Thursday, February 26, 2009, Episode #5510

Taylor learns what happened to Ridge on the roof.

Stephanie stops by Taylor's office to tell her about what happened to Ridge on the Forrester roof. Taylor frets that Ridge could have been killed and the kids would have been devastated. Stephanie notes Taylor's concern for her ex-husband. Taylor remarks that Rick's the last person she'd expect to save Ridge. Stephanie is sure Rick is milking his heroic moment for all it's worth. Taylor points out that Ridge would never have followed Rick to the roof had Rick stayed away like he was supposed to. Stephanie predicts that Rick will be out of their lives, but Taylor doubts Brooke will allow that. Stephanie reminds her that Brooke was the one who fired Rick, and Eric is announcing that at a press conference today. Taylor doesn't think Brooke will just stand by as her son is publicly dismissed. Stephanie thinks the decision is out of Brooke's hands, although she admits it's a hard position for any mother to be in. She doesn't see what other decision Brooke could make and still hold onto Ridge. Taylor wonders if Rick's saving Ridge's life changes anything. Stephanie doesn't think Brooke would renege on her word and risk losing Ridge, and she intends to make sure that Brooke keeps her word.

Thomas chats with Aunt Pam about Rick.

Thomas stops by the executive floor and is surprised to see Pam at the reception desk. Pam tells him that she's lucky to be anywhere since "President Rick" doesn't really like her. Thomas can't believe Rick's nerve. Pam agrees. She sees that Thomas is wearing the sweater she knitted for him. He thanks her for the gift and says his goodbyes, since he wants to leave before the press conference starts. Pam promises to fill him in if any fireworks go off at the press conference. Pam then takes a call from someone asking about the press conference; she explains that Eric will make his statement shortly. Owen comes by as Pam ends the call and asks if she knows anything about what's going on. He hopes the surf line won't be affected by any changes that are announced. Rick comes out of Eric's office, so Owen tries to talk to him about the surf line, but Rick brushes him off. Owen notes that Rick sang a different tune at the showing when he took credit for the whole line. Rick admits that may have been a mistake and blames Owen and Donna's lack of experience for the surf line tanking. Standing by Eric's door, Jake listens as Owen defends himself and reminds Rick that Eric hired him. "If I stay on as president, I'll be the one to fire you," Rick snipes and walks off.

Rick eavesdrops as Steffy and Brooke stand up for him.

Ridge tells Brooke that he can't make nice with Rick as long as Rick pursues Steffy. Steffy offers to leave the company, but Ridge won't let her. He rails at Brooke for asking his daughter to quit so her son can stay. Brooke doesn't want Steffy to leave, but it's the only way Rick can remain at Forrester. Ridge tells her that he doesn't want a divisive force like Rick at this company. He then tells Steffy that he won't let her make a stupid sacrifice for Rick. "Steffy stays and Rick goes!" Ridge angrily declares. Brooke tells Ridge that she only suggested that Steffy take a short leave of absence, but Ridge doesn't think that time will solve this problem. Brooke understands that he's not ready to forgive Rick, but she assures that she didn't coerce Steffy into doing anything. Steffy concurs that this was her choice, even though she knows Ridge doesn't want to hear that because he doesn't trust Rick. "No, I don't!" Ridge snarls. Rick opens the office door and eavesdrops as Brooke tells Ridge how grateful she is that Rick saved his life. "He's my son and Eric's son. He belongs at Forrester," she insists. Rick walks in and asks Brooke if she has room in her car for some of his boxes. Ridge accuses Rick of manipulating Brooke and Steffy to get Steffy to leave the company. Rick plays dumb and feigns surprise at Steffy's gesture. He thanks Brooke and especially Steffy for their support. Ridge asks Brooke for a moment alone with her.

Felicia and Thorne celebrate Thorne's promotion and the end of Rick's reign.

In Eric's office, Felicia wants to celebrate Thorne's promotion and the end of that "little Napoleon" Rick. She can't wait for security to toss Rick out. Eric looks torn as Felicia goes on about how Rick ruined their public image and about how "President Thorne" will make them proud to be Forresters again. Thorne assures her that he'll get the company back to where it was before Rick took over, including making sure she gets the credit she's due. Fed up with the bashing, Katie reminds the Forrester siblings that they have to at least give the impression of a united front for the press, so she warns them to get it together. Eric sits behind his desk, looking concerned. Katie gives Eric some tips about delivering his statement, but he just wants to get this over with.

Owen pledges his loyalty to Thorne.

As Jake sets up the microphone and podium, he sees Owen come in. Thorne takes Owen aside and tells him that there will be changes once he's named president; he expects Owen to be loyal to the Forresters or get out. Owen assures Thorne that his loyalty to the family is no longer an issue. He knows the surf line didn't do so well, but he thinks he can turn things around. "If you take care of me, I'll take care of you," Thorne promises. "You can count on me," Owen vows.

Marcus hopes Rick gets canned.

Outside the office, Pam sees Rick talking with Steffy and tells Rick that it's about time he paid for what happened to poor Phoebe. Steffy says that Rick isn't responsible for Phoebe's death. "Of course he is," Pam retorts, asking Steffy to help her with something. As Steffy comes over to Pam's desk, Marcus walks by. Rick stops Marcus and scolds him for not wearing his uniform. Marcus says the uniform is at the cleaners, although he doesn't see why Rick cares given the rumors about today's big announcement. He hopes the word from that press conference is that Rick is leaving. Steffy asks Marcus not to take his frustration over their break-up out on Rick, especially since Rick saved her dad's life. Marcus just glares at Rick, who walks away with Steffy.

Rick shows Steffy how he feels.

Rick and Steffy go back to his office, where she helps him pack. She doesn't think it's fair that he has to leave. Rick tells her that he might have implied that he should stay and she should go when he talked to his mom earlier, but he never meant to say that his job was more important than hers. Steffy says that he made a bigger contribution to the company than she did, and she thinks the shipping department can get by without her for a while. "You deserve to be here," she states, hoping he gets to stay. Rick doesn't know if that will happen, but there is something he does know. Rather than tell her, he shows her what he knows by kissing her.

Stephanie and Pam await the start of the press conference.

As the reporters arrive, snooty Jarrett tries to get information from Pam. Pam admires his tenacity but keeps her lips zipped. Pam ducks into Eric's office and tells him that the press has arrived. Eric, Katie, Thorne and Felicia all wonder where Ridge, Brooke and Rick are. The reporters file into Eric's office. Steffy and Rick also come in and stand at opposite ends of the room. Stephanie comes in and asks Steffy where Ridge and Brooke are. "Brooke has a difficult decision to make," Steffy states. Stephanie wonders what her granddaughter means and looks at Rick across the room. Stephanie then joins Pam as they wait for the press conference to start.

Ridge tells Brooke that her son is using her.

Ridge asks Brooke how she could ask his daughter to quit knowing how much he likes having Steffy there. Brooke says it was only a temporary solution. Ridge accuses her of letting Rick play her yet again, but Brooke denies it. "Was it your idea, or did Rick plant the seed?" he asks. Brooke admits that Rick wants to stay, but she assures that she's not being manipulated. She doesn't see why Ridge objects if Steffy willingly chose to step down. Ridge thinks Steffy only did that because she felt like she had to for Rick. He thinks Rick is a liar and a manipulator, and he's sure Brooke sees that, too, or she wouldn't have asked Rick to leave to begin with. Ridge doesn't have anything else to say; he's tried to keep Rick from coming between them, but his patience is wearing thin. "For you, me and our marriage," he pleads, "I'm begging you to let go of this!" Brooke begs Ridge not to let this affect their marriage. He says he won't if she stops letting Rick manipulate her. Brooke again denies that Rick is manipulating her and reminds him that Rick saved him, but Ridge thinks Rick is using that act to take the family dynasty and Steffy, too! Brooke doesn't think Rick would do that, but Ridge disagrees, saying he saw Rick hesitate for a moment on the roof. Before Brooke can say anything, Katie comes in and tells them that the press conference is about to start. Brooke asks Ridge about what he said before Katie came in. "It's true, Logan. He's got to go!" Ridge growls.