At Crimson Lights, Nick updated Sharon about Victor's surgery, which went smoothly, and he was expected to make a full recovery. Sharon reflected on her past, admitting that for a long time, she was lost in drugs, trying to escape. She had no memory of her kidnapping, and it was hard to imagine facing Ian, let alone having him hold a gun to them. Nick reassured her that Ian was dead, and Sharon credited Victor for sacrificing his life to protect his family. While Nick agreed that Ian and Jordan brought this upon themselves, Sharon was still shaken by the damage done. She mentioned the trauma Mariah and Claire endured both as children and adults. Nick acknowledged that healing was necessary, but at least Ian and Jordan died knowing they had failed.
Michael arrived and informed them that all of Sharon's charges had been dismissed—she was completely cleared. When Daniel joined them, he was told everything, but he struggled to process it. He asked how he could possibly tell Paul that Ian
Ward was responsible for Heather’s murder. Sharon, guilt-ridden, admitted that she wasn’t guilty of Heather’s death, but she had framed Daniel and had been involved in Ian’s scheme. She didn’t expect forgiveness from him, but Daniel was still angry, recalling how Sharon had framed him and lied. Nick reminded him that Sharon had been under the influence of hallucinogens for months, which contributed to her behavior, especially her obsession with Cassie’s death. Nick added that Ian and Jordan’s guilt and death could help him heal, though Daniel wasn’t ready to hear it.
As Nick prepared to visit Victor at the hospital, Daniel said he wasn’t going to lash out at Sharon but was still angry. Sharon expressed regret for what Daniel was going through, knowing he wouldn’t have closure or justice for Heather’s murder. She shared how senseless loss never truly fades, even when the pain feels distant.
In the park, Daniel sat alone, speaking to Heather's memory. He expressed how difficult it was to imagine life without her and worried about his daughter, Lucy, while mourning the loss of the life he thought he would have with Heather.
Meanwhile, at the ranch, Chelsea and Adam discussed her moving in. With Victor recovering, Chelsea reassured him that this decision was not based on him, though Adam was still hesitant. He told her she could redecorate as she saw fit, joking about the place needing a bit of sage to clear out bad vibes. They reflected on how Adam never expected to inherit the ranch, but now, here he was. Chelsea assured him she felt at home, too. As Adam opened up about his fear of losing Victor, Chelsea understood how profound Victor’s love for his family was.
Nick arrived and was surprised to learn that Chelsea was moving in, though she clarified it was purely platonic. Nick voiced concerns about the arrangement, but Chelsea reassured him that she had made her intentions clear. Adam returned, and Nick offered to drive him to the hospital. On the way, Nick expressed concern over Adam pushing Chelsea into something she wasn’t ready for, but Adam brushed him off, still haunted by the fear of losing Victor. Nick, however, reminded him that Victor had survived worse before, and his death wouldn’t change how Adam was treated by the family.
Victoria, back at the tack house, updated Claire that Victor would recover. Claire, still shaken by the events, expressed awe at how much Victor loved Nikki, especially after he took the bullet for her. Kyle arrived to comfort Claire, and she told him the full story about the ordeal with Ian and Jordan, as well as Victor’s bravery. Kyle reassured her that Jordan could no longer hurt anyone and admired Claire for her strength in protecting her family. Claire confessed that she had hidden some things, but after talking with her mother and grandmother, she decided to let it go. Kyle promised he’d listen if she ever changed her mind and was grateful for the chance to support her.
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