GH is enjoying a quiet afternoon at the new café in town, sitting outside with her new dog, Outback. The Golden Retriever is happily sniffing around her feet, clearly enjoying the attention and treats from passing customers.
Just as GH sips her latte, Gio arrives, looking more frustrated than usual. He barely greets her before pointing a finger at Outback.
“That dog is a dirty little thief,” Gio grumbles. “He keeps stealing my shoes.”
Emma laughs, scratching Outback behind the ears.
“Maybe the real problem isn’t Outback,” she says gently. “Maybe it’s something else, like your parents.”
Gio’s expression darkens. He pauses, then lets out a slow breath.
“Yeah,” he admits. “I’m upset about my parents. But I’m not ready to talk about it yet.”
Emma nods, giving him space.
“That’s okay. I’m here when you are.”
Gio frowns and looks away.
“I know I’ve been a drag lately. Probably not the easiest person to live with.”
Emma shakes her head.
“You’re family. Grandma and I love having you around.”
He offers a faint smile, but quickly shifts gears.
“I’m dropping out of PCU.”
Emma’s eyes widen.
“Wait, what does PCU have to do with your family situation?”
“I was supposed to be first chair violin in the fall,” Gio explains. “But I don’t even want to play anymore. Without passion, it just feels hollow. Music used to be mine. Now it feels like one more thing my family took from me. If I stop playing, I lose the scholarship.”
Emma leans forward.
“But maybe you’ll feel differently by fall. Don’t make a decision today that your future self might regret. You might want that spot in September.”
Gio sighs.
“Maybe I might go back to music someday, but right now I need a clean break.”
“Then let’s find something else that sparks something in you,” Emma suggests. “Like the whole plan to take down Dalton for animal testing. You said you’d help.”
“I did,” he says. “But you’re not thinking of doing something illegal to get into his lab, are you?”
Emma gives him a sly grin.
“Let’s just say we may have to get creative.”
Meanwhile, across town at Charlie’s Pub, Josslyn meets with Vaughn after calling him earlier. She looks visibly shaken as she sits down with him.
“I had to come see it for myself,” she says, her voice tight. “Christina could have died tonight. And all because she’s Sonny’s daughter.”
Joss’s voice rises with emotion.
“My brother Morgan died because he was Sonny’s son. Michael almost died for the same reason. Sonny brings chaos and death everywhere he goes.”
Vaughn listens quietly as she wipes a tear away.
“This is why I joined the WSB. Not just to serve justice, but to take Sonny down.”
“You want to take him down from the inside?” Vaughn realizes.
Joss nods. “Exactly.”
Elsewhere at Wyndemere, Selena meets with Sidwell. He gets right to the point.
“You’re about to go to war with Sonny Corinthos.”
Selena laughs.
“I’m not at war with Sonny. I avoid conflict with him at all costs.”
Sidwell smirks.
“That was before someone firebombed Charlie’s. All the evidence points to you and two of your employees.”
Selena’s face tightens.
“I’ve been set up.”
“You think Sonny will let you explain?” Sidwell warns. “Once he starts digging into your business, he’ll find more. Best thing you can do now is leave town.”
“You expect me to walk away from everything I built?” she snaps.
“You can return,” Sidwell says, “after I’ve handled Sonny.”
Selena narrows her eyes.
“I can’t return unless Sonny is dead.”
“I know,” he replies.
She sighs and stands.
“Then I guess I’ve got a plane to catch. Until we meet again.”
At the hospital, Christina has been admitted for the night. Alexis sits by her side, holding her hand tightly.
“You almost died,” Alexis says. “Marco saved your life.”
Molly enters with a message from Deanna. She needs Christina’s ID for paperwork. Alexis handles it and steps out while Molly takes a seat beside her sister.
“I’m proud of you tonight,” Molly tells her. “Not just for surviving, but for how you handled Mom. You didn’t defend Dad.”
