"Phyllis, you ruined my marriage?" Phyllis takes the blame. "Nick tried to end it, but I wouldn't let him. He was upset over Cassie!" Sharon orders her to never say that name! "How could you use her to justify what you did?" Phyllis reminds Sharon that she almost did the same thing with Brad. Jack and Nikki want Michael as representation. Katherine doesn't think that's a good idea. Jack knows that Michael is devious, and they need that. Michael sets to work, trying to get a settlement for an injured woman. The deal is that the woman's family can't sue later. The deal is rejected. Phyllis and Nikki have lost property that they were after in Houston due to Phyllis not handling things. Nikki asks Phyllis to pay better attention. Phyllis snaps! "I don't appreciate you taking that tone with me! I am your partner, not your employee! Everyone is always picking on me why is that?" Brad sees Victoria with JT talking. JT leaves quickly. "You two are always together," he says. Victoria says she's only trying to get along. Brad wonders why she puts up with this. "If you didn't want JT here, You would get him out. I am starting to think that marrying you is a bad idea," Brad says. Sharon goes to Nick. " How could you tell Phyllis about Brad? I want to make you and Phyllis suffer!" Later, alone in the office, she takes her wedding picture, out of its frame and she uses the letter opener to separate the two people. She takes Nick's half of the picture and slowly rips it to pieces.
Sharon: Why, Phyllis... seems like you're at a loss for words. Phyllis: Sharon... listen, I'm--I'm sorry. I'm truly sorry. I'm--I know there aren't any magical words I can say to make this better, or anything I can say to make what I did less selfish or wrong. Sharon: You got that right. Phyllis: I honestly wish with all my heart I could undo this. Sharon: Oh, but you can't. Phyllis: No, I can't. Listen, um... I know what I did was wrong. So, please, just do whatever you need to do. Yell at me. Call me every name in the book. Sharon: You know what? It sounds like you're giving me permission to be upset with you. That's funny. You know, I don't remember giving you permission to sleep with my husband! [SCENE_BREAK] Brad: Nick, have you seen Victoria? Nick: I think she's in the conference room. Brad: All right, thanks. Hey, what's the bag for? Are you going somewhere? Nick: I may be going out of town on a business trip. Brad: Where? Nick: Why? Brad: Just curious. I like to stay on top of things. You know, who's here, who's not. Nick: It may not happen. I don't know. I'd rather stay here. Brad: You know, I spoke with Sharon earlier. She seemed, I don't know, a little frazzled. Nick: She's having a rough morning. Brad: No, it was more than that. She canceled the promo tour. Is everything all right, Nick? [SCENE_BREAK] Jack: I have to hand it to dad. Even from prison he knows just what to say. Nikki: So he thinks we can weather this? Jack: Yes, so do I. Jill: Well, it's not gonna be easy. I've had to shut the factory down, Jack. The insurance company required it. Jack: What? Kay: Not only that, but we had to recall all the product that was made there for the last month. Nikki: All the products, not just Gloagain? Jill: Everything, Nikki. Nikki: So any hope of containing this is gone. Jack: Okay, hold on a minute. Jill: Jack, we need to get aggressive now. Kay: Well, I've called Mitchell Sherman. Jack: Yeah, I called someone, too. Jill: Who? Jack: Michael Baldwin. Kay: Jack... are you sure that is a good idea? [SCENE_BREAK] Gloria: Well, as you can see, the rash is almost gone. But aren't you a sweetheart to stop by and check on me. Michael: So you're okay? Gloria: Stop staring at me, Michael. Michael: Sorry. Gloria: I miss my husband. And I'm worried sick about Jabot. Other than that, everything's fine. Michael: Listen... I can't tell you how badly I feel about John-- Gloria: No! No! I do not wanna hear anymore how you are responsible for John being in prison. You're a great lawyer, Michael. It was an impossible situation. Michael: I guess it comes with the turf, when there's a personal relationship-- Gloria: Stop it! Stop it! This negative thinking-- it'll ruin your confidence. Michael: Gloria, I know exactly what I'm capable of and what I'm not capable of. Gloria: Yeah, well, don't you be so sure about that. You may surprise yourself someday. Just keep an open mind. Michael: Do you know something I don't know? Gloria: I'm just saying that I see people doing jobs that I know you could do a lot better. Michael: Mmm. Well, your faith in me is heartwarming. Oh, speaking of how good I can be in a pinch, I better get down to Jabot. Uh, Jack called me. He asked for my help. Don't you love that? Gloria: I'd say that's the most intelligent thing junior's done in a long time. Michael: Isn't it, though? All right, um, I'll talk to you later. Gloria: Okay, sweetheart. Michael: All right. Gloria: If things go the way I hope they will, Jack, you're gonna need a lot more than a good lawyer. [SCENE_BREAK] J.T.: For awhile it looked like this guy was the most boring guy on earth, right-- square peg, square hole, all the way. Not even a speeding ticket. Victoria: But you found something? J.T.: Yeah, apparently, he's got a few really big promotions lately. Victoria: So? J.T.: So he likes golf. And three of his former bosses have had heart attacks with him on the fairway. Victoria: You're kidding me! J.T.: No, so I'm thinking, this guy's gotta be the smartest killer on earth. Then I did a little more digging. Victoria: Let me guess, they all survived? J.T.: Yeah, in fact, he saved one of 'em by performing C.P.R. Victoria: So, in other words, he's not a serial killer. J.T.: Well, officially, he's clean. But still, I wouldn't go golfing with him anytime soon. Victoria: (Chuckles) J.T.: I'm serious. Victoria: I'm sure you are. It's just a weird story. Don't P.I.'s usually stick to the facts? J.T.: Hey, listen, anybody can give you the facts. I like to go a little further and give you some advice. Victoria: Well, you should be careful, J.T. That can get you into a lot of trouble around here. [SCENE_BREAK] Colleen: Fenmore's boutique? Nice, Lily, way to go. Yeah, now you can have fun and pay your bills. Your housewarming party is gonna rock. No, it's gonna be the perfect opportunity for me to get close with J.T. and get the scoop on that other girl. No, no, he hasn't said he's coming yet. But don't worry. Yeah, I have a plan. [SCENE_BREAK] Sharon: There are no words in the English language that would describe how I feel about you. You know, you made me feel like you were my friend. Phyllis: I am your friend. Sharon: You are not my friend, Phyllis! You may have been Nick's friend! Phyllis: Listen, uh, we didn't mean for it to turn out this way. Sharon: Oh, right! So I've heard. It's just that neither one of you have any self-control. You know what? I invited you to my house. You sat at the dinner table with my family. And what? The two of you were all over each other the minute my back was turned? Phyllis: Oh, come on, Sharon, we were never like that. Sharon: Really? You know what? I don't think there's any line you wouldn't cross. Phyllis: I never meant to hurt you. Sharon: Well, then for once, you didn't get your way. Phyllis: Listen, I am so sorry. I am truly so sorry. Sharon: God, spare me, okay? I do not wanna hear your apologies. They literally mean nothing to me! But you know what? You don't owe me anything, do you? Nick's the one who's supposed to love me. Phyllis: He does love you. Sharon: Yeah? Did he tell you that when you two were in bed together? Phyllis: He loves you, Sharon. You go ahead and think whatever you wanna think, but that man loves you. Sharon: Don't defend him. Phyllis: I'm not defending him. I'm defending you. I'm defending your marriage. Sharon: Oh, really? I think it's a little too late for that. Phyllis: Listen, this all went down because I couldn't stop. It was me. It wasn't Nick. Nick called it off. Because he wanted to work things out with you. Sharon: Okay, if Nick called this off-- if he did, it's because he was feeling guilty, Phyllis, which is a lot more than can be said for you! Phyllis: It's over! It's done and it's over! Sharon: It's not over. It's not over for you, is it? You're still in love with him. [SCENE_BREAK] Nikki: I thought you of all people would approve of hiring Baldwin. Didn't you just consult with him yesterday? Kay: Come on, there's a big difference between getting informal legal advice and hiring someone to defend your company. Nikki: That's true. But we are all very aware of Michael's reputation. Kay: Well, his reputation I don't doubt. No, we have to avoid any appearance of impropriety. Jack: I don't see how that could be an issue. Kay: Michael is the son of Gloria. And Gloria had a dreadful reaction to Ashley Abbott's Gloagain moisturizer. Oh, come on! It's conflict of interest, Jack! Michael: Gloria approves my being involved, Katherine. Jack: In fact, I would think it would only make us more credible. Here he is-- the son of one of our victims protecting Jabot. Nikki: That's a good point. Jill: Oh, come on, people, even if we end up in court, I don't think his parentage is gonna win it for us. The point here is, he hates you, Jack. Michael: Hate is such a strong word. My lack of affection for Jack has nothing to do with this. Gloria's financial well-being is wrapped up in Jabot's continued prosperity. Obviously, I will do anything it takes to keep a roof over her head. Although, I know Jack would prefer to see her out in the street. Jack: Well, there you have it-- greed and spite personified. What more do you want? Michael: No one will work harder. Nikki: Well, Michael has my vote. If you'll excuse me, I've gotta go. Michael: Thank you, Nikki. Kay: I don't know. I'm still not comfortable with this. Jack: Katherine, this is gonna get real ugly real fast. Every ambulance chaser in the state is going to be encouraging the Gibsons to sue us for millions. We need somebody who can cut those bottom feeders off at the pass-- someone whose mind naturally goes to such devious places. Michael: Stop, Jack, you'll make me blush. Look... I have my own personal reasons for being involved. It may have been John's decision to reject the deal I put together for him, but I still feel responsible. And this will give me a chance to make up for that. Jill: All right. I guess I'm sold. Kay: All right. Now if that is what the majority of the board wants, I won't fight it. I hope you realize I'm entrusting you with an enormous responsibility. And you better pray I am not making a mistake. [SCENE_BREAK] Nick: What did Sharon tell you? Brad: Not much. Nick: Well, then stay out of it. She doesn't need people prying into her life. Brad: People? Or me? Come on, Nick, it's no secret your family's closing ranks against me. Nick: You think this is about your wedding? Brad: It's going to happen whether you like it or not. Nick: Okay. For the record, I'm not fighting you two the way Dad is. In fact, I even defended you. Brad: Really? Nick: I can't stand the way he's dragging this into the office. What's personal and private should stay that way. Brad: Okay. Then I guess I owe you an apology. Nick: Just treat her right, Brad. Brad: You have my word. Now if your father would just back off. I don't know if you're aware of it, but he hired J.T. on some bogus assignment and made him report directly to Victoria. Nick: That sounds like something my dad would do. Brad: You know, I'm trying to be real 21st century about what happened between the two of them. Nick: But you don't wanna be seeing them together. Brad: Exactly. Nick: You shouldn't have to deal with this at work. I know I wouldn't put up with it. I'm surprised Vicki is. [SCENE_BREAK] Sharon: Admit it, you are just a desperate woman who thinks she's in love with my husband. Phyllis: You don't wanna talk about that, Sharon. Sharon: Yes, I do, Phyllis. I deserve some answers. Phyllis: Sharon... Sharon: Are you in love with him? Phyllis: Listen, Nick was, um, completely disconnected from everything. He was in a lot of pain because of Cassie. Sharon: Okay, don't you utter my daughter's name out of your lying mouth. Phyllis, you capitalized on my family's tragedy. You took advantage! Phyllis: That is not true! Nick was hurting. Sharon: Oh, and you knew just how to heal him, didn't you? You make it sound like it was some kind of therapy. You know, I lost my daughter, too. I watched her slip away just like Nick did. Only I didn't use that an excuse for cheating. Phyllis: Well, that's not exactly true, is it? Sharon: What are you talking about? Phyllis: You know that's not true. Because you almost did the same thing with Brad Carlton in St. Louis. [SCENE_BREAK] J.T.: I'm not kidding. The guy is bad luck. Victoria: Well, I'll keep that in mind. But I have to wonder what you'll be putting in your next report. Complete astrological charts to predict how we'll get along in the boardroom? J.T.: That stuff is ridiculous. Victoria: But your advice isn't? J.T.: The way I see it, if you're gonna work with somebody, you know, it's the little things that are important. I mean, can you imagine if you had a meeting with a guy that's got like, a really bad toupee? I mean, wouldn't you want a little advance warning on that? Victoria: I think we're finished, J.T., thanks. J.T.: Yeah. Brad: Well, you two seemed to be having a good time. Victoria: I'm just trying to make the best of things. I'm not exactly thrilled by this situation either. Brad: Then why are you going along with it? Victoria: Because, Bradley, if we let it become a problem for us, my father wins. Brad: You're letting him win now. Victoria: Oh, how so? Brad: By agreeing to work with J.T., you're showing him that however much you complain, in the end you'll do what your father says. Victoria: That is so not fair. Brad: And that is? [SCENE_BREAK] Nick: So how are things at Jabot? Nikki: Oh, about how you would expect-- in full containment mode. Nick: You know, Sharon and I received one of those promotional jars, too. Nikki: Oh, thank God you didn't use it. Nick: Yeah, especially after hearing about what happened to Abby and Mrs. Abbott. Nikki: Yeah, they're gonna be okay, but there is one woman-- a customer-- who might not be so lucky. Nick: I'm sorry to hear that. Nikki: Well, there's not a thing I can do about it. So, about our spa project... I was hoping that we could celebrate as a family the N.V.P. launch. Nick: Is that really necessary? I mean, we were all at the press conference together. Nikki: Well, that's not the same thing. I want you and Sharon and Brad and Victoria to come up to the house for dinner. Nick: It's a bad idea, Mom. Nikki: If you're worried about Brad, please don't be. Your father can be civil to him for one evening. And who knows, maybe in a family gathering situation, it might give your father incentive to ease up. Nick: Now is not a good time. Nikki: Well, we'll find a day that works for you. Nick: Okay, you're gonna have to talk to Sharon. She's in charge of our calendar right now. She'll let you know when it's a good time for us. [SCENE_BREAK] Sharon: How did you know about St. Louis? Did Nick tell you? Of course he did. And I told him that in the strictest confidence. Phyllis: Why did you tell him at all? Sharon: Because I was trying to save my marriage, Phyllis. A lot of good that did me. Tell me, did he lay that on you before you guys made love to justify it? Or afterwards as an excuse? Phyllis: Well, there's a lesson to be learned here-- anyone can be tempted, even you. Sharon: No. I resisted. You and Nick didn't. Because commitment means nothing to you, Phyllis. It means nothing to you. Phyllis: I know you don't believe me, but we really tried to fight it, Sharon. Sharon: Oh, spare me! You make it sound like this was a one-time thing. This happened over and over again-- in a hotel, in a motel, in our stables. No, you didn't try to fight it, Phyllis. You loved it. And this would still be going on if you hadn't been found out. Sharon: You know what? You are nothing but a common tramp. You're a dog in heat. And you're raising a son. How pathetic. [SCENE_BREAK] J.T.: I'm kinda surprised you're here. Colleen: Well, I called the coffeehouse to make sure that Kevin was working. Um, listen, I'm sorry that it got weird the other night. You know, I shouldn't have asked about that other girl. And you really don't have to tell me who she is. J.T.: I wasn't planning on it. Colleen: Well, I mean, we were having fun. And I wouldn't want to ruin that by, uh, turning it into something more. J.T.: The bull's game is on. Colleen: Oh, really? J.T.: Yeah. Colleen: What's the score? J.T.: Oh, yeah, that's right. You're a fan, right? Colleen: Yeah, I love basketball. J.T.: Well, you wanna stay and watch? Colleen: If that's okay? J.T.: Yeah, have a seat. So, uh, what do you think about the league adding seconds to the shot clock? Colleen: That is total B.S. J.T.: Yeah. Coll... Colleen: What? J.T.: They didn't do that. Colleen: Really? J.T.: Yeah. Look, you don't have to pretend you like basketball just to hang out with me. Colleen: Okay. So then you'll change the channel? J.T.: Not a chance in hell. Colleen: Aw, is that any way to treat guests? J.T.: Since when are you a guest? Colleen: Okay, I am doing you a huge favor by keeping you company, okay? You owe me. J.T.: Right, I'm not changing the channel. Colleen: Okay, then do something else. J.T.: What? Colleen: Come with me to Lily and Daniel's housewarming party. [SCENE_BREAK] Michael: I think it's best if we pursue a classic two-pronged strategy. First, we meet with Mr. Gibson and offer to pay all of his wife's medical expenses while expressing our deepest sympathy for her pain. Jill: And second? Michael: Second? We offer a preemptive settlement without accepting liability, preventing them from suing Jabot in the future. Kay: And I assume from talking to the press? Michael: That's a given. Jill: And do you think the Gibsons will go for this? Michael: By accepting our financial settlement, they would be getting their money now. If they sue... Jack: We tie them up in court for years on end with no guarantee of even a single dime. Michael: Add to that the fact that they would be saving on lawyer fees, I think it's a pretty tempting offer. Jack: And we are prepared to be fairly generous. Kay: Of course. We want this to disappear as quickly as possible. Jill: Between the settlement and our loss of sales, we're talking about millions of dollars here. Jack: That sounds about right. Jill: That is a huge hit to our bottom line. Kay: It is survivable, Jill. Michael: The key is to make this look like a short term glitch that you have already resolved. Jack: It is a short term glitch, Michael. Michael: I understand that, Jack. But the press doesn't. Which is why I'm calling a press conference for tonight. And I want you all to be there, including Gloria and Ashley. Jill: Is that wise? Michael: You run from the press, it'll look bad. Jack: No, if we face the press, though... Michael: Yes, you'll have to field some tough questions. But if it goes well, people will walk away thinking Jabot is as much a victim as anyone else. Kay: And what if it doesn't? Michael: It's a gamble, Katherine. But it's one I feel you should take. [SCENE_BREAK] Nikki: Oh, absolutely! We will reschedule this as soon as possible! Again, I am so, so sorry. Do you know who that was? Phyllis: No, should I? Nikki: "Should I?" Our real estate broker... about the property in Houston. You were supposed to meet with him this morning! Phyllis: Oh, no. Nikki: Don't tell me, "oh, no." You were supposed to handle this! Now we just lost it. We lost a prime retail space in Houston's best shopping center. Phyllis: I'm sorry. I lost track of time. Nikki: How can you lose track of time? This is business! Phyllis: I had a lot of things going on this morning, Nikki. Nikki: Is it something else with Daniel? Phyllis: No. Just, the reality of the situation hit me. Nikki: Well, you were a lot more optimistic about it the last time we talked about it. Phyllis: Yes, I was. But I just realized that things are never gonna go back to the way they were. Nikki: Okay, Phyllis, you have my sympathy. But you cannot lose focus right now. This is a very important time. And until all of this mess at Jabot is over with, I need you to pick up the slack. Phyllis: I get that. Nikki: Well, then show me that you get it. Because right now, you are hardly inspiring confidence. [SCENE_BREAK] Sharon: Is there any way, Nick, that you have not betrayed our marriage? I just had the most illuminating conversation with Phyllis. Nick: Sharon, this is not the place. Sharon: Oh, really? What, you never talked about your affair in the office? How dare you tell Phyllis about St. Louis? Nick: (Sighs) you're right. I'm sorry. That was-- I shouldn't have done that. Sharon: That's your answer to everything, Nick, you realize that? Nick: What else do you want me to say? Sharon: I shared a very personal moment with you. And you just betrayed me! Nick: Phyllis wouldn't tell anyone. Sharon: Oh, well, thank God! I'm glad you have so much faith in your mistress. Nick: Sharon, come on. Sharon: What else did you tell her, Nick? Did you guys talk about our sex life? Did you tell her what I like? I'm sure it's fun for you-- comparing the two of us. Nick: All right, now you're just being ridiculous. Sharon: No, you know what is ridiculous? It's how gullible I have been all these months! I'm sure it's been just hilarious for you watching me run myself ragged trying to be the best wife and mother I could be to you when all along, that really wasn't what you wanted! Nick: We barely even talked about you, I swear it. Now, please, keep your voice down. Sharon: Why? Why? We wouldn't want anyone to know that Nicholas Newman isn't quite the family man he pretends to be, would we? You know, maybe I'll just tell the whole world the truth! Brad: The truth about what? [SCENE_BREAK] Kay: Well, I hope you don't mind us dropping by like this, Gloria. Gloria: Of course not, Katherine, Jill. Kay: Well, Michael said you would be home. Gloria: Uh-huh. Jill: He also said that you visited John upstate recently. Gloria: Yes, I did. Jack was there, too. Jill: Well, right now we're here to get a report from you, because Jack has his hands full. [SCENE_BREAK] Jack: Mr. Gibson, before we get started, how is your wife doing? Mr. Gibson: She's stable. Jack: I'm glad to hear that. You may know Jabot is a family company. And what has happened to your wife has hit us all very close to home. My own niece Abby put some Gloagain cream on her leg and had quite a reaction. Not as serious as your wife's, of course. Mr. Gibson: I'm sure it's still very frightening for you. Jack: It is. I can't begin to tell you how upsetting the whole thing is-- the prospect of one of our products actually hurting somebody. Which is why we would like to cover Emma's-- I'm sorry, may I call her Emma? We'd like to cover Emma's medical expenses. We'd like her to focus purely on healing. Michael: And obviously, it's gonna take some time to find the cause. We're still in the middle of investigating exactly what happened. Jack: But we'd like to do what we can for your family right now. Michael: I realize it's... difficult to speak about these things without sounding crass but... a financial settlement will allow your wife compensation for days of work missed, pain and suffering. Once she's well, you can both take a nice vacation, remodel the house, whatever you choose to do with the money. Jack: We understand this doesn't cover what has happened to your wife, but, unfortunately, it is how the legal system works. Michael: Look, all you have to do-- sign this document and we can begin processing the settlement immediately. [SCENE_BREAK] Phyllis: Listen, I'm just-- I'm having a bad day. Nikki: Oh, yeah? Well, bad days are becoming the norm for you, Phyllis. Phyllis: I'm not losing it, if that's what you're thinking, okay? I have nothing left to lose. Nikki: This involves more than your son, doesn't it? Phyllis: I'm fine. I'm fine. Tomorrow, I'm gonna be the same old Phyllis. Nikki: Well, I certainly hope so. Phyllis: Listen, Nikki, um, I'd appreciate it if you didn't take that tone with me. We're partners. You're not my boss. Nikki: Well, then do your job. Phyllis: I will, okay?! I will do my job. I'm not some flake. I'm not a flake. I make mistakes. Yeah, I make mistakes. So what? You know, why do I always get caught? Other people make mistakes, too. And nothing happens to them. They just go along on their merry way. I mean, why am I everybody's punching bag?! [SCENE_BREAK] Sharon: I was talking about my presentation. Brad: I'd love to hear it. Sharon: Well, it's not ready yet. Brad: Let me know when it is. I wanted to talk to you about rescheduling the promo tour. Nick: Well, I'll leave you to it then. Sharon: Nick, don't forget. We have to talk about how long you'll be away on that business trip. Brad: I thought you didn't wanna go. Sharon: Well, he has no choice. So since he will be going, Brad, I'm gonna have to speak to you about this later. Because I wanna square this away with my husband first. Brad: Sure. Let me know when you're ready. Sharon: Maybe I should've told him. Nick: That is not funny. Sharon: Who said I'm joking? You tell Phyllis everything. You deserve it. In fact, if I do decide to go public with this, I think Brad's the first person I'll go to. Nick: Sharon... Sharon: You look scared, Nick. Good. Nick: Look, I get it that you're angry. I even understand why you want me out of the house. But it's like you are relishing the idea of doing this-- of hurting me. Sharon: You know, Phyllis said that your affair was part of your healing process. Nick: That's Phyllis talking. Sharon: Well, maybe she has something there, Nick. You know, maybe in order for me to heal, I'm gonna have to pay you back for every time you lied or cheated or betrayed me. Nick: You really think revenge will make you feel better? Sharon: I don't know. Couldn't hurt. Nick: What is this? What's going on? I mean, Brad walks in and... what, are you all of a sudden regretting that you never slept with him when you had the chance? [SCENE_BREAK] Gloria: And then I told John how well he looked and how rested. Kay: A real silver lining. Jill: How about all that reading he was gonna try and get done? Gloria: I don't know. We didn't really talk about that. Jack showed up before we could talk about too much. Jill: Well, Gloria, you know what? It sounds like he has a positive mental attitude. And that's really important. Gloria: He's only been there a little while, Jill. He's got years to go. And I am afraid it is going to change him. Kay: Uh, um, well, I--Jack was there telling his father about the problem with Ashley's moisturizer, I presume? Gloria: Yeah, but you know, I wanted to tell him. I wanted him to hear it from me. Kay: How'd he take it? Gloria: How do you think he took it? He was very upset and very frustrated. Jill: Oh, my God, I can imagine. That poor man must feel so powerless. Kay: Yes, yes, I am sure of that. Now, Gloria, I, uh, I hope you'll go to see John frequently. I know I will visit. I'm sure Jill will, also. Jill: Of course. Kay: But after all, you are the one that John wants to see the most. Gloria: He needs me, Katherine. We need each other. Kay: I know. One other thing, and then we will get out of your hair. Uh, Michael has called a press conference for later this evening. Now he feels, as do I, that all the top people at Jabot should be there to take this straight on. And, uh, be prepared to answer some very tough questions. Gloria: That sounds like Michael. Jill: And he wants you there. Gloria: And I should be. Kay: In an hour, all right? Gloria: I'll be there early. Kay: Oh, yes, no, um... are things better for you at Jabot? Um, regarding Ashley and Jack? I hear they gave you some kind of research assignment? Gloria: Mm-hmm. Katherine, I am very sorry to report that your C.E.O. and his sister have turned my eagerness to contribute and to learn into a joke. A very mean joke. [SCENE_BREAK] J.T.: Are you kidding me? A housewarming party for Daniel and Lily? Where's the remote? Colleen: Oh, come on, give me that. It'll be fun. J.T.: Yeah, maybe your idea of fun. Colleen: J.T., okay, they're broke. They have to turn that place into a home. J.T.: A home? Please, what are they, 17 going on 40? They shouldn't be married in the first place. Colleen: Okay, now that is all they've heard since they did this. They don't need another dose of reality. J.T.: They're high school kids. Give me a break. Colleen: Okay. All right, so... what do you want me to do? Because they're my friends. And I'm not gonna bail on them like everyone else has. I mean, you remember when we first got together, right? And the whole town wanted us to break up? My dad hated you. J.T.: Yeah, well, some things never change. Colleen: You know how it is to have even a few people on your side. Plus, there's gonna be good food. And, uh, you can't say no to that. J.T.: Yeah, well, if I do say no, you'll just keep trying until I give in, right? Colleen: So is that a yes? J.T.: All right, all right, fine, I'll go with you. Now can I finish watching my game? [SCENE_BREAK] Victoria: I'm glad you came back. I don't like how we left things. Brad: You know who I just went to see? Victoria: Who? Brad: Sharon. But she was busy with Nick, so she put me off. And that's the way it should be with a couple. They should put each other first. Victoria: And you don't think we do? Brad: I don't think you do. Victoria: What? Why? Brad: Because you won't take a stand with your father. He tells you to work with J.T. and you do it. Victoria: Listen, I'm really sorry if you're uncomfortable with the situation. Brad: Whoa, whoa, it's not about me being uncomfortable. It's about the principle. Victoria: And what is that? Brad: As long as you keep caving in to your father, he's going to keep interfering. What's gonna happen if he doesn't like the way we're raising Abby? What are you gonna do? What about our future children? Victoria: Well, I guess we'll just have to deal with that when it happens. Brad: That's not good enough. We need to deal with it now. And you need to draw a line now. As your future husband, I'm telling you... fire J.T. [SCENE_BREAK] Sharon: I'm sure you would've loved it if I slept with Brad. Nick: Why would I want that? Sharon: Admit it! Because if I slept with Brad, that gives you the perfect excuse to run off and take up with Phyllis. Nick: I don't wanna be with Phyllis. If I did, I would be gone. I'd be out that door. Sharon: Then why aren't you? I know you are still attracted to her. Nick: And you're attracted to Brad. But we are married and have a child together. And whether you wanna believe it or not, I still love you. Sharon: Well, I don't know what your definition of love is, but it certainly has nothing to do with being honest or faithful! Nick: Okay. So what do you wanna do? Sharon: I wanna see you suffer. I wanna see you and Phyllis suffer the way that I have. Nick: I hear you saying that, but I don't buy it. That's not you. Sharon: You wanna bet? You know what the worst part is, Nick? It is not the anger. It's the way that I feel when I look at you and I think about the ten years we spent together. And how you could just throw it all away. Nick: I haven't done that. I don't want to. Sharon: Yes, you have. Because if I were gonna take you back now, I would have to pretend. And I can't do that. Nick: Pretend what? Sharon: Pretend that you are not thinking about her when we're together-- when we're together at home, when we're having dinner with our son, when we're in bed together. No, what we had, Nick, it is dead! And it's dead because you and your precious Phyllis killed it. [SCENE_BREAK] Victoria: I can't fire J.T. I didn't hire him. Brad: Hmm, no, you could find a way if you wanted to. Victoria: You know, I have a feeling this has more to do with you than it does with me. You're afraid of repeating the past. Brad: Okay, what if I am? Your father cast a shadow over my entire marriage to Ashley. I'm not about to let that happen again. Victoria: Well, you won't. I'm not Ashley. I'm not keeping any secrets from you. Brad: But you're letting the same man manipulate you. Victoria: Well, that is... it's not as simple as that. Brad: I think it is. Victoria: Bradley... Brad: No, no, you made your choice. I don't like it, but at least I know where I stand. You know, I'm really beginning to wonder if marrying you isn't a huge mistake. [SCENE_BREAK] Kay: Gloria, are you telling me that someone else did the same work? Gloria: Somebody they obviously trusted. They just gave it to me to do so I would feel involved. I'm sure they threw my work right in the trashcan. Jill: God, that is so insulting! Kay: Oh, not just insulting. It's rank insubordination. I told them to break you in gently. I certainly did not tell them to treat you with any disrespect. My God, you would think has enough problems. And now he's got one with me. And a big one! Big one! Mr. Gibson: Before I sign, I'd like to read the whole thing. Michael: Sure. Jack: Absolutely. Please do. Mr. Gibson: It says here I can't take you to court if I accept this. Michael: It's a standard legal clause. Jack: Once Jabot is absolved of any wrongdoing, it's a moot point anyway. Mr. Gibson: My lawyer warned me you'd try this. I'm not about to sign my rights away. Jack: Andrew... Mr. Gibson: I'll see you in court. [NEXT_ON] Victor: If you don't go along with what I ask you to do, then I will consider that insubordination. Phyllis: Shouldn't you be home making things right by your wife? Jack: Jabot will be vindicated. Michael: Those found responsible will be punished.