Victor Blames Himself for What Happened to Nikki | Young and Restless Spoilers

Claire bumped into Victoria in the lobby of the GCAC and was glad to know she’d just come from seeing Nikki, as she’d been worried when her grandmother wasn’t returning her texts. Victoria told her that Lily now owned Chancellor and had put Cane in charge, and the stress had taken a toll on Nikki.

Victoria also explained that Nikki was worried about Jack and that he wasn’t available to support her right now. Claire suggested they try again to help Nikki and Victor reconcile, but Victoria accidentally let slip that Nikki was dealing with health issues.

After Claire pressed for details, Victoria admitted that Nikki had been suffering from severe headaches and blurred vision. Fighting back tears, she explained that Nikki blamed stress, but she feared there was something more serious going on. Victoria confessed that she’d been researching symptoms and treatments and was terrified the condition could be something dangerous.

Claire encouraged Victoria to focus on finding answers instead of worst-case scenarios. Victoria broke down at the thought of losing her mother. She knew Nikki was scared and in pain, but didn’t want her to see how frightened she was herself. Claire urged Victoria to lean on her so she could stay strong for Nikki.

Victoria admitted she couldn’t imagine a world without her mother. Claire reminded her that Nikki and Victoria were both incredibly strong and that they would face whatever came next together.

Realizing Claire had plans, Victoria encouraged her to continue with her date with Holden. She also gently suggested that Claire enjoy dating and not rush into anything serious. Afterward, Victoria headed home to spend the evening watching a movie with Katie and Johnny.

Audra and Sienna Clash Over Noah

Audra arrived at The Shadow Room, and Noah was surprised to see her back so soon. “As if I could stay away,” Audra replied with a smile. The two chatted for a while, and Audra placed a hand on Noah’s arm while telling him how happy she was for him. Sienna walked in just in time to see it.

Sienna joined them and immediately made herself comfortable, leaning on Noah’s shoulder as if nothing bothered her. Audra commented that the Genoa City version of The Shadow Room felt very different from London.

Once Noah stepped away to tend bar, Audra and Sienna wasted no time trading barbs. Both accused the other of shady behavior and questionable decisions. Sienna reminded Audra that she wouldn’t be able to cause trouble over Matt anymore, since she had unknowingly been married to him. Sienna then brought up Audra and Holden’s secret, insisting that, unlike Audra, she had the truth on her side: Noah loved her, and Audra couldn’t change that.

When Noah returned, Audra claimed Sienna had accused her of having ulterior motives. She insisted she was only checking in on him and promised she wouldn’t reveal that she had seen Matt in the park. Noah thanked her, and Audra smugly pointed out that she and Noah could have a conversation without any romantic undertones before leaving.

Claire and Holden Clash over Audra

As she walked away, Audra ran into Holden, who immediately wanted to know what trouble she had caused this time. Audra insisted Sienna was the problem, but Holden argued that Audra seemed determined to get burned again. Audra teased that Holden obviously cared about her, which he denied.

Just then, Claire arrived and wondered why Holden was so concerned about Audra’s actions. Audra cheerfully assured Claire that she wasn’t a threat to anyone and declared that Holden was all hers before walking away.

Claire questioned why Audra always seemed to get under her skin. Holden explained that Audra enjoyed provoking people and warned that Noah shouldn’t underestimate how far she’d go to get what she wanted. Claire again wondered why Holden cared so much.

Meanwhile, Noah asked Sienna if she was jealous of Audra. Sienna brushed it off but admitted that Audra seemed determined to remind Noah of their history. Noah reassured Sienna by telling her how much he loved her and they kissed. From across the bar, Audra witnessed the moment before quietly leaving.

Cane Grows Suspicious of Matt

At Crimson Lights, Cane immediately confronted Matt about what he believed was an attempted setup and demanded to know what Victor Newman really wanted.

Matt launched into a detailed explanation of his background, claiming he had once worked on Hope Wilson’s farm in Kansas. He said he spent years drifting before caring for his dying father and eventually reaching out to Adam for help getting his life back on track.

Matt insisted he wasn’t working for the Newmans and was simply staying near the stables while looking for employment. He attempted to bond with Cane over their complicated relationships with their fathers and suggested he’d like to work for someone like him.

Nearby, Phyllis overheard the conversation and eventually interrupted. After exchanging a few sarcastic remarks with Cane, she explained that she and Matt had previously met at the GCAC.

Cane quickly connected the dots. Matt had arrived in Genoa City on a plane ticket paid for by Adam Newman, met Phyllis almost immediately, and was now seeking him out.

“Right… yeah. When you say it like that, it does sound a little sus,” Matt admitted. Cane wasn’t buying the story. “When you’re ready to be honest, Matt, we can have that conversation. Until then, I’m sure Phyllis and the Newmans can keep you busy,” Cane replied before walking away.