Malcolm Returns to Genoa City — and Victor’s Plan for Matt Clark Targets [Spoiler]
At the ranch, Matt is eager to prove himself to Victor, who has a plan to test him. Nick’s stunned when his dad announces he’ll keep Clark there to keep an eye on him. The Mustache explains that he needs Matt to befriend Cane Ashby, and then spy on him and report back.
Matt balks at Victor’s plan. He doesn’t want to return to being the man everyone hates. Nick agrees. Besides, his dad already decimated Ashby, so what’s the point of this? Without giving any reason, Victor inanely insists that Cane remains a “threat”. Matt knows that his redemption depends on making amends to Nick, so he will do whatever he decides.
Unsurprisingly, Nick decides they should do what his dad feels is necessary. Victor reminds Clark that they can send him to prison or keep him out. Matt grumbles about all the soul-searching he’s done and how he’s afraid of reverting to type. Victor wants an answer. Relenting, Matt agrees to his offer.
After Matt leaves to settle in, Adam joins his dad and brother. Victor recaps the deal they’ve made with Matt to spy on Cane. Adam thinks it might work. Victor senses Nick has more doubts.
He’s Baack!
At Society, Cane is startled when Lily asks him to run Chancellor for her. She thinks this could be a fresh start for him. Besides, she’s realized that she belongs at Winters. Suddenly, Malcolm walks in. After he thanks Lily again, he asks to speak to Cane alone.
Once Lily steps away, Malcolm thanks Ashby for saving his life. Cane downplays it. Malcolm assumes he also did it to impress Lily. Cane owns that, but explains this was more about doing for him what he couldn’t do for his own father. They discuss Lily. Cane admits he needs to try to get her back. Malcolm won’t get involved. But if Cane hurts her, he will hear from him.
After Malcolm exits, Cane fills Lily in on their conversation and vows that he’ll never hurt her again. As they eat lunch, she asks if he’s decided on her job offer. He admits he had other plans. When she asks about his legal problems, he explains they’ve been solved. Lily doubts it’s that easy when Victor is involved. Ashby says the charges have been dropped.
Moving to Town
Claire joins Holden at the cafe in the park and asks how he feels about going to the club tonight. Holden claims he hasn’t thought about it. She’s sure he still has bad memories of his time in L.A. He’s determined to put that behind him and hopes they can focus on the future and make good memories.
Stephanie joins them with big news: She was offered the chief of staff position at the hospital. She wants to be around to make things up to her son, but is he okay with that? Holden is thrilled and even offers to let her live with him. Stephanie jokes that she didn’t want to get that close.
They’re all thrilled when Malcolm joins them. After hugs, they rib each other until Malcolm thanks everyone again. Claire takes off after an introduction and Stephanie follows. Malcom sits down with his son and says Stephanie has given him the impression that Holden is just drifting through life. Holden admits it.
The Final Scenes
At Society, Lily keeps teasing Cane about his plans. Insisting he’s “Honest Cane” from now on, he accepts her offer to run Chancellor. They raise their glasses to it.
At the outdoor cafe, Malcolm wonders if Holden will become part of Winters. His son doubts Devon and Nate would welcome him. The father and son then joke about baseball.
At the ranch, Nick admits he’s on the fence where Matt’s concerned. Finally, he decides that if they want to know if Clark can be trusted, Victor’s plan is a good way to go about it.
