Valentin and Anna share an emotional and revealing goodbye

General Hospital Recap for Wednesday, July 17, 2024

In Nina's office at Crimson, Sonny asked if Nina could bury the hatchet with him, since she had been able to with Drew. "Absolutely not -- because there's no hatchet to bury," Nina said. She admitted that everything that had gone wrong between her and Sonny had been on her because she had lied and hidden things from him, and when she had finally told the truth, it had been too late to save their marriage. Nina explained that their relationship had been built on a mirage. "Mike -- and he never really existed," she said. Sonny assured Nina that "Mike" had existed and had cared about Nina.

Sonny and Nina agreed that they each wanted the other to be happy. The topic returned to Ava when Nina promised to testify if Ava was foolish enough to ask for Nina's help. Nina promised to blindside Ava by singing Sonny's praises as a father. Sonny smiled and asked if Nina were trying to make him fall in love with her again. "Once wasn't enough?" she asked with a sad smile. She wished him luck because she hoped that he would get custody of Avery. "I have to for Avery's sake," Sonny said.

Nina regretted not listening to Sonny's warnings about Ava, but she was curious why he had helped Ava. Sonny explained that he'd done it because Ava was the mother of his child, and he'd been "messed up" over losing Nina. Nina confessed that she'd been in the same state, but things had gotten better. Sonny was glad to hear it, so Nina asked how Sonny was doing. He flashed a charming smile as he assured her that he was ready for anything and wouldn't let anyone take advantage of him. After they wished each other the best, Sonny left.

A short time later, Maxie arrived to discuss the latest ad campaign with Blaze, but it was clear that Nina's mind was on other things. Nina told Maxie about Sonny's visit. Concerned, Maxie asked if Nina hoped for a reconciliation with Sonny, so Nina explained that she cared about him but was ready to move on. Nina hated to admit it, but Ava had been right about Nina and Sonny's lives not being compatible. Nina confided that the worst part had been that she had tried to turn herself into the perfect woman for Sonny instead of holding onto who she was. Maxie was supportive, but Nina took full responsibility for things not working out between her and Sonny.

Maxie praised Nina for having gained wisdom despite a broken heart. Their conversation turned to Drew. Nina admitted that she and Drew had gone from loathing to helping each other, and she intended to get him elected because she believed in him. Nina also shared that Drew had been helping her with Willow, and her daughter had recently sought her because Willow had needed her mother. Maxie was happy for Nina. Nina was determined not to ruin her chance to be a part of Willow's life, so she was determined to get Drew elected because it was what Willow wanted.

Meanwhile, Sonny arrived home and found Natalia waiting for him. She explained that his housekeeper had recognized her and let her in. Sonny asked what Natalia was doing there, so she quickly acknowledged that he had a right to be upset with her. Sonny conceded that he hadn't liked what Natalia had said, but she -- along with their daughters -- had been collateral damage in Ava's war against him. Natalia confessed that she was there for "Blaze."

Natalia explained that she and Blaze had worked hard to build Blaze's career, but Natalia had trashed it in an instant by saying "the wrong thing to the wrong person." Sonny clarified that it was what Natalia had meant that had been the issue, so she quickly assured him that she regretted her words because she finally understood that "Alison" and Kristina were truly in love. Sonny smiled with pride when Natalia shared that Kristina had called Natalia out.

Sonny asked if Natalia wanted him to act as a go-between, but Natalia explained that it would have to be up to her daughter. However, Natalia was there to help Blaze's career. She explained that she had done some research and knew about his history with L&B Records. Natalia proposed that Sonny invest in Blaze's career in exchange for all new music that would be released on a private label. "You want me to bankroll a brand-new record label?" Sonny asked.

Natalia promised to take care of all the logistics. To her surprise, Sonny agreed -- under the condition that Brook Lynn would be in charge of everything. "That's my offer. Take it or leave it," he said.

At Metro Court's pool, Gio was lost in thought when Josslyn called out to him to let him know that several guests needed him. Gio quickly apologized for being distracted and returned to work. After he took care of the guests, he approached Josslyn and apologized again. Josslyn reminded him that she was not his boss, but he pointed out that she was related to his boss, who stood nearby talking to Lois.

Josslyn became concerned when Gio mentioned that he might have overstayed his welcome. He explained that his Aunt Lois had arranged a big opportunity for him back in Bensonhurst. Josslyn reminded him that Lois was a great music manager. "That has to be it, right? Why else would she want me to leave?" he asked. Josslyn advised him to do what would make him happy.

Nearby, Carly delivered a cocktail to Lois. After the ladies exchanged greetings, Lois tried to ask about Carly and Sonny's relationship, but Carly made it clear that the topic was off-limits. However, Carly was curious about Gio because he seemed like a great kid. Lois heartly agreed, and she vowed to make certain that his future was as "bright as the sun." Lois praised Gio as a gifted musician, so Carly asked about Gio's mother.

According to Lois, Camila had been a cousin of the Cerullos from Italy. Camila had arrived in the country when she'd been invited to play for the New York Philharmonic. After six months, Camila had met and fallen in love with Francis Palmieri, even though he'd been scheduled to be deployed to Afghanistan before they had met. Lois explained that it had been a whirlwind romance, and Camila and Francis had eloped right before Francis had been deployed. Shortly afterwards, Camila had learned that she was pregnant with Gio, but Francis had been killed in action before Camila could share the news with her husband.

Lois explained that everyone had been devastated, but Camila had picked up the pieces and returned to performing for the New York Philharmonic. Lois revealed that just as she'd thought Camila and Gio would get their happily ever after, tragedy had struck, and Camila had died. Lois explained that Gio had been ten years old and already playing the violin, so she had reached out to Sonny for help with Gio's education. Carly understood why Sonny would help Gio, but she had no idea why Sonny had never mentioned Gio to her.

At Bobbie's, John pounded on Jason's door and demanded that Jason let him in. Eventually, Jason opened the door. Annoyed, John entered the room and asked what had taken Jason so long. Jason explained that he lived there, so he suggested that they go to the warehouse to discuss business. John reminded Jason that John held all the cards, so they would talk in Jason's home. John advised Jason to do as John said, or Carly would pay the price.

John ordered Jason to turn over any and all information on Sonny, but Jason argued that the deal was for Jason to help with Pikeman. John reminded Jason that Sonny had been involved in the Pikeman shipments, but Jason made it clear that he would not answer any questions about Sonny. Frustrated, John alleged that Sonny had tried to kill Jason, but Jason denied that Sonny had been behind the recent attempt on Jason's life at the warehouse. "Who else could it have been?" John asked. Jason suggested that John run a proper investigation and find out.

John remained adamant that Sonny had sent the shooters because Jason hadn't immediately fallen in line when Jason had returned to Port Charles. "Then why am I still here?" Jason asked. John claimed that it was because Sonny hadn't found anyone as good as Jason to carry out the hit, and he added that Sonny only cared about himself. When John insisted that Sonny had destroyed Jason's life, Jason objected. "You did," Jason angrily said.

John reminded Jason that Jason could have rejected the deal and walked away. When John accused Sonny of terrorizing Ava by threatening to take her daughter away, Jason advised John to think twice before believing anything that Ava said. Stunned by Jason's blind loyalty to Sonny, John asked what had happened to Jason. "The Jason I knew was a good guy," John said. John urged Jason to do the right thing and give him something that would take Sonny down and keep Avery with Ava.

Jason was curious when the FBI had started concerning itself with custody matters, but John insisted that Sonny had to be stopped before he wrecked more lives. "I don't have anything on Sonny," Jason said. Jason noticed the time, so he walked over to the fire escape and retrieved Valentin's satellite phone. After Jason handed it to John, he explained that it belonged to Valentin. "It's proof that he was the one running Pikeman," Jason said. Stunned, John asked if Jason was certain that it was Valentin -- not Anna -- in charge of Pikeman.

Jason assured John that Valentin was the head of Pikeman, and the phone would provide hundreds, if not thousands, of records as proof. John asked where Jason had gotten the phone. "You really want to know?" Jason asked. Dubious, John questioned why Jason hadn't said anything sooner. Jason reminded John that John had been so busy trying to get Jason to flip on Sonny that he hadn't given Jason a chance to tell him about the phone. John pulled out his cell phone and ordered all units to go to 2100 Belleforrest Drive.

Later, Jason arrived at Metro Court's pool, where he bumped into Gio. He recognized Gio as the violinist from Brook Lynn's wedding. Gio was surprised that Jason remembered him, but he assumed that Jason was there to see Carly, since Josslyn had told him that Jason was considered a VIP guest. Jason smiled, but he assured Gio that only Carly and Josslyn believed that. Jason complimented Gio's performance at the wedding and walked away when he saw Carly at the bar.

Carly was surprised to see Jason. "It's done," Jason said without preamble. He revealed that he had given the FBI what they'd wanted, and he and Carly were free as long as Agent Cates kept his word.

At Valentin's house, Valentin asked Anna to run away with him. "We belong together," he told her. Anna held back tears as she explained that there was no time to talk because Valentin had to leave as soon as Charlotte arrived. Valentin pointed out that Anna had cared enough to warn him, but she insisted that she had done it for Charlotte because Charlotte needed her father in her life. Valentin was certain there was more to Anna's warning. "You're here because you love me. Almost as much as I love you," he said.

"You say that like it matters," Anna said as her eyes welled up with tears. "It does," he replied. He implored her to stop pretending otherwise. Valentin urged Anna to reconsider because they could start a new life together, but Anna explained that she couldn't sacrifice her time with Robin, Emma, and Noah for any reason. Valentin warned Anna that it wouldn't take the FBI long to connect the dots back to her, but Anna wasn't concerned. She and Valentin shared a passionate kiss. Afterwards, he implored her to leave with him.

"I'm sorry. I love you, but I-I can't go away with you," Anna tearfully said. She asked if Valentin had cash and new identification, but he assured her that he and Charlotte would be fine. Anna asked why Valentin had risked everything by getting involved with Pikeman when he'd had a good life in Port Charles. "What happened?" she asked. "You did," Valentin said. Valentin explained that he'd always been aware of Pikeman from the very beginning because the people who had created Pikeman had included the head of the WSB at the time.

Anna was not surprised by the revelation. Valentin revealed that Anna's role in General Sylvanus' defection had been imperative to give the operation legitimacy, but the goal had been to get the $10,000,000. Anna realized that Pikeman had been created to funnel arms and money to entities the WSB politically supported, even if those entities had been at odds with their government. Valentin explained that when he resigned from the WSB as a traitor, he had kept in touch with Pikeman because they had liked his expertise, and Valentin had liked the money.

"And then you busted Brennan," Valentin said. He revealed that the arrest had created a vacuum that Valentin had stepped into. "I guess I was out of reasons to be a good boy," he said. Anna wished that Valentin had told her the truth back when they had been openly in love and had promised to trust each other. He confessed that it had crossed his mind, but it would have put her in a position to arrest him. "Yet, here we are again," Anna said.

Valentin pointed out that Anna hadn't arrested him, but Anna wanted to know about the fabricated emails between her and Brennan that Agent Cates had gotten from her personal email. Valentin confessed that he had been responsible, but he assured Anna that he hadn't put any incriminating evidence in the emails that would have held up in court. He promised that everything had been red herrings. "You love me...but you still couldn't resist using me," she said. Valentin apologized, but she was certain that he would do it again.

"The problem is any good in me -- any good at all -- is because of you," Valentin said. Anna didn't believe that because she knew that Valentin had a good heart. She reminded him to flee as soon as Charlotte arrived home. Valentin acknowledged that she wouldn't leave with him, but he asked her to tell him that she wanted to, even if it wasn't true. "If I could go with you, I would in a heartbeat," Anna said with emotion. "You mean that?" he asked. "You'll never know," she replied with tears in her eyes. Moments later, Charlotte arrived home.

Later, John burst through the front door of Valentin's home with armed agents. After a quick search, it became clear that Valentin and Charlotte were gone. Outside, Anna smiled as she sat in her car and watched everything unfold.