Wednesday, November 19, 2008, Episode #5444

Stephanie and Felicia wonder why Eric rehired Owen.

In Eric's office, Thorne urges his dad to turn off the camera in Owen's office. He sees no reason to test Donna's loyalty when Eric has Stephanie, who has always remained faithful. "One word from you," Thorne tells his father, "and this family can be restored." After Eric leaves, Stephanie and Felicia pop in to talk with Thorne about how Rick and Donna have divided their family. When Owen drops in to drop off a report for Eric, Felicia and Stephanie ask what he's doing there. When Owen says that he works there, Felicia assumes that Donna made that happen, but Thorne informs his sister that their dad hired Owen. Owen reminds them that he saved Eric's life and presumes that Eric hired him out of gratitude. Once Owen leaves, Stephanie surmises that Eric has forgiven Donna, since she can't think of any other reason why Eric would hire that bum. Thorne of course knows why Eric hired Owen but stays mum.

Marcus and Katie are surprised by Rick's approach.

Rick meets with Brooke, Katie and Marcus in Ridge's old office to talk about the changes in the company. When Rick gets up and moves around using a cane, the others marvel at how well he's doing without his crutches. Rick says that he didn't do it alone, and he can't run the company alone, either, which is why he needs to have their support to win the battle against Eric's other children. Brooke asks why it has to be "us against them." Marcus agrees, since he thought they're all part of the same family, and Katie chimes in that she thinks their clients want to see a united front in the company. Rick says that they've always been part of the Forrester family, but they've never gotten equal billing. But now it's the Logan's chance to shine, and they can't let Eric's "other family" divide them.

Brooke and Donna are surprised by Rick's tone.

When Donna arrives, Rick scolds her for being tardy. Donna says she's sorry, but she was working on a proposal with Owen. Noting how Eric rehired Owen, Rick warns Donna not to mess up that situation, since he can't afford to lose his advantage with Eric. Brooke, Katie and Marcus are all shocked and taken aback by Rick's harsh words to Donna. Rick explains that this isn't a hostile takeover, but he intends to prove that Eric made the right decision by putting him in charge. When Steffy comes in with Rick's mail and drops it in on his desk, Rick criticizes that he always thought she was like her mom, but he's starting to see a lot more of her father in her. Insulted, Steffy storms out. Marcus asks Rick why he expects everyone to choose a side. Rick explains that Ridge isn't here anymore and orders Marcus to replace any mention of Ridge's name on the premises with Rick's name. When Marcus quips that Steffy will love that, Rick tells him to get it done by the end of the day. Katie notes that Rick has been walking around the office without his cane. Rick covers that he loses all sight of his pain when he's focused like he is now. He declares that they're now at war based on the seismic shift of power in the company. "This is my vision. this is my company, and nothing and no one is going to stand in my way," Rick asserts.

Ridge refuses to come back to Forrester.

Eric goes to the Forrester mansion to ask Ridge to return to Forrester. "You know what you have to do," Ridge responds, questioning Eric's loyalty and dignity. He can't believe that Eric won't give him a second chance when he gave one to his cheating wife. Ridge then grouses that Eric was ready to turn Forrester over to him before the heart attack, but now Ridge can't even walk through the door. Eric says that's not true and urges Ridge to come back and design by his side. This isn't about job titles, he explains, but it's about creating designs that will rock the fashion world and carry the company forward, and he needs Ridge to make that happen. Ridge warns Eric that he can only walk the fence for so long before coming down on one side, and he fears that Eric's recent choices are taking Forrester down a dangerous path. Eric asks Ridge why giving Rick a little credit bothers him so much. "Rick is playing you and Brooke," Ridge gripes, "and both of you are too blind to see it." Eric argues that there's a place for all his children at Forrester, but Ridge wonders if the fact that he's not actually Eric's child has anything to do with this. Eric denies the charge and tries to bring up what Brooke said in her speech, but Ridge cuts him off, pointing out that Brooke at least sees the strain Rick has put on their relationship. But Ridge doesn't think Eric sees that, which is why he has a problem with Eric's rewarding Rick for being a selfish jerk. "I can't stop you, but I don't have to be a part of it, either," Ridge seethes before storming out.

Owen has a question for Donna.

Donna stops by Owen's office after her meeting with Rick. Owen asks how it went with the new boss. Donna quips that it was thrilling, but Owen bets it was still more fun than the meeting he walked in on in Eric's office. He recounts how he ran into Stephanie, Felicia and Thorne, and they weren't exactly overjoyed to see him. "That's because they know that Eric giving you this job means that he has no doubts about my feelings for you," Donna explains. Owen asks Donna about his own feelings for her, pointing out that they're working closely together with no one around or watching them.

Eric confides in Stephanie.

Eric returns to his office, where Stephanie is waiting. La Forrester scolds him for hiring "that bum" Owen instead of getting Ridge to come back. Eric says that's not what he's doing, so Stephanie asks him to explain his actions. Eric confides that he feels like he's failing to pull this family together. Stephanie assures him that he's doing the best he can and tells him that she's there for him if he needs her. Eric thanks her. After Stephanie leaves, Eric sits down at his desk and turns on his laptop. As he watches Donna and Owen talking in Owen's office, Eric tells himself that he loves Donna, but he has to know if he can trust her. "If you can be faithful to me, then the world is ours," he murmurs, telling himself that he'll only watch for a few more days.

Marcus replaces Ridge's name with Rick's throughout the building.

Marcus makes his way around the building replacing all traces of Ridge's name with Rick's. He changes the name in the building directory and on Ridge's parking spot, shreds stationary with Ridge's name on it and replaces Ridge's business cards with Rick's. As Marcus changes the name plate on Ridge's office to one with Rick's name, Steffy watches and angrily runs off.

Rick is angered by Brooke's request.

Inside the office, Rick tells Katie that Ridge is the past of this company while they are it's future. Katie tells him that erasing Ridge's name from the building won't remove it from Brooke's heart. Rick tries to convince Katie that Ridge is no good for Brooke, declaring that he won't let Ridge hurt Brooke ever again. After Katie leaves, Brooke drops by and remarks that Rick won't need his cane much longer. Rick suggests that they both get rid of their crutches. Brooke asks him not to talk that way. While she appreciates his concern, she needs to move ahead with her life, which is why she needs him to move out so Ridge can move back in. When Rick refuses, Brooke tells him that Ridge is her future, and she intends to have a life with him with or without Rick's blessing. Once Brooke leaves, Rick angrily cries out in anguish and swipes his cane across his desktop, wiping it clear.

Brooke asks Ridge to come home.

Brooke goes to the Forrester mansion to tell Ridge that Rick is moving out tonight. She asks Ridge to pack a bag and come home with her, since she can't stand one more night apart from him. She asks if he's still angry at her. Ridge answers that it's hard to stay angry at her, but he is confused. Brooke asks if it's about her speech, but Ridge says that he doesn't want to talk about it. Brooke says that she doesn't want to talk about it, either. She just wants him to know that their encounter at the beach convinced her that their feelings for each other are more powerful than any differences that might come between them. That's why she's sure things will turn around for him, even after being pushed out of Forrester. Ridge says that there's one thing he wants more than being president of Forrester, and he's looking at her. Brooke tells him that he's the only thing she wants, because she feels like nothing can get in her way when he's by her side.

Steffy gives Rick a piece of her mind.

Fuming that his plan to get Ridge out of Brooke's life failed, Rick paces around the office and flashes back to his many encounters with Ridge. "I've got to stop you and I will," he rages. Rick then recalls the time that Ridge threatened to kill him if he ever crossed the line with Phoebe. As the words "cross the line with my daughter," echo in Rick's head, a light bulb goes on in his mind. Steffy comes in and tells Rick that removing her father's name from the building won't change who the real president of Forrester is, and she warns Rick not to disrespect her just because she's Ridge's daughter. Rick tells her that he's sorry. He knows he's been acting like a jerk, but he wants her to know that he treasures her as a valuable asset to the family and to the company and intends to use her to the company's benefit. After Steffy leaves, Rick gloats about his plan. Recalling how Ridge freaked out about his dating Phoebe, Rick is sure Ridge will go ballistic again were he to find out that Rick was seeing Steffy now. And since that type of violence is the one thing Brooke can't stand, Rick is confident that a recurrence will rid him of Ridge once and for all!