Wednesday, November 07, 2007, Episode #5183

Thorne and Felicia object to Eric's plans.

Eric meets with Thorne and Felicia in Thorne's office to discuss the upcoming fashion show and their new ad campaign. They're all pleased with the new ads, even though Eric points out that Stephanie laughed at the idea and called it idiotic. Felicia points out that her mother's taste can't be all bad, since she chose Eric. Based on that comment, Eric thinks it was a bad idea to bring up Stephanie, but Felicia tells him that she would have brought her mom up if he hadn't. Eric suggests they focus on work; Thorne agrees, since this is going to be a big moment for their family, which is all the more reason to leave Donna out of it. Eric responds that there wouldn't even be a show without Donna, because she pulled him up when he was down and convinced him to reclaim his company. Thorne wants to get back to talking about the fashion show and proposes that they end it with Eric coming down the runway, surrounded by the models, and then reaching out for Stephanie. Eric insists that Stephanie will not be involved, since she's not part of this company anymore based on the deal he made with Nick. A deal Donna helped negotiate, Thorne and Felicia protest, urging their father not to let Donna use him this way. Eric refuses to be called a fool by his own children and insists that he was the one who willingly chose to accept Nick's terms on his own. When Felicia and Thorne stand by their objections, Eric asks how they know what he wants better than he does. "This is just wrong," Felicia argues, urging Eric to consider the memories of the lifetime he shared with Stephanie.

Eric explains himself to his children.

Thorne agrees, hoping his dad hasn't decided to turn his back on his mother. Eric says he hasn't. "Then there's hope for our family?" Felicia asks. Eric says this isn't easy for him. Thorne can't believe his dad would give up years of marriage. Eric wonders why it's so hard to believe that Donna cares for him. Felicia thinks Donna loves his money and power, but doesn't love him from her heart and soul, so she urges Eric to see what Donna has done for him. Eric says that he does see it, because he's finally happy, and he feels more creative and energized than he has in years. While he can understand why Thorne and Felicia don't approve of his being with Donna, he thinks they should at least accept that he's own man thanks to Donna. Even so, Thorne argues, this is their family business, and it doesn't feel right to exclude Stephanie from their return to it. Eric says that this is HIS company now. Then maybe he should bask in the glory on the runway alone, Thorne suggests, and show the world the new Eric Forrester. Eric says he's not one to take the spotlight on his own. Felicia admits that it's his decision, but she thinks no one will be talking about their designs if he comes on the runway with Donna. Eric says he never even thought about having Donna on the runway. "Then keep her under wraps," Felicia suggests. Eric says he may not want to. He admits he will always have a unique bond with Stephanie, but he's tired of living his life for her, which is why he wants the fashion show to be a resurgence for him, a chance to decide who he'll spend his life with.

Stephanie tells Donna to stay away from Eric.

In Eric's office, Stephanie tells Donna that Eric would never make a laughing stock of the company by walking down the runway with a tart like Donna, but Donna thinks Eric's days of being laughed at ended when he tossed Stephanie out. Stephanie points out that she's not out of Eric's life yet, but Donna counters that she soon will be, since Nick will reclaim the company if Eric doesn't end his marriage. But Nick doesn't want the company, Stephanie retorts, unfazed by what Nick might do. "Don't be so sure, you bitch!" Donna blurts out, trying to act like the comment just slipped out. Stephanie tells Donna that she's deluding herself if she thinks she has Eric and Nick doing her bidding. "There are a lot of people who want to see you get what you deserve," Donna retorts, but Stephanie insists that she will be restored to her proper place in this company. "Not this time," Donna replies, stating that Eric has changed. Stephanie claims that Donna has no clue what makes Eric tick, but Donna disagrees. Stephanie turns to leave, telling Donna to let Eric know she was here. Donna states that she's Eric's lover, not his secretary; Stephanie quips that the secretary job has more job security. She warns Donna to stay away from Eric. "Or what?" Donna asks, wondering if Stephanie plans to send someone after her, too. She tells Stephanie that she's not intimidated by her. Stephanie simply smiles at Donna and leaves without saying a word. Donna tells herself that Nick isn't intimidated by Stephanie, either, so she can't wait until Nick gets his hands on La Forrester.

Brooke urges Nick to let go of his anger toward Stephanie.

Standing in her doorway, Brooke begs Nick not to go after Stephanie, but Nick insists that Stephanie be held accountable for what she did. Brooke tells Nick to come back inside so they can talk about this rationally. Nick comes back in, but he still wants to see Stephanie held accountable. When Brooke tells him that Stephanie came over and apologized, Nick doesn't understand why she's cutting that woman any slack. Brooke tells him that she wants to put this behind her, because she has her children back, and because Stephanie promised not to interfere in her relationship with Ridge. Nick questions that Stephanie said she's sorry, as she has said that so many times before. "Please let it go," Brooke begs, pointing out that she and Ridge are back together, stronger than ever. But that doesn't make everything OK, Nick scoffs. But going after Stephanie doesn't accomplish anything, either, Brooke asserts. Nick says that making Stephanie pay will make him feel better and asks if that counts for anything. Brooke says that what he thinks matters, but she thinks he'd feel even better by being a good father to Jack and letting her take care of herself. On the subject of husbands and fathers, Nick asks where Ridge stands on this. Brooke insists that Ridge will not let her be hurt by Stephanie; Nick thinks he's heard this before, which is why he can't let this go just because Stephanie said she's sorry. He wants to talk to Stephanie and see for himself, and he promises to just talk. "If that's what you need to do, then OK," Brooke relents. Nick asks her not to keep things from him, since she can tell him anything. "There's nothing I wouldn't do for you," he says as he leaves.

Donna explains her actions.

Soon after, Donna arrives at Brooke's house, and Brooke immediately blasts her sister for telling Nick about Stephanie's involvement in the rape. Donna says she did it for Brooke, since Stephanie has to pay. But all she did is get Nick riled up, Brooke argues, and god only knows what will happen if he lets things get out of hand. Donna thinks Brooke is overreacting, but Brooke fumes that Donna had no right to tell Nick about Stephanie. Donna says that Eric and Ridge know, but Brooke points out that she didn't tell either of them, just like she didn't tell any of her children. Donna tells Brooke that Nick cares about her. Brooke says that she cares about him, too, which is why she didn't want to drag him into this. Donna insists that Nick is the only one who's ever stood up to Stephanie, but Brooke argues that the violence has to end. She accuses Donna of being vindictive by sending Nick after Stephanie. Donna admits that she wants to see Stephanie pay, and she sees nothing wrong with getting Stephanie out of their lives. "It's the only way we'll ever get any peace," Donna laments. Brooke assumes Donna is talking about peace for her and Eric, but Donna says she's talking about Brooke and Ridge, too. Brooke points out that Stephanie has accepted her relationship with Ridge, but Donna doubts that will last. Brooke appreciates Donna's concern, but she doesn't want any part of Donna's vendetta against Stephanie. "Leave me out it!" she pleads as she goes upstairs.

Stephen gets a call from Donna.

Frustrated, Donna takes out her cell phone and calls her father. Stephen is pleased to hear from her and asks how she is. Donna says she's been better. Stephen asks if she's in some kind of trouble, but she tells him that Brooke's the one in trouble. Stephen asks for details, but Donna doesn't want to get into it on the phone, so she asks her dad if he can come to L.A. "Brooke needs your support," she insists. Stephen says he'll be on the next plane. Donna thanks him; she's glad that she can still count on him, and she thinks it will be nice to have to Logans together again. Stephanie admits that he's missed his family and tells Donna that he'll be there as soon as he can. As she hangs up the phone, Donna says to herself, "Please don't be upset, Brooke. Someone has to protect you from Stephanie."