Chelsea greets Adam at Crimson Lights, where they go over Connor’s OCD and how great it is that he feels normal now. Adam remarks that things don’t feel normal at work… his father wants to make someone’s life a living hell.

Chelsea learns that Victor is going after Cane, and someone could get caught in the crossfire. Adam breaks the news that Billy may be aligning himself with Cane, not only against their family, but his own as well. Victor witnessed them put their heads together in France. “This is not a war Billy can win.” Somebody has to call his bluff… he might know what Cane is up to. Adam warns that Billy is part of an attack on their family and Victor has no choice but to deal with that threat.

Chelsea concedes that Victor has the right to defend himself and go after Cane, but she’ll need proof that Billy’s involved before she signs off on an attack on her ex. (apparently she’s running the show at Newman Media). Adam’s not sure how he would get proof. He has to strike pre-emptively. Cheslea thinks she can get Billy to be honest with her. She can be a voice of reason for her ex and convince him not to resort to subterfuge. Adam’s irked that she always comes to her ex’s defense… she’s not seeing him for who he really is. Billy’s out for blood.

At the ranch, Victor calls Cane and mocks him for wanting to go to bed early. “Come and see me at the ranch tonight.”

In Cane’s suite, he hands Phyllis a drink and she wants to know their next move. He says curiosity killed the cats. She quips that she’s already used up her nine lives. Cane toasts to an exciting and unexpected collaboration.

Sipping, Phyllis compliments Cane’s Negroni and they discuss her journey to connect with him. He remarks that he’s definitely “drawn to her assets.” They spar verbally about manipulation, and Phyllis warns that no one plays her and gets away with it. She’s been used too many times. Cane questions her about honesty and she balks. Cane assures her she’s passed his test, but warns he’ll continue to challenge her every single step of the way.

Phyllis gets why Cane is reluctant to trust anyone. She mentions Billy firing her, and Cane says the Abbott will have his own tests to pass. Phyllis asks if Cane trusts anyone. Cane says his father taught him the core of any con is trust. This is about him giving her his. She asks if he’s conning her right now, then decides they want something from each other. Cane says they’ll have to trust one another. Phyllis asks which poor soul they’ll give their confidence to first. Cane gives her a cheeky grin.

They agree this is going to be fun. When Cane alludes to her as an employee, she’s offended. He warns her to stay in her lane. She doesn’t do that business jargon. “Let’s do real talk.” Cane wants her to use her computer skills to hack into Jabot’s servers. “How about Newman Enterprises, Chancellor, Winters?” Phyllis asks what they’ll do when they get inside. He smiles, “We’re going to do a little shopping.”

Phyllis asks what’s on Cane’s shopping list. He’ll give her the details once they’re inside. Now, he has a meeting with Victor. Phyllis asks if he wants her to accompany him. Cane doesn’t think he’d appreciate it… it’s at the ranch. Phyllis warns him to be careful. Cane says he won’t underestimate him.

Billy arrives at Society, where Jack’s seated at the bar, puzzled that he hasn’t heard from Cane about a buyout yet. Jack asks if Billy’s had a change of heart and admits he’s a little bit hurt by his brother. Billy confesses that he hasn’t yet decided about moving ahead with the buyout. Jack prods to find out what’s going on with his brother, and asks if he’s met with Cane.