Locke'd Out, YOUNG AND RESTLESS

When hen Ashland signed Victor's agreement relinquishing his claim on Newman/Locke, plus annulling his marriage to Victoria, for a $500 million payoff, the fuse was lit on a storyline powder keg packed with nearly a year of lies, deceit and manipulations and the resulting explosion was bombastic.

After putting his John Hancock on the document, a gloating Ashland returned to Victoria's office, acting more like a conquering hero than a worm who'd accepted a bribe, anxious for them to start their lives anew elsewhere, as they had planned. Victoria's back was to Ashland when he first walked in, clapping his hands together in triumphant glee and crowing, "I see no reason to stay here one minute longer. You ready to go?"

He was in for quite a Vicky surprise, because wasn't just waiting for him - she was lying in wait. The moment of truth she'd long been anticipating had finally arrived, and she turned around slowly to face him, her eyes smoldering with contempt. "Did you really think that I would run away with you after everything you put me through?" she seethed. Judging by his dropped jaw, Ashland was utterly thrown, and Victoria was more than happy to clarify herself, confessing that she had been playing the role of supportive wife so that he would accept Daddy's deal.

Ashland refused to believe she had duped him until he tried to take Victoria into his arms and she forcibly wrenched her body out of his grasp, scowling with disgust. "All of those feelings that you might be having right now of betrayal and humiliation, I know them," she spat, her eyes narrowing as she lowered the boom. "It's your turn now."