Chelsea Turns to Sharon For Advice — and Nick and Victoria Want Answers From Adam

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At Adam’s place, he and Chelsea get an encouraging update from Connor’s doctors. Adam takes back what he said about the place. It feels like it’s actually OK to hope. Chelsea asks why he doesn’t look happier. “It’s because of us, isn’t it? What happened in Baltimore.”

Adam goes over how it was a one-time thing and they’re as committed to Billy and Sally as ever. Chelsea warns that after her meeting with Sally they spoke, and the nicer she was the more guilty she felt. “I almost told her.” Adam reminds her they never need to know. Chelsea says it’s easier said than done to forget about it, but she’ll try. Adam confides that Victor has proposed that he step in and helm Newman Media. Chelsea says this is a terrible idea and urges him to turn his father down. Adam groans. Chelsea knows the division was his baby and the idea is appealing. Adam says it is, but his dad is working the angles. He wants to boost another company’s chances over another. He can’t get into the details, but he’s playing a game and gunning for someone he cares about. Adam does like the idea of autonomy. Chelsea asks if he’s really OK with Victor going after a friend of his.

Nick finds Victoria at Society and they discuss Katie and Johnny getting along with Claire. Victoria admits that Katie was rude and dramatic at first, but Claire worked her magic. Victoria asks how her brother is doing. Talk turns to work and she wonders if Adam’s decided about Newman Media. Nick says he hasn’t, and she snarks about him keeping them waiting. Nick chides that he’s got a lot on his mind right now. Victoria sighs. He’s right. Her heart goes out to Connor, Adam, and Chelsea. Billy says Connor is finally doing better. The conversation turns to Victor’s penchant for causing chaos and Victoria warns Nick to brace himself… it’s about to happen again.

Victoria reveals that Victor convinced her to come back to Newman Enterprises. Nick isn’t surprised. They debate about their father putting Adam in Nikki’s job. Victoria’s glad their mom is still fighting him on it. Nick feels she’ll never get her way and suggested she give up. “Fighting Dad is stress she doesn’t need right now.” He thinks he persuaded her to step back and focus on her charities and grandkids. Victoria can’t figure out what their father’s endgame is with all this manoeuvring. Nick notes he likes it that way. Victoria worries if Nikki backs down, the door is wide open for Adam.

At the Club, Audra reads a positive press release about her, Kyle, and Glissade. Nate tells her last night was incredible. “I’m talking about watching the sunset with you.” Audra grins and agrees. He knows it’s just fun… but he hopes there’s more in their future. Audra says that as long as he understands the ground rules, she doesn’t see why that can’t happen. In the doorway, Victor watches their flirty conversation.

Victor approaches and greets them. He congratulates Audra on the news about Glissade. Always nice to see people like Tucker get their comeuppance. She thanks him. Victor’s sure Glissade will blow Jabot out of the water and take Jack Abbott down with it. Audra assures him that’s on the to-do list. He walks off and Nate asks, “You want to tell me what that was about?”

Audra plays dumb, but Nate says the vibe came through loud and clear. “It was almost as though he was goading you.” He was saying a whole lot more than good morning and congratulations. Audra thinks he’s looking for trouble where there is none. Nate muses that Victor would love to see Jack’s Jabot crushed. What better way than to fund the competition. If he didn’t know better, he’d think Victor was her secret investor. Audra flips, “Well, good thing you know better.”

At the Abbott mansion, Diane tells Jack she’ll take her own car to work. Kyle appears and notes they’re getting a late start for the office. Diane tells him to ride the Glissade hype while they can. Kyle says it’s not bluster, and he couldn’t be more excited. She wonders if he’s actually excited to try and get back at them. Kyle accuses her of making it about her. Diane questions why he’s heading up a second-rate business just to get to her and his father.

Kyle scoffs at the idea he chose a new career path merely to punish them. He says Glissade won’t be second-rate for long. He has the experience and drive to make his big plans a reality. He questions why they’re not happy he’s flown off to succeed on his own, even though he was pushed out of the nest. Diane knows how valuable he is to the family and the company. Kyle says her actions prove otherwise. Jack fumes that he’s right. This is his chance to take a leap and he wishes him nothing but success. He heads out the door. Diane wishes Kyle luck. “I hope this is everything you’ve been looking for.” She follows Jack.

At Jabot, Jack tells Diane that accepting Kyle’s decision now may lead to reconciliation in the future. In any other circumstance they’d be thrilled at his determination to create something new. Diane argues he’s using the move to punish them and get revenge. Jack says the more they fight him, the more he’ll dig his heels in. They have to back off completely. Diane argues that they have every reason to believe that Victor is behind Glissade and is using their son in a revenge plot against him. She fears he’s caught in the middle of something bigger than they know. They have to be able to protect him. She can’t believe she made him vulnerable to Victor. Jack assures her she did what she had to do. Diane worries he’s in a self-destructive spiral. It’s breaking her heart to think of him taking Harrison and moving out. Jack is sure he’ll find his way back. Diane worries they actually need to hold on tighter. Jack says Kyle needs to succeed or fail on his own. They need to back away from their son right now.

At Adam’s place, Chelsea thinks he’s already made his decision to go along with his dad’s plan to screw over his friend. Adam feels maybe he can talk him out of it… then concedes he won’t. Chelsea warns he always gets hurt where his father’s concerned. “Really think this through.” Victor requires complete loyalty. If he finds out he’s trying to protect the person he’s trying to take down, it’s a very risky game. Adam nods. With his father it always is.

At the Club, Nate isn’t convince that Victor’s not Audra’s mystery investor. Audra works to through him off the trail. He’s simply a mentor. Nate warns she wouldn’t want to be beholden to a man like that… first sign of trouble and he’ll turn on her. That autonomy she loves so much… there’s no such thing when it comes to Victor. “That’s reserved only for him. Everyone else is very, very expendable.”

Kyle shows up and greets them. Nate has to get back to the office and congratulates him on Glissade before telling Audra he’ll talk to her later. Kyle asks Audra, “Is that a thing?” Audra wants her personal life is none of his business.

At the coffee shop, Sharon looks at a photo of her, Nick, and Cassie, but tucks it away when Chelsea comes in looking for advice. Connor is doing better, which is wonderful, but also terrifying. She updates her on their visit with their son and his relapse. Sharon gasps at hearing he tried to cut himself and knows the OCD tried to punish him.

Chelsea continues that Connor has since had a breakthrough and pushed the disease away. He can control it. Sharon tells her this is a huge step. Chelsea’s so grateful… but she’s starting to see that this is how life is going to look for them, forever. Connor is always going to have episodes. “I can’t protect my son.” She wants to be brave, but she’s not sure how to navigate this. Sharon tells her she can’t plan for what’s ahead. The only thing she can do is stay strong and face it. “Moment by moment, day by day.” Sharon drifts off and Chelsea asks if she’s alright. Sharon muses, “You try to protect your kids but sometimes you can’t.”

Adam walks into Victor’s office and informs him that he accepts his offer. “But there’s a condition.” He adds that it’s non-negotiable. “Take it or leave it.” He says he won’t fabricate reports, falsify data, or sling any mud. Nothing that will hurt Jack or his family. He won’t be a hired gun. Victor grunts, “Alright.” He says it’s a deal and welcomes his son to Newman Media.

At Society, Nick and Victoria wonder if Victor would oust Nikki permanently. Just then, they get a summons from their father. Nick says it looks like they’re about to get some answers.

Victoria and Nick join Adam and Victor in the office. Victor says that Adam will helm Newman Media and Victor will join Nick at Newman Enterprises. Nick calls him out for sidelining their mom. Victor says when she’s finished her out-patient program, she’ll take over at Newman Media again. Nick complains that he coerced Victoria into coming back. Victoria can’t understand why he’s pulling all of this. Nick says the reshuffling makes no sense. They want to know what’s going on.

Victor has no time for their questions. All they need to know is that everything is falling into place. Victoria begins, “I’m not sure I’m comfortable…” Victor hollers that he’s sick and tired of the doubts! Nick wonders why Adam is quiet; does he know something they don’t. Adam says he’s just another lowly pawn. He would like to know what happens to him when Nikki comes back.

At the Club, Audra tells Kyle they won’t be friends. Their partnership is only about the work. Kyle asks where this is coming from; he just asked about Nate. Audra knows he told Victor to cut her loose.

Kyle smirks, “Victor told you.” Audra’s not happy he’s already tried to stab her in the back. She didn’t want him as a partner, but they agreed to terms. They have to attempt a modicum of trust or they’ll blow this before they even get started. Kyle agrees. Audra’s leaving for Paris tomorrow. Kyle asks what time they’re flight leaves… he’s decided the whole divide and conquer thing doesn’t work for him. Audra purses her lips, “In other words, you don’t trust me.”

At Jabot, Jack says they won’t pretend that Kyle’s behavior is OK, but what they said is true. They love him and will be there if they need him. That’s never going to change. Jack recounts that the family has been through hell lately. It’s time to heal and focus on them, “You and me.” He feels they need to remember how good they are as a team and how much love they have for each other. “Eventually Kyle will come around.”

At Newman, Victor’s children pepper him with questions. Victor says they’ll all be answered in time. Adam asks, “What’s wrong with right now?” Victor says, “Stop worrying, alright?” He bellows, “You’re all exactly where you’re supposed to be. The meeting is adjourned, thank you.”

In the hall, Nick and Victoria assume Adam knows why Victor wanted him to lead Newman Media. “So why don’t you fill us in?” Nick asks. Victoria echoes, “What is dad up to?”

Next on The Young and the Restless: Summer takes a page from Phyllis’ book, Adam and Chelsea fight their attraction, and Heather shares unexpected news with Daniel.