In the HFTF meeting at Forrester, Hope learned that the numbers weren’t good, and projections weren’t great for her line. Hope figured Steffy had been waiting for that moment. Ridge said it wasn’t personal, but Brooke stated it was because the line was part of Hope’s identity.
Finn and Taylor again offered to leave, but Steffy said they might as well hear what she had to say. Steffy told Ridge that this time, it was her call, because he’d made the call about Brooke’s Bedroom. Hope assumed it was Steffy’s chance to finally have a reason to wipe out the line. “You’re wrong, Hope. I’m not putting an end to your line,” Steffy replied.
Steffy’s decision surprised everyone in the Forrester meeting. She explained that the line had been profitable, and Hope had impacted her demographic, who’d likely wear Couture in the future. Steffy wanted to play the long game and get HFTF back on track. Others looked perplexed. Hope thanked Steffy and assured her the team wouldn’t let her down.
Later, Brooke, Ridge, and Taylor were alone, discussing Steffy’s decision. Ridge said he'd had no part in it, and Brooke admitted she hadn’t seen it coming. Brooke added that Steffy’s decision was reasonable and mature. Taylor commented that Steffy was a good businessperson and always made the best decisions for the company. Brooke agreed, saying it had been smart of Steffy because HFTF was important to Forrester. “Wouldn’t you agree, Ridge?” Brooke asked.
Brooke then expressed that Ridge had seemed to take a hard stance with Hope during the meeting. Ridge said the facts were the facts, and the line was in free fall. Brooke understood that but felt Ridge would have supported scrapping Hope’s line if Steffy had done so. Taylor interjected, saying Brooke wasn’t being fair and was putting Ridge on the spot. Brooke replied that she was simply asking a question and hoped the answer was no.
In the design office, Hope had just given Zende the news about HFTF over the phone. Steffy arrived to talk privately with Hope. Steffy said she believed HFTF had potential, even though it had struggled for years. Hope was grateful for the reprieve, as the team had been anxious after the Luna incident. Hope also appreciated that Steffy had kept things professional. Steffy responded that she’d never make it personal—so long as Hope did what Steffy said.
Hope asked Steffy to say what she needed, and Hope would try to make it happen. Steffy brought up Brooke’s party at Eric’s house, where Hope had kissed Finn. Steffy warned Hope not to become like Brooke Logan. Steffy said she deserved respect as Hope’s superior, a wife, and a woman. Steffy sternly warned that if Hope even looked at Finn inappropriately again, Hope for the Future would be finished. “So, if you want any hope for your future, do not cross the line with my husband ever again,” Steffy concluded.
At Bill’s house, Katie and Bill discussed Will’s return. Bill said it meant he got to see more of Will’s mother and her gorgeous smile. Katie replied that she was very happy at that moment. Bill was also happy and grateful to have people to lean on. Katie reassured him that she had always been there for him. Bill suggested she invite Will over, as the more time they could spend together, the better.
At Il Giardino, Liam introduced Deacon to Will, and Deacon remarked on the irony of Will’s father being one of Deacon’s biggest clients. Liam didn’t think Bill hated Deacon as much as he let on. Liam saw it as vague, detached antipathy. The conversation shifted to Luna’s unspeakable acts, and Deacon admitted he couldn’t wrap his head around it. They were relieved that Bill hadn’t been one of Luna’s next victims, and Liam noted that Katie was looking out for Bill.
Later, Deacon offered Liam and Will free coffee or dessert. Business was picking up, but Deacon remarked that it wasn’t the same without Tom and Hollis. Will received a message from Katie asking him to meet her at Bill’s house. Deacon wondered if Bill knew how lucky he was to have Katie. Will and Liam hoped so. Deacon added that if Bill had any sense, he’d get Katie back and not lose her.
Back at Bill’s house, Katie suggested that she and Bill get on the same page. She didn’t want Bill to come on too strong with Will, but Bill said he’d been “chill” due to her influence. Katie asked Bill to be mild with Will, who had his own feelings about things. Katie reassured Bill that he didn’t need to worry—he already had the job of being Will’s father. She just wanted Bill to understand that Will wasn’t the same kid they’d dropped off at boarding school.
Bill expressed his desire to make up for lost time as a family. Katie suggested Bill take it easy and not dominate the conversation, joking that he should be his charming self. Bill replied that he should be himself but not entirely himself. The good news, he added, was that he had Katie to help make him a better man.
When Will arrived, he wondered why Katie and Bill had called him over. Bill pretended nothing was up. After some pleasantries, Bill explained that he and Katie just wanted to spend some family time together. Will suspected they wanted to reunite, but they quickly clarified that it wasn't on the agenda. “But would that be so bad?” Bill asked. Katie quickly emphasized that wasn’t why Will was there.
Katie steered the conversation back to spending family time together, and Will recalled fond memories they’d created in the house. Bill said he wanted to create more memories as a family. Katie declared that the moment called for a Spencer family hug, and the three embraced.
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