At Victoria’s, she walks down the stairs ready for work and remembers Billy telling her that there is nothing she can’t conquer and that she is amazing. The doorbell rings – it’s Nikki with coffee and pastries. She is happy to learn that Victoria slept. They sit down and Victoria gets excited about moving forward. “Life after Ashland.” The conversation turns to what Nick is going through. Victoria is grateful that he saved her. Nikki thinks her daughter needs time to deal with Ashland’s spiral, but Victoria doesn’t want to wallow. “I feel free.” Nikki is delighted. Victoria reveals: “Last night I even had a drink with Billy, of all people.” Nikki is surprised. Victoria is ready to chart the course for the future. “Let’s be bold, mom.”
At the ranch, Nick and Victor exchange pleasantries. Nick tells his father that Ashland’s ordeal isn’t over for him just because Chance ended the investigation. “A man died because of my actions.” Nick explains how angry he is with Victor who made a unilateral decision without consulting those involved. Victor argues that Locke caused his own death. Nick fumes that because of what he did, he was forced to lie to the police. It may be second nature to his father, but it’s not comfortable for him. Now that he’s had time and distance from the situation, he realizes he was trying to be a good father. Victor confirms that everything he did was for him and Victoria. Nick recaps that it all happened so fast and that Victor acted on instinct. He will do anything to protect his children. Victoria has realized this – she really does look a lot more like Victor than any of them ever could. They review their surprise at Chance closing the case and the negligence of Victor’s security team, who have since been relieved of their duties. Nick wonders when his father will stop taking such risks.
In the park, Kevin wants to know how the prosecutor reacted when Chance turned over all their evidence. He is shocked to learn that Chance didn’t. He came to the conclusion that there was no probable cause. Kevin protests and assumes Paul was behind it all, but Chance cuts him off, “It was my decision, Kevin.” Kevin angrily reviews all the evidence they’ve spent time collecting. Chance growls, “It was a tragic accident.” Kevin knows he doesn’t believe it and warns that if the evidence comes to light, there could be some serious backlash for the two!
At Chancellor-Winters, Billy asks Lily for a chat. He would like to resume their conversation about him dividing his time between the podcast and where he ultimately wants to be. “I think I figured out what I want to be when I grow up,” he jokes. Lily doesn’t know where this is leading. “He’s making a course correction.” He has found a replacement host for Grinning Soul and will be stepping away from podcasts to fully commit to being its COO. Lily worries that he just says it because he thinks that’s what she wants to hear. Billy explains that she considers his decision, but he tries to hold himself accountable and be a man of his word. He promised not to let his mother down. Lily learns that he is doing this because he was asked to. Billy wants to be a man of integrity. “It’s my call.” Lily doesn’t want him to end up resenting her later. Billy didn’t like the feeling that something was changing between them. “This is where I want to be. This is where I belong.”
At the rooftop bar, Chelsea spots Adam and teases him about living a life of leisure. She wonders why he’s reading about Ashland’s death, and he wonders if there was more than an accident. They go over her alienation from the Newmans until Chloe shows up. Adam hopes they will become a dynamic duo again. That said, he leaves. Chelsea and Chloe exchange compliments and discuss the podcast. Chelsea talks about how amazing Billy is and deduces that she could go wild with him in a way that she couldn’t with Chloe. Her friend can see that was exactly what she needed.
They walk over to the couches and sit down, where Chelsea goes on and on about how he worked with Billy. Chloe understands why she had to take a break from designing. “You struggled after Rey died. He would be so proud of you now. Chelsea asks if everything is ok with Chloe – she can tell something is wrong. She guesses that there is animosity between her and Sally and states that she is lucky to have her. Chloe insists she’s fine, it’s just growing pains. Billy shows up and wants to rob Chelsea for a second. Chloe goes to get another drink. Chelsea begins to talk excitedly about their next episode, but Billy stops her to inform her that he will be stepping away from the podcast to focus on his day job. Chelsea is stunned.
At the ranch, Nick reconsiders the bet that Victor took. Victor was not worried about himself. Nick complains that he takes risks. Victor will never stop protecting his family. Abby arrives and hugs her father and greets Nick. She feels the tension. They discuss Chance making the right decision in closing the case. Nick will always be grateful and says he has to get to work. Once alone, Victor tells Abby that he will thank Chance later. She doesn’t think he should do this.
After: Eric Braeden shows off his granddaughter’s skills
In the park, Chance and Kevin bicker over whether the evidence could be found by someone else. Chance insists there’s nothing to worry about, but Kevin warns the truth has a funny way of coming out. Kevin is committed to being the best person he can be! Adam bumps into them and listens to Kevin ranting at Chance that if it was anyone other than Victor, he’d be pursuing a conviction with everything he’s got. Chance slams, “I didn’t do this for Victor.” He reminds Chance that he is part of the family; people will say he ignores the facts. Chance thought it best not to drag the family through the ordeal of charges the prosecutor might lay. The accidental death could have been a scandal for the real victim – Victoria. Kevin fully agrees, but it should have been the DA’s call, not Chance’s.
At Victoria’s, she and Nikki discuss her plans to take Newman Enterprises into the future. His mother warns him of the optics of moving forward when Ashland has just died in a tragic car accident. Victoria goes to answer it and declares that nothing bothers them now.
At the rooftop bar, Billy thinks Chelsea should take over the podcast, but she thinks it’s the worst idea he’s ever had. She questions him walking away from something he clearly likes. Billy explains that it bothers his… She finishes, “Real life?” Chelsea protests he’s never been more real than when he dives into complicated matters on the podcast. She feels it won’t be the same without him. The whole point of doing this was because she was doing it with someone who understands her. Billy agrees the partnership was great, but he’s committed to Chancellor-Winters and he has to… for many reasons. Chelsea, with tears in her eyes, asks him to be in a hurry to return to a world where he recently admitted he does not belong. Billy has to go all the way. Chelsea knows he’ll realize his mistake and find a million ways to say, “I told you so.” Billy has to leave and leaves Chelsea in shock. Chloe joins her and says, “Daughter, don’t go.”
After: Melissa Claire Egan’s son’s first birthday
At the ranch, Abby bickers with Victor about wanting to thank Chance, who doesn’t really believe she did the right thing. Victor thinks he should understand that there is no gray area when it comes to protecting your family.
In the park, Kevin complains to Chance that Victor is getting away with what he did. Chance, through gritted teeth, tells him it’s over. He did a great job, but it’s time to move on. Chance walks away and Adam appears. “I couldn’t help but overhear. Looks like you’ve been left in one hell of a place.
Billy returns to Chancellor-Winters and tells Lily he had to share his decision with Chelsea. He also wanted to pick up something he was holding at the right time and reveals a yin and yang necklace. They are two pieces that come together to form a whole, just like them. He puts it on her and they kiss.
After: Susan Walters and Linden Ashby’s new grandson
At Victoria’s, Nikki suggests that Victoria go to Newman Towers for the video presentation. Victoria is eager to let everyone know what’s going on in the business. She needs all his support. Nikki thinks it’s wise to anticipate internal issues. Victoria says her true leadership at Newman Enterprises is about to begin.
Chance arrives at the ranch and is surprised to see Abby there. Victor says she asked him not to contact Chance. Abby kisses her husband and leaves. Victor tells Chance that he wanted to thank him man to man for what he did. Chance growls, “I don’t need or want your thanks.”
After: Chesapeake Shores spoilers!
In the park, Kevin insists to Adam that he’s fine…for now. Adam reminds her that Chance is now in the Newman family. Victor will make sure he stays perfectly clean while Kevin is drying off. “If you’re smart, you’ll get away with it right away.”
After: Y&R preview: Not one, but *two* shocking moves
Next on The young and the restless: Victor defends his actions, Nick relishes his new role, and Adam gets the better of Kevin.
Jill mentions! Take a look back at Jill Foster Abbott’s remarkable story in the gallery below.
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