>> Ashland: I know it sounds mad.
Just hear me out.
We can start over.
Like we talked about.
And thanks to Adam, ironically, we will have all the capital we
need to start our next venture.
>> Victoria: You don't understand --
>> Ashland: I do understand.
Think about the life we could have.
No suspicions.
No judgment.
No family rivalries.
Just the two of us...and this crazy, perfect love that we have
found together.
You want that...every bit as much as I do.
Don't you?
>> Adam: Well, you made the right choice, Locke, by
accepting my offer.
And just in time -- the deadline was almost up.
>> Ashland: You have a bad habit of getting ahead of yourself.
I have some terms and conditions.
>> Adam: Well, you're not in a place to negotiate.
When I said you were making the right choice, I meant the only
choice that is available to you.
And after what you've done, you need to accept this deal or you
need to suffer the consequences.
>> Ashland: And what consequences would those be?
>> Adam: My family will destroy you and your reputation in a way
that you can't come back from.
So I will be the one presenting the terms.
♪♪ ♪♪
>> Mariah: So we have one goal for today, one singular mission,
and that is to find inspiration for our wedding outfits.
>> Tessa: Well, when I called her, our fabulous designer
Chelsea, she gave me a list of thrift stores that we could go
to and check out.
She told me that we should try on, like, a bunch of different
things so that we can bring some examples of things that we
like -- different colors, fabrics, styles.
>> Mariah: Colors?
I mean, what are we thinking?
>> Tessa: I don't know, white?
What are you thinking?
>> Mariah: Yeah.
I mean, we should have a few nods to tradition, right?
>> Tessa: Matching white jumpsuits?
>> Mariah: Well, I think that matching couples' outfits are
more of a Halloween tradition, less of a wedding tradition.
>> Tessa: Alright, wise guy.
But we're still doing '70s glam?
>> Mariah: You are correct.
>> Tessa: So keep an open mind.
>> Mariah: Oh, I'm open to anything and everything, so
let's go find our dream outfits.
>> Sally: Getting takeout before a work session, too?
>> Lily: Yeah.
>> Sally: Being in the C suite means a lot more meals at your
desk, am I right?
>> Lily: Uh, I guess it does.
>> Sally: Listen, I don't blame you for giving me the cold
shoulder.
What I did with the wig and the disguise and keeping an eye on
Billy, it was...questionable.
But I'm hoping that we can get past it.
>> Lily: Keeping an eye on Billy?
[ Chuckles ] Is that what you call it?
>> Sally: What would you call it?
>> Lily: Uh, I don't know, um, stalking, entrapment.
Should I go on?
>> Billy: [ Sighs ] Just talk.
Say it. Say anything.
Can't be that hard.
Just say what's on your mind.
Of course, you can't say that.
Probably can't say that either.
[ Sighs ] Or maybe you should talk about
that.
[ Sighs ] >> Nick: Hey, Billy. What's up?
>> Billy: Hey, listen, I can't stop thinking about Victoria and
worrying whether she's gonna let Ashland get through to her with
all his manipulations again.
So I'm thinking I need to talk to her one last time and try to
get her to see the light.
What do you think?
>> Nick: No, don't do that, alright?
Stay out of it.
It's complicated enough.
>> Billy: Why do you say that?
>> Nick: Just let the family handle it, okay?
We're working on a way to get Ashland out of our lives.
>> Billy: And what is it?
>> Nick: I promise you, I will fill you in at some point, but
trust me when I say this -- I have no intention of letting
Ashland get away with what he's done to my sister.
>> Lily: Look, I know that Victoria is in a terrible
position and that it's stirring up these protective feelings in
you again.
But maybe instead of allowing yourself to get drawn into it,
maybe you use this opportunity to try and contain it, you know,
whether that's through your podcast, right, like how you did
with Delia.
Or -- I don't know -- maybe in your own head.
>> Billy: I've been thinking a lot about the abuse of power and
the collateral damage that it causes.
It makes me so angry when I see it.
And I understand that might sound ironic coming from me,
being an Abbott, because I have been afforded many privileges
in life.
And some would say that I have abused those privileges in the
past.
All I can say is that I have worked very hard to not be that
person anymore.
[ Sighs ] But maybe that's why it sickens
me when I see it.
Because it's like a mirror reflecting all my wrongs in the
past, but because I have been on the other side, it makes me want
to fight to protect the victims of power.
It's like a veil has been lifted.
I get enraged when I see someone with privilege use that power
to grab more and more and more when they have plenty of money,
a successful career, a loving wife.
I get enraged on behalf of the victims.
And it makes me want to do something about it.
>> Ashland: It's perfect.
When people walk through that door and look up at that
portrait, they're gonna see what I see -- a strong, powerful
beautiful woman watching over her empire.
Victoria Newman...building her legacy as the rightful leader of
Newman/Locke.
>> Victoria: Thank you again so much for this incredible gift.
Hanging in that place and what that means to me.
How significant that is to me.
>> Ashland: I wanted to commemorate the merging of our
companies and give you something special for our wedding.
To me...that portrait represents a new beginning for both of us.
[ Knock on door ] >> Nick: Can we talk?
>> Victoria: Now what?
>> Nick: I heard from Mom.
She said that Adam went to Ashland, offered him a whole lot
of money to walk away from Newman/Locke.
Is that true?
Is Ashland considering taking that deal?
>> Ashland: Okay.
Let's get down to brass tacks, then.
What exactly do you and Victor expect in return for this
"generous" offer?
>> Adam: It's clear and simple.
You sign a legal agreement relinquishing all control of
Newman/Locke.
And you agree to an annulment of your marriage with Victoria.
>> Ashland: An annulment, not a divorce?
>> Adam: Well, a divorce applies to a valid marriage.
Given the way that you fraudulently worked your way
into her life, your union was never legally considered a
marriage, so it would be annulled.
Now, once you've signed all the necessary paperwork, we will
wire money into an account that you give us.
>> Ashland: Why would I expect you to make good on that?
>> Adam: Why wouldn't I?
It's in my best interests that you get the money you need to
disappear.
>> Ashland: Yeah, well, if that's the case, then why don't
we do it this way, okay?
You wire the money first, and then I sign the agreement.
>> Victoria: Half a billion dollars to walk away from the
company and from me.
>> Nick: [ Sighs ] Well, it's the last part I'm
concerned about.
I'm sure you're hurting.
I just wanted to check on you.
>> Victoria: I'm fine.
The last thing I need right now is your pity.
>> Nick: Come on, Vick.
It's not pity.
I'm worried about you.
>> Victoria: Do you know what's really upsetting to me?
Is that my family continues to doubt me and to intervene after
I specifically told you all that I -- I could handle this.
I have been working really hard to convince Ashland to set up
Adam, and then Adam goes and he makes Ashland an offer?
He couldn't bring himself to be a part of a plan that was
mine -- he had to make an end run around me with his own deal.
And then he didn't even bother to tell me about it.
I mean, and now I'm playing catch-up, and it just makes
everything harder.
>> Nick: Look, I get it.
Adam's motives are infuriating, but the blame for this whole
thing falls on Ashland.
What he did was reprehensible.
And we're all grasping at straws trying to find a way to get this
guy out of our lives, but more importantly, away from you.
>> Victoria: I had already come up with a solution.
I didn't need your input.
>> Nick: Who cares whose idea it is?
If Ashland is actually willing to sit down with Adam and talk
terms, then maybe Adam's plan is the best one we have.
>> Victoria: I can't believe you're siding with Adam on this.
>> Nick: I'm not.
We all want the same thing here, and that is to make Locke
disappear.
And it sounds like offering him some money is the best thing we
can do.
So what do you think?
Is he considering it?
Is he wavering?
Do I need to get involved in this?
>> Victoria: I don't know what he's gonna do.
>> Nick: Well, I'm telling you right now, I'm getting sick and
tired of everyone treating Ashland with kid gloves, trying
to lure him in to these carefully laid-out plans.
Well, I think all these plans are weak, and I think it's time
I get rid of this guy myself.
>> Victoria: Don't you dare.
>> Adam: Okay, should we synchronize the paperwork and
the payment to happen at the same time?
1, 2, 3, go?
>> Ashland: You can't blame me for not trusting you.
>> Adam: I get it.
But you are actually the one that has proven to be
untrustworthy, okay?
My family takes the greater risk by paying you first.
>> Ashland: We both have a lot at stake here.
>> Adam: Okay, okay, at this point, I don't know -- or
frankly, I don't care -- what your motivations are, but I can
tell you what ours are -- we want you out.
And my father has agreed that $500 million is more than a fair
price to pay to achieve that.
We have no reason to screw you over.
And frankly, we don't want to deal with whatever revenge plot
you would concoct if we did.
Because we know what you're capable of.
So all you have to do is take the half-a-billion-dollar leap
of faith, you sign the agreement, and we'll wire the
money.
It's non-negotiable.
>> Lily: If you'll excuse me.
>> Sally: I've learned that doing things on the up-and-up is
the better path -- the only path, really, now that I'm the
COO of a major company.
My behavior reflects on Newman Media, and I take that
responsibility very seriously, so I have every intention of
earning your respect and the respect of the other moguls in
this town.
>> Lily: Look, that's great, honestly.
I really hope that's true.
But I think that as long as you're partnered up with Adam,
you will find that people have a hard time taking you seriously.
>> Billy: I don't think I can put that out there.
I can't say that.
[ Sighs ] Clearly Ashland Locke is on my
mind.
Although it did help me figure out why I feel so protective
about Victoria... I made a promise to not get involved in
her personal life.
So what now?
There's got to be something else to talk about because there's so
much going on.
Starting with Jack...
and the pain that Diane is about to wreak on his life.
Let's go there.
People don't need to have a lot of power to be manipulative.
Some people have zero ability to tell the truth, to be honest.
All they know is playing games.
So how do you deal with someone who lies to you, who deceives
you in such a massive, big way that it destroys lives?
What do you do when that person weasels their way back into your
life...only to do it all over again?
Over and over and over again, causing you more pain and hurt.
It's not gonna take a genius to figure out who I'm talking about
there.
If I'm gonna talk like this, there's only one solution.
>> Lily: Well, I wish you luck with everything.
>> Sally: What can I do to make amends and wipe the slate clean?
Because now that I'm the COO of Newman Media and you're running
Chancellor, we're going to be running in the same circles.
>> Lily: Yeah, I'm not so sure about that.
>> Sally: I heard that you're going to be merging with
Hamilton-Winters.
Huge congrats on that.
I'm just saying that who knows what kinds of business dealings
we might be able to do in the future, and I would really like
us to get along.
>> Lily: Look, getting along and being friends is something that
has to be earned.
Takes a level of trust, right?
And I hope that you're a better person than who you were when
you first came into town.
And I am always willing to give someone a second chance.
But people have to show that they actually deserve it.
>> Sally: Challenge accepted.
I do believe that one day we could be friends.
And it's something I would like to work towards.
>> Lily: Well, I'll give you one thing, you definitely don't lack
nerve, that's for sure.
Maybe next time work on your subtlety.
>> Mariah: Oh, my gosh.
You okay?
>> Tessa: Yep.
>> Mariah: Alright, um...
>> Tessa: Whew!
>> Mariah: Who do you think bought more?
>> Tessa: Let's call it a tie.
>> Mariah: I call it a win for the both of us.
Um...[ Sighs ] >> Tessa: Okay, is it time for
our fashion show?
I cannot wait to see what you picked out.
>> Mariah: I mean, I really like the stuff I picked out for
myself, but I'm kind of more excited at the stuff I picked
out for you behind your back when you weren't looking.
>> Tessa: [ Gasps ] You got stuff for me?
>> Mariah: I did.
It's just a few things that I thought you would look fantastic
in, so I hope you're not sick of trying on clothes because you're
gonna have a lot more outfit changes than me.
>> Tessa: Yeah, I'm not sure that's true, because I picked
out some stuff for you, too.
>> Mariah: You did?
Oh, wow.
Okay, um...so let's dress each other, and then we can see how
well we know each other's style.
>> Victoria: Ashland is aware of how much my family hates him.
But you need to stay out of it, Nicholas.
It's just gonna rile you up.
It's not gonna accomplish anything.
>> Nick: Well, it is driving me nuts sitting around, doing
nothing.
And it's not just because of everything Ashland has done, but
because of my concern for you.
This whole situation has gotten completely out of control, and I
know it's taking its toll.
I also know that the longer it takes us to get him out of our
lives, the harder it is on you.
>> Victoria: I know, I know.
I know you have my best interests at heart, but Ashland
is not gonna walk away from me and this company just because
you confront him.
In fact, if you personally attack him, it might have the
opposite effect.
He might just dig in deeper.
And, yes, as furious as I am with Adam for going off on his
own and making this offer, we're just gonna have to let it play
out.
>> Nick: It's very frustrating that you won't let me help you
get through this.
>> Victoria: It's not your job to do that.
I can get myself through this.
Ashland can't crush me.
I'm stronger than you all think I am.
>> Nick: You think I don't know that?
Vick, you think I don't know how strong you are?
Anyone in the world would be overwhelmed by this.
My concern is that Ashland has dug himself in so deep with this
family that we will never be able to get rid of him.
Just the thought of him makes me want to strangle him.
>> Ashland: [ Exhales sharply ] Great.
I see the Newman brother are working overtime to protect
their sister.
When are you going to learn, Nick, she does not need your
interference?
>> "The Young and the Restless" will continue.
>> Sally: Got us some tapas.
>> Adam: [ Sighs ] I can't even think about eating
right now.
>> Sally: Why? What happened?
Did you meet with Ashland?
>> Adam: [ Sighs ] Mm-hmm.
He wouldn't commit to the deal.
I laid out our terms -- that he had to walk away and annul his
marriage to Victoria.
And he was stone-faced and he was cool under pressure, but I
swear I saw something in his eyes when I mentioned annulment.
It was like that got under his skin more than the prospect of
losing control of Newman/Locke.
>> Sally: Huh.
Maybe he really does have feelings for Victoria.
>> Adam: I don't even know how that's possible, given what he's
done.
Besides, the annulment wasn't even the sticking point.
It seemed like he was gonna agree to the deal, and then we
just got caught up arguing about the logistics -- how is gonna
shoot first.
Was he gonna agree to it or are we gonna send the money?
And then it just became this game of chicken.
>> Sally: Where'd you leave it?
>> Adam: He said he needed to find out one last thing before
agreeing to it.
>> Sally: What was the "one last thing"?
>> Adam: I don't know.
But I bet it has something to do with Victoria.
>> Victoria: I need to speak with Ashland alone.
Please.
>> Nick: You know, on top of everything that you have done,
you're tearing apart my sister's relationship with this family,
and you couldn't care less.
Is there not an ounce of decency inside of you?
>> Ashland: Don't worry.
You won't have to deal with me much longer.
>> Nick: I better not.
>> Victoria: Well, that could've been much worse.
You defused the situation.
>> Ashland: Are you okay?
Did he upset you?
>> Victoria: That doesn't matter.
What did you tell Adam?
>> Lily: Hello.
>> Billy: Hey.
>> Lily: I'm gonna need wine with my dinner.
>> Billy: Is that relaxation or aggravation?
>> Lily: Oh, the latter.
Getting takeout should not be so stressful.
I ran into Sally at Society, and apparently she wants to be
my new best friend.
>> Billy: Uh, yeah, that's, uh --
>> Lily: Not happening at all.
>> Billy: Good.
>> Lily: Anyway, did you finish your latest podcast episode?
>> Billy: Kind of, yes.
Something good came out of it, though.
I figured out a way to turn my one podcast into two.
>> Lily: Wait, I'm sorry, I thought you were having a
problem figuring out your next episode.
Now you have an idea for two series?
>> Billy: Well, the first podcast about Delia was, you
know, all about me from my heart, and that felt amazing,
but I also realized that the people that are listening, they
know who I'm talking about.
>> Lily: Yeah, that's probably true.
>> Billy: So I took some of your advice, and I started to unpack
why I feel so protective about Victoria, which led me to talk
about the abuse of power, which inevitably led me to
Ashland Locke.
Then I started talking about emotional manipulation, which
led me to Diane and Jack.
>> Lily: You think people are gonna piece it together when
they find out that she's alive?
>> Billy: Yes, I do.
And the whole purpose of this podcast was to feel free to be
able to say what was on my mind without feeling that I was going
to expose myself or anyone I care about, to speak my mind
without consequences.
>> Lily: So you're gonna be like that late-night radio guy who
gets the town all riled up?
>> Billy: Hey, maybe.
I feel like the only way I can do that is by coming up with a
persona, to do a podcast under a pseudonym.
>> Tessa: Are you ready?
>> Mariah: I was born ready, babe.
>> Tessa: Okay, here I come.
♪♪ >> Mariah: Wow!
♪♪ ♪♪
[ Gasps ]
>> ♪ I like the way you drive your car ♪
♪♪ ♪ All around town like the cat
you are ♪ ♪ I like the way that you move
your feet ♪ >> Tessa: Ooh!
>> ♪ Swing your hips to the beat ♪
♪♪ ♪ Oh, yeah ♪
♪ I like the way you sooth me ♪
♪ Oh, yeah ♪ ♪ Oh, yeah ♪
[ Both sigh ]
>> Tessa: Ooh.
>> Mariah: Well, I am not sure that we found the perfect
outfits, but -- >> Tessa: It was fun!
And we found a ton of inspiration for our designer.
>> Mariah: Mm-hmm.
>> Tessa: [ Laughs ] >> Mariah: But it doesn't really
matter what you wear, 'cause you're gonna look gorgeous in
anything.
>> Tessa: Right back at ya.
Oh, this day, this theme -- it's gonna be so perfect.
[ Chuckles ]
>> Ashland: I can't respond to Adam and Victor until I get an
answer from you.
>> Victoria: An answer to what?
>> Ashland: To the question I asked you earlier.
You never gave me a response.
I don't know if that was your intention, but I need an answer
from you right now.
Are you willing to walk away from all of this and start
fresh?
Because that's the only way I will agree to their terms.
>> Victoria: And what are their terms?
>> Ashland: I cede control of Newman/Locke -- which I'm
willing to do, that's fine -- but they're also insisting that
we dissolve our marriage, that we get an annulment that
acknowledges our marriage was based on a fraud.
>> Victoria: And you're willing to admit that?
That our love was nothing but a sham?
>> Ashland: No.
Not our love.
If in truth you love me as much as I love you.
I'm willing to agree to all of it.
Dissolve our marriage, get the annulment, cede control of the
company.
But my love for you, my feelings for you cannot be signed away
and they cannot be bought for any amount of money, so the
question remains.
Do you love me?
>> Victoria: Yes, of course I love you.
Of course I love you.
And, yes, I would be willing to leave all of this behind for
you.
>> Ashland: [ Sighs ] That's all I needed to hear.
>> Lily: Wait, so now you think you have to hide your identity
to do the podcast?
>> Billy: Well, that way, I could protect the people I care
about, including you, and let's face it -- I'm the COO of
Chancellor.
I can't trash talk a bunch of people publicly without a bunch
of lawsuits being thrown our way.
>> Lily: Yeah, I mean, look, I see your point, but I actually
loved how personal and emotional your podcast about Delia was.
>> Billy: Hey, believe me, I do too.
And that's why I think this can be good, right?
I can still speak about the things that move me and have
them focused on positive, life-affirming topics, and then
when I want to...go at the bad actors of the world, I can do
that.
Speak freely under a pseudonym.
I can speak truth to power without it affecting me and the
people that I care about.
>> Lily: Well, it's very Bruce Wayne and Batman.
>> Billy: Yeah, Billy Abbott by day, the Dark Knight by night.
>> Lily: [ Chuckles ] >> Billy: I can use a harmonizer
to change my voice, make it unrecognizable.
We can brand it like a completely different show.
What do you think?
>> Lily: I mean, look, your passion is infectious, and I
could see how being anonymous could open up the world for you,
so why not?
Might be fun, right?
>> Billy: Exactly, and I can say all sorts of things that
Billy Abbott maybe couldn't or shouldn't.
>> Tessa: Alright.
What about this -- yay or nay?
>> Mariah: Nay.
>> Tessa: Okay.
>> Mariah: Uh, what about these two?
>> Tessa: Mm, I don't know.
Maybe a "maybe" pile?
>> Mariah: Do we have a maybe pile?
>> Tessa: Well, maybe we should start one.
>> Mariah: [ Chuckles ] Okay, well, let me ask you
this -- who do you think will be the first person to cry at the
wedding?
>> Tessa: Oh, Sharon, hands down.
>> Mariah: Yeah, agreed.
She's so excited to be helping plan this thing.
>> Tessa: Well, I am very grateful for all the help from
your family with the planning, because it is gonna be one hell
of a party.
>> Mariah: That it is.
But only after the vows.
Which, um, you know, have you given any thought to those?
>> Tessa: Oh, only every waking moment.
Yeah.
>> Mariah: Oh, well, do you want to, you know, give me something?
>> Tessa: Oh, no, I am not saying a peep until May 13th.
>> Mariah: Great, now you're making me even more nervous.
>> Tessa: Why?
>> Mariah: Because you're a songwriter!
It's literally what you do.
You turn words into beautiful lyrics.
Your vows are gonna be so much better than mine.
>> Tessa: Stop that.
Every time you speak from the heart, it is the most beautiful
thing I've ever heard.
>> Mariah: Thank you.
I just can't believe all of this is happening, you know?
The love between us, I mean, the love around us is just gonna
make the most amazing day.
>> Tessa: I mean, not that we need a wedding to confirm our
love or to know that we're forever.
>> Mariah: Yeah, but still.
I am very excited that we get to share our joy with all the
people that we love.
>> Tessa: Mm.
You know, I was thinking...
with all the wedding planning, we haven't really focused on the
adoption at all.
Is that bothering you?
>> Mariah: Yeah, I realized that when I saw the adoption
paperwork under the piles of the lists for the wedding.
>> Tessa: [ Chuckles ] >> Mariah: I still want to move
forward with it.
What about you?
>> Tessa: Oh.
Hey, yes, of course.
I want to bring a child into this family, 100%.
>> Mariah: Well, I think we have to face the fact that adopting
and having a wedding at the same time was maybe a little bit too
much.
I just don't know if I can do home study and lawyers and all
the paperwork right now, you know?
And I'm afraid a social worker would -- would see that and
think that we weren't serious, when we are.
It's just...
>> Tessa: Yeah, no, I totally understand.
We are on the same page.
A month or two delay after we get married, I think, will only
make us stronger candidates as parents.
And I do have a lot of shows scheduled, which might make
things a little tricky.
>> Mariah: Well, we will work around your schedule.
And I promise I will take care of anything that I can while my
wife is gone.
>> Tessa: I can handle some things from the road.
>> Mariah: So we're agreed?
We still want to move forward with a family?
>> Tessa: This is gonna be the best year of our lives.
>> Billy: Hello.
This is "Not Billy Abbott."
Geez.
Of the lollipop gang.
Let's try this one.
This is also "Not Billy Abbott."
But clearly a baritone, probably a super villain.
[ Sighs ] Okay.
Hello, this -- Whoa.
[ Chuckles ] This your local cable company,
press one for billing.
Ah.
Hello?
This is "Not Billy Abbott."
Okay.
I like that.
That sounds interesting, and it doesn't sound like me.
Let's try this one.
Let's talk about power.
Everybody wants it.
How much is too much?
Then there's that age-old question -- does absolute power
corrupt absolutely?
Are those who crave power doomed to leave victims in their wake?
>> Ashland: Adam, it's me.
Have the paperwork drawn up.
>> Billy: Can the powerful who have been corrupted be redeemed?
>> Adam: Ashland's taking the deal.
>> Sally: [ Chuckles ] >> Billy: Is it possible to have
power, to have everything you could want, and live a life with
an open, vulnerable heart?
Or will you only be destroyed?
>> Next week on "The Young and the Restless"...
>> Sharon: Of course I'm okay with Rey going to Chicago with
you and Connor.
Why wouldn't I be?
[ Knock on door ] >> Adam: We've been expecting
you.
>> Victoria: [ Screams ] >> Nikki: Victoria?!
Victoria?!
♪♪
>> Join us again for "The Young and the Restless."