesmodel. Brad: Nick, why don't you get a grip, all right? Why are you blowing this out of proportion? Victoria: Guys, guys, easy, okay? It's been a crazy day for all of us. But it's also been a very successful day. So let's just focus on that. Brad: All right, things seem to be more or less under control here. If I hurry, I can make it to Abby's birthday before she blows out the candles. Victoria: Oh, sure. Do me a favor-- wish Abby a happy birthday from me. Brad: I'll do that. See you later. (Telephone rings) Victoria: Victoria Newman. Oh, actually, yeah, he's right here. Brad? It's Simpson in Atlanta. He's your guy. He sounds upset. Brad: Craig, yeah, what's up? Oh, come on, don't tell me that! [SCENE_BREAK] Lauren: So what's going on with your writing partner? Scott: I told you she gave me the framework of the story. Lauren: Right, and then you wrote it. Scott: Yeah, right. And, you know, I've been working on this day and night. We agreed from the beginning, it was gonna be a book. Lauren: So what? She now wants credit for writing it? Scott: No, get this. Now she says she's not gonna let me publish it at all. Lauren: What? After all your hard work? Wait a minute. This doesn't make sense. Scott: Brenda says it's her story, and she's pulling the plug. Lauren: Ah. This happened right after the publisher wanted it. Okay, this is about money. Scott: I don't think so. Lauren: What else could it be? Let's talk to Michael. I'm sure he can help. Scott: You don't think bringing in a lawyer is just gonna make this worse? Lauren: Scott, I am not gonna let this woman jerk you around. I mean, who the hell does she think she is? [SCENE_BREAK] Michael: Hello, Jennifer. Sheila: Do I know you? Michael: I don't know, do you? Sheila: Yes, yes, you gave me your business card. You're the son of the woman who was choking that evening. How are you? Michael: Angry. I'm very angry. Sheila: Really? Perhaps you should have a drink and relax. Michael: Do you know what would make me feel better? For you to tell the truth. Because I know you lie. Sheila: I don't know what you're talking about. And I don't appreciate-- Michael: Look, I know you're trying to hide who you are and what you're up to. But no more. Time to drop the pretense. Now you're gonna give me answers, and you're gonna give them to me right now. [NEXT_ON] Victor: There's an old maxim in business--hope for the best, you prepare for the worst. Phyllis: I can't do what you want me to do. Jack: What do you mean you can't? Michael: I think you're the one who delivered the poison that almost killed my fiancée.