PREPARE FOR THE MOST TERRIFYING SCENE Y&R FANS HAVE EVER SEEN! Cole Howard (J. Eddie Peck), fueled by desperation, breaks into Mariah Copeland’s (Camryn Grimes) room! He’s a changed man—a monster consumed by a dark secret.
Mariah’s life flashes before her eyes as Cole unleashes his fury, threatening her and everyone she loves, including her kids! “Keep quiet,” he snarls, “and maybe, just maybe, I’ll let you live.”
Just as Mariah believes it’s the end, an unexpected rescue erupts! Victoria Newman (Amelia Heinle) storms in, followed by the surprising appearance of Holden Novak! Can they stop Cole before he crosses the ultimate line?
Genoa City is reeling as a sinister plot unfolds, pulling its most prominent figures into a web of power, betrayal, and life-threatening danger. The lines between ambition and desperation blur, setting the stage for a confrontation that will leave everyone changed forever.
CHELSEA’S STRUGGLE: CAUGHT IN VICTOR’S STORM
Chelsea Lawson (Melissa Claire Egan) is suffocating under Victor Newman’s (Eric Braeden) relentless influence at Newman Media. Despite her own ambitions, Victor’s iron will makes it impossible to gain control. Nikki Newman (Melody Thomas Scott) offers a grim truth: “Victor doesn’t change his mind… your best bet is to just prepare to control the damage.” Chelsea grapples with her position, watching Adam (Mark Grossman) caught in Victor’s war against Billy (Jason Thompson) and Abbott Communications, knowing she can’t stop the storm but desperate to manage the fallout.
AUDRA’S AMBITION: PLAYING THE DUMAS GAME
Across town, Audra Charles (Zuleyka Silver) meticulously executes her own power play. Her invitation to the exclusive Dumas event in Nice is just the beginning. To truly cement her influence, she needs to bring Kyle Abbott (Michael Mealor) into the fold, seeing him as the key to unlocking Dumas’s full potential. Audra navigates rising tensions with Holden Novak (Jon Lindstrom), aware that Victor might recruit him, turning him into a wild card in her intricate game of manipulation.
COLE’S FRAGILE STATE: A DANGEROUS OBSESSION
Meanwhile, concern mounts over Cole Howard’s rapidly declining health. Battling pneumonia, his stubborn refusal of medical care forces a transfer to a specialist in Chicago. Victoria, by his side, is consumed by dread, fearing for Cole’s life and the devastating impact his potential death would have on Clare (Lily Brooks O’Briant), who is dangerously attached to him. Victoria worries Clare’s grief could push her further towards Cole and away from Kyle, unknowingly playing into Audra’s hands.
THE TERRIFYING TRUTH: COLE’S RAGE UNLEASHED
The simmering tension explodes as Cole, consumed by a chilling secret he desperately wants to keep hidden, confronts Mariah in her room. He’s no longer the man she knew, his eyes cold, his presence suffocating. Cole grabs Mariah, shoving her against the wall, his hands tightening as he unleashes a terrifying threat: “If you say a word about anything you know, I will make sure everyone you care about suffers… Keep quiet, and maybe, just maybe, I’ll let you live.” Mariah is frozen in fear, believing this is the end.
A STUNNING RESCUE & THE UNYIELDING THREAT
Just as Mariah’s hope fades, a sharp voice cuts through the terror: Victoria appears in the doorway, resolute, demanding Cole release Mariah. Behind her, in a shocking moment, Holden Novak steps forward, his eyes locked on Cole, his presence unwavering. “You’re not a killer,” Holden calmly states, forcing Cole to falter. Cole’s grip loosens, and Mariah collapses into Victoria’s arms. With a final, furious snarl, “This isn’t over,” Cole storms out, leaving Mariah shaken but safe. The danger isn’t gone; Cole’s thirst for power remains, and the question lingers: Was this merely the beginning of something far more sinister?