The Young and the Restless Recap, May 1, 2025: Lauren told Michael to walk away from Victor 

Here's what happened Thursday, May 1, 2025, on The Young and the Restless, when Michael and Lauren had an intense discussion about Victor, Summer received shocking news from both Sally and Chelsea, and Audra teased Kyle.

What happened on The Young and the Restless

Audra ran into Victor at Crimson Lights. She wondered why Victor hadn't returned her messages. Victor mused that none of those messages indicated she had made headway with Kyle as he had instructed her to do. Audra countered that she was working on an excellent plan. “Then, I suggest you work harder,” Victor quipped.

Audra asked how the money for her company would be funded to her. She added that it was quite urgent. Victor replied he’d given her a contract that met her demands. He pointed out that she was foolish to think he would fund her until she delivered results.

“I swear to you, I will never flip to Kyle’s side,” Audra promised Victor. He started to leave, but she stopped him by saying she needed to build a team. “That will come in time,” Victor stated. He added he didn’t want to know the details about how Audra would seduce Kyle.

Victor said that every time Audra took a step in taking down Kyle he would flow money into her account to start her business. Audra proclaimed that Victor didn’t trust her. Victor said no, he didn’t – not at all.

Audra wanted to know from Victor what she had to do to prove herself. “It’s very simple,” Victor replied. “Show me results.” Audra maintained she was committed to Victor’s plan and her company. He asked her the name of her new company. “Vibrante,” Audra enthused.

Victor said he liked it and asked Audra for the corporate account number. Did that mean he was sending money her way, Audra wondered. Victor said he would when she produced results with Kyle.

Victor exited, and Kyle entered Crimson Lights. Audra teased him about being a “nepo baby” and wondered why he wasn’t out golfing. Audra told Kyle that Jabot was in trouble and her company, Vibrante, was going to get the best of him. Kyle complimented Audra on the name, but he said it’d take more than a flashy handle to make her products competitive. “Many companies with deep pockets have tried to best Jabot,” Kyle warned Audra. “Your pet project doesn’t stand a chance.”

Kyle teased Audra by asking her if her new company had a lab, a staff, or even business cards. Audra flirted a bit with Kyle by telling him he knew what she was capable of on every level. She suggested that he found the idea of competing with her in business exciting. Audra added she’d invite Kyle to her grand opening. Kyle countered that every woman there would be using Jabot products.

Claire interrupted Audra and Kyle. Audra teased Claire, which prompted Claire to ask Audra why she was always so rude. After Audra left, Claire told Kyle about Cole being sick. Kyle assured Claire that Cole would be fine. Audra spied the two from a distance as they kissed.

Kyle shrugged to Claire that Audra was just being Audra. Claire wanted to know if Audra knew much about cosmetics. Claire asked if Kyle found it odd that Audra felt compelled to rub her new business in his face. Claire theorized that Kyle suspected Victor was involved in Audra’s new company. Claire revealed that she just learned Victor was back in business with Audra, and it appeared to be a direct move against Kyle. Later, Kyle returned to Jabot and made a phone call. He wanted to know what was up with Vibrante.

At the tack house, Victoria and Claire helped get a very sick Cole ready to go to the doctor’s. Claire waited behind while Victoria got her ex out the door. Cole apologized for being sick.

At Society, Chelsea joined Sally and Summer for a meeting she called. Chelsea asked her two pals to keep an open mind. Before Chelsea could bring up what she wanted to talk about, Summer received a text – that Sally asked her assistant to send. The message featured Marchetti’s swimwear line. Summer thought the photos were stunning.

Chelsea announced that she had a job offer that could have her leave Marchetti. Summer asked if it was another fashion house that was offering Chelsea a gig. Chelsea assured Summer and Sally that no other fashion employer wanted her, but she wasn’t ready to go into details about her new opportunity. Summer wasn’t sure what to say, but Sally said she had an idea what the job was. Sally asked Chelsea if Adam wanted to work with her at Newman Media.

Sally added that it would be very “on brand” for Adam to ask Chelsea to work with him, as he didn’t trust many people. Sally noted that Adam comes off as a lone wolf, but he needs people around him.

Summer said it’d be a serious blow if she lost Chelsea. “The last thing I want to do is leave you in a lurch,” Chelsea told Summer. Then, Chelsea suggested Sally could take her place, and that Chloe could be promoted. Summer asked Sally how she’d feel about adding "creative director" to her job description. Sally said it was something to think about. Summer lamented that she would hate to lose Chelsea, but Sally could step in and help make a seamless transition.

Sally said she’d have to work something out first. Summer was taken aback when Sally said she, like Chelsea, had had an offer of her own. Summer asked if Sally was being courted by a competitor. Sally said that Chelsea and Chloe could take on day-to-day operations at Marchetti if she were to leave. Summer was stunned that she might lose both of her designers.

At Jabot, Kyle told Diane that Claire loved the house. Diane wondered if Claire had changed her mind about moving into the Abbott home with them. Kyle said that it’d be a slap to Victor’s face if Claire moved into the Abbott mansion. Diane theorized that Claire was just the person to give Victor that slap!

Diane asked how Victor continued to have such control over both his grown children and grandchildren. She pointed out that what Victor gives them comes at a terrible price. Kyle pointed out that some of Victor’s relatives do push back. Diane wasn’t sure where that pushback had gotten them. Kyle noted that Claire cared what Victor thought, but she would continue to chip away at him.

At the Genoa City Athletic Club, Lauren and Michael had lunch together. Michael revealed to Lauren that he had given Jack a warning that Victor was amping up their feud. Lauren feared that Michael doing that would make things worse. She feared Victor's reaction if he learned about Michael's talk with Jack.

Michael worried about what could happen if Jack and Victor engaged in a full war. Lauren reminded Michael that he was in a dangerous place. She asked her husband what Victor would do if he found out Michael had talked to Jack. Lauren added that Michael would be Victor’s victim if and when he does learn about Michael’s actions. The legal eagle told his wife not to worry. He had a plan.

Lauren noted there’s usually a mess to clean up after one of his plans. She asked her husband if he’d learned his lesson yet. Michael said there was no plan. He said to forget that he had brought it up. Lauren suggested that Michael follow her plan – call Victor up and quit!

Michael asked Lauren if she was giving him an ultimatum. The attorney said he was going to honor his allegiance to Victor. He professed that nobody would be hurt. Lauren said it was one thing to protect Victor legally, but it was another if people got hurt. “I’m going to stick around,” Michael said. He wanted to prevent a complete disaster. Michael asked Lauren why she couldn’t trust him.

Just then, Diane came upon the couple. She feared she was interrupting. Lauren asked Michael to tell Diane what they were talking about. Diane grew curious. Michael changed the subject and made it about the new Abbott mansion. Diane concluded that this was about Michael, her boss, and Jack. Diane asked Michael where his allegiance was – with his friends or Victor. After Diane left, Michael asked Lauren why she’d put him in a spot like that.

Lauren said she wondered if Diane was right – that Michael’s allegiance truly is to Victor and not his friends. Michael lamented that Lauren either can’t understand him or refuses to understand him.

Back at the ranch, Victor took out his phone and sent a text. Just then, Michael checked his phone. It was Victor, and he wanted to see him. Lauren advised her husband to get out before it was too late.

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