Thursday, April 02, 2009, Episode #5533

Nick has some questions for Owen.

At Jackie M, Jackie introduces Owen to Nick, who asks about Owen's time at Forrester; he wants to know what their strengths and weaknesses are and how Stephanie fits into it all. Owen tells Nick that things at Forrester were tense, with lots of arguments. Nick wants to know who has the real power at Forrester. Owen says that Stephanie does, since she's the one people think of when they hear the name Forrester, even moreso than Eric, Ridge or Brooke. He thinks the fact that all the buyers, clients and employees look up to Stephanie makes her the company's most valuable asset. More importantly, her biggest power is her relationship to her employees, since she knows each one by name and is willing to do anything for them, and they'll do anything for her in return. If Ridge and Brooke are the face of Forrester, Owen speculates, then Stephanie is definitely the company's heart. Jackie gives Nick a book on the history of Forrester Creations so he can learn more about their rival. Guessing that he has some reading to do, Nick tells his mom and the new guy to take care of business and leaves. As Nick exits, Jackie's Realtor, Gretchen, arrives with news of a trendy loft in the area that she thinks would be perfect for Jackie. When Gretchen mentions that there's a plan for couples in the building's gym and salon, Owen pretends that he and Jackie are a couple and suggests to his "lover" that they go check the place out.

Owen tries to convince Jackie to buy the loft.

When she and Owen arrive at the loft, Jackie's concerned about the lack of privacy due to the large glass windows, but Gretchen explains that it's one way glass and no one can see in. Owen laughs that it shouldn't be an issue anyway, since his Jackie obviously isn't shy. When Gretchen shows them the stairs to the rooftop patio, Owen is even more impressed, but Jackie remains relatively subdued. Owen takes Jackie aside and tells her to have a little fun, but Jackie doesn't want Gretchen to think that she wants to buy this place. Owen suggests that she buy it, since it will only need a few alterations like a trapeze and a soundproof bedroom to keep the nosy neighbors from getting jealous. All joking aside, Owen really thinks the place is great; it's down the street from Jackie M and there's lots of energy in the loft. Jackie thinks that kind of buzz and excitement is more appropriate for someone just starting out in life, but Owen points out that she's getting a fresh start by building a future for Jackie M. He thinks Gretchen picked this loft for her because it's perfect for her, but Jackie thinks it's because Gretchen sees her as a "cougar," an older woman dating younger men. Owen points out that Gretchen picked the place before Jackie ever met him. Gretchen asks Jackie if she made a decision. Jackie says she's sorry, but it's not the place for her.

Stephanie tells Eric how she feels about being kicked out.

At Forrester, Eric tells Stephanie that he's sorry for how things turned out. He hopes she sees that he moved on with his life. Stephanie says that she knows he has, and she wishes she had moved on as well. She thought their marriage was supposed to be a lifetime commitment built around their family and this company, but he just tossed her away with reckless abandon. Eric denies the charge, but Stephanie holds firm. Now that he has Donna to share the spotlight with and the rest of those Logans running around, she fears that the name "Stephanie Forrester" will just be buried with all the rest of the relics.

Jake, Rocco and others join Ridge to say farewell to Stephanie.

Having said her piece, Stephanie bids Eric goodbye and turns to the door. As she opens the door, she's surprised to see her family, friends and employees gathered to bid her goodbye. Ridge, Thorne, Felicia and Brooke are there, along with Jake, Rocco. Madison and many other Forrester employees. Eric comes out and joins Donna to watch from the background as everyone tells Stephanie how much she's meant to them and to the company. Stephanie thanks them for the sentiment, but she thinks it's time to go. Felicia and then Thorne tell their mom that they want to come with her, but Stephanie tells them that she's the only one leaving, as she'd hate to this company and this family torn apart. She asks everyone to do her one favor and continue to do the excellent work they've always done, since she knows she's leaving this company in good hands. Looking around the hall, she's proud of each and every one of them, and she thanks them for sharing their lives with her. As all the employees approach Stephanie to say their goodbyes, Eric thinks he should say something to acknowledge his ex-wife's contribution, but Ridge advises him to let Stephanie have her moment. As she gets on the elevator, Stephanie tells everyone to remember the values that set this company apart. Everyone looks on as the elevator doors close. Inside the elevator, Stephanie tries to rein in her emotions and manages to keep her composure.

Felicia and Thorne make their feelings known.

Eric, Donna, Ridge, Brooke, Thorne and Felicia gather in Eric's office to discuss what just happened. Thorne and Felicia still can't believe their mother is gone, and they point out how generous it was for Stephanie to tell all the employees not to leave with her. Donna reminds them that Eric owns the company. Eric points out that there can only be one vision for the company, and Stephanie didn't agree with his. Donna points out that Stephanie also didn't agree with his choice of a wife, which is why she has to wonder if Stephanie's leaving is for the best. Felicia tears into Donna for not having the good sense to stay away today, but Donna won't be spoken to that way.

Brooke, Ridge, Eric and Donna offer their opinions.

Eric tells everyone to calm down; he knows they are being loyal to their mother, but he assures them that he will never minimize the contributions Stephanie made here. Then why send her away? Ridge asks. Eric says that the friction would have become unbearable, so something had to be done. Stephanie's children ask what she's supposed to do now that she's left the company. Thorne points out that his mother had a vacant look in her eyes as she got on the elevator, so he's worried about her. Felicia agrees that Stephanie is not OK with this. Donna tells them to stop acting like their mother is some thin-skinned little waif, but Thorne tells her not say another word about his mother. The kids remind Eric how depressed Stephanie got after the divorce, and it was only standing by him while he was in his coma that brought her out of it. Eric however thinks that Stephanie will be fine, since there's no one more resilient than her.