Y&R Transcript Tuesday 1/30/18

PLEASE CLICK TO DONATE TO OUR SITE!!!!

Episode #11330 ~ Ashley plays hardball with Victoria; Tessa seeks forgiveness from Mariah; Chelsea defends Adam's name.

Provided By Suzanne

Nick: This job got a little more complicated than I thought.

Victor: Well, if we didn't dismiss nikki's idea of you coming to newman too quickly. How about chief innovation officer?

Ashley: I would need to have a list of all the divisions that I'd be overseeing. I hope that one of them would include brash & sassy.

Victor: Of course.

Ashley: How does victoria fit into all this?

Victor: I will deal with victoria. Do we have a deal?

Noah: When we were stuck in the mosh pit, our girlfriends were back at the hotel room making out with each other. Here's all your stuff from what, uh, used to be our place. Didn't really feel like looking at it anymore, you know?

Devon: If you really need a job, you can stay on as an assistant.

Tessa: I just need a paycheck.

Devon: If you're really serious about selling your show, why don't you think about giving hamilton-winters a shot?

Mariah: Since when are you a morning person?

Hilary: I'm usually at the gym by 7:00 A.M.

Mariah: Yeah, and then you roll into here by 9:00, if we're lucky.

Hilary: Well, I skipped my workout because I wanted to organize my thoughts about the sale. I told the companies who submitted bids that I will make a decision by the end of today.

Mariah: Great.

Hilary: So, if all goes well, which I believe that it will, tonight will be the start of a whole new era.

Mariah: For you maybe, but for the rest of us, it'll be the start of looking for another job.

Nick: Are you really gonna count that again?

Nick: No. Twice is enough. I mean, I still can't believe we found a quarter of a million dollars in the bathroom duct. I mean --

Chelsea: It's not something that happens every day, no.

Nick: Who would do something like this? It's got to be adam, right?

Chelsea: I don't know. I mean, nikki and victor, they lived here before we did.

Nick: There is no way my dad would have this much money just laying around.

Chelsea: Well, you think nikki? I mean, it's a possibility --

Nick: What? Like, squirreled it away and forgot that she did it?

Chelsea: Maybe she deliberately left it here in case she planned to ever leave victor again.

Nick: My mom has more than enough money. She doesn't need a secret stash.

Chelsea: Well, then, yeah, i guess adam, then, for sure.

Nick: I mean, this is something he would do, right? I mean, he built that secret passageway. Then he had the cameras in connor's room. We just have to figure out why he would do it.

Chelsea: Maybe he was trying to hide a paper trail.

Nick: Or maybe all these benjamins come from a questionable source. I mean, adam had some scams going at all times.

Chelsea: Hey.

Nick: Look, we both know it's true, okay? And I'm not speaking ill of the dead. Considering how we found this and where, it's a pretty good bet that this comes from something shady.

Chelsea: Are you suggesting this money is stolen?

Nick: I'm just saying that if we're gonna keep this money, then we have to tell the police about it first just to make sure.

Devon: Hey. Good morning.

Tessa: Good morning.

Devon: You're here bright and early.

Tessa: Uh, coffee's made. I have your messages here. Two from london and one from bonn. I guess the streaming outage in germany is fixed.

Devon: Oh, that's great news.

Tessa: So, what do you want me to do first?

Devon: I would actually like you to swing by legal to pick up some contracts because I'm hoping to acquire gc buzz today.

Tessa: Uh, why would you want to do that? Sorry, I-I just didn't think that was your image.

Devon: Hilary's gotten beyond the tabloid stuff, and her new approach has a broader appeal, and I think that her show is poised to blow up on the national scene.

Tessa: Well, but don't you think she's just gonna go back to trash and gossip once the check clears?

Devon: No, actually, I don't, otherwise I wouldn't be trying to buy it. Are you concerned about being in mariah's orbit again?

Victoria: Thank you for picking me up at the airport. That was quite a surprise.

J.T.: My pleasure.

Victoria: [ Chuckles ] And for riding all the way up with me in the elevator. You didn't have to do that.

J.T.: Yeah, I did. I missed you, all right? A quick kiss at the curb just wouldn't have done it.

Victoria: Yeah, I was only gone one day.

J.T.: All right, sue me, okay? Look, I can't wait to see you after work, and I know johnny and katie are gonna want some mom time after school, but maybe after you tuck them in...

Victoria: Oh, yeah, it's a date.

J.T.: All right. See you then. And, uh, I'm working from home today, just so you know.

Victoria: Oh, yeah, good to know. Bye. What's going on?

Ashley: Hello. Welcome back. I take it your father didn't get ahold of you.

Victoria: Uh, and tell me what? I was only gone 24 hours.

Ashley: Yeah, well, a lot can happen in a day. For example, I now work for newman enterprises.

provided by...

Nick: Okay, thank you for the information. I'll see you sooN. Okay.

Chelsea: What did they say?

Nick: They want me to bring the money down to the station. They're gonna get the serial numbers, run it through the system. We'll know pretty quick if adam did anything illegal.

Chelsea: [ Sighs ] I really wish you would stop saying it like that.

Nick: Look, you know my brother was drawn to some sketchy deals.

Chelsea: When he was younger, yes. But towards the end of his life, he became a legitimate businessman. All of his dealings reflected that.

Nick: Well, how do we know for sure, chelsea? You know? How much can one guy change? This money could have been in the wall for years. And the fact that adam hid it there and didn't put it in a bank, there's a very strong possibility that he did this illegally. I just want to be smart about this. Let's let the authorities check the money, okay? I don't want any surprises to come down the road, do you?

Chelsea: Fine. Fine. We'll confirm that the money's clean before we do anything with it.

Nick: Okay. Don't worry. I'll see you soon.

Chelsea: Okay.

Hilary: This was not what i was expecting.

Layla: We've doubled our original offer.

Hilary: So I see. May I ask why?

Layla: Rumor has it other companies are interested in

gc buzz. We want to get you to yes before they do.

Hilary: Well, it -- it will be hard to pass this up.

Layla: Do we have a deal?

Hilary: I'll give you my answer by close of business day.

Layla: I'll look forward to your call.

Mariah: Please tell me this isn't a done deal yet.

Hilary: It's not official yet, but I would be a fool to pass up this kind of money. And if it makes you feel any better, nothing has been said about replacing the existing staff.

Mariah: Do you know what happens to most small companies when big companies swoop in and buy them? Right off the bat, their budgets get cut by 15%.

Hilary: Says who?

Mariah: Well, I couldn't sleep last night thinking about being unemployed again, so i stayed up researching it.

Hilary: Mariah, we have been over this.

Mariah: Exactly! Why do you think I have insomnia?

Hilary: Did I or did I not say that I will do everything that I can to try and keep all of you on board?

Mariah: See? There's that word again. "Try." Not "I'll insist" or "I'll negotiate" or, even better, "i will make the deal contingent on." No, no, no. We just get "try."

Hilary: No, can you just stop with this negativity? You are being paranoid for no reason. They never would have offered me this kind of money if they were gonna disembowel the show. "The hilary hour" is gc buzz's most valuable asset. Why mess with a winning formula?

Mariah: Or when they buy us, we will just be one of 100 shows they produce, and if we're not profitable, then we're tcht!

Hilary: Trust me, I won't let that happen.

Mariah: Trust you. Great.

Hilary: Okay, well, now i need to go and tell all of the other companies that they are no longer in the running.

Mariah: Excuse me? I think you meant to say "make them start a bidding war."

Hilary: Who? Little ol' me?

Devon: So what do you think?

Tessa: About what?

Devon: Are you gonna be okay being around mariah again?

Tessa: Well, if you're okay with it, I'm okay with it.

Devon: You sure about that?

Tessa: Mariah's the one who turned it into a bigger thing than it actually was. She wanted it to be more. I didn'T. She kissed me first, not the other way around.

Devon: That kiss was a turning point for mariah, and once it happened, she realized she needed to end things with me. And it broke up you and noah.

Tessa: Well, that was his choice, not mine.

Devon: You don't have to be defensive about it. I'm not judging you or mariah. But if what you guys shared had a deeper meaning, it's fine. Then admit it.

Tessa: I wasn't expecting her to do that. It totally took me by surprise. It was sweet...and kind of beautiful in a way. But mariah didn't handle it the way that I would have. And now the moment's gone. She's not gonna forgive me for using those lines from her journal to write my song. I'll never know what could have been, and I'm okay with that.

Victoria: You must have heard what you wanted to hear. My father would never hire the competition, let alone create some extraneous position that we don't need. Chief innovation officer? Please.

Ashley: First of all, I'm not the competition. I resigned from jabot. Second, my job here is to look for opportunities to innovate and disrupt all across newman, while at the same time I will be overseeing brash & sassy.

Victoria: And why would you walk away from your family business?

Ashley: Actually, jack and i came to a fundamental disagreement concerning the future of jabot. We decided to go to arbitration, and I lost. So your father's offer was a blessing. I mean, for everyone. Your father also made it clear to me that you've got a very full plate, so it only made sense for me to come in here and help alleviate your workload.

Victoria: By taking over my favorite division?

Ashley: Yeah, well, I mean, you have to admit, brash & sassy and me, we are a perfect fit. I've been creating fragrances and makeup lines since before you were even in the business. It's a win/win for us all.

Victoria: I need to speak with my father. Immediately.

Nick: [ Sighs ] Hey, you.

Sharon: Hey, yourself. What can I get you?

Nick: Decaf, please.

Sharon: Hmm. Since when do you drink decaf?

Nick: Well, I am hyped up enough today.

[ Chuckles ]

Sharon: Really? What's going on?

Nick: Just came from the police station. Waiting to hear back from them.

Sharon: Is everything okay?

Nick: [ Scoffs ] Everything's more than okay.

Sharon: Now I'm really curious.

Nick: Me, too. Got a question to ask you.

Sharon: Shoot.

Nick: It's about adam.

Sharon: Adam and the police. Never a good combination.

Nick: Yeah. Uh, did he ever mention anything about having, like, a significant amount of cash socked away?

Sharon: You mean other than his bank accounts?

Nick: No, no. Talking about at home. You know, the green stuff, the grab-and-go.

Sharon: Not that I recall. Of course, adam didn't always tell me what he was up to. Why do you ask?

Nick: Well... I found this insane wad of cash inside the wall of chelsea's penthouse.

Sharon: Which used to be adam's penthouse.

Nick: Exactly.

Sharon: Well, I'm wracking my brain. I-I don't remember him saying he kept money there. But why did you take it to the police?

Nick: I mean, this is adam we're talking about.

Sharon: So you're wondering if he got it illegally.

Nick: Yeah. So I'm just gonna sit back, drink my coffee, and wait to hear if it's save to spend.

Victor: I'm surprised to see you here so soon. I didn't think you would be back for a while.

Victoria: Yes, well, my business is done, so I came back early. I didn't realize that I'd find ashley abbott in my office telling me that you hired her here and that you put her in charge of brash & sassy.

Victor: Mm-hmm. Well, for your information, that was a calculated move based on the evolving needs of our company.

Victoria: Hmm. I'm really not buying that. I think maybe it was personal.

Victor: How so?

Victoria: Just because ashley and jack had a falling out doesn't mean that you have to give her a pity job here at newman. This is a family company. And ashley's not family.

Victor: Well, she was your stepmother.

Victoria: Oh, my god. That was decades ago.

Victor: She will always be connected to our family. She's abby's mother.

Victoria: We don't need her. I am more than capable of being C.O.O. Of this company and handling the day to day of brash & sassy.

Victor: Sweetheart, you are. But you will be given a huge array of responsibility in the future. And you know how time consuming it was to run brash & sassy. So given the fact that you will assume more responsibility, you will learn how to delegate.

Victoria: Yes, but I also know that there are too many cooks in the mix, and I'm going to act accordingly.

Victor: I got to tell you something from experience. When someone as talented and as gifted as ashley abbott comes to the market, you snap her up. Otherwise the competition will. She was innovator of the year in the cosmetics industry. She's hot right now. Do you know what she could bring to this mix?

Victoria: Uh, besides more headaches for me?

Victor: Think a little bit. It also means that she will be here and not at jabot, which weakens them.

Victoria: Oh, I see now. This is all about one-upping jack.

Victor: About far more than that, okay? It's a good business move, trust me. And I think you will begin to agree with me once you think it through, okay?

Victoria: [ Sighs ]

J.T.: Hey, sharon. Can I get a coffee?

Sharon: For here or to go?

J.T.: Uh, I'll take it with me.

Sharon: Coming right up. So, how are things going with reed? Any better?

J.T.: Yeah, well, I really blew it with him, didn't I? In front of an audience.

[ Chuckles ] I just barreled in here assuming the worst when all he was guilty of was not charging his phone.

Sharon: Well, I know what it's like to not hear from your kids. And they do grow out of that irresponsible phase eventually. That doesn't mean you're done having issues with them.

J.T.: Something going on with noah?

Sharon: Hmm.

[ Chuckles ] That's not my story to tell.

J.T.: But there is a story.

Sharon: Let's just say I was accused of playing favorites. This parenting stuff, you know, you're always learning.

J.T.: Yeah. Seems like it.

Sharon: So, have you decided how long you're gonna stay in town?

J.T.: Well, I might just be here for good.

Nick: Well, that better be your answer. Considering you just moved in with my sister and all of her kids.

J.T.: Well, look, if i sounded hesitant, I didn't mean to. It's just that, you know, mac and I didn't end on the best of terms, and we're still sorting out the custody situation, which, under the circumstance, it's not easy. I just want to be a good father to all my kids. Here you go. Thank you. Keep the change.

Sharon: Thanks.

J.T.: Good to see you, nick.

Sharon: What are you thinking? I know that look.

Nick: Well, I hope I'm wrong for my sister's sake. But he just got out of this messy divorce, and he's starting this thing with my sister again. Hardly seems like a recipe for success.

Hilary: I hope we can do business in the future.

Mariah: Hey. How'd it go?

Hilary: I'm afraid I broke that poor man's heart.

Mariah: Of course you did, because you have so much practice.

Hilary: I would dial back on the snark if you expect me to do you any favors.

Mariah: Sorry. I'm a little bit on edge, i know.

Hilary: Yeah, I've noticed.

Mariah: Why did we have to pick this place for our work lunch?

Hilary: Well, a, I knew I was gonna turn mr. Bartlett down, so the least I could do was meet him at the place that he requested, and b, why do you have a problem eating at the place your brother manages?

Mariah: Did I say I have a problem?

Noah: Did you want something?

Mariah: Uh, no.

Noah: Oh, 'cause you -- you waved me over.

Mariah: Oh, I, um, I just waved. Sorry. Would you rather I left? I can leave.

Noah: Do what you want. You're going to anyway.

Hilary: Brrr. Is it just me or is it getting chilly in here?

Noah: You should ask mariah. She's the expert on relationships.

Hilary: You've alienated tessa and noah? Well, congratulations. You're two for two.

Noah: Uh, you know what? Make that three for three. Tessa and I are over now, too.

Nick: Thought you were taking that coffee to go.

J.T.: Yeah, I was. I just, uh, I got stuck in the e-mail vortex.

Nick: You mind if I, uh...?

J.T.: No. Have a seat.

Nick: Listen, uh... I'm sorry about earlier. You know, sometimes I take the protective-brother thing a little too seriously.

J.T.: No, I realize how it looks. Me moving in with victoria before my divorce with mac's finalized. If I were you, I'd be asking the same questions.

Nick: Well, thanks for understanding.

J.T.: Yeah, but I-I just hope eventually you realize that me being with victoria's a good thing. I came here for a job and to mend some fences with reed while I was in town. I don't know. Maybe, uh, maybe this is fate's way of getting victoria and I in the same place.

Nick: Yeah, not a big believer in fate.

J.T.: Well, that's just an expression. What, um, what's important to me is victoria and I had this time apart to grow up, to figure out who we are, you know, survive some adversity so we could come to this place in our hearts where we both realized that we're better together. Although I got to be honest.

[ Chuckles ] I spent a lot of time fighting it.

Nick: Because of colleen.

J.T.: Yeah, back then, I had this vision of how my life was gonna turn out. I-I thought I was gonna be with colleen forever, and I was gonna write hits as a singer/songwriter on some legendary label. You know, of course, neither of those things happened. When colleen died, the -- the bottom just kind of dropped out from me. I-I don't know why I didn't pursue my dreams a little harder. And I don't know why colleen had to die so young. I spent a lot of time trying to make some peace with it, and I-i eventually did.

Nick: You know, J.T., When, uh, when christian's mom died, i asked myself the exact same questions. It's been two years, and I still have trouble accepting it.

J.T.: Yeah, victoria told me about that. I'm sorry to hear about your loss.

Nick: Thanks. It's definitely not the future i was anticipating.

J.T.: Never is. So, uh, two years really isn't that long. How'd you move on?

Nick: I got lucky. I fell in love with the most amazing woman.

J.T.: Chelsea?

Nick: Yeah.

J.T.: Well, I'm happy for you. Just like I'm happy victoria and I are getting another shot. And believe me, nick, I'm gonna -- I'm gonna make the most of it.

Nick: Well, I wish you both luck.

J.T.: Thanks. It means a lot.

Nick: No hard feelings?

J.T.: Ah, about what?

Nick: [ Chuckles ] Cool.

[ Cellphone rings ] Sorry. Excuse me. Yeah, I was expecting this phone call.

J.T.: Go ahead.

Nick: Thanks. This is nick newman.

Victoria: You were right. Dad is putting you in charge of brash & sassy. Free me up so I can focus on the bigger picture.

Ashley: Right. Where would newman enterprises be without the dedication of its top-level people?

Victoria: So, I suppose you'll have an office on this floor?

Ashley: Yeah, it's not gonna be ready for a while, though.

Victoria: Oh.

Ashley: Yeah, redecorating. We have to order furniture and such.

Victoria: I see.

Ashley: Yeah. I'm so sorry if this is putting you out.

Victoria: Oh, no, don't mention it. I'm sure that we can find a place to put you in the meantime.

Ashley: Well, this was your father's idea. He thought you were gonna be traveling for a bit, so he told me to camp out here. I'm sorry you didn't know. I mean, I wouldn't like it if i walked in and found somebody sitting behind my desk.

Victoria: My father is just so full of good ideas today.

Ashley: You know what? He actually kind of is.

Victoria: I flew home early, and I didn't inform him. I had no idea that would be an issue.

Ashley: You know what? If this is too crowded, I can work from home.

Victoria: No, no, no, no. Don't be silly. There's no reason why two grown women can't coexist in the same space for one day.

Ashley: You know what? It's interesting you say that. You and I both had front-row seats last year to the antics of billy and jack, didn't we? They brought their personal issues into the workplace to the detriment of both of the companies. I'm really hoping that we can show them by example how people should handle themselves. And that being said, I have to be perfectly honest with you.

Victoria: About what?

Ashley: I'm going to be making some changes to brash & sassy, victoria.

Victoria: I know you're adept enough to not do something like that just because you want to put your own stamp on things. The company is really doing just fine.

Ashley: It's not really doing fine, is it? I mean, if it hadn't been for your father coming in and saving the day, I think the company probably would have gone under.

Victoria: So you just want to tear things up and start over again. Is that it?

Ashley: No. You're bright, you're creative, you're gifted in many areas. But, I mean, come on, there's always room for improvement, right? I mean, for all of us.

Victoria: Oh, yes, of course.

Ashley: Well, I want to call a staff meeting for everybody from brash & sassy, and I wanted to let them know about the changes I plan on making. If we are going to be more efficient and successful, then we have to elevate our game to play at the same level as jabot and beyond. And I really want you there. Please. I value your opinion. I value your knowledge.

Victoria: You know that idea that you had about working from home? I have to say, it's very innovative. I think I'm gonna test it out.

[ Door opens ]

[ Door closes ]

will continue.

Nick: [ Sighs ] Okay, you want the good news or the better news?

Chelsea: The police don't think the money's dirty?

Nick: It's clean as a whistle.

Chelsea: And what's the better news?

Nick: We all agree that this is adam's money, so it goes to his next of kin, and that is you.

Chelsea: Wow.

Nick: Free and clear. You can do whatever you want with it.

Chelsea: Um, well, there's got to be some bad news, right?

Nick: No. The only thing you have to decide is what you want to do with all that cash.

Chelsea: Well, I'm sure you would donate it to charity.

Nick: Why didn't I ever think of doing something like that?

Chelsea: [ Chuckles ]

Nick: You could put it in the bank, save it for a rainy day. Or you could go and buy... I mean, fill in the blank.

Chelsea: I'd have to buy you a present, too, of course.

Nick: Well, yeah.

Chelsea: Yeah. I mean, awesome season tickets to...

Nick: The cubs. I mean, yeah. But I need our boys to get a little older, you know. They need to really be able to appreciate the finer points of this game.

Chelsea: [ Chuckles ] Yes, all good points. That's what we should do. We will -- we will put the money in the bank. For the kids' future.

Mariah: Can I talk to you?

Noah: Why? 'Cause I almost spilled your secret to hilary?

Mariah: No, because I'm a terrible sister and I'm ashamed of myself. I should never have kissed tessa. I should never have kept it all from you. And I am really sorry that things didn't work out between the two of you.

Noah: Yeah, but it's only half true, isn't it? 'Cause you only wanted me with tessa after you realized that she didn't want anything more to do with you. If she had been up for taking things further, you'd have shoved me aside in a heartbeat.

Mariah: I really hate that you feel that way.

Noah: Am I wrong?

Mariah: Probably not. But you're right. Tessa didn't want more. For her, it was just that one kiss. Can you really not get past that?

Noah: Substitute the word "betrayal" for the word "kiss." Then ask me that question. The bottom line is, tessa never really loved me the way that i loved her. If she had, she wouldn't have felt the need to go experimenting elsewhere. You know what? I'm -- I'm glad that this happened now rather than, you know, years down the line, 'cause who knows how far she would have let this thing go. So if you still want her, she's yours.

Hilary: [ Scoffs ] How long were planning to keep me waiting?

Mariah: You were on the phone.

Hilary: Well, I'm off now. And this is supposed to be a work lunch. Unless you want to tell me what the two of you are talking about.

J.T.: Hey. I didn't expect you for hours.

Victoria: Well, I decided to take a mental health day.

J.T.: Uh-oh. What did victor do now?

Victoria: While I was out of town on a one-day business trip, dad saw fit to hire ashley abbott as our chief innovation officer. Whatever the hell that is.

J.T.: Wait, what?

Victoria: Yeah! That was exactly my reaction!

J.T.: I've read about that in business books, but never heard of a company actually hiring one.

Victoria: Because it's ridiculous! I mean, the last thing we need is another big salary to justify.

J.T.: Wait, she's not above you, is she?

Victoria: No way! But according to her, we're equals, both reporting directly to my father. And get this -- as part of her duties, she has oversight of brash & sassy.

J.T.: Oh, see, that's just wrong.

Victoria: Yeah, I know! It's like a -- it's like a slap in the face.

J.T.: You know that division inside and out.

Victoria: And she even had the gall to call a staff meeting to -- wait for it -- come up with ways so we can run more like jabot.

J.T.: Oh, see, now this makes sense. Yeah, she tried to get her brother out as C.E.O. So she could have a place for herself. If she's not loyal to her brother, then how long before she's gunning for your C.O.O. Job?

Victoria: I was thinking the exact same thing, and I talked to my father about it.

J.T.: Oh, yeah? And what did victor have to say?

Victoria: What did you expect he would say? "Just give it a chance. It would be good for newman." Blah, blah, blah. I tried so hard to stay calm.

J.T.: To hell with that. I think you got to tell him what you think.

Victoria: What good will that do?

J.T.: Look, I'm not the most perfect father, but it kills me the way victor uses his kids like chess pieces. He manipulates you to get what he wants, and then the minute you turn your back, he takes it from you. It's cruel. I thought victor had changed, but it sounds like he's the same twisted guy.

Victoria: Yeah, well, he shot down my arguments before, but this time -- this time I'm gonna make him listen.

[ Doorbell rings ]

J.T.: You expecting someone?

Victoria: No.

Victor: You left the office early without saying goodbye. I think we should have a chat about that.

Victoria: Yeah, we most certainly should. him both barrels.

Victoria: I won'T. Would you mind just...

J.T.: Yeah, I'll be upstairs.

Victoria: Okay, thanks.

J.T.: Go get him.

Victor: What's got him so riled up?

Victoria: He thinks that it's cruel that you gave the division that I love the most to ashley abbott to run, and i couldn't agree with him more. Dad, every time I begin to trust you, you always pull something like this. How many times are you gonna make me prove myself to you?

Victor: Sweetheart, I know how invested you are at brash & sassy.

Victoria: Really? You sure about that? Because it really doesn't seem that way.

Victor: But this is not about the past. This is about the future. And sometimes you need to sacrifice a few things for the greater good.

Victoria: What does that even mean?

Victor: I love you, and I'm grooming you to one day take over this company, to becoming C.E.O. And chairman. Meanwhile, I want you to treat ashley nicely, make her feel welcome.

Victoria: For the short term, that will be your job. I'm gonna head to paris and check on abby's progress with the new brash & sassy office.

Victor: Why do you have to do that?

Victoria: As C.O.O., That's my decision, unless you'd like to challenge me on it.

Victor: Give your sister a hug, okay? Bye, sweetheart.

[ Door opens ]

Sharon: So in other words, hilary won't lift a finger so that you and the others can keep your jobs.

Mariah: At least she's consistent. With her, loyalty is a one-way street.

Sharon: I'm sorry you're going through this.

Mariah: She says that she wants us to stay. But somehow I don't see hilary going up to bat for us. In the end, hilary will end up doing whatever benefits her most.

Tessa: Hi.

Mariah: Hello.

Sharon: I'm sure you two have a lot to talk about, so...

Mariah: Not really. No -- okay. I heard you and noah broke up.

Tessa: Probably feel vindicated knowing I lost everything. You got what you wanted.

Mariah: That's an awful thing to say, to think that I would want to see people get hurt. And for the record, I did not get what I wanted. Not even close.

Devon: You know, I take this as a positive sign that you're here in person to give me the news.

Hilary: Well, I promised you a decision.

Devon: You did, and here you are. You know, most people would think that you and I are crazy to, uh, do business together again. But to be honest, I am very proud of what you've done with

gc buzz, with the rebranding and changing the tone of "the hilary hour." I think you really turned the program into something that hamilton-winters would be proud to be associated with.

Hilary: Well, I've gotten a range of offers. Some of them quite a bit larger than yours. So, is there any way that hamilton-winters could increase their bid, stay in the running?

Devon: You know, I wish we could, but, uh, with our focus on growing the company, our budget is just stretched to the max.

Hilary: Well, that's unfortunate.

Devon: But, you know, there is something that I can offer you beyond money that nobody else can, and that's the fact that I know you and you know me, and you know I'm not just some faceless corporate raider who's out to appease his shareholders. I plan on keeping your staff and making them a part of the hamilton-winters family. Mostly, I actually want to help you achieve your dreams.

Chelsea: I still can't believe I'm handling this much cash.

Nick: Well, I think you're doing the right thing putting the money in the bank, that way if you ever change your mind and you want to use it, you'll know exactly where it is. The money will be right there waiting for you.

Chelsea: This housing project that you and nikki are working on, it's really important, so i want to make a contribution, help the less fortunate.

Nick: How come nobody ever talks about how unbelievably hot it is to talk about donating to a good cause?

J.T.: Victor got his way yet again. Ashley's staying at newman, supervising a company that has always been your baby while you're taking another business trip, except this time you're gonna be gone even longer.

Victoria: First of all, the paris trip was my idea. It's gonna keep me involved with brash & sassy. I can check and make sure that ashley isn't trying to influence abby against me. And quite frankly, I don't think it's a bad idea to put an ocean between me and that wicked witch. It's an inside joke.

J.T.: Well, look, I'm glad you asserted yourself, but I'm not happy about you leaving town again.

Victoria: Is that better?

J.T.: No. Actually, remind me what I'm gonna be missing again.

Victoria: I promise I'm gonna make it up to you when I get back.

J.T.: All right.

Ashley: Pleased? Are you kidding me, abby? I am victoria's ultimate threat. I wouldn't be surprised if she doesn't call you and tries to figure out the lay of the land.

[ Laughs ] Exactly. Abby, you are the only other abbott here at newman, and I am going to need a very strong ally.

Tessa: What did you mean when you said you didn't get what you wanted?

Mariah: You know exactly what I meant, so why don't you stop lying to me and lying to yourself?

Tessa: Maybe it's -- it's not too late for us.

Mariah: [ Scoffs ] If you had only said that months ago, but you didn'T. You shut me down, you strung along my brother, and then you stole from me. So whatever we had or might have had, too much bad stuff has happened. There is nothing left, tessa! There's no chance for us.

Hilary: Thanks.

Devon: You still thinking?

Hilary: Well, you've given me a lot to consider.

Devon: You know, as soon as you asked me if I could up my offer, I knew that you came here today to tell me you were gonna sell to the highest bidder.

Hilary: [ Scoffs ] Then why didn't you say anything?

Devon: Because I can see in your eyes that you want to choose hamilton-winters. You want to work alongside me again, and I know you want me to help you take your career to the next level.

Hilary: That's a lot of wanting.

Devon: Yeah. On both of our parts. So what do you say? We gonna get the band back together, or what?

Back to The TV MegaSite's Y&R Site