Noah Opens The Shadow Room, Leaving Holden and Audra Rattled — Plus, Lily Shocks Victoria

At Crimson Lights, Nick calls to make sure Matt’s still at the ranch. He’ll need constant security updates. Sharon appears and they marvel at the buzz Noah’s created with the new Shadow Room. Sharon then asks about the plan for Matt.

Sharon’s appalled to hear that her rapist is going to be her neighbor on the ranch. Nick admits he’s going along with it, explaining that Victor had the charges dropped against Matt because he plans to use him to get something he wants. Sharon doesn’t like it. Nick says Matt doesn’t either, but he had no choice.

Talk turns to Nick missing his fentanyl, even with the methadone. He assures Sharon he’ll be alright. Suddenly, he gets a call that Christian has a fever and leaves.

A Family Affair

At the Athletic Club, Stephanie and Malcom laugh with Lily and Holden about the “good times” they had back in the day. Malcolm loves that Steph is moving back to town. Lily teases, “You’re next!” Holden announces that he has to go to the opening night at Shadow Room and invites them all to come along. Malcolm grins, “Sounds like a family affair right there.”

Malcolm intends to show them all how it’s done on the dance floor. Stephanie snorts; she’s not sure that’s in his discharge papers. Lily follows Holden out as she has to figure out what to wear. Stephanie thanks Mal for coming to spend time with Holden, who wants him in his life. Malcolm marvels at the two of them being connected for life. “Who knew?” She says, “I did.”

Stephanie expresses her regrets, but Mal lets her off the hook. She really stepped up for him when it mattered. He won’t judge her. Stephanie appreciates the grace he’s shown her. Malcolm could spend his life being angry, but he’s choosing to be happy and grateful.

Peace Talks?

At Society, Billy encounters Adam at the bar and needles him for Victor not inviting him to the fundraiser on the east coast (the Beyond the Gates crossover!). Maybe he didn’t want him following him around like a lapdog. Adam points out Jack didn’t invite Billy either and says he’s focused on Newman Enterprises. Billy learns Phyllis caved and gave it back. Adam says the Newmans always win.

Adam and Billy keep up the jabs until Adam asks if Billy thinks there will ever come a day when they can interact without hurling insults at one another. Billy thinks Adam needs to hate him to stop from hating himself after he killed his daughter. There will never be a time they won’t hate each other.

Adam assures Billy he thinks about what happened every day. Billy doesn’t buy it; Adam only pretends to have a conscience. Adam insists that’s not true. Billy says he couldn’t make peace with Adam… even if he wanted to.

In the Shadows

At the Shadow Room, Sienna tells Noah the line is around the block for the soft opening. She realizes he’s nervous. He really wants it to work. Sienna can see it now… it’s her design, but he made it happen. “We got this.” They kiss.

When Noah says the bartenders haven’t shown up, Sienna gets behind the bar. Before long, people are flooding in. Sally arrives with Audra, who immediately flashes back to Holden punching the art dealer and blood pooling under his head. Noah walks over, “You look like you’ve just seen a ghost.” Sienna notices them together.

Audra recovers and tells Noah she’s happy for him and they make their way to Sienna to order a drink. Sienna’s testy with Audra and Sally asks, “What was that all about?” Audra admits there’s some beef… mutual dislike. Sienna returns and Audra needles her about working behind the bar. When Sienna walks away, Sally wonders about Audra’s history with Holden at the old Shadow Room and their secret. Does Sienna know what happened?

Holden walks in with Claire and has a flashback to the art dealer’s death as well. He and Audra lock eyes. Claire, Sally and Sienna notice. Noah welcomes Claire and Holden. As they head to the bar, Sharon comes in and explains Nick’s absence.

At the bar, Sienna insults Audra over her choice of drink. At the door, Malcolm’s party arrives and Sharon rushes over to greet him. They all chat. Stephanie says she’s staying to spend more time with her son. Malcolm says, “That’s why I’m here too.” Sharon looks confused.

Lily trots off and Malcolm explains that Holden is his son. They go to a booth and Sharon and Noah discuss Nick’s progress. At the bar, Sienna greets Holden and Claire, asking if it’s a Vesper night. Claire sparks up a conversation with Sally, so Holden approaches Audra, who bristles and tells him to smile. “You’re good at that.” Partying ensues.

Eventually, Victoria arrives and approaches Lily. She hears congratulations are in order. Lily’s surprised. Victoria explains she’s talking about Malcolm. Lily tells her Victor gave her Chancellor back. Victoria can’t believe that and warns her not to get too comfortable. That’s her mother’s company. Lily informs her it’s a done deal. Her mom can find something else to do. Victoria gets a call and steps outside.

The Final Scenes

At Society, Adam tells Billy that Delia came to him in a dream (no, no, nooo, Adam!) during Connor’s OCD, and he thought she was saying it was his penance. But she meant that he would never be able to help his son if he kept beating himself up. Billy admits that’s something Delia would say. Adam asks what she’d say about them. Billy hopes she doesn’t give Adam a second thought.

Billy accuses Adam of trying to get under his skin. A cruel joke meant to cause pain. Adam is sorry he thinks that of him. Billy thinks it’s his instinct. He’s a wounded animal. Adam argues he’s just as wounded. Billy fumes, “Don’t ever mention Delia to me again,” and storms off, leaving Adam shaking his head.

At Shadow Room, Lily tells Malcolm she’s taken control of Chancellor from Victor. He’s a proud papa and is glad he’s there to see it. Lily reveals that Cane will run it. He admits he’s proven himself lately. He admits he’s tired and says he’s going to get out of there.

At the bar, Stephanie chats with Holden and Claire. Holden hopes to make better memories at this Shadow Room. Malcolm walks up to explain that he has to leave. He and Holden shake hands, “To be continued.”

Nearby, Sienna squints at Audra as she tells Sharon that she looks forward to spending more time there. Sharon breaks off to make a toast to Noah and Sienna for creating something positive there. They could not be happier to have their boy back in Genoa City. Everyone toasts to their success and to The Shadow Room.