Claire ran into Kyle at Crimson Lights, where she gave him a gift as an apology for how Victor had treated him the previous evening. The gift? Custom-made earbuds, which Claire claimed would cancel out any noise coming from her grandfather regarding their relationship.
Kyle wasn’t bothered by Victor’s actions. He explained he had no expectations from Victor and that the whole dramatic scene was just Victor trying to scare Claire away from him and his family. Kyle reminded her he had warned her about Victor’s behavior, but none of it would drive him away. He was more concerned about Claire eventually getting tired of the pressure and giving up on their relationship.
Claire was taken aback that Kyle thought she might give in to Victor. She pointed out that she’d grown up with someone controlling every aspect of her life, including her feelings, and she was now determined to stay with Kyle no matter what. “I’m with you, Kyle. Period,” she told him firmly. If Victor couldn’t accept her happiness because of his old grudges against Jack, that was his issue, not hers.
Meanwhile, Summer showed up at Crimson Lights, texting Phyllis as she entered. She quickly pulled Kyle aside, expressing concern that Phyllis was missing. Kyle comforted her while Claire watched their interaction from across the room. After Summer left, Kyle invited her to join him and Claire. She immediately asked about Kyle’s dinner with Victor, echoing the concerns about Victor’s interference in their relationship. Summer then casually added that Claire was probably inexperienced when it came to handling a romantic relationship with such opposition. Claire bristled at Summer’s remark, but
Kyle spoke up, agreeing with Summer’s memory that he and Summer had never faced Victor’s wrath before. However, Kyle noted that Victor was particularly protective of Claire. Summer backed down, but Claire stood her ground, insisting she wasn’t going to let her grandfather ruin her happiness. “We’re too happy,” Kyle added softly.
As Summer left to go back to work, she glanced back at Claire and Kyle, noticing how content they seemed together.
At the ranch, Lily visited Victor to inquire about Damian. Victor revealed that Damian had experienced overnight success in business but was a mysterious figure, owning two companies: Monte Cristo and Danglars, both with literary references tied to The Count of Monte Cristo. Victor suspected Damian’s rise to success was tied to something shady, given he had taken over these companies despite not having the means to do so initially. He also mentioned Damian’s control over a corporation called Arabesque, which had remained profitable no matter the market conditions.
Lily, intrigued but evasive about her own interest in Damian, maintained she had no business dealings with him. Victor raised an eyebrow at her secrecy, warning that he would find out what she was really up to.
At Nate’s, Damian told Nate and Amy that he hadn’t reconsidered his position but had been thinking things over. After Nate left for a meeting, Damian asked Amy what she truly wanted from him. Amy, tearfully, said she just wanted his forgiveness. She also hoped he could find it in himself to get to know Nate. Damian wasn’t convinced, accusing her of wanting him to stay with her at the end, holding her hand, and taking care of her. Amy vehemently denied being that selfish, but Damian’s pain was clear as he explained he still felt abandoned when his father was dying. Amy tried to defend herself, explaining she was doing everything she could to keep Jackson alive, but Damian resented her for what he perceived as emotional detachment.
Their emotional conversation became more heated, and Amy, struggling with the weight of her choices, asked Damian to understand. Eventually, Damian admitted he hadn’t considered what she was going through and admitted that years of resentment wouldn’t be undone overnight, especially after the revelation that Jackson wasn’t his biological father.
Despite this revelation, Amy asked Damian to at least try to forgive her. Damian was reluctant, but agreed to keep talking, and after a tense moment, Amy embraced him. Damian didn’t reciprocate fully but allowed the hug, and Amy sobbed on his shoulder.
Later, at the Athletic Club, Nate checked in with Damian, who admitted their talk with Amy wasn’t resolved. Damian revealed that as he left, he wished Nate had never contacted him, but Nate urged him to forgive his mother, as it would mean the world to her. Their conversation was interrupted by Lily, who greeted both men. Damian chuckled at the coincidence of running into “another member of the family” as Lily and he exchanged pleasantries. Nate then left to check on Amy, and Damian, intrigued by his own feelings, invited Lily to dinner.
At home, Amy was emotionally drained from the confrontation with Damian. She didn’t think he would forgive her, but Nate assured her there was still hope. He felt that Damian was beginning to let go of his anger and that it wasn’t the end of their story—just the beginning of healing.
Meanwhile, Victor was still pondering the name Aristotle Dumas and called Michael, requesting his assistance with another job.