03x12 - Battle Lines

[bunniefuu]

Previously on Dynasty... I am moving out of the manor.

Even if you're losing Blake, you still got me.

You poisoned him? I lost control of my life when I lost Carrington Atlantic.

If I advise the board to sell...

I think we can discuss that.

Was there anything else? Or anyone else?

I guess not. Looks like it's just me.

Enjoy, sir.

Actually, there is something I need.

I've decided to take control of my life once again, Anders, which means getting Carrington Atlantic back.

You mentioned that. #Goals, as they say.

You know, I've allowed my family to push me out, but Carrington Atlantic is my legacy and it always has been.

Unfortunately, it's part of Van Kirk Industries, who just received an offer from an Oakley Corp.

I've never heard of Oakley Corp.

Find out who's behind it, as well as their offer.

Maybe I can outbid them before it goes before the VKI board for approval.

Very well. Bon appétit.

What's your hurry? Join me.

Cristal's visiting family in Mexico, Sam's always at the hotel working, Fallon moved out, and Adam...

Was kicked out by you.

Perhaps a miscalculation on your part.

The point is, I wouldn't mind some company.

We could really catch up, just... talk.

I assume we're done here, sir?

Yeah, I think so.

Damn.

I should go away on more writing retreats.

You know, there's something hot about hotel sex.

Must be the change of scenery, or the minibar stocked with overpriced chocolates.

I got to say, I never thought I'd see the day when you call it quits at the manor.

Well, let's just say that Blake and I are on a sabbatical, but this one is permanent.

Although, hotel life is getting a bit mundane.

Well, there is always my place.

What? And sleep in the same bed as that pop-tart Ashley?

No. I'd rather wear low-rise jeans to brunch.

Besides, it doesn't matter because I won't be here for long.

I... am gonna buy a house.

Wow. Congratulations.

Isn't that something we should've talked about together?

Oh, no, no, no, silly.

I'm buying a house for me, not for us.

I figured, I've never lived alone, and so it's something I should probably experience at least once in my life.

You know, people do live alone. Yeah, I've heard.

I-I guess I just thought we were more on the path of living together.

Don't worry, okay? This is just a stop on my life journey, not the final destination, all right?

Besides, I am going to need your help once I start the search.

Mm. Done.

I thought you already got your treatment this week.

Just getting a little extra boost.

I'll be fine. Actually, I had hoped your toxic metal levels would be lower by now.

So much for doctor-patient confidentiality.Sorry.

Let's just not overdo things, okay?

I'll see you next week.

I am concerned.

What if these treatments stop working?

There has to be something else we can do to stop this wretched disease.

Trust me, I've been looking into it.

I even found this pharmaceutical company named Chlorcyte Health.

They've been working on a drug to cure neurotoxicity.

And? And they think it'll be at least five to ten years before they have anything to take to the FDA.

They're not putting much money into the research.

They said it's, uh, not a priority.

So all we have to do is buy the company and very quickly make it a priority.

What?

I'm a Colby now, I think big.

Well, hey, it means a lot that you care, especially considering our marriage is just a business arrangement. True, but if we're being honest, my bedroom has been a little lonely at night.

Should you ever want to join me, we can always expand our current agreement.

Well, I appreciate the offer, but I need to focus on my health while we wait for Van Kirk to approve our purchase of C.A.

I'll set a meeting tomorrow about buying Chlorcyte.

Oh, Jeff's buying you companies already?

Is that the typical two weeks of marriage gift?

I figured it would be a set of knives or something.

No, Dominique, no knives, though I do wish one was handy right now.

Mom, what are you doing here?

I just got in from New York, wanted to say hello.

Oh, well, did you lose your phone?

And I was also thinking that maybe I would stay here for a while, to look after you. Here?

In this house?

Dominique, your wit knows no bounds.

I wasn't joking. Neither am I.

You and your bargain basement wig collection can go find a one-bedroom in Norcross because you are not staying here.

Okay, okay, uh, you heard her.

Happy wife, happy life, right?

It's best you find someplace else to go, Mom.

Hey, stranger.

Hey-hey. Kirby. What brings you around?

I know it's a long sh*t, but I seem to have lost an earring.

Did you find one here the other night? I was wondering where that came from. It's right there on the table.

Oh, my gosh.

I can't believe you found it.

I thought it was gone forever.

You know, it's actually a really funny story about these earrings, they're part of a lucky pair...

I'm-I'm really sorry, I-I can't stay and chat.

I have a meeting at Atlanta General.

Oh, I didn't realize.

I'm trying to get my privileges there, so I can practice medicine again.Cool.

Yeah, I'm-I'm running late for a thing, too, you know.

I'm b-busy, busy.

By the way, I had such a great time at dinner the other night.

Yeah? Me, too.

Really? Yeah.

I-I got to run, but I'll-I'll see you around.Yeah.

See-see you around.

A formal dining room that only seats 16?

I mean, do people not entertain anymore?

Ugh, I know, right? Oh, my God. What-what is this?

Carpeting? I mean, who has carpeting in their house these days? Savages. Next!

Fallon?

Hi.

Jax Davis. You must be one of the new interns.

Down, boy, he's with me.

What are you doing? I-I thought we were going house hunting.

Oh, no, we are. It's just that open houses are for peasants.

Who has the time? This way, the market comes to me.

Laminate flooring? This place should be condemned. Next.

Hey, Fallon.

I-I agreed I'd help you look for a new house, all right, not watch you walk around and bump into furniture.

It's all right. I'm done anyway.

This virtual tour was a giant waste of real time.

There's one listing not online.

Classic colonial in the Wrightwood area.

Ooh.

Has its own peach tree farm.

Little on the nose, but whatevs.

Wait, wait, wait. Is this the house on the lake?

With sweeping views?

525 Wrightwood Drive? That's the one.

Oh, my God, I can't believe it. It's fate.

I used to go by this house all the time when I was a kid.

Sounds great. We should go look at it. No, no.

We don't need to look at it. It's perfect.

I know that I want it, so get it for me.

The owner's not accepting offers until the open house later today.

Well, I guess we're going on a road trip after all.

Well, at least I know you'll never leave me, huh? Yeah.

Sorry for the delay, sir.

My contacts at VKI are a little tight-lipped about the sale of Carrington Atlantic.

Certainly was easier when Fallon and Liam lived here.

Had a direct line of access to the Van Kirk family.

What'd you find out about the bid?

Oh, it's sealed. However, if you really want to know about that, you can always ask the owner of Oakley Corp.

Jeff Colby. What?

Are you sure? I'm afraid so, sir.

Jeff and Alexis failed to have you put in prison, so they've moved on to the next best thing.

Now they want your company.

So... battle lines have been drawn.

Well, if it's w*r they want, it's w*r they'll get.

Can you please go be Valentine's-y in the lounge or something?

Thank you.

Wow.

Someone's feeling the love. You got special plans for you and Fletcher's first V-Day together?

Well, actually, he's away on Atlantix business.

Aw.

Which is totally fine because I'll be busy hosting La Mirage's "Secret Admirer" party.

Ooh, do tell.

People send out an anonymous letter to someone special, hoping that person will show up to find their admirer. Then they meet, fall in love, book a hotel room, everyone wins.

That sounds really romantic.

Unless, of course, the person you invite doesn't show up.

Then... then that's sad for you.

Are you sending that to someone?

If you must know, I'm crushing a little on Adam.

Please tell me you mean Adam Levine or Adam Sandler.

I'll even accept a misguided attempt at Adam Lambert.

Adam Carrington. What, what's the...?

Kirby, what exactly happened in that cult?

Did Joel brainwash you into only liking crazy people?

First of all, not a cult.

Adam may not have the best track record, but he did come to save me from Synergy, and he's actually super charming and fun.

All I'm saying is, this has the makings of a relationship disaster, all right?

Don't ignore the warning signs.

If you feel that strongly about it...

Oh, yes, I do.

And you're welcome.

If you feel that strongly about it, keep it a secret from you, too.

Look who rolled back into town.

I'd ask if Vanessa was with you, but I'm sure you're working overtime to keep us apart.

Don't be silly, I'd never do that.

Besides, I couldn't if I wanted to.

Once Jeff and Monica found out Vanessa was my stepdaughter, I tossed out the blackmail I had on you.

Hmm, how generous. I guess it doesn't matter.

Vanessa wants nothing to do with me. Oh? You spoke to her?

We texted a lot when she went back to New York, but then I mentioned coming to visit, and things have been radio silent ever since.

I had no idea.

Although that doesn't surprise me.

I saw her when I was in New York. She has her own apartment.

Even booked a few nightclub gigs.

I hate to say it, but she's moving on.

Yeah. Without me.

I'm sorry, Michael. Truly.

If it makes you feel any better, I haven't had the best day either.

Next round on me?

Wow. This place has to have, what, 15 bedrooms?

Are you sure you'll have enough space?

No, it'll be tight, but I'll manage.

The important thing is the history of happiness this house has.

Happiness that I'm sure will spill onto me.

If they accept your offer.

Oh, honey, I'm not worried about that.

Let's go, boys!

You know, when making an all-cash offer, you don't actually have to have the cash with you.

Well, I don't like to take chances.

And, look, the visual is so impressive.

What's going on?

What's happening here?

You said the owner wasn't accepting offers before the open house, but nobody said I couldn't offer at the open house.

Fallon's very talented in finding loopholes.

Got it.

And that jacket looks great on you.

Thanks. I wasn't sure about it...

Okay, listen, that's enough with the special q*eer Eyeepisode.

I have a house to buy.

I don't think you understand.

Everyone looking to buy this house is as rich as you are.

You've got serious competition in there.

Oh, you just said the magic words, Jaxon.

Fallon Carrington thrives on competition.

It's actually just Jax. No "on."

Blake. What a lovely surprise.

You told security to let me in, Alexis.

It can't be too surprising.True.

So, no Jeff by your side, feeding you grapes?

He has actual companies to run.

Yeah, I got to tell you, I'm, I'm actually surprised you're still here at all.

Well, I know this marriage was just payment for you helping him try to put me into prison.

And when that plan failed, I just assumed this magical romance would fall apart.

You're wrong.

Jeff and I share a love that is deep.

Only thing you two share is a pathetic vendetta against me.

I know what you're up to with C.A.

Look, I don't know what his offer was, but I'll buy it back with interest.

And maybe if you help broker a deal, you can get a commission.

I mean, that's what you really want anyway, right? Money?

How sad is this, Blake?

In the past, you would have sent Fallon or Adam to do your dirty work.

Clearly you've alienated yourself from the entire family

'cause here you are, groveling all alone.

I'm hardly groveling.

I understand, though.

You alienated me from my family for years.

Only I didn't have a choice.

You did this to yourself.

You made a tactical error, aligning your forces with Jeff.

Colbys always lose to Carringtons.

You'll be nothing but a casualty of w*r.

Lot of potential buyers, Fallon.

What exactly are you gonna do?

You'll see.

I just have to thin out the competition a little.

I hear one of those floozies from The Real Housewives owns this place.

I swear I can smell the stench of desperation and spray tan.

Oh, you know they filmed a Marvel movie here.

But I'm sure the sci-fi geeks only show up for, you know, Dragon Con, Comic-Con.

Pretty much all the Cons.

Double homicide, right here.

Rumor has it there's still blood under the floorboards.

I heard there was a minor rodent infestation.

What?

I'm sure they won't come back. Rodents?

p*rn house.

Now I'll just turn on the Carrington charm with the unsuspecting owner, and the place will be mine.

Wait, who are these Town & Country-looking newcomers, and why are they hugging that old lady?

Because that old lady is Esther Winslow, the owner.

She must know that family... and love them.

You have got to be kidding me.

Well, I guess I'll just have to destroy a family of four.

Whoa.

You know those kids are, like, six years old.

All is fair in love and real estate.

Well, it's just not the same here without you.

I don't understand why you had to go to Mexico in the first place.

I'll be home before you know it. Promise.

So how's the Carrington Atlantic sale going?

It's not. Jeff Colby made an offer first.

He and Alexis think this is the best way to hurt me.

You know, Fallon has a good relationship with Jeff.

I know things are tense between you two, but maybe she would talk to him for you.

Yeah, I'm not sure about that.

If nothing else, it gives you a reason to call her.

I know how much you miss her, Blake.

Don't let your pride stand in the way.

The hospital administrator said that they have a spot for me, so I could be practicing medicine again in no time.

That's fantastic.

And just think, with Jeff buying a pharmaceutical company, both of the men in my life will be working in medicine.

Jeff's buying a pharmaceutical company? Why?

It's a sound investment.

Everyone needs medicine, right?

Well, I should take my mail and be going.

Oh. This is for you.

Hmm.

Huh.

That's weird. It's an invitation to a Valentine's Day party at La Mirage.

From whom?

Doesn't say. It's from a "secret admirer."

How wonderfully mysterious.

I do hope you'll go.

Practicing medicine is great, but we can't neglect our personal lives.

I think I will go, Mother, because I have a pretty good idea who invited me.

And I watch a $1,500 bottle of champagne fly out of Blake's hands and shatter.

The poor bastard never got to take a sip.

I haven't laughed this much in years.

Vanessa is crazy to let you go.

Because you, sir, are an amazing man.

Why, thank you, kind lady.

And you are a lot more fun when you're not blackmailing me.

Okay.

This one is to celebrate our single status.

Because who needs a plus-one when we have top-shelf tequila to keep us company?

Hear, hear. Hear, hear.

To being single.

I should probably call a car.

No, no, no, wait. You can't leave.

The party's just getting started.

Besides, who do you have to go home to, anyway?

You are right about that.

I feel your pain, Michael.

But you don't have to be alone tonight if you don't want to be.

Hey. Are you ready?

The restaurant we're going to is supposed to be amazing, and I'm starving. No time for dinner.

I have to pick out a gift for Mrs. Winslow.

Do you think Esther would like an early Easter basket, maybe filled with Fabergé eggs?

Are you kidding?

You're right. Go more traditional.

How about an original Picasso?

I'll see if I can pull one from the Carrington vault.

Well, have you considered doing something more personal?

Huh? I meant like writing a letter, Fallon.

Okay? Tell this woman what this house means to you.

All right? What it meant to you as a kid.

Hmm. Yes.

I like it. I like it.

Lean in to the whole grandmother thing, really play up the nostalgia.

You know what? Attach it to a box of hard candies and I'm in.

There you go. This won't take long.

I will meet you at the restaurant.

Oh. Hi.

Leaving so soon?

We're late for dinner. Don't want to lose our reservation.

So, I have some news.

No, no, no, no. Not now.

I am in the zone.

You may need to get out of the zone.

I just got off the phone with Winslow's broker, and there's been a twist.

Turns out, the old lady only wants to sell to a family.

What? I know.

I guess she was raised in that house and raised her own family there, wants the tradition to continue, blah, blah, blah.

I can't believe it. This is discrimination.

We should call the ACLU.

I say we move on.

No.

I'm not giving up.

Not yet.

Dominique.

Thank you for coming.

Though you certainly took your time.

Sorry I missed your call, but I was tied up at the time.

So, what did I do to deserve a summons from Blake Carrington?

Absolutely nothing.

Yet.

Hmm.

Thought I'd mix things up for a change.

I need a favor from you.

Of course, I'll pay handsomely.

And what exactly does this favor entail?

Simple.

You have access to Jeff's house. I need inside.

Specifically his office.

He's trying to buy Carrington Atlantic, and I need to find out whatever I can about his plan.

So... can I count on you? Sis?

Jeff and Alexis have a meeting tomorrow afternoon, so they'll be gone.

I can meet you there then and get you past security.

That's perfect. However, if I do this, I'm going to want something more than money in return.

Much more.

Good news. I just talked to Jax.

The letter to Mrs. Winslow worked. I am back in the game.

See? I told you.

Sometimes it just takes a personal touch with people.

Right. A personal touch, with just a tiny bit of embellishment.

How tiny?

Oh, it's really not a big deal.

Mrs. Winslow just wants to meet me.

And my husband and my children.

Why would you do that?

Well, she said she wanted to sell to a family.

So you just invented one?

I panicked. Okay?

I didn't think she would actually want to meet everybody.

Anyway, we're all invited over there tonight.

All of who?

You don't actually have children.

Fallon, we're not even married.

Well... technicalities.

Look, if you just want to check off the homeowner box, there are other places you can buy.

Why is this house so important?

Because it just is.

Look, I know it sounds weird, but this house saved me when I was a kid.

When Alexis and Blake would be fighting, I would just sneak over there, and I would peak in the window, just to get an idea of what a happy family was like.

And they ate dinner together and they played charades and had movie nights, and... I don't know.

Seeing a real family made me realize that things could be different. Or better.

I know it sounds crazy.

No, it doesn't sound crazy.

Crazy is accepting an invitation for a family you don't have.

You have to tell Mrs. Winslow the truth.

All right, who knows, maybe she'll appreciate the honesty, and you'll still get the place.

You're right. I should go talk to her.

But you're coming with me.

You could have removed the spare tire before forcing me in the trunk.

Just be glad I got you past the gate.

I told Jeff's head of security that I was going to pick up some things I left in my room.

Well, with any luck, this won't take me long.

I'll stand watch outside.

Excuse me, is there a problem?

Ms. Deveraux, the door alarm on Mr. Colby's office just went off. DOMINIQUE: Oh. I'm sorry.

That was me. I went in to get a bottle of champagne off Jeff's bar.

No harm, no foul. I see.

Well, still, no one's allowed in there, so I'll have to let Mr. Colby know when he returns. You're certainly devoted.

Duane, is it?

But here's the thing, Duane.

I'd hate to call my son and tell him that in fact you were the one in his office, rifling through his desk, drinking from his bar, reeking of alcohol... He wouldn't believe that.

I think he might.

Make it quick, all right?

Crazy...

What's going on?

I followed Jeff and Alexis as instructed.

They had some sort of a meeting at Chlorcyte Health.

Chlorcyte?

The big pharma company?

Why would they be having a meeting there?

Well, your guess is as good as mine.

But they're done now and they're leaving.

You should vacate the premises.

Wow.

Fun idea for a party, huh?

You're here.

I mean, you're here.

So, did you, uh, send an invite or receive one? Recipient.

And very flattered.

Really?

Do you feel the same way about your admirer?

I think I do.

I mean, I haven't seen Nadia in a while, but we've texted a few times.

Nadia?

Wait, you mean your nurse?

I know she feels bad about how things ended, and I think this is her way of trying to reach out.

Hoping to reconnect, you know?

Yeah. Yeah.

I bet you're right.

I'm sure she'll be here soon.Thanks.

I-I'm gonna go look for her.

Okay.

I'll be here.

Feeling like a moron.

Hi!

Fallon?

Why are you driving a minivan?

And what are you wearing? Oh.

I had no idea how comfortable polyblend sweaters were.

Hmm. I decided that the truth just wasn't the best way to play this.

: So you think that showing up in a minivan dressed as a soccer mom's gonna convince her you have a family?

Of course not. But you and the two kids will.

What two ki...?

Oh, my God, what did you do?

Did you buy two kids from someone?

What? No. Don't be ridiculous.

I'm renting them.

They're Tony the gardener's kids, and let's just say I made a very generous donation to their college fund. Oh!

Don't forget, kids. You get 20 bucks for every time you call me Mommy.

Okay?

This is never gonna work.

Oh, yeah, it will.

They could totally pass as our kids.

Ourkids? Yeah.

I thought I was coming for moral support, not child support.

You're gonna lie to this woman just so you can buy her house?

Well, only until escrow closes.

I'm not gonna be a part of this. Liam, please.

You know how much getting this house means to me.

I just hate lying.

And you won't have to, okay? I promise.

Mrs. Winslow will just assume that you're the father.

And I, of course, am the very loving mother.

Mommy! Save it.

I told you, it only counts when you're in front of the old woman.

Hey.Hey.

You find Nadia?

Not yet. I'm sure she'll be here soon.

What about you? Did you send an invite or receive one?

Sent, but he didn't show up.

Well, he's an idiot.

And it's still early.

True.

Do you want to dance?

While you're waiting for Nadia?

Sure. Yeah, let's do it.

Yeah... okay.

Oh, I see, you like to lead.

Well, I sort of have two left feet.

But on the plus side, that means I'm really good at dancing in circles.Right.

Hey, what's that?

Oh.

You take a heart and put it on when you've met your admirer.

♪ Overgrown

♪ Scales lack luster

♪ A howl's all I can muster...

Might as well.

Soon as Nadia arrives, my heart will be spoken for.

Look, Adam, I should tell you...

Hey, I'm gonna go check the lobby.

She might be in there.

Will you excuse me for a moment?

I'll, I'll be right back.

Hey there. Vanessa, what are you...?

I've been missing you.

Really?

You sound so surprised. No, it's just that when you stopped responding to my texts, I...

Me?

You stopped answering my text messages.

So I thought you were upset.

Which you had every right to be.

But it doesn't matter now.

Because I'm moving back. To Atlanta?

Mm-hmm. What about New York?

You-you found a place, you're booking gigs...

Who told you that?

It must have been Jeff when he talked to Monica.

But it sounds like your music career has really taken off. It is.

But I realized I can pursue my music here just as easily as I can in New York.

What I couldn't pursue is you.

I've missed you, too.

Is there any chance we can pick up where we left off?

Yeah. I'd like that.

Make mine extra dirty, please.

Yeah, yeah, olive juice with a splash of vodka.

I got you.

This just came for you, Mrs. Colby.

Thank you.

Well, who's that from?

Well, it's on Carrington stationery.

It's from Blake.

Inviting us to dinner, suggesting that we celebrate together.

Do you have any idea what he's talking about?

It's my lawyer.

Hello.

Wait, what?

That bastard.

Adam?

What are you doing here?

I was invited.

That girl never listens.

Excuse me? Look, I don't know what Kirby sees in you.

The rest of us see some sort of

"Christian Bale, American Psycho, only weirder" thing.

All right? But you better not hurt her.

Kirby? What-what are you talking about? I...

Hey! Was she out here?

No... but she wouldn't be, would she?

Because yousent me the invitation.

I'm gonna... Um, Happy Valentine's.

I can explain?

Is this some kind of sick joke?

Are you working with Nadia to set me up again?

What? No, I would never do that.

Then, then why? Wh-Why, why would you do this?

Because I like you, okay?

You have a funny way of showing it, all right?

You could have told me that you sent me the invite when you first got here. Why didn't you?

Because clearly I was the farthest thing from your mind, and I was too embarrassed to tell you the truth.

So you chose to lie to me instead?

All night long.

You made a fool of me, searching for someone who is never showing up.

If that's you liking me, I'd, I'd rather you didn't.

You have such a lovely home, Esther.

And you have a lovely family, dear.

Your children are adorable.

Oh, Mommy's perfect little angels.

I love you, Mommy.

Aw.

It warms my heart to know that these walls could be filled with such a loving family.

Well, let me heat up my tea, and I'll show you the rest of the house.

Okay, Esther.

Did you hear that? Did you hear that?

Esther loves my family. This place is mine.

Great. Can we wrap this up, please?

Yeah, relax, relax.

I know you hate lying, but think of it less as lying and more as a sneak peek into your future.

This is exactly how I always imagined it: a beautiful home, husband, children...

Excuse me? Well, no, I mean, not these children, obviously.

The younger one has an overbite.

Did you forget that this whole family charade thing was just so you could get the house?

It was supposed to be a means to an end, not the end itself. I'm sorry, is there something wrong with this being our future?

This was supposed to be a quick stop on your journey, not the final destination.

But if-if you had bothered to even talk to me for one second, you would know that this isn't what I want!

Oh, really? Well, exactly what part of my future don't you like?

Your future has kids. Mine doesn't!

Bye-bye.

I'm sorry.

It was an accident.

He was wearing a heart on his shirt.

I thought you two had already matched up.

No, he thought Nadia invited him.

The cuckoo nurse that Fallon was paying to like him? Yes.

Look, I'm sorry for how it all went down, but I'm not sorry it ended, okay?

I told you, dating him is a huge mistake.

I'm a grown woman.

Let me make my own mistakes.

I did... you joined a cult, remember?

It wasn't a cult!

I don't want you to get hurt.

What makes you think I'm gonna get hurt?

Because I got hurt!

Fletcher is married.

He was lying to me the whole time we dated.

I ignored the warning signs, and I don't want you to make the same mistake.

I'm sorry Fletcher hurt you.

But that doesn't mean that Adam's gonna hurt me.

Kirby... I'm following my heart.

I don't know where it's taking me, but it feels like the right way to go.

♪ Next to you ♪ No matter what you do

♪ Next to you ♪ No matter what you do

♪ Next to you.

Oh, this all looks delicious.

Mrs. Gunnerson has outdone herself again.

Sounds like we have company.

Oh, good. You got my invitation.

I was worried that you wouldn't show.

You son of a bitch.

You getting in the pharmaceutical business now?

Heard you bought Chlorcyte.

You heard correctly.

You know damn well Jeff was buying that company.

You have no reason to outbid him for it.

No, no, I have every reason.

You see, I figured out that your second-rate husband is sick.

Uh, neurotoxicity, is it?

And oddly enough, Chlorcyte is researching a drug to cure just that.

Research that I have put a halt to.

What do you want?

Well, please join me.

I'm sure that we could reach some sort of deal.

Like, say, I give you Chlorcyte in exchange for C.A.

Yeah, it belongs to me.

And I want it back.

We don't even own it yet.

Yeah, but you will.

So, do we have a deal?

Not interested.

Well, I'm guessing that you will change your mind soon enough.

I mean, how bad are the symptoms anyway?

You look a little shaky.

You think this is over?

See, there are plenty of other pharma companies I can buy.

But there's only one C.A.

And it will be mine.

We'll see.

Here we are.

A little treat for everyone.

Do you like freshly baked cookies?

Well, I think we do, but one should never assume.

Do we like cookies, honey?

As a matter of fact, I do like a good cookie.

Yes, thank you for asking!

Wow.

Is everything okay?

Oh, everything is just fine, Esther.

I just, I recently found out that my husband doesn't want... trees nearby.

I wasn't aware that my wife wanted trees in her life.

You see, they do take a lot of time and care.

Okay, I am more than capable of taking care of a tree.

Thank you very much.

I mean, I might need a little help from a few gardeners.

Maybe even a night gardener.

I have an excellent gardener, but I don't think he works at night.

Well, see, the problem really isn't the trees, Esther.

It's more of the assumption that we both wanted trees.

Why wouldn't I want trees?

Everybody wants trees!

Can we go now? I want to go play Rocket League!

Yeah, and I want my money for calling you "Mommy."

What?

She's so funny.

Sweetie, I don't have any money for you.

My daddy says you're rich.

Her daddy?

Isn't Liam their father?

Uh... Um... stepfather.

You're divorced?

My first husband d*ed.

In the w*r.

I want to go home.

Yeah, can we go? I want to get paid. I want to leave!

Okay, all right! It's bedtime, kids.

Why don't you go to the car, and Daddy and I'll meet you there?

Right, send the kids outside alone in the dark... mother of the year.

You know what? I think I've had about enough of Daddy's snide comments.

Oh, you've had enough? Yeah.

I didn't want to be dragged into this in the first place, Fallon.

I told you I hate lying...

Would you mind explaining to me...?

I hate you, I want my real mommy... Can we just go?

I don't want to do this, Fallon.

Everybody, shut up!

I think we're done here.

Yeah. Hey, kids, let's go.

So, you were saying this house gets a lot of south-facing light?

Get the hell out of my house, you crazy bitch.

Michael, what's wrong?

Vanessa's back in town.

To stay.

What? Since when?

Since today.

She wants to start dating again.

Which is great.

But if she ever found out about us, about what we did... Michael, relax.

Last night can be our little secret.

A drunken moment of weakness on both our parts.

That's all.

So, this stays between us?

Of course.

I want you and Vanessa to be happy... truly.

Thank you.

Hi, sweetheart, it's Mom.

Did you get back to Atlanta safely?

Good.

Get some rest.

We'll talk tomorrow.

Hi.

Look, I'm really sorry.

I should have been honest with my feelings from the start.

You have every reason to be mad at me.

I'm not mad at you, Kirby.

I'm mad at myself.

For not letting go of Nadia.

I gave her my trust.

And she destroyed that trust.

I mean, she just got away with it.

She never had to pay for all those lies.

Wait, wait, wait.

Is this a bad idea?

I'm in the mood for a bad idea.

Didn't expect to find you here.

Certainly not after my epic mommy meltdown.

Yeah, I sort of surprised myself.

Fallon, I had to find out what...

What brought all this on?

I mean, your mind was suddenly 15 years down the road.

Moving out of the manor.

I think it made me reexamine my life and... made me think about what I wanted my life to be, and...

I thought it was about the house, but... it wasn't.

It was more about what the house represented.

And I decided I liked that future.

Well, Fallon, that's the problem.

You.

Youdecided.

You make all the decisions in our life.

When we go to dinner, where we vacation, whose place we stay at, and... you know, look, most of the time I don't really care.

But on the big things, I do.

And there's never a compromise.

That's not true. Really?

Fallon, we went from dating to married with children, and I didn't even know about it.

Well...

I didn't realize how serious you were about this whole "no kids" thing.

It's just... we both come from pretty messed-up families.

I guess I was just kind of hoping to break the cycle.

Yeah, well, me, too.

Just the other way around.

I've always wanted kids, and I think that you and I could do it right.

But if it's a choice between you and children, I mean... Liam, I choose you.

You really mean that?

Yeah.

You see, I'm all about compromise.

Come here.

Tell you what.

Hmm?

Why don't we see where life takes us?

Hmm.

All right, maybe we'll want children.

Who knows?

Maybe we won't.

But we'll decide on it together.

And I will suspend the house search until we're both ready to look for one.

Okay.

But I'm not backing down on the 15-bedroom thing because...

Yeah, yeah, sure, sure.

Cristal!

You're home!

I took a late flight and thought I'd surprise you.

Oh, it worked.

It has been so lonely here without you.

Oh.

I'm happy to be back.

Well, I hope you spent some quality time with your family in Mexico.Yes.

I got exactly what I needed.

So, what's the latest around here?

Are you back at the helm of C.A.?

Let's just say I'm still working on it.

Which reminds me, there... is something I need to talk to you about.

You can take that right upstairs.

Dominique?

What the hell are you doing here?

Didn't Blake tell you?

I'm moving in, dear.

Yeah, that's the something I need to talk to you about.

Don't look so surprised, Cristal.

After all, I am a Carrington.

This is where I belong.

See you at breakfast.