Three days later, after Ivy Crane was snatched in broad daylight, and Preston Hart, the long lost son of Julian and Eve Crane re-appeared, several other events took place.
Lexie Carver went to Salem and begged her father for the cure for both Abe and Antonio. Stefano was just so happy to see her that he agreed, with of course, one condition. Lexie agreed to it, even though it was a bit unreasonable. Stefano forked over the location of a cure for the hapless men, and in return, Lexie would marry whomever Stefano deemed fit for his daughter.
Lexie, who of course, was not going to do it, but pretended to agree. But Stefano, wise sage that he was, warned her that when the time came and he decided her future husband, if she did not do as they had agreed, he could make it so that not only would he re-infect Abe and Antonio, but others as well.
Lexie had quietly gulped, a little unnerved that he could read her thoughts so easily. But she agreed, thinking that his request was premature anyway. She wasn't even divorced from Abe yet!
But she had outwitted Stefano before and would do so again. Besides, she had no doubts whatsoever, that whoever Stefano picked for her, would make her life forever miserable.
After Lexie agreed to his request, he told her that the real cure was the equivalent of a cough syrup and that he had stashed it in the glove compartment of the limo he had driven for Tony, back when he was posing as 'Hugo the Chauffeur'.
Lexie had left her father and told Roman Brady about what her father had told her. In conjunction with the Harmony Police, the car was found( suspiciously, it was found at a motel on the interstate, being used by someone named Leo Davenport). After checking, it was discovered that he used to work for Julian Crane and Tony, and had just one day, taken off with the limo.
The glove compartment was searched, and a jelly jar was found in there, surprisingly unscathed. The contents were analyzed, deemed to be unharmful, then given to both Abe Carver and Antonio Lopez-Fitzgerald.
Antonio's hairy condition cleared up in minutes. Abe was a different story. One of the scientists had to hit him with a cattle prod to bring out his anger! Instead of turning into a Sasquatch, all he did this time was fall to the ground crying.
Lexie, who stayed in Salem, was overjoyed at the good news. She did not want to think about whether to give Abe another chance, or pursue Antonio, or lock them both out of her lives, while she waited to find out what unacceptable man her father wanted her wed to.
As she walked out of the courthouse after getting the good news on her cellphone from Roman, she saw Julian and Eve Crane walking towards her. She hung up and walked up to them.
'How is Simone doing?' she asked. Eve rolled her eyes and looked away. Julian noted that his wife was not going to talk and decided to be somewhat polite.
'She's coping. She's back at T.C's and...' he stopped suddenly. Lexie smiled crookedly at him.
'If you were going to say T.C. and Celeste, I accept that relationship.'
Julian smiled coldly at her.
'Well, good for you. We really have to be going now. As you well know, Eve and I are here to testify against your father. Do I take it you've done your part?'
Lexie put her phone back in her purse.
'I've done that and more. I persuaded my father to turn over the real cure for both Abe and Antonio. They were given it and tested afterwards. They're both going to be fine.'
Now Eve took notice of Lexie.
'What do you mean they were 'tested'?' she asked.
'Exactly what I said, Eve. They were tested and they're fine. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get home to Theo.'
But Eve moved forward and blocked her way.
'How could you believe anything out of your father's mouth? He's lied so many times before...'
'Like you?' Lexie asked.
'And you!' Eve retorted.
Julian moved forward to grab his wife's arm.
'Eve, come along now!'
But Eve snatched her arm away!
'If you cared anything at all about your husband, Lexie, you would make sure that this cure is legit! You're a doctor too, for God's sakes! There's no telling what ill effects that stuff he was given could have on him!'
Lexie folded her arms.
'So you're only concerned about Abe? What about poor Antonio, Eve?'
Eve sighed with disgust!
'Of course I'm concerned about Antonio, Lexie! I'm just saying...'
Lexie put a hand up.
'Save it! Save it and stay out of my life and Abe's! After all of this time, do you still think I'm that stupid?!'
'I have no idea what you're talking about!'
'Why did Abe come running to you, even when he was a Sasquatch? Huh, Eve?'
'Because he knew his own wife didn't give a damn about him, that's why!'
Now Julian stepped in, before blood was drawn!
'Goodbye Lexie. I wish I could say it was nice to see you again, but as you know, it wasn't.' Julian said.
'Whatever!' Lexie hissed, then turned and walked off towards the parking lot. Julian turned to Eve.
'Darling, I know this whole thing has been stressful...'
Eve suddenly teared up. Julian pulled her into his arms.
'Darling, it will be alright.' he whispered. But Eve pulled away from him.
'How, Julian? Our son thinks that we didn't want him...no thanks to Alistair! How could this be happening?'
'I will admit, it was not the reunion I envisioned having with our son.' Julian said quietly. In fact, it had been something akin to a nightmare.
For when Fox pointed out Preston Hart to Julian at the hospital three days ago, Julian had no doubts whatsoever that the young man was his son. He had stared, transfixed, as Preston walked up to him, introduced himself as his long lost son, then proceeded to tell him off!
Fox and Whitney had stepped back, as Preston told Julian about how 'Grandpa Alistair' had come and found him at the Hart's, a wealthy, white couple, who were in love with their only son.
Julian knew Jonathan and Jennifer, and had been to parties at their house and vice versa. Jonathan was the president of Hart Industries and both he and his wife lived in Bel Aire, California. And for the life of him, not only did Julian, NOT remember the couple ever having any children, but from what he knew of both of them, they would not have been a party to caring for a kidnapped child!
Alistair, who was an original investor in Hart Industries, visited the couple and their 'son' regularly over the years, until one day, he told his grandson the truth about his heritage.
That 'truth' was, that Alistair had insisted that Julian marry Eve! But that Julian had only thought of Preston's mother as a plaything, a dalliance on the side. He then told his grandson that Julian's true 'passion' had been Ivy Winthrop!
Preston, Julian also learned, was under the illusion, that Eve didn't want her husband at the time, T.C. to know about her son, and made it clear she wasn't interested in finding him!
Preston then told him that the only reason he was in Harmony, was to support his Grandfather against the lies that he was being charged with! He then turned and walked away from all of them!
Julian had almost turned blue with rage! Fox had put a hand on his shoulder, but he knocked it off! Fox had backed away, and Whitney had pulled on her husband's arm, telling him that Julian needed time alone.
But Julian knew what he needed to do, was kill his father! That man had known this whole time where he and Eve's son was! Alistair had had the nerve to give him to someone else, then stay in his life, like a true, doting grandparent! And since he had never been this to any of his other grandchildren, Julian had no doubt that he was stringing his son along...using him for some insidious plan to hurt himself and Eve...and maybe regain control of the Crane family fortune! And what was that crap about their son being someone famous?! Another lie, of course!
Julian had then had the daunting task of going back into Eve's hospital room, and telling her the bittersweet news about Preston, and Alistair's treacherous role in their son's upbringing. She did not take it well.
'We will get some time alone with Preston, and tell him the truth.' he consoled her.
'He's had twenty something years with Alistair! His truth is the only thing he understands!' Eve cried. She had went to the courthouse the other day, just to catch a glimpse of Preston. He looked like Julian, so much so that her heart skipped! She hoped that Evan grew up to look like his father, too.
Eve had then approached him, over by Alistair's defense table. She had ignored Alistair's jolly eyes, as she touched her son's arm.
Preston had flinched, then asked her if she was there to recant her lies about his grandfather? Eve's mouth had went dry, unable to believe what she was hearing! She then told Preston that she and his father, were not lying, and that Alistair had tried to drown his little baby brother and sister.
Preston had just shook his head, saying that 'Grandpa Alistair' would never do such a thing, and that the only way he would speak to either of his parents, is if they admitted that they had lied on Alistair!
Eve had then stared into her son's eyes with disbelief! She then turned to look into the glittering, cold eyes of her father-in-law. He was laughing at her! He had allowed her and Julian to suffer with the unspeakable pain of not knowing where their son was, all of this time, when he knew exactly where he was, and had painstakingly turned him against both Julian and herself.
And the Harts? Eve had no doubts whatsoever, that no matter how kind they seemed to be, Alistair had given them Preston. They did not just adopt him from some agency, which seemed to be the official explanation as to how her son ended up in their hands!
Eve had picked up a pitcher of water on the defense table, and threw it in Alistair's face! Preston had hurried over to him, pulling out a handkerchief to wipe him off. He had then glared over at her. For Eve, that was the lowest blow. She turned and ran out of the courtroom and home, into Julian's waiting arms, where she sobbed until she could no more. She then took a long, depressing nap.
Julian couldn't stand to see Eve this way. She had not eaten anything all day. He was beginning to think they would've been better off never knowing what had happened to their son. Now he had a name, a personality, and a view of his parents, that they would be hard pressed to change. Not after years of brainwashing by Alistair.
He looked up and relaxed. Dr. Marlena Black was coming their way. Eve did not know that Julian had called her, and explained everything. He also told her that he was worried about Eve, and that he would pay her anything, if she would take on his wife as a patient.
Marlena was more than agreeable, though she did ask him if maybe he would like to sit in on the sessions, since this had to be hurting him too. Julian promised to think about it, but had a different course of action in mind, as to how to win back his son, and get back at his father.
Eve looked up and saw Marlena walking towards them. She knew nothing of the arrangements Julian had made, and he did not know how she would take it. He decided now was as good a time as any to find out.
'Marlena? Hello, are you here to testify against Stefano?' Eve asked, wiping her tears.
'Actually, I did that a few days ago. It looks like he may actually do real time...finally!'
Eve just nodded, smiling wanly. Julian looked at Marlena. Marlena nodded to him.
'Eve, darling, Marlena is here because I think you need to talk to someone.'
Eve looked at him, then at Marlena. Then, her expression changed, as if it had finally dawned on her, as to what Julian had done.
'Uh...Marlena, thank you, but there really isn't anything you can do. I just have to give it time.'
Julian put an arm around her waist and pulled her close.
'Darling, you're letting those things our son said to you, get to you. And I know you never got over his kidnapping...neither did I. Just see Marlena for a couple of sessions a week...just until our son comes around. Please...for me?'
'He may never do so...come around, that is.' Marlena gently reminded them. Eve sniffed and nodded, then began to cry again.
'I couldn't live with that! I just couldn't!' she broke down. Julian looked at Marlena pleadingly. Marlena walked over to Eve and touched her arm.
'I'm moving to Harmony for a bit. I will have an office in Harmony Hospital. I want you to come and see me tomorrow at two. We'll work on this, Eve. We'll work on your living with the ghosts from the past.'
Eve seemed a bit calmer at Marlena's soft words. She nodded, and Julian kissed her cheek. He then eyed Marlena. Why was she moving to Harmony? He had to wonder, if Rebecca's hold on her husband, had been stronger than any of them had anticipated. Julian had spotted John Black in Harmony a lot lately. And usually, he was with Rebecca.
Fox looked over some reports, while sitting in his father's chair. He signed off on one, his mind on two conversations he had had with Whitney this morning.
The first one had been about Simone. Whitney wanted to invite Simone and John over for dinner. Fox did not.
Whitney told him she wanted to try and reach out to Simone again. Fox did not.
Whitney finally dropped that subject and brought up another one: the two of them having a child.
Fox had nothing against it, really. He just wasn't excited about it either way, and he didn't know why. But his lack of enthusiasm had angered Whitney, and he could not have that! The last thing he wanted was his wife mad at him for even a minute!
Julian's secretary buzzed him.
'Mr. Crane? Your brother is here.'
Fox lifted a brow. Ethan? He sighed, because he suspected what this visit was all about.
'Okay, tell him to come on in.' Fox said. He then finished signing a report and stood up. Ethan wanted to make a 'joint trip' to London, to see their newfound sister, Amanda Cowell. Fox did not. And God help him, he knew deep down, it was because her father was Simon Cowell.
The door opened, and Fox blinked hard. For Ethan did not walk in, but Preston Hart!
Preston closed the door, smiled at Fox, then offered his hand.
'Fox, right? How have you been?'
But Fox ignored the proffered hand. He leaned against the front of his desk and squinted at him.
'You had the nerve to tell the secretary that you were my brother?'
'Aren't I?'
'Ha! You could've fooled me! Not with the crappy way you've been acting around town here!'
Preston cleared his throat and looked around. He spotted a picture on the desk, of his parents. There was another one of the twins. His eyes then went back to Fox.
'If you're referring to my support of Grandpa Alistair...'
Fox put a hand up!
'Stop! Please, before I puke! Grandpa Smurf would make a better grandfather than that bastard! Now, if you're here to sing his praises, then you can turn around and get out!'
'Fox, he is OUR Grandfather. And things don't look good for him. It would help if we could all just calm down a bit, and maybe re-think this attempted drowning incident. I mean, maybe my father, Julian, misunderstood? Maybe Grandpa Alistair was trying to bathe the twins, just as he said?
Fox walked up to him, then circled his newfound half-brother. Preston rolled his eyes.
'What?' he half-snapped, annoyed with Fox's tactics.
'YOU, couldn't be a Crane! I mean, you just couldn't! That was the dumbest $ I've ever heard come out of a 'Crane's' mouth...ever!'
'Look, Fox...'
'No, you look! I don't appreciate you coming in here and calling me a liar!'
'That's not what I'm doing!'
'Oh yes you are! Because you see, I was there, when our demented 'Grandpa Alistair', was dressed up as a damned woman, pretending to serve drinks at the homestead, while plotting to kill my baby brother and sister...which incidentally are yours too! I had to break down the door, and watch, as our psycho 'Grandpa Alistair' had poor Evan turned upside down, ready to dunk and drown in the bathtub! So kiss my ass and get the hell out of here!'
Preston sighed sadly.
'I'm sorry that you don't see our Grandfather more kindly.'
'And I'm sorry that you're stupid! Goodbye!'
Preston turned and walked out of the office. He did not bother to close the door behind him, nor did he look at the secretary as he passed.
Preston then walked out to the elevators and pressed the down button. He closed his eyes, trying to shut out the nagging thoughts that were permeating his mind.
He couldn't help but be bothered by ALL of the people, that seemed to loathe Grandpa Alistair! They couldn't all be lying, could they?
They had to be! Because the man that he had known all of this life, was a gentle soul. And his parents, Jonathan and Jennifer, would not have left him in the presence of someone so evil, if he were really that bad, would they?
The elevator came. Preston rubbed his face and stepped on.
Sam got home from work , put away his gun belt and hung up his jacket. He was tired.
He was the only one working the kidnapping of Ivy Crane, with any kind of effort. Her family didn't seem to care. Well, Ethan did, but Sam suspected, that his son, believed that this whole thing was orchestrated by Ivy to get attention.
Fox said he believed his mother had pulled this, to get people to feel sorry for her, after Simon Cowell's damning words about her on Barbara Walters.
Sam had even contacted Simon Cowell himself. Simon had been glib and arrogant, saying something about, 'oh, you're the great Sam', or something like that. Cowell had said he knew nothing about Ivy's kidnapping in broad daylight, and Sam believed him. It was obvious that the man could've cared less.
He had no clues, no leads...yet there was something in him, that just couldn't let this go. Ivy was Ethan's mother. He had to try and find her.
Grace came down the stairs, and walked past him towards the kitchen, without saying a word. Sam sighed and stood up.
Grace had been giving him the silent treatment, since he began working on Ivy's case. He couldn't understand why his wife thought that just because he was looking for his former lover, meant that he was still in love with her!
He began to walk towards the kitchen door, then stopped. He was in no mood to appease her tonight. It was really beginning to nag at him that things might have been missed at the crime scene. He decided to go and work in his study. Grace just needed to be left alone.
Meanwhile in the kitchen. Grace opened the back door to David Hastings, who was back in town. She stared up at him.
'Have you seen John?' she asked.
David nodded.
'He is so torn up about Simone and the baby...he seems to have forgotten his anger towards me. Where is Sam?'
Grace smiled.
'Off trying to figure out who has that bitch, Ivy. How is she holding up?' she asked him.
David smiled.
'Never better. Our prisoner is scared$$! And better yet, she hasn't a clue as to where she is, or why she is there. Oh Grace, we will have our revenge!'
Grace nodded, then hugged him tightly. She then let go of him quickly.
'I hear someone coming! Go, keep me posted on when to proceed with Plan B!'
David hurried away from the back door. Jessica walked into the kitchen. Grace smiled lovingly at her.
'How's it going, honey?' she asked her daughter.
Jessica shrugged.
'You know, I went over to Coach Russell's to see Simone. She just stares off into space. John is over there.'
Grace looked down. John was why she was doing this. Why she was tired of being stepped on! Why she was going to make everyone in Harmony pay, for thinking they could walk all over her! Never again!