Kyle tries some food to help Lola decide what food would be best for her to take to the Harvest Festival organizers so her food truck can get a spot. Abby sees Lola kissing Kyle and tells him she isn't his type bt once she hears how much he admires Lola for her work ethic and her personality she thinks that Kyle is finally growing up and Lola might be good for him. Abby later tells Arturo that Lola is dating Kyle and Arturo tells Lola that Kyle isn't good for her. Rey overhears the conversation and agrees with Arturo especially when he does a background check and discovers Kyle's grave digging charges which were dropped. The brothers want to have Kyle to dinner so they can give him the once over but Lola puts her foot down and says they will meet Kyle when she wants them to meet him. Lola is also happy that she got a spot fopr her truck at the Harvest Festival and starts making plans for a second food truck. Phyllis gets a second note that says the first number is 2 and she and Victoria think Rey is either a dirty cop or he is trying to make t and nophem nervous so they will confess their crime. Vitoria gets a second note sent to her office saying the third number is 0 and she is really worried that the person sending the notes isn't Rey. Jack calls a nother emergancy board meeting when Ashley refuses to give him or Traci answers about the payments to Andrew but Ashley manages to lie her way out of a corner saying Andrew was hired to conduct secret research on an anti aging face cream that might help cure Cancer. Phyllis walks into the meeting late and ruins everything by telling eeryone that Andrew works for the memorial Hospital DNA lab. Jack and Kyle continue to pish Ashley for the truth so much so that Jack offers Andrew ten times the money Ashley paid him to tell them why Ashley hired him. Ashley tells Jack he doesn't have to wave his checkbook around that she will tell him the truth. Ashleytells Jack that she hired Andrew to help with his DNA Test. Ashley tells Jack that he has been John Abbott's son all along.
[PREVIOUSLY_ON] Rey: A-are you dating someone? Because if you are, I would like to meet him. Lola: I'm an adult now. You need to back off. Kyle: Forget something? Lola: This. Kyle: This guy has something on ashley. Jack: Did you recognize him, or his name? Kyle: He didn't give me a last name. Just andrew. Phyllis: Andrew lynford. Andrew: [ Laughs ] Oh, wow! Phyllis: Wow. Andrew: Oh, my god. Phyllis, I almost didn't recognize you. I haven't seen you since, what, new york? Phyllis: Since the good old days -- dms labs. Rey: Criminals always make a mistake, no matter how small, that can be exploited. Even the best leave something behind that eventually give them away. Victoria: We don't know who sent these letters or how they know what they know. We have to keep our guards up and be ready for the next move. Because one thing is for sure -- something is coming. Ashley: And, unfortunately, the numbers left me no choice. As much as I wanted to kill the boutiques, it was too late. It would have cost us financially. One more thing we have to thank billy for. Lauren: Hmm. Ashley: But I want you to know that I realize fenmore's always has been, always will be vital to jabot's brick-and-mortar strategy. Lauren: I'm really glad to hear it. I knew I was casting the correct vote for C.E.O. Ashley: [ Laughs ] Lauren: I've made no secret of the problems I've had with the way that jack and billy have treated fenmore's in the past. Ashley: Well, now that I'm in charge, I'm going to support fenmore's 100%. When I tell you that jack and kyle have it out for me, I'm not telling you something you don't know, right? They're not gonna let me lead in peace.& Lauren: [ Sighs ] That's really too bad. But there's no reason to cast another vote, because it was the majority rule. Ashley: Right. But I think they're gonna be a little bit more subtle than that, you know? They'll try to undermine me, and maybe question my judgment. Lauren: [ Sighs ] Ashley: I just want to make sure you know where we stand, right? You know where I stand? I mean, I think, together, you and I can bring fenmore's to new heights. And to that end, I intend to boost the marketing and infrastructure budgets of all the stores. Lauren: Really? Ashley: Mm-hmm. Lauren: That'S... very exciting. Ashley: Yes, it is. Lauren: But with money being so tight, it almost seems... wrong. Like you're trying to bribe me or something. Jack: Kyle has been digging. I won't discuss his methods. But the reality is, he discovered six months of mysterious payments from jabot to this andrew at type a consulting. Ashley claims it's top-secret stuff to undo billy's damage, but it just seems suspicious. Traci: [ Sighs ] Ashley was in charge of research & development. If she says that there was -- Jack: There is no lab. There is no location. Traci: That you know of. Jack: There is a P.O. Box. I gave ashley every opportunity to tell us where the lab was. She just dug in her heels more. Traci: Oh. Well, what do you expect, with you second-guessing her like that? And, to me, what you're saying sounds a lot like accusations based on speculation. I wouldn't be surprised at all if ashley read it the same way. [ Chuckles ] Jack, come on. Our sister would never do anything unethical. Jack: I'm not saying she would. I'm just worried about her. She might be in trouble. And she's not gonna turn to me for help. Traci: [ Sighs ] Jack... ashley is C.E.O. Now. You're just gonna have to accept it. Give her a break. And give jabot a break. And if you go around stirring up trouble, I will fight you every step of the way. Kyle: Ooh! A spike of citrus, right? Mmm. Mm-hmm. That's the one. That one's killer. Okay. Can I have my eyesight back now? Please? Lola: Last one. I swear. Kyle: I'm stuffed. Lola: Look, this one's good. I promise. Kyle: [ Sighs ] Okay. I'm ready. And we have a winner. Lola: You are so easy. Kyle: I have a discerning palate. [ Sighs ] But, seriously, you're going to wow the harvest festival organizer. Lola: I hope so. Because if my truck can get a slot at that event -- I mean, the take, the exposure -- it would be huge. Kyle: Cuban food and wisconsin cheese? It's the new fusion. The nusion. You won't miss. Lola: I could. Kyle: You won'T. Lola: Yeah, I won'T. Kyle: [ Laughs ] But one thing. Hey. Stop trying to make flan-on-a-stick happen. Lola: You have no vision. Abby: Hi. Okay. Tell me. What are you doing with my boyfriend's little sister? Victoria: [ Sighs ] No offense, but I cringe every time I see your name on my phone. Phyllis: No offense taken. Did you get another note? Victoria: No. But I take it you did. Phyllis: I am not gonna wait till the rest of the coven shows up. "First digit is 2." Victoria: Two what? 2,000? 2 million? Phyllis: Two severed limbs. Victoria: [ Sighs ] That's not helping. Phyllis: Well, neither is this note. Victoria: [ Sighs ] They already said they want us to pay. Phyllis: Yeah. With what? Money? Fear? Body parts? I-I don't know. I don't know what kind of game this jerk is playing. Victoria: [ Sighs ] Rey: Hello, ladies. What's so fascinating? Additional sponsorship Kyle: So, it's just been a few dates. Hanging out. Trying amazing sandwiches. You know she owns her own business, right? Abby: Mm-hmm. Yeah. A food truck. Arturo is very proud, and he is very protective. Kyle: A food truck. Because she wanted it. She wanted it, and she made it happen, because that's how her brain works. Abby: You're gushing. Kyle: I'm stating facts. Abby: She's not your type. Kyle: Clearly she is. Abby: No, she's not flighty or fluffy or pretentious. Arturo told me she gets up early for work every day. She busts ass all day. She's not one of those girls that goes and gets bottle service at every club in town. Have you ever even dated a girl that knows how to drive a truck? Kyle: I have now. Abby: [ Sighs ] She's sweet and honest and direct. No B.S. Kyle: Unlike me. Abby: Ugh. Kyle, do I have to remind you of some of the things that you've pulled over the past year? To either try to get ahead at jabot or suck up to my dad or both? Kyle: To be fair -- Abby: Is that an admission? Kyle: To be fair, that was only business. This is my personal life. Abby: Oh, wow. I feel so much better. No! No, I am not gonna let you mess with lola's head. Kyle: What if I don't want to mess with her head? What if I like the fact that she's not flighty or fluffy? What if I think it's awesome she drives a truck? Yeah, you're right. I've never dated anyone like her before. I've dated a lot. A lot. Like, new york alone was -- Abby: Okay. Yeah, I get it. Kyle: Lola's focused. She loves what she does. Loves it. Li, do anything the way she loves cooking and food and feeding people. And -- and she knows she's good at what she does. Not cocky. She's confident. And she calls me on my crap. Abby: That's a plus. Kyle: But the way she does it doesn't make me feel stupid. It's because she expects as much of other people as she expects from herself. Abby: Oh. Kyle: What? Abby: I'm surprised, that's all. I guess it's not the worst thing in the world if lola gives you a shot. Kyle: I'll take it. Phyllis: Hey. Rey: Hey. Phyllis: Do you do this a lot? Do you sneak up on people and get involved in their business? Rey: Well, some people might say that's the definition of a detective. Phyllis: Oh. Oh, you're on the job now. That's what you're doing. Rey: I didn't mean to intrude. It's just a way of saying hello. What were you reading? Victoria: What we're not reading is an article about how you've solved J.T.'S case. What do you do all day, anyway? I'm just curious, because you seem to have a lot of time on your hands. I mean, have you made any progress? Or are you just waiting for the information to come to you? Is that how it works? Or are you gonna do an actual investigation? Rey: I can't comment on an ongoing investigation. Victoria: Oh, that means he hasn't made any progress. Phyllis: Oh, yeah. No, that does. That sounds about right. Yep. Rey: Oh, this is interesting. You being here. Victoria: So I guess something I said must have hit home 'cause you're trying to change the subject. Rey: No, it's just an observation. Phyllis being here. Phyllis: Oh, why is that? Rey: Well, seeing how sharon owns this place. Phyllis: Oh. He thinks he knows us well enough to make a comment. Victoria: [ Huffs ] Phyllis: I see. Rey: Sharon and I are colleagues now. We look out for each other at the station. Victoria: Is that your priority? Looking out for sharon? Because you seem very interested in investigating our personal lives instead of doing the job that you're meant to do. Which worries me, detective. Because, instead of looking out for our public safety, you're having chitchat in coffee shops. Rey: Then I guess I should get back to it. Ladies. Phyllis: You were just a total -- Victoria: I know. I've heard it before. Phyllis: Yeah, well, very impressive. And put to good use. Victoria: Thank you very much. But you need to pull it together around rey, all right? You look like you want to take his face off. I'm the one that should be upset. I'm the one who was treated awfully by J.T. But you don't have an excuse to flip out on a cop who's just doing his job. Phyllis: Why do I need an excuse? People know how I roll. Victoria: Okay, well, just tone it down. I mean it. Phyllis: Fine. That is the second time that guy has popped up when we're reading about the notes, when we're talking about them. Victoria: I'm sure that it's just a coincidence. Phyllis: Or maybe he's the one sending the letters and he just wants to see us flinch. Jack: Abby! Abby: Hi. Jack: Hiya. Abby: Don't look now, but my cousin might actually be growing up. I'll see you at dark horse. Jack: Yeah. See ya. What did abby mean by that? Kyle: How'd it go with traci? She gonna do anything about ashley and the whole mess with andrew and type a? Jack: No. Kyle: What? Why? Jack: Traci is convinced there is an explanation that doesn't include anything inappropriate. Kyle: Traci thinks ashley is just like her. She's not. By a long shot. No one is like traci. Jack: What if traci is right in this instance? Kyle: You think the guy was blackmailing ashley. She had to do something wrong for that to be a possibility. Jack: Maybe it had nothing to do with jabot at all, in which case it is not our business. Kyle: No matter what he has on her, ashley took company funds. Just like billy. Jack: She claims it is for a project. Kyle: We both know that's a load! Jack: Knowing and proving are two different animals. If ashley doesn't want to talk, we can't force her to talk. Kyle: So we call her bluff. Take it to the board. If her explanation's harmless, great. Super. Love it. But we deserve answers. Jack: Ashley is the C.E.O. She is at liberty to keep things from us. Kyle: [ Sighs ] Certain things, yes. I agree. But these payments, they started six months ago. Before she was in charge. The board deserves to know. Jack: Kyle, if we go to the board with this now, we're gonna look like a couple of spoilers making trouble. We'll have to massage them just to get a meeting. Kyle: So we work fast. Divide and conquer. We need real answers, dad. Jack: [ Sighs ] We cannot make it look like we're after ashley. Ashley: Do you know what's important to me? It's this. Our relationship. We are two women leading family-owned businesses that we inherited from our much- beloved fathers. And, frankly, the way that jack treated fenmore's when he was C.E.O., It used to make me angry. I mean, it is one of the most crucial relationships that jabot will ever have. I plan on standing behind fenmore's 100%. Lauren: And i appreciate that. I really do. [ Scoffs ] But I still feel like you're pitching me something. I-I just don't know what it is. Ashley: That's because you're not used to fenmore's getting the respect that it deserves from jabot. And who could blame you for being suspicious when jack almost sold the company from under you? But you can trust me. I'm on your side. Traci: Uh, h-hello. Ashley: Hi. Traci: Excuse me. Um, I-I hate to interrupt, but i need a moment with my sister. Lauren: Oh. Of course. Ashley, thank you so much. Ashley: Of course. Lauren: You've given me a lot to think about. Ashley: Let's do this again. Lauren: Okay. Ashley: Thanks so much. Lauren: Bye. Ashley: Bye. What's wrong? Traci: [ Sighs ] You tell me. I am very worried about daddy's company. There lots of people who are confused about which medicare plan is right for them. Hey, that's me. I barely know where to start. Well, start here with me, karen. I'm a licensed humana sales agent. Well, it's nice to meet you, karen. I'm john smith. Hi, john. At humana, we know you're unique. So you have different needs from other john smiths. Yah, I've always thought so. And together, we can find a plan that's right for you. Great! I go to the doctor a couple of times a year. And i have some prescriptions. But I'm never fully sure of what's covered and what's not. With humana's all-in-one medicare advantage plans, you get coverage for hospital stays, doctor visits, and part d prescription drug benefits. All for an affordable, and sometimes, no monthly plan premium. Do you have any more information? Sure. I'll get a decision guide in the mail to you today. They're free. Finally. Someone who understands the real me. Your health and happiness is important to us. Call or go online now to get your free decision guide. Call a licensed humana sales agent today. Now, lashes go fully fanned. Victoria: The blackmailer is clearly asking -- Phyllis: We're fine. Thank you. Thank you. Victoria: ...For money. Phyllis: Is it really that clear? Victoria: Phyllis, stop being so stubborn. Yes, this is about money. I'm just not sure how rey ties into that. Phyllis: Maybe this isn't about lining his pockets, and it's more about a set- up. As in arranging a drop-off and getting about 25 cops in a bush, ready to tackle one or all of us. Victoria: Well, I'm sorry, I haven't been blackmailed recently, but I'm pretty sure it doesn't work that way anymore. Cash in a suitcase. Phyllis: Well, that note never said anything about cash. He could be keeping this vague so that we are rattled, so that we turn on one another, slip up, and start screaming, "I give up already!" Kyle: [ Sighs ] Hi. Phyllis, I'm glad I was able to track you down. Phyllis: Meanwhile, I might completely regret it. Kyle: There's a board meeting at jabot. Last-minute emergency. Phyllis: [ Sighs ] What is it about now? And that is not a rhetorical question. I'd like to know before I walk into that hell. Kyle: I can't give you any details, but since you're not a fan of the new C.E.O., You'll want to be there. Phyllis: I have other priorities. Kyle: Not today you don'T. This is it. Trust me. Phyllis: I will try my best to be there, okay, but no promises. Goodbye. Ashley: What ridiculous story did jack and kyle spew at you? Traci: I just have some concerns. Ashley: 'Cause jack wants you to be concerned. He and kyle are both bitter. And you know what? If this was a family argument, I wouldn't think so much of it. Don't you think our company deserves stability and strong leadership? And they're trying to do whatever they can to throw me off my game. But that's not gonna happen. And you know why? Because of you. You got rid of that blood abbott clause, and there was a vote, and now I can take this company where it needs to be. Traci: But what about how that vote happened? Ashley: What about it? Traci, billy has a gambling problem. I did whatever I could to protect him. But you have to know, obviously, he had to bottom out before he accepted that he needed help. There was no choice. He had to go to rehab. Traci: But everything happened so quickly, with hardly any time to look into all the issues. Ashley: Why do I have the feeling that these issues have to do with me? Traci: Look, I didn't say anything to jack. In fact, I shut down the conversation entirely. Ashley, it's just you and me right now. If you are in trouble, talk to me. It will stay between the two of us, I swear. Arturo: Boo! Abby: Oh, my god! [ Laughs ] Hi! Mwah! Arturo: Baby, we need to start planning our next date, all right? I don't know -- oktoberfest? Indoor rock climbing? Cupcake decorating? Abby: Wait, seriously? Arturo: No. I -- I threw that last one in to make me sound well-rounded. Abby: [ Chuckles ] Okay. Well, I do have, uh, one request. Arturo: Name it. Abby: A double date. With lola and her new guy. Arturo: [ Scoffs ] What are you talking about? Lola's dating someone? Abby: Your face just changed. Arturo: Uh, yeah, because i didn't know she was in a relationship. But somehow you do? Abby: Because the guy told me. My cousin, kyle. Arturo: I met the guy. At dark horse. He's the one with the abs who dropped his pants on tv. Abby: [ Laughs ] Okay, yes. Uh, ah -- he did. But given that I am someone that rode naked on a horse for press, I am just going to back away from that one. Arturo: Yeah. He seems like a player. Abby: I can't vouch for his time in new york -- Arturo: What about his time here? Abby: I haven't met any of his more recent dates. Arturo: Obviously because he doesn't take any of them seriously. Abby: He's an overall good guy. Arturo: Oh. In other words, he's a jerk. Abby: I just said that he's a good guy. Arturo: [ Sighs ] I heard what you weren't saying. Abby: Okay, yes, some of his ethics have been a little questionable. Arturo: Great. Abby: But not in his personal life or romantic life. That I know of. Arturo: Hmm. Jack: Abby? Sorry to interrupt. A, uh, jabot board meeting has been called. Abby: Already? Why would mom want another one so soon? Jack: You know what, we'll deal with that once we get there. But I have a feeling there's going to be a vote, and ours could be critical. Ashley: I think, right about now, jack's feeling very resentful of me. He never wanted this to happen. He never wanted me to be C.E.O. I think it's more an issue of entitlement. He feels entitled -- both he and kyle. And, you know, with victoria, it was the same thing when I was at newman. She did whatever she could to undermine me, with jack's help. Now he's doing the same exact thing with kyle's help. Yes. And when it doesn't make me angry, it hurts me. Why does jack begrudge me this, traci? I have the education. I have the work ethic. I even have the last name. But it seems like, no matter what I do, it's never good enough for him. But you... I thought you had my back. Oh, hello. How is it possible for you to ever get work done at dark horse? It seems like your full-time job now is trying to tear me down. Jack: You mentioned you'd be wiling to talk to the board about type a consulting, and I'm taking you up on your offer. Ashley: Okay, that's fine. I'll have ted schedule a meeting for next month. Jack: Actually, we have a meeting scheduled for this morning. If we leave right now, we can all make it. Ashley: Right now? Did you know about this? Traci: No, I did not. Jack, this is not okay. Jack: Feel free to decline the invitation. I mean, I already have what amounts to a quorum of board members en route to jabot. We can proceed without you if you don't feel the need to be there. Ashley: No, by all means. Let's schedule yet another meeting. But I hope you're prepared to walk away when I shoot down your rumors and your accusations, because I'm done humoring you. This company is mine now. Traci: Ugh! Jack. Phyllis: I'm just saying, what if it is rey? What if he wants the money? I mean, he's a detective that's living in an apartment above a coffeehouse. Maybe he wants more. Our little club features two newmans, a highly-paid executive, and sharon. He could be a dirty cop. You know, wanting a cash-grab. Victoria: Do you think he would jeopardize his career for a payout? Phyllis: Maybe he thinks it's his best bet to get something out of this investigation. I mean, paul hasn't cracked the case, and he lives here. He walks through the park every day past that hideous statue. Victoria: Can you please stop? Phyllis: I'm just saying that he can get more by squeezing money out of us than actually solving the case. Who knows anything about this guy, anyway? I mean, sharon vouches for him. Oh, and rey's brother is abby's boyfriend/your mother's former boy toy. That's a real ringing endorsement. Victoria: None of it means that he wrote those letters. Phyllis: None of it means he didn'T. Victoria: All right. So we're exactly where we started. Phyllis: Yeah. We are. We have to be on guard 24/7. Kyle: [ Sighs ] Phyllis is aware of the meeting and might arrive later. Am I forgetting anyone? Jack: Uh, no. That's perfect. We have friends and family here right now. Ashley: It is perfect. It limits your embarrassment when this all blows up in your face. Jack: I called this meeting because, in the wake of billy's embezzlement, I strongly feel jabot needs to stay completely financially transparent. Lauren: Agreed. But we all know this. So unless we're here to address a particular issue... Jack: We are. Kyle: The books show that jabot has been paying a lot of money to a company for alleged r&d lab work. Ashley admits she authorized the funding. Only problem is, the company is a guy named andrew. And there really is no company at all. Just a P.O. Box. And this andrew approached me, implying he had a special deal with ashley. A compromising one. He claimed he had sensitive information that could be damaging to both ashley and jabot. Ashley: And that's it? You made everybody scramble here for that? Jack: You refuse to give us any explanation for these expenses. This was our only recourse. Ashley: [ Sighs ] Kyle: Seriously? You're gonna walk away? This isn't a monarchy, ashley. This is a business, and you answer to the board. Ashley: Kyle, calm down. You're sounding hysterical. I'd like you to meet the infamous "andrew." Otherwise known as dr. Andrew lynford. I guess it's time they found out the truth. "The young and the restless" will continue. Lola: Okay. [ Chuckles ] Yeah. I-I can do that. Yes. Okay. Got it. Thank you so much! Oh, my god! [ Laughs ] Arturo: I have been looking for you. Lola: Me first. You won't believe who just called. But let's grab coffee. Hi. Can I have an almond latte, iced? Thanks. Arturo: Coffee. Black. So? Lola: Guess who's going to be parked right next to the rabbit hopping at the harvest festival? La vida lola! I got in! Arturo: Are you serious? Lola: Yes! Arturo: That's amazing! Lola: I'll sell sandwiches, and probably even t-shirts. And, oh, my god, everybody's going to fall in love with my food. Thank you! I'll be swamped. Probably even catering gigs, and... Arturo: [ Sighs ] Lola: Oh, my god. I might need to open up a second truck! But who would I train? I just -- I got the slot. Arturo: I mean, that's -- that's amazing. Congrats. I'm sure you're gonna go and celebrate with, uh, kyle abbott, right? How come you never once mentioned this guy? Lola: [ Sighs, scoffs ] Is that what we do now? Tell each other about every date we have? Because I didn't know much about that older woman that you were involved with, and it was months before I met abby face-to-face. Arturo: Oh, come on. But you knew her name. You have never -- literally, you have never once mentioned this guy. Lola: Yes, I did. I told you there was a customer at jabot who was a fan. Arturo: Yeah, a-a fan of your cooking is what I thought. Not of you personally. Lola: And all this matters why? Arturo: Because I'm looking out for my little sister. Lola: I'm a grown woman. Arturo: [ Huffs ] Look, I have heard nothing but terrible things about this kyle. And all from his family. Lola: He's been perfectly polite and respectful with me. Rey: Psst. Lola: Did you call rey?! Arturo: No. No, but now that he's here -- hey, rey, did you know that lola's dating someone? Rey: No. Arturo: Yeah. Rey: Not a word. Why the big secret? Lola: This is amazing. Both of you trying to lecture me about my dating life? Rey: What's his name? Lola: Oh, what, you're gonna run a check on him? Arturo: Kyle abbott. Two b's and two t'S. Rey: Got it. Lola: Okay, what's the plan here? You gonna stalk him on social media? Rey: No, I'm gonna run a background check through the gcpd. Lola: Are you crazy? You can't do that. Arturo: No, actually, it -- it looks like he can. Lola: The abbotts are a big deal in this town. Rey: Yeah, so are newmans, and you should see the rap sheet on those folks. Whoa. Arturo: You got a hit? Lola: What? Did he... party as a kid or something? Rey: Your fine, upstanding abbott was arrested for interfering with a burial ground. Arturo: [ Snorts ] What? Dude is a grave robber? Are you kidding me? Ashley: So, kyle, what exactly do you know about the scientific process that goes into cosmetic and fragrance development? Do you know anything about the testing process or the documentation that's required? Or do you think that the most difficult thing is going on tv naked? Kyle: I've been reading jabot lab reports for years. I have a handle on the process. But, please, feel free to reference my numbers-breaking promotion for our sunscreen. Ashley: Okay. So, everything you've read, and everything you're basing your experience on, um, has to do with documents that were written by people like me, in layman's terms, for non-chemists to understand. So you don't really know anything about research protocol, do you? I mean, you've never asked me even one single question about r&D. Which is why we are all here now. So, andrew, would you please tell everybody what we've been working on? Andrew: Certainly. So, at ashley's request, I've been studying the skin- regenerative properties of copper peptides -- specifically one known as ghk- cu, which is a small copper-binding peptide. However, the secret, and the real reason why none of this has gone beyond these doors, is that recent gene- expression profiling indicates advanced biological actions of ghk-cu and possible anti-cancer properties. It is the ultimate in anti-aging and skin protection. Lauren: Wait a minute. Anti-cancer? Is that true? Andrew: Well, that's what we're working on. But it takes time. Ashley: And money. And secrecy, so nobody beats us to the finish line. Traci: So if it's this powerful, this could change cancer prevention entirely. Ashley: Exactly. Now you understand why I didn't want anybody talking about this in the break room. Jack: It still doesn't explain the shell company. Andrew: Merely for tax purposes. Kyle: So, where's your lab? Ashley: Oh, kyle. [ Laughs ] Hey, I've got a great idea. Let's all jump on a bus and go see where andrew works. It'll be like a field trip. [ Laughter ] Lauren: This research is very exciting. Traci: And both for cosmetics and for health reasons. Lauren: All right, now, is this something that you're just doing for the boutiques, or can fenmore's stock this, as well? Kyle: Then why come to me making threats? Andrew: I'm so sorry. That was not my intention. Ashley: He came to me. We discussed this. And he was upset because billy had cut so much of my funding, and I wasn't able to make any kind of headway. So he thought maybe having another ally would help. The rest was you finding drama where there actually was none, and that's the scandal. So I'm happy to explain the research to you. But, please, keep this under your hats until the results are in. Lauren: Well, yeah. Of course. Traci: This is just fantastic. I can't wait to see the findings. Ashley: Mm-hmm. I'm not expecting an apology, so I guess this meeting's adjourned. [ Abby and lauren chuckle ] Phyllis: Sorry. I had a thing. Andrew! Andrew: Heh... Phyllis: What are you doing here at jabot? Traci: Wait. You know this man? Jack: Did you meet recently? Phyllis: No. Back in new york. It was years ago. We knew each other from work. Ashley: Well, thank you so much for coming, but I think we've wrapped everything up, right? Phyllis: Well, that's great. But what happened? And what does it have to do with andrew? Ashley: There was just some confusion about a contract he had for an outside project. Jack: Wait, wait. You worked with him in new york? Didn't you work in a dna lab? Phyllis: Yes. And that is still your gig? You're running the dna department at memorial? I mean, I think that's what you told me when we ran into each other the other day. [ Andrew chuckles nervously ] Ashley: Yeah, well, you know, andrew, he works on other projects. Abby: No. No, no, no. That doesn't make any sense. Mom, why would you hire a dna expert to work on cosmetics? Lola: But the charges were dropped. So that's good. Arturo: Yeah, yeah. I'm sure it was all just a big misunderstanding. Right? Kyle just was borrowing a skull for his occult rituals. Lola: Don't be an idiot, okay? Maybe he dug a hole somewhere and there was some confusion. Arturo: Right. Right, yeah. Yeah. So, he was planting a garden, and then he found a coffin. Lola: Stop. Rey: Or he knew exactly what he was doing, and his parents paid someone off to cover it up. Lola: So you're saying that one of your buddies at the police station can be bought. Nice. Arturo: Guys, I've already heard a bunch of crazy stories about that family from abby. Lola: Perfect. This is what you two decide to agree on. Arturo: No, we've agreed on other things before. Rey: Or it could be a sign that this sketchy, entitled guy isn't worth your time, lola. Lola: You don't even know him. Kind of weird to call him out for being an abbott when you're dating one. Oh, but that's okay, right? 'Cause you're a big, strong, manly man who can make his own decisions. And I'm what? Ohh. That's right. A girl. So I better check in with you two first, yeah? Arturo: Yeah. Lola: No. Not gonna happen. So you can kiss that dream goodbye right now. Ashley: Andrew is a trained scientist whose expertise spans several different fields. Kyle: So he has nothing to hide. Ashley: Well, there was a non-compete clause with his former cosmetics partner, but i promise you, this project belongs solely to jabot. You have my word on that. Traci: So there could be legal ramifications? Ashley: I'm not gonna lie, there was a little deceptioinvolved. But the blowback was minimal. I've already spoken to legal about it. I said I was gonna protect you, and I meant it. Kyle: What other cosmetics companies have you worked for? Ashley: I told you about the non-compete clause. Kyle: Well, if we're gonna get hit with a lawsuit, might as well see it coming. Ashley: There was a non-disclosure agreement. Kyle: But if a non-compete didn't stop him, why should an nda? Jack: You know what I am thrown by? The moonlighting. I sit on the board at memorial. I'd like to think they pay you enough to focus on the work there. And I know about their services, too, and a rush analysis of dna does not come cheap. Ashley: It's not a crime to work on the side. He's got a day job. So what? Jack: It's the secrecy, ash. It's the secrecy. This isn't about peptides, is it? Ashley: You know, jack, you keep asking me questions, and I answer them, and then you raise the bar. Because it's not really about questions and answers, is it? It's about who's sitting behind the desk. Jack: I am merely pointing out that you come up with a new truth every time the old truth doesn't work for you. Traci: Okay. Let's just take a step back. Everybody just work through this slowly. Kyle: That's what they're doing. Traci: Kyle -- Jack: Just give me one answer. Not chemistry technobabble. Show me the formulations. Show me the analysis. Explain to us all how you authorize a regular monthly payment to a dna expert on the sly. Ashley: I've given you the explanations, jack, but you don't like what you hear. Because they don't involve you being in charge. Now, you said that you'd moved on. Please do everybody here a favor and actually do it. Jack: You're not gonna talk your way out of this, ash. Ashley: This meeting is adjourned. Everybody -- Jack: We are all board members. You need to explain to us services rendered. Ashley: ...Show yourselves out, please. I will call security, jack. Jack: How much did my sister pay you? I will pay you 10 times as much. Tell me why she hired you. Lola: Today was a huge win for me and my truck. And you two just had to grind my mood to the dirt. And no grave jokes. Rey: [ Sighs ] Arturo: Okay. Um... how about this? Why don't you bring the little grave- digger home for dinner? Rey: Yeah, you can bring him to my place. Arturo: Something casual. Low-key, you know? I-I'll invite abby. Rey: Perfect. Kyle's cousin. Make the guy feel at home. Lola: And who's cooking? [ Gasps ] Me. And who's on trial? Kyle. Who are you two? Two goofs who think you're in charge of me. I don't need your approval. Okay? If and when I want you to meet kyle, I'll make it happen. Victoria: [ Sighs ] Great. Nothing. Thanks, harold. Harold, can you shut the door on your way out, please? Jack: Name your figure. I'll put a zero on the end of it for any information about your "special research." Traci: Jack -- Ashley: Jack, stop with the theatrics. You're embarrassing yourself and everybody in this room. Jack: I'm right, aren't I? This had nothing to do with face cream. Ashley: [ Sighing ] Enough. Jack: Tell me why my sister hired -- Ashley: Enough! Stop waving the checkbook. I'll tell you what you want to know for free. Abby: Mom, what is going on? Ashley: You're right. It doesn't have to do with skin cream. But it is, uh, very critical and specialized research. Very necessary. Because of the blood abbott clause. And it does involve dna. I hired andrew to handle your paternity results, jack. Great news. You can stop looking for your biological father. I know who it is. You've been john abbott's son all along. Next week on "the young and the restless"... Nick: I know your type. You've buddied up next to sharon. You've made her think you're kind of, like, the last of the good guys. Well, you have not fooled me. Nikki: I'm gonna pay the bastard. Jack: No one understands how you could do this. But you're going to explain it to me. Now.