Y&R Transcript Monday 2/5/18

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Episode #11334 ~ Ashley and Victoria's power struggle heats up; Phyllis challenges Chelsea; Sharon reveals a secret.

Provided By Suzanne

Ashley: 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.

Nikki: I just got a room. Care to join me?

[ Indistinct chatter, laughter ]

Mariah: I was just wondering, uh, where you've been living since you and noah broke up.

Tessa: I, uh, rented a room not that far from here.

J.T.: Dummy websites can rip off a lot of money.

Phyllis: Which is why I want to hire you to investigate this crime.

J.T.: I looked into the company siphoning off chelsea 2.0. I was able to track down the registered owner.

Phyllis: Fabulous. Anyone we know?

J.T.: Alexandra west.

I hope I haven't kept you waiting too long. Nice to see you again, miss west.

Chelsea: You, as well.

Lauren: So, how many trunk shows does that give us going into summer? Oh. Oh, that's good.

[ Gasps ] Brie, I'm sorry. I need to cut you off. There's somebody here I need to talk to. Can we catch up later? Great. Thank you. Hi.

J.T.: Hey.

Lauren: Am I interrupting?

J.T.: No, no. I'm just waiting on cane.

Lauren: Okay. Then I will be very brief. I would love an update on the work you're doing for fenmore'S.

Cane: You know, that's interesting, uh, 'cause I'd kind of like to hear about that, too.

Chelsea: I love our new bathroom. I mean, there's actually space to move around, there's places to put things.

Nick: Yep. I'm glad I decided to go for it. Otherwise I never would have found all that cash. Which reminds me, while I was in our beautiful new shower this morning, I have decided what I'm gonna do with the money that you donated to the rainbow gardens project. And I know you're gonna love it.

Chelsea: I can't wait to hear.

Nick: I'm gonna build a playground for all the kids who live in the complex.

Chelsea: [ Sighs ] Nick, that's wonderful.

Nick: Well, you know, adam wasn't always perfect, but he was a terrific father to connor. And it's fitting, right? I mean, that part of his legacy will go towards making children happy.

Phyllis: Nikki! Look at you, all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. With that saucy little smile on your lips.

Nikki: I'm sorry. What are you babbling about now?

Phyllis: I couldn't help but notice last night, you were heading upstairs with a very handsome man who wasn't victor. And you, coincidentally, are wearing the same outfit this morning. Ergo...

Nikki: Are you accusing me of doing the walk of shame from your oh-so-lofty moral high ground?

Phyllis: Just the opposite. You go, girl.

Nikki: [ Scoffs ] Please.

Ashley: Well, welcome back. How was france?

Victoria: Oh, it was productive. Thank you.

Ashley: Kind of surprised to see you here so early. I thought you'd have horrible jet lag.

Victoria: Oh, no. I'm used to international travel. And being the first one in here every day. It would take more than a little plane ride to make me stroll in here late.

Ashley: Now, hold on. Not today. 'Cause I drove in here at 7:00. I didn't see your car in the parking space.

Victoria: Oh, I know. My car's in the shop. I had a driver pick me up at the airport and drop me off at 6:15.

Ashley: Okay, now that's true dedication. How's abby doing in paris?

Victoria: Gosh, I wouldn't think you would have to ask me. I mean, you talk to her every day, don't you?

Ashley: I do, yeah. I'm interested in your perspective, though. 'Cause you were so intent on flying to paris and checking on brash & sassy. Even though it's not really your sole responsibility anymore.

Victoria: Oh, of course it is. I mean, I know you're involved in the more mundane, day-to-day matters, but I am chief of operations. All operations.

Ashley: Is it really necessary for you to be so hands-on? Maybe you're overburdened. Because I noticed you have a lot of work piling up.

Victoria: Oh, you don't have to worry about my energy. I have plenty of that. I am still young, after all.

Ashley: So, um, back to my question.

Victoria: You know, the one thing that I can count on with my little sister is that she loves to gab. I don't even think she realized that she slipped up.

Ashley: Slipped up?

Victoria: Yeah. She spilled the beans about how you've been going around trying to line up allies at the company. And she told me how you asked her to withhold information about the european operation.

Ashley: I'm pretty sure that abby told you no such thing. I think you're just a little paranoid.

Victoria: Also seen having drinks at the club with lily ashby.

Ashley: So?

Victoria: You two are hardly pals. It just seems strange that you'd be meeting with one of my key team members on the sly even before you accepted my father's offer.

Ashley: You poor, sweet thing. You really are paranoid. Because now you're inventing conspiracy theories.

Victoria: Cut the crap, ashley, okay? You forget, I know you. I know how you operate. You're up to something, and I'd like to know what it is. Oh, that's lovely...

Nick: Oh, you have to be kidding me.

Chelsea: What?

Nick: My mom gave arturo a 10% increase for his electrical work. I mean, he asked for 20%.

Chelsea: And you offered him...?

Nick: Zero. He gave me this sob story about finding a bunch of issues in the walls, but he knew it was an old building. Wouldn't you build a contingency for that in your estimate?

Chelsea: And lose the bid?

Nick: Look, I don't like surprises. I'm working with a very tight budget here.

Chelsea: Nikki's a really smart woman. I'm sure if she's willing to pay more, there's got to be a good reason.

Nick: Well, I'm just gonna have to ask her that in person.

Chelsea: Huh. I don't think I've ever seen you two disagree before.

Nick: What, as opposed to my dad and me? Look, my mom and I are getting things done.

Chelsea: Mm-hmm.

[ Cellphone rings ] Oh. Hi, phyllis.

Phyllis: Hi, there. Just calling you to remind you of our meeting to discuss your summer line.

Chelsea: Yeah, that's in my calendar. I-I thought this was about the other matter.

Phyllis: That's item number two. Yeah, I have news. Um, lauren feels like we should send out a press release about the fraudulent website.

Chelsea: I don't think going public is the right answer.

Phyllis: Well, lauren feels like it is. And I have to say, I agree. You know, she wants to make sure that loyal customers know that she didn't have any connection to the scam that was ripping off chelsea 2.0. She's even willing to offer a full refund for any purchases that were ordered but not received, which is great.

Chelsea: Do me a favor, please. Just tell lauren not to make any quick decisions until the three of us speak, all right?

Nick: Is there a break in the website case?

Chelsea: [ Sighs ] I'm not sure. I have to go see phyllis and find out in person.

Nick: Bye.

Chelsea: Okay. I'll see you later.

Lauren: I didn't intend to poach on chancellor's turf. I mean, this is a one-off. I needed expertise, and I certainly don't have it in-house, so J.T. Was nice enough to help when we approached him.

Cane: Hey, getting scammed like that has to be cause for alarm, so I understand why you took immediate action. It's okay.

Lauren: Yeah. I mean, you know me, cane. I'm not gonna sit back and let them walk all over me.

Cane: I know.

Lauren: I'm gonna find out who did this, and I'm gonna get my money back. All right. I'm dying to hear. What's the latest?

J.T.: I may have a lead. But I don't want to get your hopes up, so the minute I know for certain, I'll be in touch.

Lauren: Okay. Thank you so much.

J.T.: Mm-hmm.

Lauren: Both of you. And you -- I owe you.

Cane: Don't mention it.

J.T.: You're mad.

Cane: No, mate. I'm not mad. I'm just disappointed. You know, 'cause when I hired you, you signed a contract, you know, to work exclusively for chancellor.

J.T.: I'm aware of that.

Cane: Okay. But you still broke it.

J.T.: Yeah, but the thing is --

Cane: I gave you a job when you needed one, okay, and now I need you to give chancellor your full attention.

J.T.: Look, I understand that. But my helping out fenmore's, it's not affecting my work. My skill set in cybersecurity and fraud is exactly what lauren and phyllis needed.

Cane: I understand that you want to be useful. But if you had come to me when they first approached you, maybe we could have figured something out, all right, but you can't go off and make these decisions without checking with me. I know we're friends, but if you do this again, I can't help you. Is that clear?

J.T.: Crystal.

Mariah: Hey.

Tessa: Hi.

Mariah: What's with the gym bag? You didn't leave your clothes in your locker?

Tessa: Uh, sorry. I can't really talk right now. I have to go to work.

Mariah: Oh. Devon's not in for another hour.

Tessa: I have a lot to make up for. Not only with you. I've been staying late and getting there early. Well, bye.

Mariah: Bye.

Ashley: Where is my yogurt? I put it in here yesterday. It even had my name on it.

Victoria: You're avoiding my question, I see.

Ashley: Oh. Okay. What exactly is your question?

Victoria: Less than a week on the job, and you're already playing politics. What are you trying to accomplish, ashley?

Ashley: You know what, I was trying to figure out the ins and outs of how newman operates. So, yes, I called my daughter. I was just trying to be more efficient, victoria. What's wrong with that? That's actually how I am. Remember, I told you that? That's how I'm gonna run brash & sassy. More efficiently.

Victoria: In other words, you think I'm overreacting.

Ashley: Yes. Your father hired me to do a job. You need to get a grip on your insecurities, or we're gonna waste so much time on petty squabbles and misunderstandings. And, frankly, I'm too busy for that. Aren't you? Oh! Here's my yogurt. Right in front of my face the whole time. Have a wonderful day.

N

Nikki: I appreciate your diligence, making sure that we stay on budget.

Nick: Mom, we have to stay on budget, all right? Close only counts in --

Nikki: Horseshoes and hand grenades. Yes, I know. But whenever you're remodeling, there's always surprises. It's unavoidable. I mean, once arturo walked me through the extra work that it would take to get the complex up to code, I realized that the increase is necessary.

Nick: Okay. Well, what if all our trades start doing this? A few thousand here, a few thousand there. Next thing you know, we're gonna have to start fundraising to finish the project.

Nikki: Honey, arturo came to us as soon as he realized there was an issue. And a lot of contractors would not do that. You'd be surprised how many of them will just make the final bill higher without any discussion and expect to be paid, no talking. So, to me, that speaks to the man's character.

Nick: All right. Fine. I will trust your judgment on this. You know, you have a lot more experience than I do.

Nikki: Thank you, sweetheart.

Nick: All right. I got a million things to do.

Nikki: All right. I won't keep you.

Nick: Talk later?

Nikki: Yeah. Mwah!

[ Cellphone rings ]

Mariah: Hey, can I talk to you about something?

Sharon: Here you go. Thank you.

Mariah: Hi. Can I talk to you about something now?

Sharon: Sure. What's on your mind?

Mariah: There's no pretty way to say this, but I think tessa is homeless and living out of devon's office.

Sharon: You're kidding. Why do you say that?

Mariah: I opened a cabinet by her desk, and there was a sleeping bag in it.

Sharon: Well, that doesn't mean anything. It might not even be hers.

Mariah: Well, when I ran into her at the club this morning, I'm pretty sure she had just showered in the locker room downstairs.

Sharon: Maybe she was just working out. Did you ever consider that?

Mariah: No, but I -- [Sighs] I don't know. I just have a feeling about this. Like she doesn't want anyone to know. Like before, when she was living out of her car.

Sharon: If you're suggesting that she move back in with us after the way that she hurt you and noah --

Mariah: No. No. I'm not, at all.

Sharon: Okay, good. 'Cause the answer to that would be a big fat "no."

Mariah: Look, mom, I haven't forgotten what she did. Not by any means. But since hilary sold gc buzz to hamilton-winters, I've had to spend a lot more time around tessa.

Sharon: So you can't help but feel a little bit sorry for her. I've made a lot of mistakes in my life, so I do know the power of forgiveness. But... you also have to be smart, mariah. If you want my advice, you will keep your guard up around that woman.

Mariah: Don't worry. I will.

J.T.: [ Clears throat ]

Victoria: Oh! Hi. What are you doing here?

J.T.: I, uh, thought we could eat together.

Victoria: Oh, that's so sweet. I-I just wish you would have called first. I'm totally swamped right now.

J.T.: Well, I stopped by that soup place and got your favorite -- red lentil and some crunchy bread.

Victoria: Oh, stop, please. You're making me so hungry.

J.T.: Yeah, well, that's the idea. I thought we could spend some quality time together without the kids, you know? I-I missed you.

Victoria: Okay. I guess I could take a short break. Key word being short.

J.T.: All right. I will take it. I don't have much time, either. Cane's been on my case.

Victoria: Oh, no. About what?

J.T.: Oh, he overheard lauren talking to me about that side gig I'm doing for fenmore.

Victoria: Oh, no.

J.T.: She didn't mean to get me in trouble, it just...

Victoria: Well, how upset is he?

J.T.: I wouldn't really say upset as disappointed. Which pisses me off, you know? I mean, cane acts like he did me this huge favor, and the work he gives me, it's just...

Victoria: Mm-hmm. Not very challenging.

J.T.: I have years of experience in forensic accounting, cybersecurity, major fraud investigation. But he gives me this -- this rinky-dink busywork day after day. I'm just bored.

Victoria: Mm. You know what? I would be, too. I'm sorry.

J.T.: But he makes it out like I'm supposed to be grateful. And, I mean, I guess I am. I just hate to be made out like I'm a charity case.

Victoria: [ Clicks tongue ] Well, cane is a mediocre exec. He has no business being C.E.O. He just got lucky, that's all. You know he doesn't have the first clue about how to manage people or processes or budgets. And add to the fact that he lets his personal beefs cloud his judgment, which gets in the way of his work and creates all kind of issues, I have zero faith in that man and his ability to run chancellor or anything else.

J.T.: [ Sighs ] Yeah, well, I could use a little bit of that luck. I mean, right now, I'm stuck there. It's not jabot and lauren are offering me a full-time job.

Victoria: I will. Come work at newman.

Lauren: Where's chelsea?

Phyllis: Uh, she'll be here any minute.

Lauren: Mm.

Phyllis: Am I good or what?

Lauren: Oh, you're very good. Hi!

Chelsea: Hi! Thanks for carving out some time to meet with me.

Lauren: Well, of course. But before we go over your summer line, I have some news about that phony website.

Chelsea: I'm all ears.

Lauren: I ran into J.T. At the club, and he thinks he has a lead on that alexandra west.

Phyllis: What did he find out? Is it an alias? Is it a man, a woman?

Lauren: You know what, he didn't want to go into too much detail until he's sure, but I think he's gonna have some answers for us very soon. Tonight's all about making comfort food easy.

Victoria: So, what do you think? Of course, my father will have to approve, but I'm sure we can find you something.

J.T.: Wait, hold on. I'm not sure working for you or victor is the best idea right now.

Victoria: Why not?

J.T.: Because it was difficult last time. It messed up our marriage. We got a good thing going right now. I don't want to -- I don't want to screw with it.

Victoria: We won't let that happen again.

J.T.: Well, you say that now. All right. Wh-what kind of job are we talking about? I-it'd have to be something real, not a make-work kind of thing, favor your boyfriend.

Victoria: Our head of security, he just gave his notice. It's your old job. He and his wife are relocating to a different state for her work. Is that something you'd be interested in?

J.T.: Maybe.

Victoria: Well, it's a lot more demanding than what you're doing for cane.

J.T.: I'd have to see a full description.

Victoria: Done. And, as you know, I am having some issues with ashley, so if you do decide to take this position, maybe you can help me keep an eye on her.

J.T.: What's she up to now?

Victoria: I don't know. I've asked her point-blank, but she bobs and weaves, and she never answers my question. However, I do know that she's gone behind my back trying to get some of the staff to choose sides.

J.T.: Well, maybe she's gunning for your job.

Victoria: Nothing that woman does surprises me. All I know is that ashley is trying to build her power base, and I have to do the same thing.

[ Cellphone rings ] Excuse me.

J.T.: Yeah. Go ahead.

Victoria: Oh, I do have to take this. Maurice! Bonjour. Comment allez-vous? Oh, ça va. Ugh. Je suis fou occupé.

[ Laughs ] Did you get my message? Oh, good. What a relief. Thank you so much. You're such a doll, maurice. I couldn't thank you more. All right. I'll talk to you soon. Au revoir.

J.T.: That sounded exciting.

Victoria: [ Giggles ]

J.T.: Maybe I should learn french so I can compete with maurice.

Victoria: Maurice, he's -- he's the manager of the hotel that I stayed at.

J.T.: Ah. It sounds like you two got very friendly.

Victoria: Oh, we did, indeed. He was just wonderful. I left my headphones in my room, and he's shipping them back to me. Oh, don't get me wrong. Maurice is drop-dead gorgeous, and he's a lot of fun, but he is gay.

[ Both chuckle ]

J.T.: Yeah, that's, uh... that's what I get for prying. Yeah.

Victoria: You know what? You have nothing to worry about.

J.T.: Who said I was worried?

Victoria: Jealous much? It's written all over your face right now.

J.T.: All right. I'm guilty. Okay. I just had this idea of this slick-looking french guy hitting on you.

Victoria: Yeah. Mm-hmm. Because that happens all the time. So, what do you think? When are you gonna give cane your notice? I was thinking that maybe you and george could overlap a couple of days. That way he could bring you up to speed --

J.T.: Hold on. I-I never said yes, and neither did victor.

Victoria: Well, I am not taking no for an answer. From either of you.

J.T.: Well, you drive a hard bargain. But I'm gonna need some time to think about this.

Chelsea: Hey. Why aren't you at the building site? Aren't they pouring concrete or something?

[ Laughs ]

Nick: [ Chuckles ] Yes, they are. But this is more important. Come sit down.

Chelsea: Okay. What's going on?

Nick: I don't know. You tell me. When you left earlier, I could tell something was on your mind. I think I know what it is.

Chelsea: You do?

Nick: Yeah. When I brought up adam's name, your whole expression changed. Chelsea, we both have a complicated history with him, but I really do love the idea of using adam's money to help underprivileged children. But I didn't want to make you uncomfortable.

Chelsea: Well, you're right. At first, it threw me a little. But it's a good call. You're right, adam would have liked building a playground.

Nick: Yeah. You okay?

Chelsea: Yeah. I-I just... have a lot on my mind. Can we talk about something else?

[ Chuckles ] Would that be okay?

Nick: Yes. Of course. Any new info on the online scam?

Chelsea: Oh, not much. J.T., He's on it. But, you know, it's a whole process, so...

[ Cellphone rings ] Uh, excuse me for one second. Oh. Um... phyllis.

Phyllis: Hey. I know you just left, but J.T. Called. He wants to meet with all of us as soon as possible.

Chelsea: I assume there's been a break in the case?

Phyllis: I guess we'll find out.

Chelsea: I'm on my way.

Nick: Did J.T. Find out some new information?

Chelsea: Yeah -- well, I -- I'm not really sure. Um... phyllis, she was really vague.

Nick: I hope they I.D.'D the thief.

Chelsea: Yeah. You and me both.

Nick: It's time they bust this criminal, you know? Give you some justice. We're dude perfect

Sharon: And one for the road.

Mariah: Thank you. I should be getting back to the studio.

Sharon: Hello there.

Nick: Hey. Mariah.

Mariah: Hi.

Sharon: You, uh, want your usual?

Nick: No, actually. I have a lunch order. I went by rainbow gardens and took the boys' sandwich requests. Just throw in some chips and pickles and whatever.

Mariah: Question. Are all of the units taken?

Nick: Well, until this morning they were. I had two tenants move out. You know, remodeling can be a pain. I guess they didn't want the dust and the noise.

Mariah: So, what you're saying --

Sharon: Okay, I see where this is going. Mariah, I don't think this is a good idea.

Nick: What don't you think is a good idea?

Mariah: Tessa needs a cheap place to live.

Nick: Ooh. Yeah, I agree with your mom. I don't think that's a good idea at all. I don't think noah would appreciate me going out of my way to help his ex-girlfriend.

Mariah: Well, I know he's not thrilled with her at the moment, but he wouldn't want her to be homeless, would he?

Nick: Oh. Well, I didn't know her situation was so dire.

Sharon: Mariah seems to believe that it is.

Mariah: Excuse me. Tessa was homeless before. And when she came to genoa city, she was living out of her car.

Nick: Well, I hate hearing that, but I don't know why you're getting involved in this.

Mariah: Tessa blew it when she plagiarized my journal and used it to record that song. She lost everything. She lost noah and her record deal, her friends, including me. I don't know, but that seems like pretty strong punishment to me. Why don't we just say enough is enough and cut her some slack?

Sharon: Or why don't we just say that tessa's a big girl and she can take care of herself, so we'll mind our own business?

Nick: Could be the better part of valor.

Mariah: Devon is giving her another chance. He's hired her on as an assistant until she earns his trust back. Shouldn't we have a little compassion?

Sharon: From a distance? No.

Mariah: Really, sharon? You have never needed a second chance? Not once?

Sharon: Oh, I've needed fourth and fifth chances. But we're not talking about me here.

Nick: You're pushing kind of hard for this, especially after she betrayed you.

Mariah: If I were tessa right now, I would be praying for somebody to reach out. I mean, isn't that the whole point of your project, is to help people in need? I am not asking you to put her up at a luxury hotel. This is a vacant unit in low-income housing, and tessa more than qualifies --

Nick: Okay. Okay. You sold me. I'll give her a chance. It'll be a small one, but I'll give her a chance.

Mariah: So you're gonna rent her one of the apartments?

Nick: Sure. But there are gonna be some conditioned attached. You know, I'm gonna make her lease month-to-month in case i need to ask her to leave.

Mariah: Yeah. Yeah, that sounds more than fair. Doesn't it?

Sharon: Uh, I suppose.

Mariah: Thank you.

Nick: No problem. I'll have the rental office e-mail tessa over a standard application form.

Lauren: Here is the press release that I wrote up. Phyllis said you wanted to read it first.

Chelsea: Oh. No, I don't think this is a good idea. I think it would be a mistake, going public.

Lauren: Oh, no. We need to get out in front of this, before this harms my reputation.

Phyllis: You know, we have worked very hard for over a year to build an online presence at fenmore's, and any hint of fraud, that could all go down the tubes.

Lauren: Right. And it could also help us catch the perpetrators.

Chelsea: That's what J.T. Is for. Just let him do his job. Hopefully the customers don't ever even need to know.

Phyllis: What are you worried about, chelsea?

Chelsea: [ Scoffs ] Well, I mean, this is my reputation on the line, too. Of all of the designers that you guys represent and sell, this guy decides to single out my line? Not to mention, the scammer hasn't created any other phony websites, which shows to me that we've scared him off. I mean, why ask for trouble by making some big announcement?

Phyllis: [ Scoffs ] We're talking about grand larceny, here.

Lauren: Right. They need to be punished. And we need to send a message -- do not screw with us.

Chelsea: Well, in a perfect world, I would agree with you. But if we share this information, you guys, we are showing everybody that we are vulnerable. Also the bad guys. Think of all the copycats out there. I mean, you know? Copycats, they'll just come after you because they can.

[ Knock on door ]

Phyllis: Hey.

J.T.: Sorry I'm late.

Lauren: No, come on in.

Phyllis: J.T., You gave us a vague text. Why did you want us all to meet with you?

Chelsea: I assume there's been a breakthrough?

J.T.: Yeah, there has. I found alexandra west. For my constipation, my doctor recommended

Ashley: Hi.

Victoria: Hi.

Ashley: You wanted to see me?

Victoria: Yeah. Please, come in. Have a seat.

Ashley: Ugh, I've been sitting all day. I'll stand.

Victoria: You know how much i respect you and your new and very important role as chief innovation officer.

Ashley: I didn't know that. Thank you for telling me, victoria.

Victoria: Mm. Sure. I've extended an offer to someone to become our new head of security.

Ashley: Oh. What happened to the old one?

Victoria: He's relocating. And such it's such a high-level hire, I wanted to tell you first, before the grapevine goes into overdrive.

Ashley: Well, thank you. Who'd you pick?

Victoria: I picked J.T.

Ashley: Isn't that gonna be a little awkward, working with your ex?

Victoria: [ Laughs ] Really? I mean, are you really that behind on the local gossip?

Ashley: [ Laughs ] Could be. Ohh, I see. So the two of you are back together.

Victoria: Yes. Give the lady a cigar.

Ashley: Well, I guess that makes sense, that you would want backup.

Victoria: Well, I mean, he is very highly skilled, and I want to hire him because he is the best.

Ashley: Of course.

Victoria: Fyi, I don't need my boyfriend to protect my job. I'm a newman. Name's on the building.

Ashley: Oh, of course. But, I mean, I thought the same thing about my stature at jabot. We saw how that wound up. I should have known better than to think everything would work out just because my last name is abbott. Something to remember, I think. Don't assume anything just because you're family.

Tessa: "Check your e-mail." "Rainbow gardens affordable housing tenant application form"? Were you aware of this?

Mariah: Wow. Nick doesn't waste any time. Good for him. Well, the sooner you fill that out, the sooner you can move into your new place. That is, if you don't mind living through a little bit of construction.

Tessa: How did you even --

Mariah: Know that you were squatting and needed a place to stay, stat? I found your bedroll and your duffel bag -- completely by accident -- and I kind of put together the rest. So I asked nick if he had any openings, and he did, so... no big deal.

Tessa: Uh, I'm -- I'm so confused. Um... how -- how does -- how does nick have anything to do with this?

Mariah: Well, he and nikki are rehabbing the complex. It used to be used for senior housing, and then it went to low-income. So, long story short, he agreed to take you in on a trial basis.

Tessa: Wow. That's really incredible of him. Made more incredible by you asking him. Why would you do that?

Mariah: Well, I didn't want to walk in early one morning and trip over you snoozing on the floor.

Tessa: Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, mariah. I'll never forget this.

Sharon: Having second thoughts?

Nick: Ah, I don't know. Is it naive to help someone who did you wrong? Or is it kind of wonderful?

Sharon: In this case, I think it's a little bit of both. Tessa knows that she hurt people. She knows that they're working hard trying to forgive her. And I know what that's like.

Nick: Yeah, me too. I can see both sides. I mean, when hilary broadcast on her show that chelsea was a grifter, it took me by surprise. You know, but it reminded me that people's lives can be complicated. And if chelsea can turn her life around, then there's hope for someone like tessa.

Sharon: And now chelsea's on the receiving end of a scam. She's the mark this time. How's she handling that?

Nick: I didn't realize you knew.

Sharon: Well, working here, you know, you just -- you hear things.

Nick: Yeah. Um... you know, J.T.'S investigating. I hope, for chelsea's sake, that he gets to the bottom of it soon.

Phyllis: What do you mean she's dead?

J.T.: Well, there was an alexandra west living in the area, but she died 15 years ago.

Lauren: I don't understand. How is a dead woman ripping me off?

J.T.: Well, I traced the name online to a local bank. I went there to find out some more information, but the account had just been closed. Which was a dead end, 'cause they weren't about to help me out without a warrant. Now, I talked to a friend in D.C. Who has access to government records, and he confirmed that the deceased alexandra west had the same social security number as the alexandra west who opened the bank account.

Lauren: This is unreal.

Chelsea: I didn't know that was even possible.

J.T.: It is, unfortunately.

Phyllis: These identity thieves are very brazen.

J.T.: Well, I got to give her credit, whoever she is. She's good.

Lauren: If a thief walks into the bank to open an account to launder money, I would have to assume it would have to be a female, seeing that the original ms. West was a woman.

J.T.: Yeah, probably. But I'd have to see the security footage to really know. Look, I've taken this about as far as I can. If you want to go to paul, I think he's got enough evidence to get a warrant, so you could actually get a look at who's masquerading as alexandra west.

Chelsea: I don't think that's a good idea. Just because, you know, back in my old -- old con-artist days, I remember reporters used to hang around the courthouse just waiting for the next big story to drop. Once a warrant is issued, if it's relatively juicy, it will be on the news like that.

[ Sighs ] And I was telling the ladies earlier, before you arrived, this thief, he hasn't created any more phony websites, so it's not like we need to deter him. But, you know, if this goes wide, then I fear we're just giving people ideas.

J.T.: You're worried about copycats.

Chelsea: Yeah. I'm afraid of this thing multiplying. Not to mention, although the site was fake, the products were actual chelsea 2.0 products. However, you know, all of the other people and all of my buyers might think that they were knock-offs. Do you know how bad that would be for my brand?

[ Sighs ] Listen, you guys, I'm not happy that we lost money to some crook, but at least it's over, you know? Take the write-off and move on.

Phyllis: What do you want to do?

N

Nick: Well, it sounds like you have a credible lead. Is it time to bring the police in?

Chelsea: We discussed that. But lauren was against it.

Nick: How come?

Chelsea: She was concerned it would go public and just magnify our problems.

Nick: Wait. So, lauren just decided to eat the losses?

Chelsea: I really wanted to nail the creep, but she convinced me that being quiet is the best option. So it's pretty much done. J.T., He's done with his job. No police. It's just not going any further.

Nick: [ Sighs ] Well, I'm sorry.

Chelsea: It's disappointing. But I'll live.

Sharon: You look beat.

Phyllis: Thank you. It's been a long day.

Sharon: The fake website scam? You were talking about it on the phone earlier. I didn't mean to eavesdrop.

Phyllis: The good news is, it's over. Once the first fake site was shut down, others didn't pop up in its place, so... thank goodness the losses were contained. But chelsea and fenmore's, they are out thousands and thousands of dollars.

Sharon: Well, then I guess it's a good thing nick decided to renovate chelsea's bathroom.

Phyllis: What's that got to do with anything?

Sharon: Nick did all the work himself. You know, he's gotten into being handy lately.

Phyllis: Okay.

Sharon: Anyway, he opened up a wall or a duct or something and found a bunch of hidden cash. It was close to a quarter of a million bucks. Obviously adam is the one who hid it there. It was his "flee the country" fund, I assume. But being his widow, it all went to chelsea. Talk about good timing.

Phyllis: Yeah. Yeah, that's really good timing.

Ashley: [ Slams cup ] If it's all the same to you, I've got more important things to do than to stand here and watch you return your e-mails.

Victoria: Wait. I'm almost done. Now, what is it that you were trying to imply before? That I'm not safe here at newman?

Ashley: Oh, I wasn't implying anything. I mean, you can read into it whatever you want, but...

Victoria: I'm the future of this company. End of story.

Ashley: Of course you are. I mean, for right now, because you know life. Things change. It's inevitable.

Victoria: Oh, yeah. That's true. Like it did for you. You didn't get to be C.E.O. At jabot, so now here you are trying to get my father's job.

Ashley: [ Laughs ] Really? I would never try to do something like that to victor. Are you kidding? But, I mean, clearly he's not gonna live forever, and eventually the next generation will have to step in, but --

Victoria: Newman is a family company. There will be a next generation -- of newmans.

Ashley: And like the current generation in power, they are held accountable by a board of directors, which I am now a member of. And who knows? Maybe we'll be less interested in nepotism than in awarding the job to the strongest candidate. Whoever that might be.

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