>> Victoria: Well, we are back to back meetings today,
so I hope you got a good night's rest.
>> Nate: I had a good night, but it had nothing to do
with sleep. >> Victoria: I'd like you
to accompany me on several of these meetings,
including Brock this afternoon. >> Nate: With
the decarbonization company. He's pitching a merger?
>> Victoria: Mm-hmm. I would prefer it
be an acquisition. >> Nate: Same page.
>> Victoria: Yes, well the board is giving me some pushback.
They think it's too risky. >> Nate: The risk is undeniable,
the downside is very real, but why not be ahead
of the pack? >> Victoria: Yes.
Big. Bold. No limits. No safety nets.
Have I told you lately how much I like the way you think?
It's like talking to myself, but it's much more fun.
[ both laughing ] Hey, I have an idea.
Why don't you take the Babcock meeting
this afternoon? The CFO can be a little,
you know, hard-headed, but I'm sure it's something
you can handle. You could also head up
the marketing team status conference?
I think they could definitely use some fresh ideas in there.
[ laughs ] What?
>> Nate: Those are very high profile.
>> Victoria: You're onboard as the interim COO.
I don't see why that would be particularly unusual.
>> Nate: But we both know how a lot of people feel
about me stepping in for Nick. And me sitting in your chair.
You're making a hell of a statement with this move.
>> Victoria: I know. And I don't care.
>> Audra: Soy latte, huh? I pegged you for a double
macchiato kind of guy. >> Kyle: I like to mix it up.
>> Audra: I remember. >> Kyle: You excited?
Today's the big day. Taking on the role
of CEO of Newman Media. >> Audra: Acting CEO.
The position is mine only as long as Nate is needed
to fill in for your father-in-law
at Newman Enterprises. >> Kyle: I wonder how Nick
feels about that? >> Audra: I mean, he just went
through hell. You know, I appreciate
Victoria looking out for Nick. Giving him time
and space to regroup. >> Kyle: Looking out for him
by replacing him. >> Audra: Uh, sounds
like you have an issue. >> Kyle: Let's just say
I am very familiar with how the Newman family
takes care of their own and it doesn't always have
a whole lot to do with love.
♪♪♪
>> Nikki: Adam, Adam wait. >> Adam: [ sighing ] Nikki.
What can I do for you? >> Nikki: I am so very sorry
for your loss. >> Sharon: I'm not going to lie.
That box from Cameron has me freaked out.
Everything I thought I was moving on from
is front and center again. The idea of going to work,
how would I ever focus? How's Sally?
>> Nick: I think I convinced her that she should stay home,
get some rest. I'll go and check on her
just as soon as I make sure you're settled.
>> Sharon: How could I ever feel settled with everything
this maniac has hanging over me?
Even from beyond the grave. What if there's
another box, Nick? And another, and another?
This guy is in my head and I hate him for it.
>> Nick: It could be the end of it, you know.
His last gasp. >> Sharon: It's hard to believe
there will ever be an end to Cameron in my life.
Leaving me his company? It's like he knew
he was going to die and he thought of everything
he could to stay in my life. >> Nick: He was one twisted
son of a bitch. >> Sharon: I hope
he's burning in hell.
>> Nate: So you know... I am totally prepped
to spearhead the Babcock meeting.
Not just their financials. And you're right about the CFO.
I had done some digging and found some inside
information about the guy. Likes, dislikes, quirks.
And he's got some doozies. So, I'll proceed
with those in mind. >> Victoria: Why am I not
surprised that you've already done research?
>> Nate: Because you know I'll always have your back.
So, of course, I know what's on your calendar.
I've been gathering intel so you'd be well armed.
>> Victoria: Excellent. >> Nate: To have the power
to change the course of this company...
lives... the future.
It's intoxicating. Almost as intoxicating
as the way you're looking at me right now.
>> Audra: That sounded like you've gone a few rounds
with a Newman or two. >> Kyle: Hm, more than a few.
I don't have a problem with most of them.
Strong personalities, driven, know what they want.
But when somebody crosses a line and somebody always does,
things can get pretty extreme. >> Audra: Well, coloring inside
the lines never got anybody anywhere.
>> Kyle: Yeah, well, for the Newman family,
collateral damage is just part of the game, as long
as they get what they want. >> Audra: That fire can
be productive. Or it can burn you.
>> Kyle: Speaking from experience?
>> Audra: Ah, let's just say I've been singed
more than a few times. >> Kyle: You look like
you recovered. >> Audra: Yeah, you know, I--
I used to let it get to me. I'd obsess
over what could have been, should have been.
But blew up. Maybe my fault.
You know, maybe not. Then, you know,
working with Tucker McCall, you know, he was hardcore.
Nothing would get in his way before he went all zen.
At first I thought that made him soft, but then,
you know, I realized that... that's just given him
more focus. Know what you want,
hone in on it and the universe rewards you.
>> Kyle: So, you play nice and you get to go to the front
of the line? >> Audra: I didn't say anything
about playing nice. >> Kyle: Hm.
>> Adam: Thank you for the condolences,
but given your husband's feelings for Sally,
you'll understand if your sympathies feel
a bit disingenuous. >> Nikki: Adam, I am speaking
to you as a fellow parent who has experienced loss.
And it is unimaginable. The emptiness is overwhelming.
Your vision of your future with your child
has been taken from you. >> Adam: Taken from me?
No, no. Ask Sally. This was my choice.
Our little girl is dead because of me.
>> Nikki: That is not true. >> Adam: Well, it is to Sally
and she hates me for it. I mean, our little girl
didn't even get to take a breath because of me.
>> Nikki: Adam, it was an impossible choice.
>> Adam: But, I mean, you can't be surprised that I screwed up,
right? 'Cause I'm no hero, I'm not like Nicholas.
>> Nikki: You saved her life. >> Adam: Well, apparently,
that doesn't count. >> Nikki: Yes, of course
it does. And thank God you did.
>> Adam: God? God doesn't factor
into this equation because any god who makes
someone choose between mother and child isn't a god
that I believe in. >> Nikki: You're angry
and that's understandable, but you cannot
let it consume you. >> Adam: I don't know.
It seems to be my comfort zone these days.
But, Nikki, if you will excuse me.
>> Nikki: Adam, listen. Listen. You have a bright, wonderful son
who needs you and you have people
who care about you. I hope you can hold onto that.
>> Sharon: I go to sleep and Cameron is in my dreams.
I wake up and I flinch at every little noise.
I worry about every delivery. And Faith,
it takes everything in me not to call her
every hour on the hour to make sure that she's okay.
>> Nick: Yeah, I'm right there with you. But I'm worried
about you too, Sharon. You can say you're fine
and that you're processing it and that there's nothing
for me to worry about, but that ends now.
Tell me what's going on. >> Sharon: I killed that man.
And I watched him die. It still haunts me.
>> Nick: You did what you had to do to save
your daughter's life. To save all of us.
>> Sharon: I know. And I don't regret that.
How could I? But it still pushes me
to places I don't want to go. I just want to stop seeing
him everywhere I look and I don't know how
to make that happen. And I am so angry
that this bastard has this much control
over my life. How do I move on?
How do I find peace? >> Nick: I don't, uh,
Have an answer for that, but... I'm here.
All right? I'm all in. For whatever you need.
>> Sharon: I have an idea. But you would have to get
your hands dirty. >> Nick: Whatever it takes.
>> Adam: McCall needs to be lean and mean.
I want to sell off our deadweight and keep
anything that can be weaponized against our competitors.
And there is only one. Newman Media
and I want to crush them. I'll call you back.
What? >> Victor: I just got a call
from Nikki. She's worried about you.
And so am I. [ phone chiming ]
>> Nikki: What on Earth? >> Victoria: You know, one way
that I would like to expand is to grow our global
commercial real estate. We already have
a very strong presence in Asia and in the Middle East,
but I'm hearing about some very interesting
EU opportunities. >> Nate: Sounds intriguing.
>> Victoria: Mm-hmm. And, you know,
now that my kids are gonna be away at boarding school,
it's gonna give me time this fall to do
some more in-depth research. >> Nate: So, a business trip?
>> Victoria: Yeah. That's what the jet's for.
[ Nate laughing ] And you know,
I know that our last business trip didn't
really go as planned, I understand that,
but that's behind us. We're free to be together
now and... it's not gonna be
all about business. We're gonna have to absorb
the local culture to get a feel for the different marketplaces.
>> Nate: The food, the night life, you.
My bag is already packed. [ door opening ]
>> Nikki: Sorry for the interruption.
>> Victoria: No. Not at all. >> Nikki: Nate.
Would you excuse us? I need to speak
with Victoria alone. >> Victoria: Mother!
>> Nate: All good. All good. I need to prep
for the Babcock meeting. Nikki, I will get the quarterly
account receivables to you for your review.
I think you'll be pleased with the numbers.
>> Nikki: I am sure I will be. Thank you.
He's meeting with Babcock alone? >> Victoria: He's prepared,
he's enthusiastic, he has a great attitude,
unlike you. >> Nikki: Is your intention
to keep Nicholas away from Newman Enterprises for good?
>> Victoria: Of course I'm not boxing Nick out.
Why would you think that? >> Nikki: I just found out
that you dissolved Nicholas' support team.
Now he has barely stepped away, on your orders, temporarily,
but now you seem to be making moves that will be
more permanent. >> Victoria: You don't
understand. >> Nikki: No, I don't.
Why don't you explain it to me? >> Victoria: Mother, this is
a very fast paced business. It's constantly evolving.
You have to stay one step ahead. It's not as though
I fired Nicholas' team. I've just reassigned them
to different departments so that they're not sitting
around collecting paychecks, waiting for Nick to return.
>> Nikki: Why not have them continue in the same capacity
for Nate? Help him get acquainted
with his job as acting COO while Nicholas is gone.
>> Victoria: No. No, Nate doesn't need his hand held.
He's done the work. He knows the position.
[ Nikki chuckling ] >> Nikki: I'm sure he's been
studying up for weeks. >> Victoria: He's very hands on.
>> Nikki: Oh, I have no doubt. >> Victoria: His drive
and his energy and his focus. He's made it clear that he wants
to take on more of the workload. He wants to be fully involved.
>> Nikki: Are you suggesting that Nicholas wasn't?
>> Victoria: Nicholas has and continues to have
all these outside distractions that keep him
from giving the 110% and that's what we expect at Newman.
>> Nikki: Wow. You have an answer
for everything. But this doesn't feel
like a business move. It feels personal.
A way for you to strike out at your brother.
>> Victoria: Mother, it's not personal.
It's necessary. Nick's team
has shown that they're not on board
with our current agenda. And I-- I'm sorry,
but I have no other choice. >> Nikki: I don't even know
what that means. >> Victoria: Like Nick,
his team doesn't see Adam or McCall as a threat.
Nate is willing to go up against McCall.
That's the kind of leadership that I'm looking for in my COO.
>> Nikki: I see. Well, as your co-CEO,
I'm going on record and warning you
that I find this to be very aggressive and unnecessary.
>> Victoria: It's just good business. I wish you could see
the larger picture. >> Nikki: Oh, I can see all
too clearly, Victoria. >> Victoria: So, whatever it is,
you're dying to say it, so go ahead.
>> Nikki: Is all of this retaliation because
Nicholas warned you about Nate? >> Victoria: I told you
my logic. >> Nikki: This has nothing to do
with logic. This is about Ashland.
>> Victoria: Don't be ridiculous!
>> Nikki: Nicholas warned you time and time again about him,
but you refused to listen. And he was right.
I think deep down, you're worried that he's right
this time as well. >> Nick: I hope that gave you
some freedom. >> Sharon: I should have
said something. >> Nick: For Cameron?
>> Sharon: No. His victims.
All the people he hurt, the deaths he caused,
the damage he did. Like that woman who lives
in Los Angeles. The one he assaulted.
I hope she knows that Cameron's dead
and that he can never hurt her again
and that she has found peace. >> Nick: And you?
>> Sharon: It might take a little while longer.
It's not just the fear. The space Cameron's
taking up in my head, but it's the guilt.
>> Nick: The guilt? >> Sharon: I brought
this maniac into our lives. Our daughter was kidnapped.
She might've been killed. All because of one stupid
choice I made years ago. >> Nick: You cannot
blame yourself. >> Sharon: How can I not?
Faith, you know, as strong as she was through this ordeal,
this is going to mark her. All of us.
In ways we can't even know yet. All of the psychology classes
and degrees in the world can't give me that answer.
>> Nick: You already know the answer.
It's love. You and Faith are not alone
in this. You have me and Mariah
and Tessa and Noah. So many people who love
you both and will be there for you no matter what.
>> Sharon: We're here for you, too.
>> Nick: Luckiest guy in the world.
[ Nick sighing ] You don't want
Cameron's business. Let's get rid of this.
Let's throw it away and be done with it
and Cameron forever. >> Sharon: Nick, wait.
Watching all that misery turn to ash
gave me an idea. >> Audra: Newman Media was
an early adopter of AI. You know, but if we really
ramp up, increase focus on using it
as a distribution tool, set up algorithms to select
content for our users, I mean, it could be
a gamechanger for our metrics. Oh, I'm sorry.
I'm probably boring you. >> Kyle: That would be
impossible. >> Audra: You know, I--
I've wanted this for so long. You know, to be at the table,
just making decisions that can change everything.
And it's-- it's actually happening.
>> Kyle: I'm excited for you. >> Audra: I'm excited
for me, too. And I don't know how long
I'll be CEO, but I'm going to light Newman
up every minute I'm there. >> Kyle: No coloring
in the lines for you. >> Audra: Oh, no.
The brighter, the bigger, the better.
Uh, what's wrong? >> Kyle: Oh, you know,
all this talk about coloring outside the lines
has inspired me. >> Audra: Okay?
>> Kyle: It's a beautiful morning.
Perfect time to live in the now. >> Audra: If you're gonna
ask me something, you should just ask me.
>> Announcer: The Young and the Restless will continue.
>> Kyle: We don't have time for what I want to ask you.
>> Audra: Good. Because the answer would be no.
>> Kyle: Oh, the big meeting. >> Audra: Lots of them.
>> Kyle: Okay. How about later?
>> Audra: You are so-- >> Kyle: Charming?
Irresistible? >> Audra: Relentless.
>> Kyle: I'll take it. >> Audra: Put in your number.
If I have time, I'll call you.
>> Kyle: If you have time. There you go.
>> Audra: Don't get your hopes up.
>> Kyle: You'll call. >> Audra: Oh.
[ Audra chuckling ] >> Victor: I gotta tell you,
I am deeply sympathetic and so is Nikki
to both of you and Sally. Loss of a child
is just unimaginable. >> Adam: If you say
it's better this way or if everything happens
for a reason, I'm out of here. >> Victor: Son, I'm just here
to find out how you're coping. And I wanna know if there's
anything we can do to help you. >> Adam: [ sighing ] I'm--
I'm good. >> Victor: No, you're not.
Be honest with me. You and Sally are going
through hell right now. >> Adam: The only time
you've said Sally's name was like a curse.
So, now you care about Sally? >> Victor: Son, I wouldn't
wish this on anyone. Not on my worst enemy.
And I saw the joy on her face, and the joy on your face,
anticipating the birth of your child.
>> Adam: Well, good news for you,
she never wants to see me again. So, I guess
you can take the win on this one, okay?
Nikki already gave me the "don't be angry" talk.
She said let it go. Focus on Connor.
On the people who love me. I mean, what a laugh
that is, right? Not exactly a popular guy
these days. I mean, not ever, come to think about it.
But at least I have my work, right?
Is that where I should thank you?
>> Victor: I don't want you to thank me.
I'm here to tell you how to best get over your grief.
You should throw all of your energies,
all of your mental capacity into building McCall
into the powerhouse it can be.
>> Adam: Yes. And the potential's there.
>> Victor: Yes. >> Adam: So, first,
we clean house. And anyone who is loyal
to Tucker's gonna get a severance package.
And then we're gonna focus on infrastructure.
The entertainment divisions are gonna stay. Anything else
is gonna be jettisoned and We're gonna use that profit
to focus on horizontal diversification.
Specifically, the media divisions.
>> Victor: So, you're gonna go after Newman.
>> Adam: It's good to have goals, right?
>> Victor: That doesn't mean that you go after
the Newman Media division. >> Adam: I built that company.
I made it. And I want it back. >> Victor: Is that what
this is about? >> Adam: Pretty much.
>> Victor: Or, is it about you wanting to recapture
the wonderful days you had with Sally at Newman Media?
Hm? >> Adam: I appreciate
the armchair analysis, but this is strictly
about business. >> Victor: Let me
tell you something. Trying to recapture
those days is a mistake. And so is
attacking Newman Media. >> Adam: I think that it
is brilliant. >> Victor: My boy...
Newman Media is part of the Newman family portfolio.
Don't mess with that. >> Nick: So, you're interested
in Cameron's company? >> Sharon: Not so much
his company. >> Nick: You lost me.
>> Sharon: What I could do with it.
Kirsten Incorporated is a tech company.
It must have assets and some capital, right?
>> Nick: I'm sure it has some value.
Unless it imploded during Kirsten's years in prison.
>> Sharon: What if I could take that value
and make something good out of this nightmare?
There has to be something that I can do with this
that would make a difference in people's lives.
Either turning a profit with the company or maybe
selling it out right. Donating all the proceeds
to charity. >> Nick: I like the sound
of that. >> Sharon: Who knows?
Maybe if I take control of Cameron's company,
I take back the power he has over me and my life.
My actions, my reactions. Instead of running away
from who Cameron was and what he did,
I will transform that hate and anger and fear
into an opportunity to help people.
>> Nick: You just thought of that right now?
>> Sharon: Maybe I've been thinking about it
for a long time. You know, the past few years
have made me consider what I want out of my life.
What my purpose is. And Rey was an influence
in that. You know, he always made
the right choice, even if it was unpopular.
He wanted to make a difference every single day
and he did so. And now I want that.
I'm ready for that. And you're right.
It has everything to do with love.
I have been so blessed all my life with so much love.
Such an amazing support system of friends and family
who have been there for me through everything.
Battling cancer, learning how to live
with bipolar and now... this horror with Cameron.
As much as he terrorized me, maybe the gift of this nightmare
is that I have found the strength
that I'd forgotten I have. >> Nick: I think you're one
of the strongest people I know. >> Sharon: Well, I lost myself.
For a little while there, I did some things,
I hurt some people, but I own that.
And those things made me who I am,
but they are not all I am. And maybe this...
is a gift. It's time for a new direction.
It's time for a new future.
>> Victoria: How could you bring up Ashland?
>> Nikki: It seems very appropriate given
the circumstances. >> Victoria: My god, Mom!
Every time I do something that you and Dad
don't approve of, it's like you throw
that name at me! It's almost like you enjoy
rubbing that awful mistake in my face.
>> Nikki: The only reason I mentioned it was to try
to get through to you. >> Victoria: Well,
[ sighing ] message received. If there's nothing else,
I have a very full day today. >> Nikki: Victoria,
I am just trying to understand. You've forced Nicholas
to take a leave of absence he doesn't want,
you got rid of his staff and now you seem to be preparing
for and all-out war with Adam. >> Victoria: A war
that he's starting. >> Nikki: You have
a responsibility to the board, young lady, and the family.
>> Victoria: I know that! >> Nikki: Oh, do you?
You've alienated Nicholas, you're going after Adam.
And Nate is just cheering you on.
>> Victoria: Nate is supporting me.
Which is a lot more than I can say about my own family
right now! >> Nikki: How do you think
your father is going to react to this?
>> Victoria: If he would listen me instead of jumping
to conclusions and judging me, maybe we could have
a conversation about it. >> Nate: Sorry to interrupt.
The meeting with Babcock is set. I wanted to brief you.
And you, Nikki, as well, Of course.
>> Nikki: I have work to do. Victoria can fill me in.
Excuse me. >> Nate: Your mother's not
too pleased with the changes. >> Victoria: Well, if you're not
pissing people off, then you're not doing it right.
[ knocking at door ] Come in.
>> Audra: Hi, I know you're crazy busy, but I wanted
to give you an update on some new directives
that I want to put in place for, uh, Newman Media.
Building off of Nate's plans. >> Nate: Time for
a quick meeting? >> Victoria: Sure.
I don't see why not. Let's see what you've
learned from your boss. >> Adam: Look, I'm your son,
I'm not your puppet. >> Victor: I'm concerned
about you. >> Adam: Well, you shouldn't be,
okay? I'm fine. Especially if people
stop telling me how to act, how to feel,
what to think, okay? Because I've never been
clearer on what I want and how to get it.
>> Victor: Son, you're running on emotions.
That's not a good thing. When you're trying to rebuild
a company into the powerhouse that it can be.
Let me give you a piece of advice.
Whenever you make a business decision,
keep emotions out of it. >> Adam: Okay, well, thank you
for the advice that I didn't need,
but I'm gonna run McCall the way that I see fit.
[ Victor sighing ] >> Victor: Always
a smart Alec, right? I offered to be
your sounding board. I offered for you
to take advantage of the vast experience I have
in building companies. That can change in an instant.
Don't forget that. >> Adam: So, are you
threatening me, now? >> Victor: You take that
any way you want. But I'm telling you...
I'm not your enemy. I'm the biggest supporter
you have. Don't mess with it.
>> Kyle: Gerard? It's Kyle Abbott.
I'd like to have some flowers delivered.
No! No, not to Marchetti. These are for an Audra Charles.
She's staying at the Athletic Club.
Uh, I'm thinking... something a little wild
and gorgeous, unique.
That sounds good. And the note, um...
"From one overachiever to another,
thanks for showing me your moves."
No-- no name. She'll know.
Oh, Gerrard. Um... I'd like some earrings as well.
I'm thinking diamonds. Yes.
Just charge it to my account. Thanks.
[ Kyle sighing ]
>> Victoria: You have really done your homework.
Not that I would expect anything less.
>> Nate: Out of the park, Audra. I'm looking forward
to these next steps. >> Audra: I plan
to blow you away. All right, well,
I have the Crawford Pictures meeting to prep for,
but I'll keep you updated. >> Nate: Thank you again
for taking on those negotiations.
They are going to love you. >> Audra: That's the goal.
>> Victoria: Good work, Audra. Thank you.
>> Audra: Thank you. >> Nate: That one is gold.
The fire, the energy, the drive. And the creativity?
I couldn't ask for a better acting CEO at Newman Media.
>> Victoria: Well, she's definitely on the top
of her game, but she's only there
because you put her there. >> Nate: I am very excited
for this next phase of Newman Media
and Newman Enterprises. I think the restructuring
will make all the difference. >> Victoria: And with Audra
doing so beautifully at Newman Media,
we are free to focus on making sure that McCall
is nothing but misery for Adam. >> Nikki: Oh, I hope
I'm not interrupting. >> Victor: Hi, sweetheart.
>> Nikki: Hi. >> Adam: Uh, no.
We just finished. Good chat.
>> Victor: All right, son. >> Adam: As always.
>> Nikki: Well, I'm glad you were able to catch up
with Adam. How was he? [ Victor exhaling ]
>> Victor: He's stuffing down his anger and his grief.
No good. It'll backfire.
And then he wants to take down Newman Media.
And that's a very bad combination.
>> Nikki: I'm almost as worried about Victoria.
>> Victor: Why? >> Nikki: She has completely
sidelined Nicholas. Restructured his support team
to suit Nate. She's getting ready
to go to battle with Tucker McCall,
again, with Nate's backing. I mean, he is feeding
her sense of power and she will not listen
to anyone else. >> Victor: Oh, boy.
Oh, boy. That means
that Victoria and Adam are aiming for a head-on collision.
>> Nick: You know, all the years I've known you, Sharon,
one thing never changes. You always manage
to surprise me. >> Sharon: Well, get ready.
Because I have no idea what the future holds,
but it's going to surprise me, too.
I can't wait to share this with Mariah
and Tessa. Not just the idea,
but this very moment. The shift
from fear to empowerment. Going from being afraid,
wanting to hide and stay safe, to...
trusting myself. And following my instincts,
wherever they lead. Finding that strength
that was always there. I want to teach them
that there is always a way to come back
from those dark moments. Not just come back,
but flourish. Everything changes now.
Join us again for "The Young and the Restless."