The Young and the Restless Recap, June 2, 2025: Kyle unveils his birthday surprise for Nikki

On the Monday, June 2nd episode of The Young and the Restless, Genoa City celebrates Nikki, Damian is fired, and Kyle makes his grand gesture.

What happened on The Young and the Restless

At Society, Damian wondered if Lily regretted missing the Newman party. Lily groused that Victor and Nikki were still trying to claim everything had worked out as it should. Nate and Audra entered the restaurant, and he observed that Lily and Damian had been spending a lot of time together. He asked if it was business or pleasure.

Damian ribbed that no one had told him that having a brother meant someone would always be in his business. Lily countered that it also meant always having a person to depend on. Damian excused himself to answer a call from Dumas. Lily informed Nate that she and Damian were simply having dinner, and Nate and Audra were glad to see Lily had gotten past her suspicions. Damian returned and reported that he’d been fired.

Damian clarified that he hadn’t spoken with Dumas, but Dumas’ assistant had delivered the message without any further explanation. Lily suspected that Dumas had figured out their plan for Damian to spy for Winters. Damian reasoned that he’d been about to leave the job anyway, so it didn’t matter. Lily argued that it mattered if Dumas was going after Winters.

Damian snarled that Dumas would have to go through him to get to Winters. Audra said no one would blame Damian if he was angry, but he figured he no longer had to worry about running the companies in L.A. or taking the trip to France. Lily shared that she and Damian had received hand-delivered invitations to visit Dumas in Nice. Lily intended to go to get answers to all her questions.

Damian bemoaned that Dumas’ assistant had informed him that he had to fire Holden. Damian felt responsible for finding a new gig for his best friend, and he asked if Audra was hiring at her company. Audra asserted that she was only staffing key roles, and she was sure Holden would already have another job in L.A. by the time she got to other levels.

At the jazz club, Claire arrived at Nikki’s birthday party and hugged her grandmother. Victor proclaimed to the crowd that he’d been fortunate to know Nikki for most of her life, and she was brilliant, dazzling, and strong. He recalled that he’d done his best to fulfill his promise to give her anything she wanted, but she was the one who’d given him the world. He took her into his arms, called her his purest joy, and pledged his love and loyalty as the guests applauded.

Victoria and Nick announced that they’d spent the last two weeks writing down hundreds of their favorite memories of their mother. Victoria thanked Claire for organizing the party, and Nick toasted Victor for hosting it. Victoria considered everyone in the room fortunate to have Nikki in their lives, but she thought she and Nick were the luckiest of all. An emotional Nikki embraced her children and declared that it was her turn.

Nikki recognized that she’d had a rough start in life, but her world had forever changed when she’d met the love of her life. She felt blessed to be surrounded by a loving family and incredible friends who’d supported her. Nikki sadly added that there was one person missing who she held in her heart, and she wished the gutsiest, funniest, toughest woman to ever walk the earth was still with them. “To Mrs. C.,” Esther sobbed, and everyone raised their glasses. “I am going to live until I die, and I will cherish every moment of it,” Nikki pledged amongst applause.

Victoria happily greeted Cole, who explained that he’d been held up at the office. She guessed he’d overdone it, and his flu was back. He changed the subject to how her speech had gone, but he suddenly stepped aside to grab some water.

Nick and Sharon teased Adam and Chelsea for being late. Chelsea explained that she’d needed a wardrobe change after her zipper had broken. Adam complimented the rare Ferrari parked out front, and Nick marveled that it was the prettiest thing he’d ever seen. Chelsea recalled that the car’s classic red color had inspired her when she’d started designing.

Abby praised Victor and Nikki’s speeches. Victor inquired about Lily, and Devon voiced surprise that Victor had expected her to be there. Abby hoped things would become less tense in time. “And I’m sure he does, too,” Nikki mused as she looked up at Neil’s portrait. Victor chided Lily for not being able to see that he’d done everyone a favor by sending her back to Winters.

Claire told Nikki that she couldn’t have organized the evening without Pietro, who was rendered speechless when Nikki shook his hand. Claire prompted Pietro to tell Nikki that he was a big fan of hers. “I love you so much!” Pietro blurted out. Nikki asked if everything was set for “Operation Victor.” Victor overheard his name, but Nikki claimed that they’d simply been discussing his generosity.

Sharon inquired about Traci, and Ashley responded that her sister was still trying to process what had happened with Martin. Sharon rambled about getting together with Traci to talk about it, but Ashley requested that Sharon respect that Traci wanted to leave it in the past.

Later, Abby asked if it had been too much for Ashley to deal with Sharon talking about Martin. Ashley contemplated whether all the progress she’d made had been undone. Abby regretted not doing more for her mother, but Ashley swore she was taking the necessary steps to figure out her feelings. The women hugged.

Michael approached Nikki and Victor and said she’d never looked more radiant. Nikki stepped away, and Victor huffed that he and Michael had nothing to talk about. Michael pointed out that they’d found a way through their disagreements in the past, but Victor warned that he wouldn’t count on it. Michael trusted that Victor had received an invitation from Dumas, but Victor barked that it wasn’t any of Michael’s business.

Devon lauded Sharon for Cassidy First’s technology donation to New Hope. Nick was glad Devon had remained on the board for the charity. Sharon darted off to catch up with Nikki, Devon wondered if there was more going on between Nick and Sharon than just attending the party together. Devon admired Nick for staying close to his exes. Nick chalked it up to putting feelings aside when kids were involved.

Adam and Chelsea welcomed Cole to the Newman ranch, and they discussed the estate’s perks. Cole coughed, and Adam observed that Cole looked rough. Chelsea mentioned that people at Connor’s school had been getting the flu twice. Cole confirmed that a bug had gotten him down, but he was on the upswing.

Jack told Nikki that Claire’s love showed in every detail of the party planning, and Diane remarked that Claire was very much a Newman woman – charming and strong. Nikki mentioned that Kyle and Claire had planned something in an attempt to change Victor’s mind about their relationship, but she didn’t know what it was. Jack hoped it didn’t blow up in their faces.

Claire invited the guests to kick off the dance portion of the evening. Jack led Diane out to the dance floor, followed by Nick and Sharon. Abby prompted Devon to ask her mom to dance. Pietro nervously informed Nikki, Kyle, and Claire that things were almost ready, and he just needed final approval.

As Michael and Lauren danced, she lamented that she was the reason Victor was freezing him out. Lauren recognized that father figures were a big deal, and the wounds for Michael were deep. Lauren begged Michael not to let Victor pull him back in. Michael doubted it would be a problem because Victor wouldn’t forgive him anytime soon.

Across the dance floor, Jack cooed that Diane was the most beautiful woman he’d ever hold in his arms. She imagined he’d danced with Nikki over the years, but he swore he only had eyes for Diane. They kissed.

Chelsea asked if Adam was getting ideas for her next birthday. He noted that she’d been eyeing the Ferrari, but he suggested go-kart racing instead. She replied that she’d settle for the Ferrari. Meanwhile, Victoria and Cole hoped Claire’s plan to win Victor’s approval would work.

Sharon and Nick discussed how much it meant to Nikki for Claire to plan the party for her. Nick wished his dad would let his niece live her own life. Sharon noted that it was a rite of passage for all Newmans to fight for their independence, and she expected Claire to find a life she loved just like the rest of them.

Nikki thanked Victor for a beautiful evening, despite the guest list including Sharon. Victor questioned how she could disapprove of Sharon being with Nick while supporting Kyle and Claire being together. Nikki argued that Sharon had already proven she wasn’t a match for Nick. Victor swore that Kyle would disappoint Claire. The lights dimmed, and a cake was wheeled to the center of the room. Nikki blew out her candles as Kyle proposed a toast to the guest of honor.

Kyle recounted that he’d known Nikki for most of his life, and mere mortals could get overwhelmed in her presence. He noted that her husband was a chess master who knew better than anyone that the queen was the piece on the board with the rawest power. Kyle declared that it was who Nikki Newman was – loving, forceful, creative, and tough, but willing to take down anyone who tried to hurt those who had her affection and protection.

Kyle continued that Nikki had the kindness all the greatest queens possessed, and she loved her family, whether they were biologically related or not. He mentioned that Harrison had been desperate to find the perfect present for his beloved Gigi, who, with Victor’s help, had instilled her strength and kindness into her children. Kyle cited the lasting impact it would have on the world as that family continued to spread with her unique kind of love and caring. He presented her with a gift in honor of that ever-expanding circle.

Nikki opened the box and pulled out a charm bracelet engraved with the names of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, with room to grow. “Long live the queen!” Kyle proclaimed. A touched Nikki called it the sweetest thing, and she embraced Kyle as Victor looked on.

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