Ridge Forrester has spent weeks convincing himself that he was doing the noble thing — the responsible thing — by forcing his father into retirement. After Eric’s frightening health crisis, Ridge became consumed by the fear of losing him. That fear turned into a mission: protect Eric at all costs, even if Eric himself disagreed. But in The Bold and the Beautiful, good intentions often pave the way to devastating consequences. And Ridge is about to learn that the line between “protecting someone” and “controlling them” can be dangerously thin.

Ridge’s Fatal Mistake: Loving His Father by Taking His Life’s Purpose Away

When Eric quietly expressed his desire to return to designing — the very soul of who he is — Ridge shut it down. He insisted that stepping away from Forrester Creations was the only way to keep Eric safe. Ridge believed that taking the burden of leadership off Eric’s shoulders was an act of love.

But Eric didn’t see sacrifice.
He saw suffocation.

To Ridge, the surprise retirement gala was a tribute…
To Eric, it felt like a funeral.

As Ridge spoke proudly about Eric’s legacy in front of the company, Eric forced a smile, but inside, every word hit him like a blow. He wasn’t ready to be sidelined. He wasn’t ready to be erased. And he certainly wasn’t ready for his own son to decide the rest of his life for him.

Donna, Brooke, and R.J. exchanged uneasy looks during the event. They could see what Ridge could not — the storm gathering behind Eric’s calm expression.

Eric Forrester has lived his entire life through creation, through the thrill of designing something magnificent from nothing. And Ridge… had just taken that away.

Eric Breaks — and Then He Fights

When the party ended and the lights dimmed, Eric retreated to his office — his sanctuary. The sketches he wasn’t allowed to finish lay across the desk, each one a reminder of everything Ridge had stripped from him.

At first, Eric felt grief.
But grief gave way to something sharper.
More dangerous.

Anger.

Not because Ridge didn’t love him.
But because Ridge refused to understand him.

And that is the moment Eric made his decision.

If Ridge wouldn’t allow him to return with dignity…
then Eric would take back Forrester Creations by force.

The Secret Power Play Eric Has Been Planning for Months

Unbeknownst to Ridge, Eric had never truly stepped back from the world of high-stakes business. Even during his recovery, he was quietly rebuilding alliances with investors, reconnecting with former board members, and reviewing the company bylaws that he himself helped craft decades ago.

Eric knew there was a loophole — a single procedural move that could shift the balance of power with one vote. And now, he was ready to use it.

While Ridge continued reassuring Steffy that he was “protecting” Eric by keeping him retired, Eric was gathering signatures, drafting motions, and preparing the ultimate counterstrike. He wasn’t just defending his legacy; he was reclaiming his life.

The Coup: Ridge Walks Into a Meeting That Isn’t His Anymore

Ridge arrived for what he thought would be a routine board meeting, prepared to present the company’s new direction.

Instead, he froze.

Because sitting at the head of the table — his seat — was Eric.

Behind him, neatly arranged documents.
Beside him, the allies he had secured.
In front of him, the authority Ridge believed he had locked away.

Eric’s voice was calm, but ice-cold, as he delivered the words that would shatter Ridge’s confidence: