Ep. #4939

Shane is nowhere to be found. Storm's last resort is putting Taylor on the stand. She still insists on taking the blame for everything in an emotional speech. Storm attemts to treat her as a hostile witness. Taylor's words get to Thorne. He stands up and demands that he be allowed to take the stand. Thorne gives a passionate speech about how big Darla's heart was. Thorne mentions how Darla would not have wanted this for Taylor. Thorne finally admits to himself and the court that Darla's death was nothing more than a tragic accident.

Ep. #4940

With Massimo having left Los Angeles, Nick brings Jackie home to his old house. Jackie is annoyed that Nick has hired a nurse named Florence to take care of her while he isn't there. Donna is stunned when Nick tells her that he has given Stephanie the choice of her freedom or her company. Taylor's sentence is called in the court. The jury finds Taylor not guilty of vehicular manslaughter. Storm asks Judge Owens to drop the other charges against Taylor as she has been found not guilty, therefore couldn't have obstructed justice. Taylor is released with the sentence of 100 hours of community service. Everyone has a gathering at the house after and Ridge gives Thorne his blessing in having a relationship with Taylor. Ally has a heartfelt reunion with Taylor. Thorne later finishes what he started in Big Bear and asks Taylor to be his wife.

Ep. #4943

Nick walks around in self pity that he has lost Brooke. Donna relates with her feelings for Ridge. Donna manages to perk Nick up by offering to be by his side at Forrester Creations and making sure that the company succeeds. Ridge and Brooke spend time with the kids and later discuss how they have managed to always find their way back to one each other. Brooke and Ridge promise their love to one another forever before making love. Stephanie is furious with Eric for selling the company. Eric is angered that every time he tries to do something right, Stephanie belittles him. The argument turns personal when Eric blames her for his affairs, feeling that she is cold and unloving toward him. It finally hits home to Stephanie how much she has hurt Eric over the years and how she has never really been his lover. Stephanie can't understand why she has such issues and places a call to Taylor, requesting her professional help.

Ep. #4944

Bridget visits Brooke and learns that she and Ridge are back together. Brooke wonders if Bridget still has feelings for Nick, but Bridget feels that she could never love him after what he has done to Eric. Donna drops by to see Nick and signs a contract with Forrester Creations. Bridget later comes by at Nick's request and he apologises to her and insists that he still cares for her. Felicia, Ridge and Sally help Eric pack up his office. They remember the glory days of the company. Stephanie meets with Taylor in her office looking for professional help. Taylor makes notes as she manages to have Stephanie open up about her past. Stephanie remembers back to when she was a child and mentions her mother, father and sister Pam. Stephanie jokes that her father always wanted a son and how he treated her as if she were a boy. Stephanie flashes back to when her father used to beat her.

Ep. #4947

Ridge and Thorne plow through the mounds of flower arrangements sent from their buyers. They discuss their plans for the future and present their ideas for a new company to Eric. Eric informs them that he doesn't want to start over but gives them his blessing if they wish to sign on to other fashion houses. Nick calls a meeting at Forrester Creations with Jackie and Donna. Nick fires several employees when they refuse to work for him. Nick places Jackie as CEO, Donna as Lead Model and Creative Consultant and hires Clarke as Head Designer. Stephanie confesses to Taylor that Ann, her mother, is still alive and living with her sister Pam in Chicago. Stephanie adds that she hasn't spoken to Ann for thirty years as she knew John hit her, yet did nothing. Taylor pushes Stephanie to confront her mother and she places a phone call to Pam.

Ep. #4948

Stephanie forces herself to call Pam again and makes up a story that she is coming into Chicago on business. Stephanie asks to meet with Pam, and stuns her by saying that she wishes to visit with Ann. Pam tells Ann about Stephanie's call and Ann is excited about seeing her daughter. Ann talks about John and when Pam and Stephanie were children. Ann snaps that Stephanie spoke out of line about John the last time they talked and that there will be no such talk this time. Taylor supports Stephanie and advises her to tell Eric the truth about her childhood. Eric is furious that Stephanie has an endless supply of secrets when he learns that Ann is still alive. Taylor urges Eric to hear Stephanie's story as she explains her abuse as a child. Eric offers to be there with Stephanie when she confronts her mother.

Ep. #4951

Thorne and Taylor put Ally to bed as they discuss Stephanie and her father. Thorne still finds it hard to believe how a parent could abuse their child and for the mother to do nothing. Brooke tells Ridge that she finally understands Stephanie's anger and controlling nature due to her childhood. Ridge and Brooke spend time with Hope and help her with a dance for school. Ann still refuses to take any responsibility for John beating Stephanie. Ann blames it all on Stephanie and refuses to allow any bad word said against John. Eric defends Stephanie and vents his full anger at Ann. Stephanie and Eric return to Los Angeles and she tells him that she never wants to see Ann ever again.

Ep. #4952

Stephanie thanks Eric for his support in confronting Ann. Taylor tells Brooke that Stephanie's life is about to change and Brooke feels that Eric's is too. Ridge, Thorne and Felicia assure Stephanie that they're not angry with her for telling them that Ann was dead. Stephanie feels that dealing with her past has cost Eric his company. Ridge wonders if John put Forrester Creations in Stephanie's name out of guilt. Felicia claims nothing he could do would make up for the agony he caused. Brooke and Taylor drop by and Brooke offers Stephanie her support. Stephanie privately tells Taylor that she wishes she could confront her father. Taylor suggests she just say aloud what she wants to say to him. Stephanie feels the relief after airing her feelings. Felicia mentions that Dante is working in Italy after getting a sculpting commission.

Ep. #4955

Phoebe goes to see Baker and makes it clear to him that she is not going to testify that Shane tried to attack her, which leads to a call to the D.A. to drop the charges. Phoebe stops by the beach house to tell Shane that he's free and clear. Phoebe asks Bridget if Shane can stay there for a few more days. Thorne, Ridge and Eric meet to discuss their new company, which is costing them a lot in start-up. Eric refuses to cut costs, insisting that the Forrester name has always stood for quality. Nick begins his therapy sessions with Taylor, and talks of his youth after Frank Payne died, but clams up when he mentions that Jackie had money problems. Ridge is furious to learn that Shane is off the hook.

Ep. #4956

Ridge informs Brooke that Nick is receiving therapy from Taylor. Brooke is stunned that Nick will open up to anyone, and even more surprised when Ridge says that Taylor plans on having him return the company to them. Taylor later drops in and they discuss Stephanie. Brooke wonders if Stephanie will change after confronting Ann, but Taylor feels that Stephanie won't be able to until Ann admits the truth. Felicia tells Stephanie that Dante has got to stay in Italy a while longer. Felicia mentions Ann, and Stephanie hopes that she never has to see her again. Ann later shows up at the front door with Pam, Stephanie turns Ann away. Felicia brings her inside and Ann finally admits that John did abuse Stephanie. Ann asks for Stephanie's forgiveness

Ep. #4959

Ridge and Thorne prepare for Christmas and discuss his relationship with Taylor. Thorne talks about the wedding and asks Ridge to be his best man, to which he accepts. Taylor tries to question Nick more about Jerry and he can't remember why he suddenly wanted nothing more to do with him. Nick remembers a pair of pearl earings that Jerry bought for Jackie. Nick calls the session to an end abruptly. Jackie digs for information about what Nick told Taylor. Jackie tells Nick that he's wasting his time when he asks her about Jerry. Jackie tells him that she doesn't remember him, but later goes to Taylor and warns her to stop digging into Nick's past. Jackie storms out when she realises that she isn't getting through to Taylor.

Ep. #4960

At the Forrester estate, Eric laments how Stephanie is impossible to buy for, and finally hits upon an idea that he shares with Felicia - to bring Ann and Pamela to town so that Stephanie can put the past behind her. Felicia isn't so certain that Stephanie will be pleased with his gift. Stephanie tells Eric that Sally is spending Christmas with CJ, she is upset that the holiday won't be the same without her. Ridge has just finished reading the Christmas story to RJ and Hope when Stephanie stops by to see the family, and alone, she admits to Brooke that she is very happy that she and Ridge have found their way back to each other. Brooke attempts to apologise for all the horrible things she has done over the years, and Stephanie reminds her that she wasn't the only one. Ally offers Darla's stocking, which is labeled with 'Mommy', to Taylor, but Taylor says they'll hang it for Darla.

Ep. #4963

Jackie worries that Clarke's designs are not going to cut it for their first showing. Nick is preoccupied with thoughts of Jerry. Jackie freaks out when he seems obsessed with getting to the truth. Nick calls Taylor and asks for a meeting right away. Stephanie later drops in on Jackie and laughs that their designs are just copies of old gowns designed by Eric. Jackie and Stephanie bicker about Nick, during which Stephanie blames Jackie for Nick's behavior. Taylor attempts to dig inside Nick's mind to bring back memories of his childhood. Nick gets frustrated when he can't recall why he hated Jerry. Suddenly, Nick remembers Jackie making love with Jerry and how he used to pay her. Nick realises that many sailors used to come by and they all gave Jackie money for sex.

Ep. #4964

Nick is distraught at the thought of Jackie prostituting herself. Memories come flooding back to Nick. He recalls how depressed Jackie was and how she used to drink a lot. Nick tells Taylor how he used to hear the noises from Jackie's room and at the age of 16 he left and went to sea. Taylor realises how Nick blocked the memories from his mind and replaced them with false memories that the sailors were his friends. Stephanie is stunned at how badly Jackie reacts when she accuses her of being a slut. Jackie later visits Nick and questions him on his mood. Nick tries to make Jackie admit to her past, but she refuses to face what really happened. Taylor returns to her office and makes audio records of her session with Nick. Stephanie comes by and listens in at the door and is shocked as she hears that Jackie was a prostitute.

Ep. #4967

Stephanie and Ridge discuss how depressed Eric is. Stephanie tells Ridge that there may be a way to get Forrester Creations back and informs him that Jackie was a prostitute. Ridge is thrilled and feels they can blackmail Nick, but Stephanie is concerned that it could cause Taylor to lose her job. Taylor pulls away from Nick and quickly brushes over the fact that he kissed her. Taylor wonders if Nick will sign the company back over to Eric, but he says he isn't yet ready. Jackie later yells at Taylor for bringing up her past. Jackie accuses Taylor of making Nick hate her. Stephanie confronts Nick with legal documents to transfer the ownership of the company. Nick refuses to sign them and burns them in the fireplace. Stephanie leaves with a warning that nobody gets the better of her.

Ep. #4968

Clarke presents his designs to Jackie with Donna at his side. Jackie is not happy and worries that they are going to fail at their first showing. Stephanie drops in and advises Jackie to give her back the company, but Nick throws Stephanie out. Ridge warns Taylor not to trust Nick, but she is certain that all she needs is a little more time to get Forrester Creations back. Taylor is furious with Stephanie when she suggests going public with the news of Jackie's prostitution. Taylor visits with Nick and Jackie and hopes that they can work out their problems. Nick is angry with Stephanie's interference, but Taylor stresses that it's none of her business. Stephanie and Ridge try for ways to reveal the truth about Jackie, whilst still protecting Taylor. Ridge manages to locate Jerry Kramer and Stephanie plans to meet with him.

Ep. #4971

Jackie and Stephanie go toe to toe over Jackie's past life of prostitution. Taylor unleashes her fury on Stephanie and Thorne, then heads off to find Nick. Jackie tries desperately to get away from Forrester Creations and the lingering press, but runs into a taunting Ridge. Ridge wastes no time informing Nick that Marone Industries has called an emergency meeting of the board to discuss the future of Forrester Creations. Jackie later runs into Jerry, who attempts to apologise for upsetting her, but he only gets a slap in the face. Thorne worries that Stephanie's actions will damage his relationship with Taylor, but Stephanie assures him that everything will be fine. Taylor deeply apologises to Nick and promises to make up for what has happened.

Ep. #4972

Eric is furious at the role his family played in Jackie's humiliation, and makes certain that they know it. Thorne tries to explain things to a furious Taylor, then heads to the Forrester home at Felicia's request, where he takes part in a news interview defending their actions. George is furious with Nick for the fiasco with Forrester Creations, and wishes to sell the company to save Marone Industries being involved in a media scandal. Nick refuses to sell the company back to the Forrester family. The board ousts him as CEO of Marone Industries, and George calls Ridge to report on this. Ridge is certain that George will now sell Forrester Creations back to Eric. Taylor goes to Nick and Jackie to apologise for what has happened, and is shocked and upset to see Thorne on television supporting his family's actions.