At the ranch, Nikki rises to meet Victor and says, “It’s late.” He explains that he gave Cane an ultimatum. Either he does what he wants him to do… or he destroys him.

At the ranch, Nikki rises to meet Victor and says, “It’s late.” He explains that he gave Cane an ultimatum. Either he does what he wants him to do… or he destroys him.

 

 

On the Cane train, he’s agitated with Michael not being more careful. His attorney wants more details on Victor’s ultimatum. Cane has it handled. He questions if Michael will be having his back or looking out for Victor. Michael tries to reassure him, but wants to know the details of his role and Cane’s ultimate goal.

 

 

Talk turns to Billy. Michael’s certain he can figure out how to control him. He continues fishing for more details of Ashby’s plan. Cane keeps changing the subject, asking if the attorney sees him as a hero or a villain. That goes nowhwere, so Cane asks him about Phyllis. Michael says she’s one of a kind. He’ll be disappointed if Ashby takes advantage of her. Cane won’t use anyone. Michael points out that people believe he’s come home to wage destruction. Cane pointedly asks, “What’s the real reason for you accepting this job?” Michael warns if he goes after the people he cares about, he’ll do whatever he can to dissuade him or stop him. Cane looks smirky.

 

 

In the jazz lounge, Billy makes a toast to Sally and rambles about convincing her he’s putting her first. Sally warns, “If you turn away from me like that again…” Billy insists he no longer has to try to take down Cane and Victor because he’s already won. He’ll convince Jack to fund Abbott Communications again and she’ll run it… he’ll be her number two. Sally admits she still feels off-balance, so he helpfully explains he only has room for one obsession… that’s her. Sally, wisely, remains unconvinced. Billy insists he’s walked away from that table and pesters her about moving in. She wants to take things slow.At the Abbott mansion, Jack and Diane discuss Kyle going off to hold an emergency meeting at Jabot. Diane’s more interested in Jack’s proposal to work with his enemy, which gravely concerns her. Jack realizes it gives Victor the chance to stick a knife in his back… but also to keep a closer eye on him.

 

 

Jack’s sure Victor’s just as worried about Cane as he is, but Diane questions why he’d agree to this. Jack will appeal to his colossal ego. After a story about the scorpion and the frog, Jack decides he’s going to head over the ranch right now.

At the ranch, Nikki thinks Cane may be all talk. If he has the AI program, why hasn’t he used it yet. She’s sure this is all a performance for Lily’s benefit. Victor suspects that this has to do with his relationship with Jill and his father as well. Victor decides that Cane is underestimating… something one does at their own peril. As he muses about whether Jill could be the one to put Cane in his place, he gets a call about an unexpected guest.

Victor lets Jack into the house and asks, “What’s this all about?” Jack declares it’s time to lay down their swords. Victor’s not inclined to hear him out, but Jack persists. He knows any truce will be short-lived, but they have a common enemy. They should join forces long enough to deal with Cane, who could wipe them all out.

The verbal sparring begins, and Victor suggests that he doesn’t have to worry about Cane coming after him. Jack warns it’s a mistake to trust Cane Ashby. Victor leans forward, “It’s a mistake to trust you, Jack Abbott.” Jack tells him he knows how to beat Cane at his own game.

On the Cane train, Michael guesses Cane is doing all of this to impress Lily. Cane, irked, won’t discuss his motives with him or listen to the attorney’s advice. He needs allies, not a life coach. “I don’t think this is going to work out,” Ashby declares. He knows what he’s doing, what he wants, and he’s going to accomplish everything he sets out to do. Michael’s not the man he thought he was… he needs to walk away and not look back. “It’s time to cut my losses,” says Cane. He lets Michael know he respects him as a lawyer and as a man. Michael warns he’ll do his damndest to stop him from the outside. Cane would expect nothing less.At the ranch, Nikki cast a vote for working together. Victor questions if Cane even has the software. Jack argues they have no choice but to treat this as a legit threat. He realizes Victor has no love in his heart for him, “Let’s leave our hearts out of this.” If they work together, Cane doesn’t stand a chance. Victor begrudgingly asks if he has a plan. Jack believes Cane’s motives are all tied to Jill… they have to bring her in on this. They’ll sabotage Cane’s empire from the inside!