Victor surprises Chris with a visit at her office. As they hug, she tells him how she was worried about him while he was missing. He is there to discuss the custody case. Chris shares her concern for the possibility that they may lose this case. Victor wonders if Alice could be persuaded to drop her claim "if the price was right." Chris tells him that in the beginning she did think that all Alice wanted was money, but now she believes that Alice really does want Cassie back. She advises Victor that an offer of money would be suicide for their side and Alice would certainly get custody. Victor realizes she is right, he just feels frustrated watching Nick and Sharon suffer through this. He blames Michael for making his family suffer, first with his divorce from Diane and now this. Victor declares that Michael has got to be stopped! It is also ironic that it was Chris who helped him get his law license back...he should have stayed disbarred! Chris has thought of this too. She believes that his past will catch up to him eventually, justice will prevail. Victor agrees that with Chris as their attorney, they have a chance! He leaves her office.

Back in New York City, Billy has come home only long enough to borrow some binoculars from Steve. He is leaving for his rafting trip in the morning. Steve, Traci, and John are all going to Australia. Traci asks Billy about his trip to Genoa City. He tells her it went pretty good except for the fact that he had to tell Jill at least ten times that he was only going to stay with her for one week! Even though she and Jill never got along, Traci sympathizes, she knows it was hard for Jill to give Billy up...she loves him. Billy did feel a little sorry for his mother. Phone rings...a friend of Billy's is in the hospital. He takes off out the door.

Kay and Jill are arguing over Birdie and Mac staying at the mansion. Kay will keep them in her "half" of the house. Jill wants them out! Kay thinks she understands why Jill is so against them staying...Kay has friends, Jill doesn't. She is all alone. Kay is sure that Jill was disappointed that Billy left so soon. "I don't want your sympathy!" Jill snaps. Kay asks if Billy will be back before the summer is over? He has no plans to return. Kay offers to speak to John on Jill's behalf to get more time with Billy. Jill tells her that it is Billy who doesn't want to spend any time with his mother. When Jill makes herself another drink, Kay asks if she really needs it? Jill informs her that she WANTS it, doesn't NEED it. Unlike Kay, she has willpower and self-control.

Olivia goes to Malcolm's studio to see him and finds Callie instead. She informs Callie that she has important things to discuss with HER husband. Callie says she and Malcolm are also in the middle of something important. Olivia believes that as his wife, she takes precedence. Callie doesn't agree. Malcolm walks in...Callie goes outside to wait. Olivia is steamed! Can't believe Callie's nerve! She tells Malcolm that they need to talk. He says "maybe you do, I don't." She wants them to try to save their marriage...nothing they can't work out. Malcolm gives her some attitude and tells her it is too late for that. She asks why he is treating her this way? He tells her he is moving out of the studio. "Did you get an apartment?" she asks. "Alone?" Malcolm tells her he will not be alone. Olivia realizes that he is moving in a different direction. She won't take up anymore of his time...sorry to bother you. She leaves. "Yea, Olivia, I'm moving in another direction, just like you did when you slept with my brother!"

Cole goes to see Ashley at the lab. He is very happy...his new novel is due to be published soon. Steve wants him to do an autograph tour to promote the book. Cole wants Ashley to come with him. Brad enters and sees them kissing. He comments that he should bring out the fire hoses! Cole wonders if he has ever heard of knocking? Ashley asked Brad to stop by...Cole leaves them to talk. Ashley asks Brad about the last board meeting. She noticed a "weird" difference between him and Jack this time. They seem too "buddy" "buddy." Brad thinks that she is dramatizing. He tells her that he and Jack must co-exist to operate the company. They have the same goal, it's just business. Ashley isn't buying it. She says this "air of tranquility" scares the hell out of her. Brad changes the subject. He suggests that something is missing in her marriage to Cole. He questions how such an exciting woman like her can be happy with a boring guy like Cole. She tells Brad he doesn't know what he is talking about and defends Cole. He doesn't think that she and Cole can make it together. Ashley turns things around by asking how Nikki is? "Nikki who?" He replies coyly. He tells Ashley that he wishes she were free. He kisses her on the cheek and leaves. She has a look on her face that says that she KNOWS Brad is up to something!

Alice is in her motel room thinking about Sharon's recent visit. She remembers Sharon's appeal to her to give up the battle over Cassie. Someone's banging on the door! It's Michael...Alice called him to come over. He rushes into the room, visibly upset. Alice sounded like she was coming unglued when she called! He informs her that he can't "hold her hand." He has more important things to do! She wants him to tell her why he is so upset with her? After pressing him, he finally admits that he has had Grace on his mind. This case cost him his relationship with her. "Oh well! Easy come, easy go!" He says. He has always been a loner, he will survive. Alice thinks there is more to it. She wonders if he only wanted to win due to an old rivalry with Christine. Michael admits that going up against Chris was what attracted him to the case originally. He gives Alice a few brief details of his history with Chris. He doesn't hate Chris, he respects her. He tells Alice that he believes everyone deserves a second chance, and so does Alice...with Cassie. Alice questions whether she can be a good mother to Cassie. Michael tells her that she better be able to care for Cassie, her daughter depends on her!

Olivia goes back to her office and is startled by the sight of Neil standing there in the room when she turns on the light. He can see that she's been crying. He knows she went to Malcolm's studio tonight to see him. He has had it with Malcolm's attitude! Olivia tells him that it's over..."I've lost him." She tells Neil that Malcolm has moved into a new apartment...with Callie! She goes on to say what a fool she was...didn't think that it would end this way! Neil tells her that she has suffered enough! It may be for the best that Malcolm makes a clean break. Olivia says that only when you've lost something, you realize how much you really wanted it! Neil pulls her into his arms and she cries on his shoulder.

Callie and Malcolm are unpacking when she finds the medallion she gave Malcolm years before. It was for good luck. "We go way back, don't we?" Malcolm says. She remembers how they were so in love back then. She knows why he kept the necklace...because he never stopped loving her just like she never stopped loving him! He starts to comment when Callie says that she knows he isn't ready to admit this. She tells him that it all will work out! He replies that she thinks she has all the answers. She says this was meant to be! They start kissing.

When Callie reacts to Malcolm's invitation to live with him in the apartment by throwing her arms around him and dancing around the room, Malcolm signs the lease and gains the keys. Callie is eager to move in right away even before furniture is bought for the apartment. She is even willing to sleep on the floor on Malcolm's lumpy mattress. They go back to the studio to get the mattress and some pillows and while there, Olivia walks in. She says that she wants to speak with Malcolm alone but Callie wonders if Malcolm wants to speak to her. She says that Callie may have taken advantage of her absence but she is still Malcolm's wife and has first dibs on him. Callie says that things have changed and they will just wait until Malcolm comes back in to see what he wants.

Neil thinks it is inconceivable that Ryan would suggest that he is in love with Olivia and swears that he has never crossed the line. She is a great lady and Malcolm doesn't deserve her. He, on the other hand, thinks she is wonderful and everything that a man could want. However, he is no more than close friends with her. He has no idea why Malcolm is acting the way that he is. Ryan suggests that Mal has picked up on Neil's feelings. He thinks that is why he is so cold and distant to him and Olivia. When Neil says that the way Malcolm is treating Olivia is the sure way of losing her and the marriage, Ryan hints that that would leave the coast clear for him and his sister-in-law. Neil says that he has to get out of the office but declines an invitation to have a beer with Ryan. Ryan says that he would like to hang around the office for a while and Neil asks him what is going on with him. He says that things at home aren't going so well and Ryan offers to listen to his problems. However, Ryan says that they can talk about it later. Neil leaves Ryan alone in the office where Vicki walks in on him just as he says out loud that maybe he will sleep on the couch tonight. Vicki asks why he is doing that and he tells her that there is a problem. He just can't cope with the news that he is going to be a father. He sees nothing but hard times ahead for him and his wife if she goes through with the pregnancy.

Meg goes to the apartment to see her sister and finds her in a low state. She says that never in her dreams would she have thought Ryan would have treated her in this way after the pregnancy was confirmed. She understands him hoping that it wasn't true before the doctor but, now that the pregnancy has been confirmed, she thought he would start to accept it and be happy. Megan points out that Tricia has had several weeks to get used to the idea. Now she has to give Ryan some space so that he can get used to the idea of being a father. Tricia says that it is more than that; he hasn't even hugged her since hearing the news. She declares that if he doesn't want this baby, then so be it. She will have this baby and she will raise it as a single mother if she has to. Meg says that she got pregnant in the first place to bring her family together; now she is pregnant and her family is further apart than ever. Megan insists that Tricia lay down and rests. Before she can leave, Ryan comes in and Megan talks to him about Tricia. She reminds him that her sister really love him. He begins talking about all his problems. He then says that he has to get used to the idea of the pregnancy and if Tricia can't give him the space to do that, then their marriage is in deep trouble.

After taking a stroll around the grounds, Birdie and Mac enter the house and Esther asks what they want to eat. Birdie is surprised that she has a choice. Esther says that she keeps all kinds of things on hand so that she can give Mrs. C. anything that she wants. They say that they will look through the refrigerator and make lunch but Esther says that she will do it. They say that they are perfectly capable of making their own food. Esther is shocked and when Katherine comes in, she tells her that her guests aren't acting the way that they are supposed to. She is afraid that she will not have anything to do and will be out of a job. Kay assures her that she will always have a job. Katherine tells her to give them some time and they will relax and allow Esther to do for them.

Later, Jill inters the living room and finds Mac there. She orders her and her friend out of the house. Birdie hears the commotion and comes in and tells Jill that they have no intention of leaving. When Jill begins to rant and says if they aren't out in five minutes, she will call the police, Kay walks in and says that she and Jill need to settle some things privately. After the girls leave, Kay reminds Jill of their bargain. Jill said that had to do with Billy and not to the trash she drug into the house. She says that those kind of people don't belong in a house of their status. Kay says that yes they do belong because she invited them there. Jill insists that she only brought them there to needle her. Kay promises her sincerely that that is not what is going on. All this time, Jill is pouring one drink after another and throwing it back. Katherine is giving her a wondering look as she drinks heavily.

Sharon and Alice begin their talk at the motel. Alice is belligerent but Sharon remains calm and reasonable. When Alice says that Sharon thinks that she is trash, Sharon says that that isn't so, at least not any longer. She says that her feelings about Alice has changed since the trial began. Alice accuses her of trying to lie in court and make the judge think that she had the perfect marriage. Instead of bringing up Alice's lies, Sharon tells her that no one has a perfect marriage; there will always be problems. But the important thing is to work those problems out instead of running from them. Sharon says that she has come to believe that Alice really does love Cassie. Now she has to look deep within herself and see if she loves her enough to do what is best for Cassie. Alice says that after Sharon gave her baby away, she is the one who loved and cared for her for years. Sharon says that she gave the baby up because she didn't have a choice but Alice says that we always have a choice. "Yes, I had a choice," Sharon says quietly. "I made the choice to give my baby up for her sake. I loved her and wanted her but I was only sixteen years old. I had no husband and no job. I didn't have any way to give her all the things that I wanted her to have----things that she deserved to have. That is why I made that choice." As she leaves, she tells Alice that she hopes that she will make a choice to do what is best for Cassie.

Millie and Cassie are enjoying each other's company when Nick and Victor arrive. They wait outside the screen door and watch as Millie explains to Cassie that she went to court to help her to stay here with her mother and father where she belongs. Victor and Nick enter and Victor thanks Millie profusely for all that she has done for his son. Millie says that she did what she though was best for Cassie. Cassie says that Millie is looking tired and offers to take her up to bed for a while. When they are alone, Nick wonders just what is keeping Sharon. He has already checked with Lisa and she doesn't know where she is. He is about ready to call Doris when Sharon comes in. Sharon gives Victor a kiss on the cheek as he leaves, telling them if they need him he will be at home. Sharon tells Nick what she did and he is aghast. He wonders if she has caused them more trouble. Sharon didn't think about that. When she gets the idea that maybe Alice will go to Michael and they will go to the judge, she begins to panic. He tells her not to worry, but she is so worried about losing her daughter. Nick tries to prepare her for losing Cassie. He says that the shock will be twice as hard if she isn't at least expecting the worse. She thinks that he is giving up but he says that he isn't giving up at all; he is just facing what could happen. Without them realizing it, Cassie is standing at the door and listening to them. She has a panicked look on her face.

In the courtroom the judge announces she is ready to issue her ruling. Everyone is a little shocked and nervous. The judge mentions that she can see that the child seems happy now. She also feels that there was never any intent to harm the child by either party. She begins to go on about how the adoptive parents have, by law, the same rights as natural parents. Alice is thinking about what Millie said on the stand about how Alice should not do this to Cassie. Then she remembers what Sharon said when she came to visit her about doing what her conscience tells her the right thing is. Suddenly Alice stands up and asks if she can say something to the judge. The judge lets her come forward and Alice tells her that there isn't anything she wouldn't do for Cassie. In the beginning of this case she thought she could raise Cassie and give her a good life. But now she can't say that she really knows that she can do that. She realizes that Cassie is happy with Sharon and that the Newmans can offer her a very good life. Because she loves Cassie so much, she wants to give up her parental rights. This way she knows that Cassie will have the happiness and family that she deserves.

Michael is very upset. He can not believe Alice just did that! The judge calls a recess so she can draw up the paperwork and Victor comes and stands close to Michael. Victor whispers that this is just a preview of things to come. He say's "Fasten your seatbelt Counselor" and walks away as Michael glares at him. Michael then turns his glare to Chris. Alice asks him if he is mad. He tells her he has spent so much time on this case and he can't believe she threw it away. When she tries to explain he tells her to "shut the hell up." Alice realizes that he was not in this case for Cassie after all.

Kay and Mac are talking at the estate and Kay suggests they leave. Mac wants to know what the deal is between Kay and Jill. Kay tells her a short version of why they are both in the house and Mac says now she understands why Kay doesn't want to give it up.

Jill is meeting with John Silva in her office. She wants Kay's house guests to leave but John tells her there is nothing she can do about it. He suggests that she is really upset because Billy is gone. She admits it. John tells her some encouraging things and she just keeps complaining. She asks why everyone always leaves her and no one wants to stick around. John tells her that she has to create her own happiness because no one will do it for her. He leaves and she starts crying and pours herself a drink.

In New York, Billy's friend that he planned to go rafting with is in the hospital because his appendix burst. This means Billy can't go now. Traci says this is a problem because she, Steve, and Colleen are leaving for Australia andJohn just decided to go too. Billy wants to stay in New York and take care of the house while they are gone but Traci says no way. He doesn't want to go to Australia. He leaves the room and John calls at this moment. Traci tells him the situation and he tells her he will work something out.

Cassie is at the ranch with the social worker, Miriam. Cassie begs her to take her to talk to the judge. Miriam explains that she can't do that. Cassie cries and tells her that the judge is about to pick who her mommy will be without even ever meeting her or knowing how she feels about it all.

Kay and Mac are still talking when the phone rings. It is John and he asks if Billy can stay there while they are out of the country. Kay agrees and tells Mac that they may have just been given a golden opportunity.

Nikki is in New Mexico at the clinic where Ramona works. After meeting each other, Ramona apologizes for the interview. She tells Nikki that Leanna twisted her words. Nikki says she knows that, but she wants to know what Ramona's true feelings regarding Victor are. Ramona explains that he is a remarkable man. She reminds Nikki that she was involved with Chet and she had to turn against him as a matter of survival. As they are talking she gets a phone call and it is Victor. Ramona turns her back to Nikki in order to talk to him. He asks how she is and tells her not to worry about the interview. He offers to have her come to Genoa City and teach at the hospital there for a few months. She tells him not to worry and she will stay where she is. He tells her to keep it in mind. After they hang up she returns to speak to Nikki. Nikki admits that she is concerned about Victors feelings toward Ramona. Ramona proceeds to tell Nikki her own story about how Victor married her on her death bed and she survived so that they could be together again. Nikki can't believe that Victor told Ramona all of that. Ramona says that after she heard the story from Victor she knew she had to get him out of there so he could come home to Nikki. Nikki is very touched and leaves quickly.

Back in the courtroom, Christine explains to Nick and Sharon that just because Alice gave up her rights doesn't mean that they will get Cassie. Before she can explain it all, the judge comes back and calls the court to order. She says that there have been a number of concerns brought up about the Newmans and she isn't going to take them lightly. Just then Miriam Holloway enters the room and asks the judge to see one more person regarding the case. Everyone turns around to see Cassie standing there ready to talk to the judge.