In the latest episodes of The Young and the Restless, the simmering tension between Victor Newman and Jack Abbott is once again boiling over, reigniting a feud that has spanned decades and reshaped the power dynamics in Genoa City more times than fans can count.
During a lunch gathering on the May 23 episode, Lauren Fenmore sat down with Nikki Newman at Society to share some unexpected and unsettling news.
Lauren revealed that her husband, Michael Baldwin, had officially resigned from working with Victor Newman.
The announcement came as a shock to Nikki, who has long seen Michael as a trusted ally — and more importantly, a crucial buffer between her husband’s ruthless instincts and total chaos.
Just as the conversation started to pick up intensity, Jack Abbott arrived at the restaurant and joined the two women.
The topic of Michael’s departure became the center of discussion.
While things didn’t escalate into a full-blown argument, there was definite tension, particularly for Nikki, who made it clear that she disapproved of Michael’s decision.
In her view, Michael played an important role in keeping Victor grounded — especially during his ongoing and often aggressive rivalry with Jack.
Nikki voiced concerns that without Michael by his side, Victor could become completely unrestrained, especially in how he handles conflict with the Abbotts.
She made it clear that Michael’s presence had previously served as a moral compass for Victor, a necessary restraint that prevented things from spiraling into dangerous territory.
Lauren, however, didn’t back down.
She strongly defended her husband, stating that there were plenty of other lawyers Victor could hire if he needed legal representation.
She argued that it was unfair to expect Michael to carry the weight of controlling Victor’s temper and behavior.
Michael had done his part — and it was time for someone else to step in.
Jack Abbott, never one to pass up a jab at Victor, quickly sided with Lauren and added that it wasn’t Michael’s responsibility to manage Victor’s vendettas.
Later that day, back at the Abbott mansion, Jack filled Diane Jenkins in on Michael’s resignation.
Diane appeared troubled by the implications, worrying that Victor might become even more reckless now that his longtime legal adviser and confidant had stepped away.
Jack, however, remained defiant and confident.
He told Diane that he wasn’t intimidated by Victor’s threats and made it clear that if Victor was ready for battle, he was more than prepared to fight back.
Jack’s words weren’t just bravado. They were a declaration of war.
This isn’t just about business or bruised egos anymore.
With Michael out of the picture, there’s no telling what lines Victor might cross — but Jack isn’t planning to back down.
If anything, he seems energized by the challenge, ready to go head-to-head with his longtime nemesis.
Of course, the feud between Victor and Jack is nothing new.
Their rivalry is one of the oldest and most iconic in soap opera history.
Over the years, they’ve battled over women, corporate takeovers, family betrayals, and more.
But now, the stakes feel personal again, with Michael’s exit creating a vacuum of accountability around Victor.
The Newman patriarch may return to his most dangerous form: calculating, unfiltered, and relentless.
The coming weeks are likely to be explosive.
With Victor possibly plotting his next move and Jack drawing clear battle lines, viewers can expect power plays, dramatic confrontations, and plenty of unexpected twists.
Genoa City is bracing itself for another chapter in the legendary Newman-Abbott War.
And this time, there may be no one left to stop the fall.
