The Young and the Restless’ July 2 episode centered on Matt’s risky attempt to earn Cane’s trust. While the Newman family anxiously awaited news about Nikki’s recovery, Matt made a shocking admission that could change the course of his relationship with Cane.
Nate and Stephanie Talk Nikki
Stephanie ran into Nate at the GCAC, and he was all smiles about closing a recent deal. He asked Stephanie how Nikki’s surgery went, and she was certain that the family would soon get good news. They touted the doctor’s ability to handle a lengthy surgery on such short notice.
Nate couldn’t help but recall how it was when he was actively practicing medicine. They knew that the surgeon did everything that she could, so now it was a waiting game. It was too early to tell if Nikki would regain her eyesight. Despite the talented surgeon, there was a sizable chance that the damage was too severe.
Nate encouraged Stephanie to allow herself some of the credit. Her new duties as Chief of Staff meant that she facilitated the best care possible for Nikki. Nate didn’t want to mess with Stephanie’s perception of the job. However, while she could tell he was apprehensive to revisit his previous profession, she pointed out that new technology could potentially restore his hand to its previous usage.
Victor Defends Matt
The Newman family gathered at the ranch, hopeful that Nikki’s surgery was a success. However, it could take an unknown amount of time before they truly knew anything. The entire family reminisced about Nikki and her past, highlighting some of the reasons why she was a fighter who could overcome any obstacle.
Everyone knew that Victor and Nikki would find their way back to each other eventually, so they should patch things up and get it over with. Victor said that his marriage was between him and Nikki, but Victoria called him out for meddling in their relationships in the past. All they wanted was for their parents to reunite and once again anchor the family.
Victoria and Claire left the ranch to go visit Nikki in the hospital, leaving Nick and Noah alone to speak with Victor. Nick wasn’t certain that working with Matt to sniff out whatever Cane might be up to was the best course of action. Matt had a track record of being a flight risk and unpredictable, and keeping him on a short leash was best for everyone.
Nobody knew why Matt saved Nick’s life, but for Nick and Noah, it wasn’t enough to excuse his previous horrific behavior. Victor was adamant that if Matt didn’t uncover anything interesting about Cane, he would assume his attempts at redemption were insincere.
Nick wanted to keep a close eye on Matt to gauge whether or not he remained a threat to their family. Victor seemed convinced that Matt was a changed man, but they needed more time for him to prove himself. There was too much at stake to let their guard down around Matt.
Matt approached Cane and Lily’s table at Society, and Cane was forced to awkwardly introduce himself to her. Lily started questioning him about his past, and he was prepared with the proper answers. Matt wanted a moment to speak with Cane, hoping that he would give him the opportunity to hear him out.
Matt Comes Clean to Cane
Cane wasn’t interested in having a conversation with Matt. He didn’t trust him or his connection to the Newmans. Lily offered to step away from the table so Cane could handle his unfinished business with Matt. Clearly they had something to wrap up, and she didn’t want to be present for whatever messy situation they were entangled in.
Cane was confused as to why Matt was obsessed with getting in his good graces. Him being connected to Victor and Adam also gave Cane pause. Whether it was attention or something nefarious, Cane didn’t want to let Matt into his life. He requested that Matt be forthcoming about his intentions.
Matt decided to lead with honesty (a first), and he admitted that he was working with Victor to get close to Cane and uncover what his next move was. This was an interesting tactic that could backfire and blow up Matt’s path to freedom. Matt wanted the money that Victor could offer, so if cozying up to Cane was what it took to catch a financial windfall, he was up for the task.
Cane didn’t believe Matt’s cover story, and he wanted to poke holes in it. He was convinced that Victor’s utilization of Matt said more about his distrust of Matt than it did about himself. Cane wasn’t worried about anything Victor wanted from him, and he refused to accept any of Matt’s lies.
Cane encouraged Matt to run away from the entire Newman family as fast as he could. He pleaded with Matt to come clean and just confess what he wanted from him. Nothing about his story made sense, so perhaps being upfront and honest was the best route to take.
Phyllis listened in while Matt went out of his way to gain Cane’s trust. She interrupted their conversation, wondering why Cane was talking to Matt after previously blowing him off. Cane asked if Phyllis knew anything about Matt that would be helpful to him. His spider-senses were tingling, and he refused to get caught in their tangled web.
What did you think of Matt’s confession to Cane? Was honesty the right move, or did he make himself an even bigger target? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Edited by Bryce Cameron