Stephanie introduces Nick and Bridget to old friend, Dorothy Bright. It's all over the internet about the fashion show challenge and Stephanie has no idea who leaked this or who even okayed it. Brooke thinks Stephanie purposely did it to blindside them. Both Bill and Whip are satisfied that they set this in motion. Bill tells Whip that he has both of them right where he wants them. Whip says it will be a slam dunk for Jackie M., their dream come true. Eric calls Stephanie and wants an explanation. He invites them over to discuss it. Dottie tells them the buzz is already fantastic so they should go with it. Against his and Ridge's better judgment, Eric gives in and agrees to the challenge. Eric tells Bridget that he doesn't want her to hold back on the new designs because he is her old man. She assures him that she's not that afraid. Bill calls Jarrett to his office and calls in a favor. Ridge tells Brooke that he doesn't want anything to come between them that will distract from this competition. Katie sees Bill per his request. She gloats that she is going to promote this challenge royally and they are going to win. Bill doesn't seem to be pleased and she wonders why. Stephanie is not surprised that Whip might have been the one who pushed this. It all falls on his head and he says he won't disappoint. Brooke teases Ridge in the office about her being his Queen. She ends it up with a kiss and says they will live happily ever after ..now back to work. He calls her a fruitcake, but seems to be enjoying it. Katie tells Bill that she hopes that he won't hurt her for old times sake .just treat both companies fairly. He says he has never felt like this before. Jarrett senses an undercurrent between him and Katie and asks if Bill can really play not nice to Katie and Forrester. Bill assures him that yes he can still bring Forrester down; this is business.
Dottie: I should be very upset with you, Stephanie, but I'm not. Stephanie: Upset with me why? Dottie: For not telling me, you silly girl. Stephanie: Not telling you what? Dottie: That you changed your mind, that you decided to accept the fashion challenge. Oh, I--this is gonna be the biggest event this charity has ever had. You know, we've already sold 8 tables at $50,000 a pop. Stephanie: But--but Dorothy, I didn't. (Knock on door) Nick: Hello? Stephanie, hi. Stephanie: Hi. Nick: What am I seeing on the internet? Can you help me with this? Stephanie: I don't know. What are you seeing on the internet? Bridget: It says that we're gonna do a battle of the fashion houses with Forrester Creations? Nick: Yeah, yeah, we're not ready for that. And if you make a decision like that, you have to check with me and my mother. Those are the rules around here. Stephanie: Honey, I did-- of course I didn't. I didn't. Nick: Well, go online, and you'll see for yourself. Stephanie: What are you talking about? Dottie: Stephanie, are you telling me you didn't change your mind? Nick: Excuse me. Have we met? Dottie: No. Stephanie: Excuse me. I'm so sorry. Forgive me for being, you know, so ungracious. Uh, this is a very dear friend of mine, Dorothy Bright. Uh, you already know Eric's daughter, of course, Bridget. Bridget: Good to see you again. Stephanie: And this is her husband and my partner Nick Marone. Nick: Nice to meet you. Dottie: Nice to meet you. Stephanie: Um, Dorothy runs this charity that we've been talking about. She came yesterday to discuss a fashion challenge with me. Nick: And you said yes? Stephanie: Of course I didn't say yes. Why would I say yes? No. What I can't figure out is who leaked this to the media? Dottie: So you're telling me you didn't have anything to do with it. Stephanie: No, I told you yesterday--I made it very clear, Dorothy, I did not want us to be involved. Dottie: No, you didn't. But now the whole world thinks you are. [SCENE_BREAK] Eric: What? A fashion challenge with Jackie M. "Forrester Creations and Jackie M. Designs will highlight this year's charity gala with a fashion runoff, pitting Forrester's Royalty Collection against Jackie M.'s Indulge Line." What in the world? What... Brooke: (Gasps) Katie: Okay, what the hell is going on? The phones are ringing off the hook. Brooke: Ridge, did you know about this? Ridge: Not until I saw it online. Brooke: Eric, how could you? Eric: How could I what? This is the first I've heard of this. Katie: Stephanie didn't tell you? Eric: No. Not a word. Katie: Well, this is a disaster. People want interviews. What am I gonna tell them? Ridge: All right, everybody just slow down here. There's got to be some kind of explanation. Brooke: Oh, I know what the explanation is. It's Stephanie. She is blindsiding us. She's forcing our hand. Eric: (Sighs) [SCENE_BREAK] Whip: Well, you sure work fast. It's brilliant. (Chuckles) And it's a definite win-win for both of us. Jackie M. gets the publicity, and you get Forrester Creations for a dime on the dollar when we cream Eric in the competition. He's not gonna back out either. He doesn't want to lose face. And the last thing that Forrester wants to appear is afraid to compete with Jackie M. Bill: And when Eric agrees, Stephanie will, as well, for the same reason. Bill: I've got 'em both right where I want 'em. [SCENE_BREAK] Stephanie: Look, there's gotta be some way to stop this before it gains any more traction. Dottie: Oh, but we've already got major contributions for this event. And--and it just got announced. Nick: Well, tell them the truth, that it hasn't been finalized. Bridget: Yeah, it was a press leak. We didn't agree to anything. Dottie: Oh, and please, think about the children this will help. (Telephone rings) Stephanie: Excuse me. (Rings) Stephanie: Stephanie Forrester. Eric: Stephanie, it's Eric. I'm gonna put you on speaker phone. Look, I want an explanation. Stephanie: (Laughs) Well, I'd like one, too. Look, uh--uh, Dorothy Bright's here with me. Uh, she came by yesterday and talked to me about this fashion challenge, and I said absolutely no. I have no idea, Eric, how this got out to the press. Eric: Yeah, well, you need to make it go away. Stephanie: Yeah, I'm afraid it's not quite that simple, darling. Dottie: Oh, l-l-l, uh, may I talk to him? Stephanie: Uh, Eric, hold on. Dorothy would like to speak to you for a moment. Dottie: Eric, hi, it's Dorothy. Um, I am here with Stephanie and Bridget and-- and Nick. Listen, I just want to apologize. I am so sorry for the way this has happened. But, look, I know that you and Stephanie have been some of our biggest donors over the years, and I would never do anything to offend you. But, Eric, this event has just taken off. We've already raised over $100,000 in contributions, and this morning I hired three celebrity judges. Eric: (Sighs) Look, Dottie, uh, all right, look, why don't the four of you come over to my office. We'll discuss this thing. Dottie: Oh. He wants the four of us to come over to the office. Please? Stephanie: Okay. Tell him we're on our way. Dottie: All right, uh, we're on our way. Thanks. Brooke: I have a very bad feeling about this. Katie: We're not ready for this. And there's no way to back out gracefully, not now. Jackie M. and Forrester are on a collision course. Eric: (Scoffs) [SCENE_BREAK] Whip: I trust that you're gonna keep this under wraps on your end, the fact that I slipped you this invitation. Bill: Oh, you need not... worry, Whip. Whip: I mean, I wouldn't have had to come to you in the first place if Stephanie had been thinking clearly. I mean, this is a slam dunk for Jackie M. It's a P.R. dream. If it all goes right, I'll be sittin' in the driver's seat. Bill: It'll certainly make Stephanie look good. Whip: Yeah. Which is why I don't understand why she's resisting it. Bill: She still has A... (talking like a child) wittle soft spot... (normal speaking) for Eric and the company. [SCENE_BREAK] Eric: So you don't know how this thing got out? You think it was leaked to the public? Stephanie: Well, what other explanation is there? Katie: Well, something happened. You and Dottie only talked about this last night. Dottie: Well, I wouldn't leak it. I-I mean, Eric, you know me better than that. Eric: Dottie, I'm sorry. I'm not pointing any fingers. I just want to get to the bottom of this. Dottie: I suppose it--it could have been somebody at the printer's where we had the invitations done. Ridge: You've already designed invitations? Stephanie: Easy, easy. Dottie had some mock invitations made up, hoping that we would all jump on the bandwagon. Dottie: Well, I mean, it is a very clever concept. I mean, look at the buzz it's generated already. Katie: She's right. We can't buy this kind of publicity. Dottie: So why not just go with it? I mean, the--the P.R. would be fantastic. And Eric, not to beat a dead horse, but please think of the children that we could feed with this money. I mean, the public will love it. Eric: Dottie... Stephanie: Eric. Eric: Now this is a new line for us. We need some lead time, a couple of months at least. Stephanie: Eric, Eric, honey, the d--the date's already been set. They can't change the calendar for us. Brooke: Well, maybe we should think about the children. I mean, Eric and Ridge, your designs are absolutely fabulous right now, and I think if we did go through with this, we would win. Bridget: (Scoffs) Brooke: Nothing personal, honey, 'cause your designs are amazing, too. It's just that the reason your sales are on top right now is because of Bill Spencer. Bridget: Mother! Stephanie: What are you talking about? Katie: O-okay, okay, let's not focus on Bill Spencer. Brooke: It's true. Katie: Let's focus on the task at hand. If this happens, I will make sure that our P.R. machine is kicked into high gear from this moment forward. Bridget: Well, we will, too. Ridge: Okay. Dad, what do you think? Eric: You're on, Stephanie. You're on. Dottie: Oh, excellent! Thank you. Thank you. Stephanie: (Laughs) Now don't say you haven't been warned, you two. Eric: (Chuckles) (indistinct conversations) [SCENE_BREAK] Jarrett: You caught me just as I was leaving the building. Bill: I need you to take care of something for me, Jarrett. You know the judges for the fashion challenge. Well, each one them either needs me or owes me. Jarrett: Uh... you're not suggesting... Bill: Oh, you bet your little pocket hankie I'm suggesting. [SCENE_BREAK] Bridget: Oh, hey. Eric: Hey. You're still here. Bridget: Yeah. I just wanted to come back and thank you for the flowers you sent. That was really sweet. Eric: (Chuckles) Well, you deserved those flowers. What you--what you accomplished at Jackie M. was masterful. Bridget: Really? Eric: Yeah, it was beautiful. Bridget: (Chuckles) Mom's right, though. Our sales were up only because of Bill Spencer interfering. Eric: No, no, don't do that. Don't give Bill Spencer any credit. The designs sold because they were beautiful, and that's why. Although things might be a little different at this, uh, fashion challenge. Bridget: Well, if I'm any good, it's because I learned from the best. Eric: Yeah. Well, I want you to do the best job you can, all right? Bridget: Of course I will. Why would you even ask that? Eric: No, I just don't want you to hold back because I'm your old man. Bridget: Dad, please. Eric: Look, I know how much you love me and how much you worry about me and how concerned you are about the stress in my life. Bridget: Dad, I--yes, I love you, and I worry about you, and I know you're at the top of your game, and quite honestly, that freaks me out. I don't want to go up against you. Eric: Well, I think I'm gonna take advantage of that. Bridget: Quite honestly, I'm not that scared to go up against you. [SCENE_BREAK] Ridge: The formals are just about finished. Other than that... Brooke: The cocktail dresses, five are still on the mannequins. Ridge: Four. I finished another one late last night. Brooke: Oh. So that's what you're doing late at night. Ridge: Focus, Logan, focus. Brooke: Oh, I am focused. And by the way you're looking at me, it looks like you're focused, too. Ridge: Let's not let anything get in the way of winning this competition, okay? Brooke: No. Did anything get in the way of us creating the belief formula, doing the men's line, Brooke's Bedroom? Although I do recall we did mix quite a bit of business with pleasure. Ridge: Okay, now you're distracting yourself. Brooke: Really? Or am I distracting you? I certainly wouldn't want to do that. So back to work. [SCENE_BREAK] Stephanie: Another fine pickle we are in, Dr. Watson. Eric: Who's to say "We," Stephanie? Stephanie: I didn't want to do this fashion challenge. I did my best to avoid it. But you know Dorothy. Eric: Yes, well, she has sold all the tables. We can't hardly give the money back now, can we? Stephanie: No, we can't. We can't. Eric: No. So why are you here? Oh, oh, you want some fashion advice, is that it? Stephanie: (Laughs) Hardly. I had a conversation with, um, the girls the other day. Eric: Yes, so I heard. Stephanie: Yes. Yes. It was, uh, rather upsetting. Oh, it's so pretentious, this whole royalty of the Forrester Creation. I mean, why did you buy into this concept? It's so cheap. Eric: Look, even if you don't like it, you have to admit, they've made contributions to this company. Stephanie: Contributions. Oh, yes. Well, we could talk about the contributions they've made to my life, but I don't want to go there. Suffice to say good luck. Eric: Yeah, good luck to you, too, Stephanie. Stephanie: It's up to the judges now. Eric: Yes, well, it's actually up to us. I'm sure the judges will be fair and impartial, and finally we will know which fashion house is number one. [SCENE_BREAK] Bill: I wondered if you got my message. Katie: Oh, I've been in meetings all morning. I don't know if you're aware, but the Royalty Campaign is gonna make its debut at a fashion show charity event. Bill: Yeah, yeah, I, uh, I saw that online. Katie: There's a scoop you didn't know about, Dollar Bill? Bill: You look beautiful. There's a certain energy about you. Katie: Let's just say I like a challenge. Anyway, uh, I-I don't know if you're aware of this, but apparently the news of the fashion show was leaked out before we had ever agreed to do it, before we had ever even heard about it. Bill: Wow, that's, uh, that's awkward. I'll bet Eric got his shorts in a bunch, didn't he? Katie: Yeah, he was a little upset. I mean, we all were. Whoever leaked it certainly didn't do us any favors. Bill: Well, you don't seem upset now. Katie: I'm not, because we're gonna win. Bill: Are you? Katie: Mm-hmm. Our designs are amazing, and I am going to promote them gloriously. No silver medals for us. Nothing but gold. We are going to beat Jackie M. I'm sure of it. Wow, that's, um, not such an encouraging reaction. Do you know something I don't? [SCENE_BREAK] Stephanie: Mm-hmm. Well, I assume you've heard about what's going on. Whip: Oh, yeah, the fashion challenge. I was very surprised. I mean, didn't you--? Stephanie: Oh, yes, yes, because you were when I told Dorothy I had no interest in doing it. Whip: And now? Stephanie: I got bamboozled into a meeting with Eric, so we're going to go ahead with it. Whip: Perfect. Stephanie: Perfect? No, I don't think it's quite so perfect. It's going to be a huge effort on our part. Whip: I'm up for it. Stephanie: Oh, why did I think you'd say that? Whip: You did? Stephanie: Yes, I did. You know, I got to thinking yesterday when I was driving back from Eric's place. And I thought, "Now, hmm, who could have leaked this to press? I mean, could it have been the printing company? Or could it have been, my little pal, Whip Jones?" Whip: Oh, come on. Me? Stephanie: You. Don't lie to me. You pushed us into this. There's no way we can get out of it, neither Eric nor myself. Whip: We're gonna take him down. Stephanie: Yeah, well, we better take him down, and it's gonna fall on your shoulders, pal, because PR's gonna be the key. Whip: I won't let you down. Stephanie: You better not. [SCENE_BREAK] Ridge: But we have to the finals on all those dresses, fit the models, meet with Katie, be available for all the interviews. What a mountain of stuff we have ahead of us here. Brooke: Ooh, yes, it sounds exciting. Mountain-climbing. Very exciting when you get to the top. Ridge: Logan, you're acting like this is going to be a piece of cake. Brooke: No, but it is going to be very sweet. You and I working together again, the odds terribly against us, everybody counting us out. Sound familiar? Ridge: Story of our lives. Brooke: Yeah. How's that story inevitably end? Ridge: It actually doesn't end. Brooke: That's right. A never-ending story. But this time it'll be different. I'll be up there on the stage as your queen, and you'll be looking at me from the curtains. Then you know what happens? Ridge: I'm afraid to ask now. Brooke: Well, then I'll curtsy in front of you like this, and say, "Take me to your palace, my dear prince". Ridge: Will you stop it? You are such a fruitcake. What's going on? Brooke: [Giggles] And then we'll gallop off into the sunset on your majestic steed, your white stallion, and we'll live happily ever after. Mmm-mmmm. Get back to work. Go on, get back to work. [SCENE_BREAK] Jarrett: That's right. Mr. Spencer has made all the arrangements. Yeah, a limo will pick you up from your condo and take you to the airport, where you will travel to L.A. in his private jet for the charity event. Uh, yes, yes, he's doing this for all three judges. A token of his appreciation for your friendship. Oh, uh, one small request. Mr. Spencer would like you to keep this confidential. Okay. All right. Okay. Very good. Okay. Thank you. [Sighs] [SCENE_BREAK] Katie: You don't think I can pull it off, do you? Bill: If anybody could, I know it would be you. Katie: But you don't think we'll win, why? Bill: Because Jackie M has the momentum right now. Katie: So what? Momentum changes in a heartbeat. Look at us, for example. Bill: What about us? Katie: Well, to everyone else you're this evil, dark knight in a black cloak. Everyone's so afraid of how you wield your influence and your power. I don't feel that fear when I'm with you. Bill: And why do you suppose that is? Katie: I don't know. Maybe because you protected me when I passed out in your hotel room. I just can't imagine you hurting me. You wouldn't hurt me, would you, Bill? Bill: I would never want to do that. Katie: Well, now, here's your chance to prove it? Bill: How? Katie: You can cover the challenge impartially. Don't give in to those baser instincts. Don't try to use this challenge to undermine the company so you can acquire it. Because that is the temptation, isn't it? Bill: I like to think that I don't, uh, do things simply out of temptation. Katie: Yeah, well, I like to think the same thing about myself. Bill: You wouldn't fall for temptation, would you, Katie? Katie: What makes you think that? Bill: Because you're strong, and confident and beautiful. Katie: Well, even the best of us get tempted sometimes. Bill: Are you, Katie? Are you tempted right now? Because I am. Katie: Then you hate to admit it. Bill: Because I never felt this way before. Not quite like this. Katie: What's the matter? Bill: Nothing's the matter, I just, uh, have to get back to work. Katie: Okay. Well, I guess I'll see you tonight. Oh! Jarrett: I'm so sorry. I didn't realize you were busy. Katie: No, no. Not busy, just leaving. See you around. Jarrett: Huh. Well, well, well. Bill: Don't "Well, well, well" me, Jarrett. What is it? Jarrett: What is it with you? I've never seen you like that before. Bill: Like what? Jarrett: The way you were looking at her, the tenderness. Bill: Jarrett, what do you want? Jarrett: [Sighs] I don't understand. Look, you obviously have feelings for Katie. And yet, you're sabotaging her hard work, destroying her company. I mean, you've done ruthless things before, but Katie-- Bill: All right, enough, enough, Jarrett. I have my foot on Forrester's throat, and I will have that company. Jarrett: Can you do that to sweet Katie Logan? Um, betray her? Smash her dreams? Bill: This is about business. It's nothing personal.