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At Society, Diane greets Michael and thanks him for agreeing to meet with her. She fills him in on their move to protect Jabot, and Victor finding out and using it against them. “You might be our only hope,” she explains.

Michael’s not sure what he can do. She reminds him Victor wants to use the AI program against Jabot and that would be wildly illegal. If Michael helps them save Jabot, he’d be saving Victor from his worst instincts.

Diane coaxes that the only way to save Jabot is to get the AI program. Michael has tried to change Victor’s mind about using it. Diane says all they need is proof that he has the actual software… she and Jack can take it from there. “Will you help us?” Michael will do what he can.

Nikki Confronts Victor

At the ranch, Adam tells Victor about his run-in with Jack and says he passed along a message: He’ll burn Jabot to the ground before he lets him have it. That’s just where Victor wants him. Nikki walks in and demands to speak to Victor alone.

Victor warns they have to catch Matt Clark, before Adam leaves. He explains to Nikki that Nick has set a trap for the villain. Nikki has a different matter to discuss: his need to destroy Jack and Jabot. “You have gone too far!” she declares… and during the holidays! Victor can’t think of a better Christmas gift.

Nikki lays into her husband for going after Jack, who saved her life that night. “It has to stop!” Victor claims Jack did this to himself. Nikki argues that she could see the guilt on Adam’s face. Victor starts raging that she could have died that night in that hotel room. Nikki hollers at him to stop. The Abbotts could lose everything because of him! Victor doesn’t give a damn.

Saved By the Tessa

At the Club, Phyllis coaxes Daniel to believe that her deal will change their lives. Daniel wonders if she’s going after Jabot, which would hurt Summer. Phyllis would never do that. Daniel warns her schemes never turn out how she hopes. Daniel grills her for her plan, but she refuses to tell him. Tessa interrupts and Phyllis invites her to sit and discuss her future with Daniel… as friends.

Tessa sits and Phyllis asks about Mariah. Tessa admits she got news… and it’s not promising.

Matt Clark’s Demands

At the overlook, Matt Clark meets with crooked cop, Annie, who tells him Noah has Sienna stashed in a suite at the Athletic Club. The Newmans have security on her, so getting to her will be difficult. Matt doesn’t care if it’s difficult, he wants her to take care of Sienna. He’s finally going to settle the score with the Newmans… the whole damn clan is going to pay the price.

Annie warns Matt he’s setting himself up for a lot of trouble. He rants that these people have taken everything from him. He has nothing else to lose! There’s no way he’ll let Nick, Sharon and their homewrecking son get away with destroying his life. He needs to know Annie’s still n board. “Don’t make me regret keeping you around.”

Broken Promise

At Sharon’s place, Sienna and Noah are tucking into BLTs and canoodling when his mother enters the room, puzzled because no one has heard from Nick. “Should I be worried?” she frets.

Sienna and Noah reassure Sharon and explain they visited with Faith this morning. They’re glad she has a security detail. They return to wondering where Nick would be. Sharon recaps that no one is safe until Matt Clark is caught.

They go over the threat Matt presents and Sharon vows she’s not the same woman she was… she won’t let him hurt anyone. “Nobody messes with my family.” Donning a coat, Sharon announces she’s going to the office. Noah’s against it, but promises to call if he hears from his dad. Sharon warns them to stay put. Once alone, Noah immediately breaks his promise by suggesting they go out.

Saving Jabot

Diane returns to the Abbott mansion to reconvene with Jack, Billy, and Kyle. She reports that Michael is going to do what he could to help them get proof Victor has the AI program. The men aren’t convinced he’ll come through. Billy reminds them they have one other option… Phyllis.

At the Club, Daniel and Tessa leave Phyllis sitting alone at the table. She texts someone, “We need to meet.”

At the Abbott mansion, Billy gets Phyllis’ text and shrugs into his coat. They worry about how obnoxious the redhead will be. Jack announces he’s heading to the office and follows Billy out the door. Diane asks Kyle if he’s heard from Claire. He hasn’t. Diane worries if she constantly chooses Victor over him it won’t be much of a relationship.

Managing Victor

At Society, Michael takes a call from Victor, who wants to know about the period of time between Matt’s supposed death and his resurrection. Michael asks where they stand with Jabot, and Victor says it’s none of his business and disconnects.

Back at the ranch, Nikki wants Victor to give her the AI program so she can see that it’s destroyed. He asks if she’s out of her mind… he won’t give her the software so she can play into to Jack Abbott’s hands.

Are Noah and Sienna In Danger?

Still at the overlook, Annie assures Matt she’s on his side, but he’ll have to decide if this vendetta is worth the risk. He’s confident it’s worth it. Annie wonders, “How do you take down a guy like that?” Matt says you need the right weapon and holds out a baggie of pills.

At Crimson Lights, Sienna can’t believe Noah ditched security. Noah’s not afraid of Matt Clark. Esther appears and rushes over to hug the young Newman, but gives Sienna the cold shoulder.

Noah and Sienna head to the patio and she asks how he sees their future. Noah doesn’t ever want to not be with her.

More: What’s next for Nikki?

Sharon returns home, having forgot her tablet, and is dismayed to find out Noah and Sienna went out. Nick arrives and explains he was out of cellphone range. He’s confirmed that Matt Clark and Annie are in Genoa City. Just as she tells him Noah’s gone out, Detective Burrow shows up.

They go over the incident with Annie and Matt playing Burrow, who is keen to bring them down. Nick tries to reach Noah.

More: Exclusive! Josh Morrow on Matt Clark story

At the overlook, Noah and Sienna are cuddling on a bench when Nick calls and asks, “What are you doing?” Noah’s not afraid of Matt and insists they’re fine. Nick warns him not to play the hero. Pocketing his phone, Noah returns to canoodling with his girlfriend.

The Final Scenes

At the ranch, Nikki tells Victor she’s not playing into anyone’s hands. This is her decision. He asks, “If I don’t give you what you want?” Nikki levels, “If you don’t give me the AI program and end this war immediately, I will leave you.” This raises his eyebrows.

He can’t believe she’d leave him after all these years out of misplaced loyalty to Jack Abbott. Nikki replies, “Without looking back.” Victor claims Jack destroyed Jabot, not him. She says, “No more lies, Victor.” Whispering, he warns he doesn’t take kindly to threats, then bellows, “Not even from you!” Nikki jumps. Pointing, Victor tells her there’s the door. If she wants to leave, get out! (Is there any way back from this?)

Billy meets Phyllis at the Club and tells him she doesn’t want money or anything for herself. He snarks, “Since when, Phyllis?” She threatens to end the conversation. Billy offers to listen. She wants him to sign over Marchetti to Summer. That’s the price if they want him to stop Victor.

More: Will Summer return?

At Sharon’s place, Burrow learns Nick’s family will give him back-up. He’s hoping Matt will walk right into one of their traps.

At the overlook, Noah and Sienna are kissing when Annie sneaks up and pistol-whips Noah, knocking him out. Holding Sienna at gunpoint, she leers, “Let’s take a walk.”

More: Amid rumors, Zuleyka Silver talks Audra’s future

Next on The Young and the Restless: Nick and Sharon learn that Sienna’s gone.