Cristian's return from the dead didn't thrill the art world, so Cris became a boxer. New arrival Vincent Jones (One Life to Live) became Cris' manager, but was working to make it look as though Cris botched a fight. Cris lost his boxing career, and Vincent was cleared of all charges. However, Layla was not willing to forgive Vincent, until after an encounter with death. A racist arsonist began targeting Llanview, causing the death of Ted Osbourne and the catatonic state of Evangeline Williamson. Vincent, Layla, Adriana and Rex were almost killed and all were shocked to learn that ex-baseball player Tate Harmon was the arsonist. Tate was apprehended and sent to prison.