At Society, Holden tells Audra to move on, but of course, she pulls up a chair to needle Claire, who is sloppy and spills her drink. Audra mocks Holden for still using the old Vesper pick-up line and wonders what Kyle would think of this. Realization dawns, and Audra guesses Claire knows the truth and dumped the cheater, Kyle.

Claire slurs, “Go away.” Audra teases that she ran into Kyle earlier. Claire calls her a hateful, miserable bitch and denies she dumped him. Audra, highly amused, wonders what Kyle would think about their little date. Holden protests that they’re just friends. Claire tells her they were just discussing what joke she is.

Audra needles that Kyle was close to kissing her again tonight and Claire, lolling across the bar, asks if she ever gets tired of lying. Audra tells her Holden stayed in town because of her too. Claire wonders where Nate is… she’s all alone. Does he think she’s as pathetic as the rest of them do. Audra lunges toward her and Holden intervenes.
Claire slurs that she can fight her own battles as Audra recalls she tried to poison the entire Newman clan. Maybe Kyle needs to open his eyes and not the other way around. Claire lurches to her feet and adopts an appropriately sinister expression. “Maybe you’re right,” she intones, “Maybe I’m the dangerous one. Maybe you need to watch your back.” Holden tries to peel Claire away from Audra, and after a few more insults, he’s successful.

What Is Nikki’s Surprise?

At the ranch, Nikki greets Victor dressed in a floor-length red gown. It’s his turn to be surprised and spoiled. Pouring some non-alcoholic bubbly, Nikki toasts to the love of her life. Victor, eating his dinner, needed this respite from the storm. They go over their recent trials and Nikki reminds her husband he tried to come between Kyle and Claire, and they have Cane hanging over their heads. Victor is ready for him… he doesn’t know who he’s dealing with.

Nikki tries to compare Kyle and Claire’s love to their own, but Victor’s not having it. Urging him to eat the last oyster, Victor discovers a ring in it. Nikki never dreamed she would live a life like this… but he made it possible. Victor tears up. Nikki reminds him of his gift to her on their first Christmas. She wants him to feel the same way and pulls out a present. Victor unveils a new leather coat.

Victor tells his wife he loves this evening, but he admits he’s suspicious that she’s doing this to make sure he doesn’t go after Kyle anymore. He assures her that his mind is on Cane Ashby. He’s trying to figure out what he’s up to and how to take advantage. Nikki learns that Colin swindled Madame Deleone. Cane may be complicit, and it could ruin what’s left of his reputation if he doesn’t do what Victor wants him to do. Cuddling, Victor assures Nikki that he’ll one-up her. She has no doubt. Recalling a romantic memory, they slow dance and kiss as they flash back.

What’s Cane Up to With Michael?

On the Cane train, he pours drinks and thanks Michael for coming. They debate whether it was a smart move. After rehashing Cane’s disastrous return, Michael accuses him of liking chaos and manipulating the flow of information to stir up trouble. Cane asks, “What do you want?” Michael hedges, “Answers.” Why did he invite him and Lauren to Nice? Cane laments not being able to reveal his intentions as planned. Simplifying, Michael asks why he invited him there tonight.

Turning the tables, Cane asks why Michael came there tonight. Michael shrugs about satisfying his curiosity. Cane needles that he’s out of job. Michael counters that he’s retired. Cane isn’t buying it… he loves the game too much. His skillset should be used. He admits he wants to hire Michael as a fixer… he checks all the boxes.

Cane doesn’t blame the attorney for walking away from Victor, who didn’t return his loyalty. Cane’s sure that under the right circumstances, Michael might return to the work he loves. Michael realizes he invited him to Nice to see where things stood between him and Victor. If that’s the case, he’s not interested.

Cane asks Michael to put his phone number in his contacts and promptly texts him an offer he may not be able to refuse. Michael wants to know what he’d be doing. “Has a crime occurred? Is that what you need me to help fix?” Cane, of course, can’t divulge anything until he has attorney/client privilege, but teases that his offer is just a starting point.

Will Claire Get the Dirt?

At Crimson Lights, Holden asks Esther to bring him and Claire coffee.

At their table, Claire recalls blasting Audra and laughs before deciding she shouldn’t have gotten into it with her. As the blonde groans, Holden assures her Audra deserved everything she threw at her. Claire wishes she could forget about her past. Holden tries to reassure her. Claire blurts, “I tried to kill people.”

Stunned, Holden rallies, “Clearly, you got the help you needed.” He says they’ve all made mistakes. Claire fishes, “Like what happened in L.A. with Audra?” She bets it’s pretty bad… maybe even illegal. His expression tells her she’s right. Holden wants to forget his past too. Claire won’t give up. She needs something to shut Audra up for good.