Victoria found Cole sitting alone at the bar in the jazz club and asked if their New Year's celebration was over for him. They shared a kiss, and he declared that their evening had been perfect with just the two of them. Victoria expressed how much she appreciated the caviar, Champagne, and roses in his suite, calling it everything she needed after being confined to her bed over the holidays. Curious, she asked why Cole needed a nightcap, and he explained that he hadn’t been able to sleep because he had been thinking a lot. He asked for her advice regarding the job her father had offered him.
Victoria was concerned about what was troubling Cole. He acknowledged that becoming head of Newman Publishing was an incredible opportunity, and he was flattered that Victor considered him for the position. However, he confessed that he wasn’t sure about it. Victoria reassured him that Victor wasn’t offering the job out of nepotism—her father always selected the best person for the job, regardless of family ties. Cole admitted that, in many ways, it was his dream job, but there was still something holding him back. Victoria noticed that something deeper was troubling him. Cole admitted he was leaning toward turning the offer down, despite recognizing the job’s potential.
Victoria was confused by his hesitation, given that he had just described it as a perfect opportunity. He reflected on their past conversations about the corporate world and how he never wanted to be part of it. Victoria acknowledged that the corporate world could be toxic, but it could also be rewarding and challenging. Cole worried that if he took the job, he’d lose the time for his writing that he cherished. Victoria reassured him that he would always find time for writing, as it was a core part of who he was.
Cole then expressed his concerns about working for Victor, whom he feared would interfere with his life. Victoria understood the pressures of working with her father and suggested that dealing with any boss could be challenging, but it was worth it for something meaningful. She even pointed out that they’d be working in the same building, which would give them more time together. Cole groaned, clearly conflicted. Victoria reminded him that the job wouldn’t be forever, and if it didn’t work out, he could always walk away. She had done it before, though she’d paid a price for it.
She insisted that her feelings for him wouldn’t change, despite his concerns about Victor’s influence. Cole was still uneasy, worried that working for Victor might spoil what he and Victoria had built together. Victoria reminded him that their relationship was worth fighting for, and she would stand by him no matter what. She urged him not to use their daughter Claire as an excuse not to take the job, reminding him that their family was stronger than that.
Though grateful for her support, Cole was still unsure about accepting Victor’s offer. Victoria encouraged him to look at the decision from all angles, not just the negative ones. They shared a kiss before heading upstairs together, but Cole’s decision still weighed heavily on him.
Meanwhile, at the cottage, Mariah and Tessa were relieved to find Faith there. Faith was worried about her mother’s safety, as there had been no word from Sharon. Mariah urged her not to jump to conclusions, but Faith was convinced something had happened. Mariah reassured her that they had just seen Sharon and she had been fine. Faith, however, feared the worst, recalling when their mother had been poisoned before. Tessa warned Faith not to blame Mariah, as it wouldn’t help Sharon.
The conversation turned to Ian, whom Mariah suspected was involved in something sinister. She feared that Ian, capable of tampering with medication or even worse, might be behind Sharon’s disappearance. Tessa recalled an encounter with Ian at Society, where he had been friendly and cordial, but she didn’t believe it was just a random act of kindness when Ian had helped her after she collapsed. Mariah remained skeptical, convinced that Ian always had an ulterior motive. She warned that he was likely orchestrating everything, with Sharon’s disappearance just part of his plan.
Back at the motel, Jordan was busy preparing Sharon for her fate. She had chained Sharon to pipes in a dark, underground room and coldly informed her that she was lucky not to be at the bottom of the river yet. Jordan muttered that she wasn't ready to dispose of Sharon, using her instead as insurance for when she needed something from Ian. When Ian returned, he was reassured that Sharon had been properly dealt with, although Jordan remained cryptic about her whereabouts.
At the Newman ranch, Victor showed one of his security officers a photo of Ian and ordered him to find and bring Ian to him. Nick was convinced that Ian was involved in Sharon’s disappearance and feared she was in danger. Victor, however, believed they needed to gather more information about Ian’s motives before acting. They discussed Ian’s possible involvement in Heather’s death, and Nick suggested they get answers from Ian directly.
Meanwhile, Ian was interrogated by Victor and Nick. Ian claimed he was back in town to make amends and find forgiveness for his past. He denied having any knowledge of Sharon’s whereabouts, but Nick wasn’t convinced. Ian’s story of saving Tessa’s life, which he framed as a miracle, only further raised suspicion. Despite Ian’s attempt at repentance, Victor was unimpressed and threatened him. Ian countered, revealing that he had a letter implicating the Newmans if anything were to happen to him, effectively holding them hostage with the threat of police involvement.
Nikki, who had been asleep, was startled when she entered the room and saw Ian. She couldn’t believe he was there. Victor, however, remained determined not to let Ian get the upper hand, and after a tense standoff, he ordered Ian to leave. Ian taunted Victor one last time before departing, but Victor instructed his security to follow him and make sure he didn’t escape.
Back at the motel, Jordan received another visit from Ian, who was eager to continue their plans. He was concerned about Sharon and asked if she was taken care of, but Jordan assured him that Sharon was exactly where she needed to be, setting the stage for even more chaos to come.
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