At Crimson Lights, Cane pulls away from kissing Phyllis and reminds her that she’s his enemy now. After he walks out, she runs into her son, who is baffled when she doesn’t want to give him more unsolicited advice. She informs him that she needs to get to the launch.

Daniel can’t understand why, given how Billy has treated her. Phyllis claims, “The only thing I want to stir up is peace and goodwill,” which

 

 

gives him a laugh. He insists on going with her and bringing Tessa along. Both women try to talk him out of this, but he explains he got an invitation and it includes a plus one.In the jazz lounge, Sally is fussing over the final details for the launch. Billy assures her it’s all “tops” and will be perfect. Everyone will leave knowing Abbott Communications is the future. She’s startled to see Phyllis on the guest list. Billy

 

 

explains he wanted to rub her face in their success. They discuss their partnership and Billy assures Spectra he’s devoted to her. His belief means a lot to her, and she’s sure they are strong enough to stand up to anything.Cane meets Lily at the Athletic Club and tells her she’s the “bee’s knees,” which is a saying from the roaring twenties, not the fifties, but no matter. Lily reminds her ex he needs to be dressed in fifties

 

 

attire and sends him off to Fenmore’s. He passes Devon and Abby on the way out, and they’re not happy to see him. Nate asks if his cousin is letting Cane be her plus one. Lily insists this isn’t a date. Devon hopes this doesn’t mean she’s reconciling with Ashby. Victoria rushes in and Lily asks if she’s Nate’s date. They talk about all the awkwardness around Billy until Cane returns, having changed into some loafers.

Back at the Athletic Club, Adam tells a dismayed Chelsea that he has to go. On his way through the foyer, he bumps into the Abbotts. They sense he’s on a mission.

 

 

Down in the lounge, the guests file in, posing for the press before expressing congrats to Billy and Sally. The hosts are shocked to see Cane with Lily. Since he ruined their last launch, Billy asks him to leave. Sally lets him stay and assures Billy they have nothing to fear. Devon watches his sister and complains to Abby, who is sure that Lily is too smart to fall for Cane’s act; it’s better to make peace with an ex.Adam arrives at the ranch, where Michael informs him of Jabot’s disappearance. Adam assumes that’s the end of it, but his father wants to use the move against Jack. Michael and Adam point out that Jack’s moves have already destabilized Jabot and they don’t need to do anything. Victor insists that makes it the perfect time to weaponize Newman Media to attack Jabot. As Adam sets the social media posts in motion, Michael urges his boss to back down. Victor complains he’s being squeamish. When Adam returns, Victor toasts to Jack, “The architect of his own downfall.”Back at the launch, Billy begins the speeches and introduces Sally. Spectra gives her spiel about their idea to change how everyone thinks of media. She gives thanks to the Abbotts and their secret investor. She’s honored to be helping Billy build his dream. The guests clap. As Sally talks about a new era of decency and civility, everyone’s alerts begin going off. Jack checks his phone and curses as the other guests’ jaws drop.Cane tells Lily that Jabot seems to be imploding and it’s self-inflicted, not his AI. Chelsea assures Victoria that she had nothing to do with this: she never would have approved it (cute that she thinks she’s in charge). “It’s definitely the work of my father,” Victoria assumes. The Winters assume this will be a trial by fire for Abbott Communications. Moving around the room, everyone feels terrible for the Abbott family. Phyllis rushes over to Jack to ask if Jabot is going down. Jack can hardly control his rage.