January 2007

Stephanie told Ridge that she overheard Taylor dictating notes that Jackie had been a whore. Stephanie told Ridge to keep quiet that she gave him that information because Taylor could lose her license to practice psychiatry. Ridge decided immediately that the information could be used to blackmail Nick to get Forrester Creations back.

At the Foresters', Taylor drops by and tells Ridge that Stephanie called her over. She fears Stephanie is frustrated with her because Nick hasn't given the company back. Ridge tells her Nick will never be ready to sell the company. He worries about Eric's creative block and depression.

Meanwhile at the Foresters', Stephanie decides to take the matter into her on hands. She feels she gave Jackie plenty of opportunities to give the company back. She tells Ridge she wants to make the information public. Ridge understands why Taylor would be nervous, but feels since Nick never had a session at Taylor's office and never was billed, Taylor should be protected. Stephanie thinks the best plan is to find Captain Kramer. Ridge agrees and is able to locate his phone number and address on the internet.

As Ridge sees the ad for the "New Forrester" cruise line show being shown the next day, Stephanie reminds Ridge that since the Marone Industry is still a part of the company, they would not be too happy to learn about Jackie's rather sordid past. Stephanie laments that Taylor will be very unhappy with her, but says, that she has to do this so the world will know what kind of a person Jackie really is.

In the meantime, Stephanie invites a guest into her home. It is Captain Kramer, and after meeting Ridge, the three talk about why he is there. Stephanie lies, telling him that there is going to be a surprise party for Jackie, and she would like him to attend. She tells him about the fashion show that Jackie is premiering the following day, and would like it, if he decides to come, to perhaps wear his old Captain's uniform. After receiving the runaround from Ridge and Stephanie, and a lot of smooth talking, he agrees to attend.

At Stephanie's home, Thorne arrives as her guest is leaving. He overhears his mother and brother talking about Jackie's past, and if they use it, it could ruin Taylor's professional career. Stephanie tells him that she learned about Jackie's past, quite by accident, and nothing is more important than getting the company back for their father, who suffered so much because of what happened. Thorne finally agrees to join his brother and mother in upsetting the applecart for Nick and Jackie.

Stephanie and Ridge prepare to reveal Jerry Kramer to Jackie. Ridge thinks their plan will anger Eric and Taylor but Stephanie convinces him it is worth it. Jerry arrives and Stephanie has him wait in a Forrester office connected to the showroom. The fashion show begins. Thorne goes backstage with Stephanie and knocks Clarke out so he won't be able to stop their plan. Nick takes the stage to thank his mother and the crowd for coming. Later, Donna emerges on the runway escorted by Jerry Kramer. Jackie is horrified and Nick jumps on the stage and grabs him in anger. Stephanie announces to the crowd that Jerry was Jackie's pimp and that she is a whore. Pandemonium erupts.

On the Forrester Runway, Nick lashes out at Captain Kramer and has the security guards take him away while the photographers and reporters have a field day with Stephanie's show stopping scandal. Trying to do damage control, Donna tells the press that there is clearly no truth and blames the whole fiasco on Stephanie's attempt to sabotage the fashion show. When Taylor rushes in, Ridge holds her back. Nick scornfully stares at her, clearly blaming her for the whole debacle. Once most everyone has left, Ridge enjoys his champagne and eagerly watches to see how upset the Marone Board is by what just happened. He assures George, the head of the board, that the Forester's are willing to buy back their company before Nick drives it to Chapter 11. George informs him that they will be calling an emergency meeting to deal with this public relation's nightmare. As the board members are leaving, Nick walks in looking for his mother and Ridge gleefully tells him about the emergency meeting about to take place at Marone. After Nick leaves Ridge continues to drink champagne, when Jackie walks in, she disgustedly tells him she can't believe how much like Stephanie he has become. Ridge smugly tells her that she and her "bastard son" have no one to blame but themselves. He cruelly adds that soon she and Nick will need a new cozy office space that will be suitable for entertaining sea captains. Standing her ground, Jackie proclaims that the Forresters haven't won yet

When Stephanie and Ridge walk in on Thorne he tells them getting Forrester back wasn't worth losing Taylor.

At home, Eric watched in horror as he heard Stephanie say in the replay of the fashion show that Jackie is nothing but a whore. Eric told Ridge and Thorne that what they did was wrong even though they did it in attempt to obtain Forrester Creations back from Nick. Felicia arrived and told everyone that the press had followed her through the gates. Eric left the room as the press began to arrive.

George arrived and told Nick that the board voted him out as CEO. George told him that he is the new CEO and he intends to sell Forrester creations back to the Forresters. After a phone call, Ridge informed Eric, Thorne Felicia and Brooke that Nick was fired as CEO and now George is the CEO. George advised them to draw up legal papers to have the company sold back to them. Eric rejoiced with the news.

Later, Brooke drops by for Hope and Alex's play date. When they are alone she tells Taylor that she feels bad about how things went down for Nick and Jackie, but believes that is what they get for taking the company away like they did. Taylor thinks Brooke is being very hypocritical, considering how unfairly she's acted in the past. Not wanting to argue, Brooke tells Taylor she understands why she is upset with Stephanie but thinks all that really matters is that they got the company back and now Taylor can concentrate on her upcoming wedding. Taylor admits that her wedding isn't the most important concern in her life right now. She then tells Brooke how upset she is with Thorne for being a part of Stephanie's scheme. Brooke defends him saying he was just concerned about his father. Taylor says she always believed Thorne was a good man until now. She questions Thorne's integrity and human decency and worries that he will always be trying to get Stephanie's approval no matter who gets hurt. Brooke thinks Taylor should just focus her anger on Stephanie, but Taylor tells her she is more angry with herself for trusting Stephanie. She admits that she isn't sure if she will ever be able to get over Thorne's part in this. She then goes on about how horrible it was for Nick and Jackie and what a good man Nick is and how she knows he would have done the right thing. Realizing how strong Taylor's feelings are for Nick, Brooke becomes suspicious and questions her if they are more than friends, Taylor dodges the question saying she is concerned about him as a patient and friend. Brooke doesn't buy it. Taylor tells her she feels responsible for what happened and plans on continuing to help Nick. Brooke doesn't think that is wise, warning her that it is a volatile situation with Taylor feeling disappointed in Thorne and protective over Nick. Annoyed with her pushiness, Taylor argues that it is not a big deal or anything to be concerned about.

At the Forresters', Eric and Ridge eagerly prepare to get the company back. Although Eric doesn't condone how his sons maneuvered the situation, he does appreciate their efforts. Ridge tells him they would have done whatever they had to do in order to get the company back. When Thorne arrives he is upset about the negative impact their scheme had on his relationship with Taylor. Eric feels Thorne should have expected Taylor to be upset. Ridge tries to cheer Thorne up by telling him how happy he will be when Eric is back where he belongs, at the helm of Forrester. Once they get to Forrester Creations they are surprised when Nick shows up with George. Eric apologizes to Nick about what happened to Jackie and assures Nick that if he had known anything about the scheme he would have prevented it. Ridge smugly suggest that Nick and Jackie go on a cruise so their cruise wear line want be wasted. Nick tells Ridge not to worry the cruise wear line won't go wasted since they will be featuring it on the runway in Milan. Surprised, Ridge asks Nick if he is going to start his own fashion house. Nick informs him that he just sold his stock in Marone so he could buy Forrester. Eric and Ridge are stunned. George explains that Nick offered him a deal that he couldn't refuse. Before George leaves he wishes Nick luck and tells Nick he's finally proven that he is his father's son. Nick tells Ridge, Eric and Thorne to take a good look at Forrester Creations as they leave because he intends to make sure they never set foot in the place again. Ridge warns Nick that he will regret this, because now it's war.

Back at Taylor's, Brooke thinks Taylor made the right decision when she refused to meet up with Nick. She encourages Taylor to make marrying Thorne her main priority.

In the meantime, Hope told Brooke that she told Alexandria what happened to her mother. Brooke immediately called Taylor but the conversation ended before Brooke could tell her what happened.

At Taylor's, Brooke drops by to see how things are going with Ally and is surprised to find Nick there. He explains that Taylor rushed off to Thorne's to try to make things better after Ally found out the truth. Brooke thinks it's nice that he is waiting for Taylor to get back, but not appropriate. She scolds him about his recent actions towards the Forresters. Not wanting to discuss it, Nick tells her he had to move on and Brooke is shocked when he hands her divorce papers. Suspicious, Brooke tells him he wouldn't be so anxious to get the divorce papers signed unless something else is going on in his life. She asks him if it is Taylor, but before he can answer, Taylor walks in. Taylor is an emotional wreck from what just happened and Nick tries to comfort her. Nick tells Taylor once more that he believes she is only marrying Thorne out of guilt. Annoyed by Nick's obvious interest, Brooke says Taylor is a grown woman and can make her own decisions. Brooke watches as Nick continues to fawn over Taylor, until she can take it no more and demands to know if something is going on between them.

At Taylor's house, Brooke questioned Taylor as to her feelings for Nick. Brooke was suspicious that Nick and Taylor have feelings for one another. Brooke became suspicious when Nick suddenly decided to sign their divorce papers after have refused to for so long.

Brooke advised that Taylor cannot be with Thorne because she is committed to Nick. Taylor told Brooke that whether they have feeling for one another or not in none of her business. Brooke told Nick that he is close to Taylor because of therapy. Brooke told Nick that Taylor is not what he needs. Brooke privately told Nick that she cannot handle it if he has feelings for Taylor.

Phoebe took Shane home to speak with Ridge. Ridge did not want to hear anything that Shane had to say. Shane explained that he admired the type of person that Phoebe is and that is the type of person that he plans on becoming.

Brooke told Ridge that Taylor may have feelings for Nick. Brooke explained that Nick may be trying to hurt Thorne by making a play for Taylor or Nick may have feelings for Taylor.

At Taylor's, Taylor holds the globe that Nick gave her and remembers what he told her about why she shouldn't marry Thorne. Ridge walks in and asks her what she was thinking so deeply about. Taylor tells him she is worried about Ally. Ridge thinks Nick may be more of a problem than Ally. He then questions her about Brooke's theory that she and Nick are more than friends. Taylor is mad that Brooke keeps butting into her life. Ridge is afraid Nick is trying to stir up more trouble for the Foresters' by breaking Thorne and Taylor up. Taylor defends Nick, refusing to believe he is would try to sabotage her and Thorne's wedding.

Brooke offers Donna a job a Forrester Originals, but Donna declares her loyalty to Nick and Forrester Creations. Eric's attorney warns him that using the Forrester name could possibly bring a lawsuit but he doesn't care. Everyone gathers for the exciting press release and debut of Forrester Originals. Nick and his staff watch from a TV in his office. Eric and Ridge assure their loyal patrons they will still receive the wonderful craftsmanship they have always received from the Forrester family. They introduce Brooke in a new Forrester Original gown. Ridge ends up proposing to Brooke on the runway and she accepts. Nick is angered by their use of the Forrester name and by Ridge using a publicity stunt to propose to Brooke. Storm thinks they should sue the Forresters for using it, but Nick plans to beat them by buying out all of their high-end distributors.

At Forrester Originals, the Forresters are excited about the rave reviews they are receiving from the press which has been saying that "Forrester Originals is the hottest new couture house in the country." Determined to include all of his family in his new business, Eric decides to make Phoebe one of his new models. He also has designs that he wants Bridget to approve. Lauren Fenmore is happy to be part of their celebration and congratulates Eric on his new company. She thinks his main challenge will be finding a way to separate Forrester Originals from Forrester Creations on the clothes racks. Feeling Nick is no competition; Ridge pompously replies that their designs will be the one's flying off the racks. Lauren disagrees, stating that Nick and Jackie are formable opponents and won't go down without a fight. As Eric fondles lush fabrics, he tells everyone that his main goal will be to create original works of art. Ridge thinks his father is being a little excessive, pointing out that they have already spent a lot of money just to get started. Felicia maintains that it is crucial to spend more so their first creations will be a hit. Taylor is upset that everyone is focused on ripping apart Forrester Creations, the company they originally built. Eric believes Nick ruined the company when he bought it. Taylor asks Brooke and Bridget how they feel about the destroy "Nick mentality." Bridget is sure that Nick will be able to handle it and Brooke adds that Nick always likes a good fight. Later when they are alone, Ridge warns Thorne that he shouldn't trust Nick around Taylor. Thorne doesn't think there is anything to worry about, telling Ridge he trusts Taylor. Both of them agree that Nick could never be a serious competitor in the fashion industry. Ridge still fears that Nick may try to use Taylor in some kind of revenge scheme. Thorne refuses to doubt Taylor, and argues that the woman he intends to marry would never be disloyal to him. When Eric walks back into the office, Ridge informs him that Forrester Creations is in full production. Not concerned, Eric confidently tells his son he knows his clientele will remain loyal to him.

At Forrester Originals, Ridge warned Thorne again about Nick. Thorne did not listen to Ridge's advice. Thorne was defensive about Taylor. Arthur Roark assured Ridge and Brooke that he supports their new company. He had to cancel their meeting, though, because of his daughter's recital in San Francisco. Later Ridge christened his new office when he and Brooke locked the door and had sex.

A surprise visitor returned home to find his mother and Ridge playing with the children. A surprised Brooke was thrilled to see her son return, but was sorry for the reasons that he had to do so. Brooke was trying to explain what caused the change when she was met by a son who also thought that Ridge and Stephanie were to blame for what happened and not just Nick. Bridget then came in and she greeted her brother back home also. Sarcastically talking about how her relationship is going with Ridge, this time, he wondered how long it would last. He warned Brooke that if Ridge brought more problems than ever to his mother's life, Ridge would have to answer to him. While Brooke was proud of her son for standing up for her, Ridge stood listening quietly, not happy about what he just heard.

After overhearing Rick talking to Brooke about their relationship, Ridge promised Brooke he will prove himself to Rick.

In his office Ridge told Brooke he wished her divorce was over so that he could marry her.

Meanwhile at Forrester Originals, in Ridge's office, Brooke and he continue to make out. They are excited about their upcoming nuptials and wish that Rick could share in their happiness. Realizing that they have a lot of work to do in order to be ready for the fashion show, they finally manage to tear themselves away from each other. After Ridge leaves, Phoebe comes by and Brooke fills her head with dreams of becoming a super model. Brooke compliments Phoebe, telling her she possesses all the qualities necessary to be the Face of Forrester. Brooke promises Phoebe that the day that she relinquishes that title, Phoebe will take her place.

In a Forrester Original showroom Rick works with a flirty model. As the model is leaving, Ridge walks in and tries to make peace with his future son-in-law. Rick bashes Ridge for his unfair attack on Jackie, telling Ridge many of their international clients were appalled by Ridge's actions. He also complains about being forced to fire a lot of his international employees. Trying to keep peace, Ridge says that they can hire them all back once Forrester regains power. Still not satisfied, Rick blames Ridge's ego for losing Forrester Creations, and hints that Brooke was much better off with Nick. Ridge argues that Nick screwed up his marriage all on his own. He encourages Rick to let go of his bitterness and focus on making Forrester Originals a success. Ridge believes that Nick doesn't stand a chance against them. Rick thinks Ridge is foolish to underestimate Nick and angrily storms out of the room when Brooke walks in. Ridge explains that Rick thinks he isn't taking Nick seriously enough. He adds that Rick still isn't happy about them being together. Ridge pulls Brooke towards him and assures her that everything will work out and that Nick is nothing to worry about, but Brooke looks doubtful. Later, after Ridge and Brooke have left, Phoebe eagerly poses in one of Forrester's new creations. Rick loves her enthusiasm and thinks she is going to make a great model.

Back at Forrester Creations, Brooke drops by to see Nick and figure out what he is up to. Before she can get to him she bumps into Jackie who tells her that Nick is in a meeting. Brooke doesn't understand why Jackie and Nick think they could possibly make it in the fashion business. Jackie assures her that Nick isn't worried and is determined to do whatever it takes. Suspicious, Brooke demands to know who Nick is meeting with and why Jackie is so confident that they will have no trouble competing with the Forresters. Just then Nick bursts in eagerly telling his mom the deal is done and he wants to celebrate. Nick is shocked when Brooke confronts him, asking him what deal.

At home, Brooke allowed Nick to come over and visit with Hope. When he finished visiting with Hope, Nick had a long conversation with Brooke. Nick accused Brooke of recovering from their divorce and becoming happy again oh so quickly. Nick asked Brooke to show him how to move on with someone else. Nick informed Brooke that he is still heartbroken over their divorce.

Back at Brooke's Nick continued to be hostile toward Brooke and berate her for agreeing to marry Ridge so quickly. Brooke blatantly reminded Nick that she left him only after she had learned that he slept with Bridget. Brooke told Nick that he would always have a part of her heart. Nick was disgusted with Brooke for moving on and being so happy while he continued to be so miserable. Nick left and Brooke grieved the loss of Nick.

At Brooke's, as Brooke and Ridge prepare for their family dinner., Ridge worries about Rick's negative attitude towards him. In an effort to appear more family oriented, Ridge decides to change into a more "paternal" shirt before Rick arrives. When Phoebe gets there Ridge is relieved, hoping she will make a good buffer between him and Rick. Before they get a chance to talk, Rick comes in kinda drunk with a bloody nose. Brooke questions him, and he sarcastically replies that he was just at a "lecture" at a biker bar. Later while they are having dinner, Rick explains that he got into a fight with a guy about politics. Ridge steers the conversation back to business by reminding Rick to keep in touch with all their former European employees so they can hire them back when the time is right. Rick informs Ridge that it's too late for that since most of them couldn't afford to wait around and now they work for Nick. With the mention of Nick's name, Ridge remembers Hope telling him that Nick stopped by earlier. He asks Brooke what they talked about. Rick angrily steps in, telling Ridge to butt out because he thinks there is probably some unfinished business between his mother and Nick. Then Rick boldly asks his mother why she and Nick split up. Refusing to tell him the reason, Ridge only offers that it was Nick's fault. Brooke attempts to get them to settle down, but Rick will have no part of it and storms out. Phoebe goes after Rick, to try to calm him down. When they are alone, Ridge tells Brooke that he thinks they should tell Rick that Nick cheated on her with Bridget. However, Brooke adamantly disagrees, stating she and Bridget deserve a little peace. Ridge understands how she feels and promises to keep quite and wait patiently until Rick is ready to get to know him again.

Meanwhile, back in Brooke's house, Ridge tries to get Brooke to come to bed, and she promises to come as soon as she cleans up. Ridge asks her where Phoebe is and she tells him she is still out with Rick. Curious, Brooke goes onto the deck to see what they are up to. She smiles when she sees them lying on the ground staring up at the stars, not realizing that it could be the beginning of something not so innocent.

Brooke expressed her concerns with Rick's estrangement towards Ridge stating that Ridge made her happy and that he should get over any resentment harbored towards Ridge to make it easier for them to get along.

At the party, Ridge assured Brooke that nothing would ruin this special evening, including Rick whom he later saw approaching Phoebe. Ridge then walked over and sternly warned him that if he ever touched Phoebe he would kill him. Brooke told Ridge that Phoebe's relationship was harmless and that they made each other happy.