The Young and the Restless Recap, September 29, 2025: Claire breaks up with Kyle

On the Monday, September 29th episode of The Young and the Restless, Claire reconsidered Holden’s offer, Jack reached out to Jill, and Billy refused to give up.

What happened on The Young and the Restless

Jack and Billy on The Young and the Restless | Image: CBS

Claire arrived at the Abbott mansion, and Kyle invited her in. She voiced surprise that he’d suggested they have breakfast there, but she reasoned that it was a good place to talk. He confirmed that it was part of the reason he’d changed the location. Harrison ran in and hugged her, greeting her in Italian.

Harrison complained that going back to school sounded boring. Claire anticipated that his friends would be happy to see him, and Kyle hinted that there might be cupcakes on the boy’s first day back. Harrison’s mood brightened, and Kyle instructed his son to tell Mrs. Martinez he was ready to go. Harrison begged Kyle and Claire to take him to school. Kyle asked if Claire minded, and she enthused that it was a great idea. Harrison applauded and pulled them into an awkward group hug.

After dropping Harrison off at school, Kyle and Claire returned to the mansion. Kyle noted that the house had seemed quiet without his son, and he was glad to have his little buddy back. Kyle thanked Claire for going along with Harrison’s request to take him. Claire said she was glad the boy had wanted her there, and Kyle remarked that Harrison hadn’t been the only one.

Over breakfast in the dining room, Kyle and Claire made small talk about their jobs and how Cane’s return had both their families rattled. Kyle commented that it was nice to just hang out like they used to, since it felt like forever since they’d just been normal together. Claire lectured that they couldn’t pretend things were normal between them when they weren’t, and she thought it was time they talked about their relationship.

Kyle recognized that he and Claire couldn’t just fall back into the way things used to be, but he was at a loss about what more he could do to fix the damage he’d caused. Claire wasn’t sure her confusion was because of anything he’d done. She explained that she’d realized the power she’d given to everyone in her life to give her guidance about their relationship, but what she was feeling wasn’t about him or them as a couple – it was about her.

Claire cited how quickly she’d dived into a relationship with Kyle, and she hadn’t had the skills to cope when things had gotten rocky because of her lack of experience. She admitted that she’d looked to other people to tell her what to do when she should have trusted her own instincts. Claire believed she needed to get out into the world and make her own mistakes and decisions without looking to anyone for their permission. Kyle thought it sounded like she was breaking up with him.

Claire insisted it was best for her right then, and possibly best for both her and Kyle in the long run. Kyle protested that he’d expected to move in together and eventually get married someday because they loved one another. Claire softly said she still loved him, and she wasn’t saying it would be forever. She appealed to him to give her the room to be on her own for a while and not fight her on it. Kyle reeled as she walked out.

Later, in the park, Claire pulled herself together and called Holden. She asked if his offer to show her L.A. was still open.

At the new Newman ranch, Victor informed Nikki, Nick, and Victoria that they had matters to discuss that couldn’t wait until Adam and Chelsea were back from taking care of Newman Media business. Victor revealed that Cane hadn’t taken Victor’s threat to expose Colin’s last scam seriously, but Nick pointed out that they didn’t know if Cane had been involved in it. Victor barked that by the time Newman Media was through, the world would know Cane had been part of it.

Victor intended to wait and see what Cane’s next move was. Nick worried that Cane might plant the AI and try to take over Genoa City’s businesses, but Victor was certain that Cane wasn’t ready for Armageddon – at least not yet. Victor divulged that Jack had been there the night before to make the desperate proposition that they work together to defeat Cane. Victor elaborated that he and Jack suspected Jill had more influence on Cane than even Lily did.

Victor continued that Cane admired Jill and that he wouldn’t want her to think he was anything but the son she wished she had. Victor hoped Jill could convince Cane not to go to the dark side, and once Cane was vulnerable, they’d crush him. After Victoria and Nick left, Nikki worried that Victor would find a way to use the olive branch Jack had extended against him. Victor testily asked why she cared.

At Society, Victoria and Nick predicted that Victor and Jack’s collaboration would be a disaster. Victoria doubted Jill would work with them to take Cane down, and she bemoaned that it had hurt Billy deeply that Jill had seemed to favor Cane. Nick imagined that if Billy got word of what Victor and Jack were planning, it would blow the whole thing wide open.

Nick opined that Cane was a “greedy bastard” who was accustomed to having it all and wanted more, yet Cane didn’t have Lily. Nick suspected Cane would try to take over the world because he had no personal life. Victoria found it sad, but Nick ordered her not to feel sorry for Cane. Nick added that he needed to go out of town, and he had to know Victoria wasn’t going soft. Victoria pressed to find out where he was going and with who.

Nick disclosed that Noah might have a backer for a new club in L.A., and his son wanted advice. Nick confessed that he was taking the trip with Sharon, but he didn’t want Victoria’s opinion. Victoria acknowledged that it would probably be good for him to get away during the mess. She also planned to distance herself and let Victor and Jack figure things out.

Sally and Audra met in Chancellor Park. Audra wanted to share some potential career opportunities she’d cobbled together before they went for a run. Sally announced that there had been a slight change of plans, since Abbott Communications might be back on track. Sally recapped her conversation with Billy the night before and claimed that they’d had a breakthrough.

Audra doubted Sally had gone straight home to bed to think it over afterward. Sally shared that she’d given Billy the ultimatum that he either drop going after Chancellor or drop her, and he’d chosen to stay with her. A skeptical Audra questioned why Sally was working so hard to convince her – or to convince herself.

Audra reminded Sally of their mission to create something for themselves without a man defining them or their future. Sally reasoned that she’d already built Abbott Communications, which was ready to launch. Sally asserted that she’d remain CEO with Billy in second position, and Audra would remain a key player. Audra balked at the thought of having to report to Billy. Sally offered to put it in Audra’s contract that she’d be working directly for Sally.

Sally intended to ramp things up right away as soon as their funding was back in place. A stunned Audra realized the company had no money. Sally contended that Billy was meeting with Jack to get things back on track. Audra expected that Jack would tell Billy to forget it, and she griped that they were once again at mercy of two men making decisions about her and Sally’s future.

At Jabot, Jack initiated a video call with Jill and observed that she looked well. Jill assumed someone was in trouble because Jack seldom reached out otherwise. She guessed that whatever was falling apart had to do with Billy. Jack explained that Billy believed she’d given Cane a free pass while punishing Billy for every mistake he’d ever made. Jill wondered if Jack felt the same way Billy did. Jack informed her that the stakes had just gotten higher, and Cane was behind all of it.

Jack insisted that it was Jill and Billy’s issue to resolve. Jill hated where things stood between her and Billy, but she didn’t understand why everyone viewed Cane as a threat. Jack implored her to jump on a plane and find out for herself, since it might change her perception of the surrogate son she enjoyed more than her own. Billy knocked on the door and asked if Jack had a minute for some family talk.

Jack abruptly told Jill he’d be in touch, and he logged off. Jack sourly contemplated which version of Billy had walked through the door. Billy reiterated that he’d seen the light with Cane and worked things out with Sally, and he’d decided he needed to change. Billy swore he was focused on Abbott Communications, and he intended to convince Jack to be the sole investor once again. Jack was hesitant.

Billy regretted that he’d pushed Jack to yank his funding. Jack complained that they’d been down that road too many times, but Billy promised it was the last time. Jack wanted to believe Billy was done with Cane and Chancellor, but he warned that Billy had pushed him too far that time. Billy incredulously asked if Jack was turning him down. Jack regretted that he had no choice because Billy’s words didn’t mean anything anymore.

Billy pleaded that Sally had left an amazing career to join the company, and he argued that the money had already been earmarked. Jack imagined it would only be a matter of time before Billy decided to jump in and take control again, and Jack might need the money with too much at stake at Jabot. Jack firmly stated that he couldn’t help Billy. Billy swore that he and Sally wouldn’t let it die, and Jack sincerely wished them the best of luck. Billy stalked out.

Billy ran into Sally and Audra on the Crimson Lights patio. Sally saw his expression and guessed Jack wasn’t funding their company. Billy confirmed that Jack had reservations, but he pledged that it wasn’t over.