Mariah apologizes for the secrecy. Daniel assures her he’s not judging her and that Tessa hasn’t told him much of anything. Mariah sums it

up by saying she’s a mess. Daniel launches into an attempt to convince her to open up to Tessa, who’s being hurt by what she doesn’t know.

Mariah just wants to know how Tessa and Aria are doing. Daniel says they miss her, but they’re OK.

 

 

Mariah has seen the bond between Daniel and Tessa. Daniel concedes, “She’s very special.” Setting up the inevitable, Mariah declares that she’s happy Tessa has someone to confide in and asks him to take care of her and Aria. Wary, Daniel hopes she isn’t going to do anything stupid. Mariah explains she’s going away to get help.

Dropping some history, Daniel can’t help but wonder what Cassie’s advice would be to her twin. He’s sure he twin would forgive her for whatever she’s done and would urge her to be honest with her partner. He’s certain Mariah would give Cassie the same advice. Mariah rants that she’s not like Cassie… she would never do what she’s done! Agreeing to disagree, Daniel urges her to heal for Tessa and Aria. Mariah hugs him.At the Abbott mansion, Diane and Jack feel sorry for Sally. Jack moans about Billy being blinded by his obsession with Chancellor. Diane worries the AI software could send his brother to prison, if it’s real. She urges Jack to try to talk sense to his brother so he knows he’s done everything he can. Jack argues that Billy’s in gambler mode now and won’t leave the table. Diane insists he needs to try. Jack’s surprised by her change of heart, but agrees to talk to him. That said, he won’t go alone.

 

 

At Billy’s place, he paces like a man possessed waiting for the plan to kick in. “Come on, Cane. Let’s do this.” Pouring a drink, he tries to tell himself he’s fine and he knows what he’s doing. Cue the eyerolls as he declares out loud that everyone who has discredited him will get a rude awakening and he’ll go to the top where he belongs.

Lily walks into Crimson Lights, where Esther proudly remembers her order. Cane comes in and remembers her tea order as well. They fondly recall bringing the kids there when they were little. Seeing an opening, Cane remarks on Lily’s well-preserved beauty.

Lily’s sure to remind Cane that they’re not the same people anymore. They discuss their offscreen children for a while, and Cane manages to convince Lily to sit with him. Lily agrees, but only to talk about the kids some more. Finally, she asks why he’s there and if he’s given up his plans. Is this just another con?Lily brings up Colin’s name in a negative light and Cane gets irked. His father’s heart was good. Lily shrugs, “Sure, Cane.” Getting to the nitty gritty, she warns if one more secret comes out he’ll lose his family for good. They bicker at length about what the offscreen kids (who are grown ups) think. Lily declares that he’s not the man she fell in love with anymore. Cane insists he is and that they’re meant for each other. Relentless, he wants to know if there’s a chance for them in the future. Lily suggests he drop his plan or go back to being Dumas. Storming out, she says she wants nothing else from him.