Phyllis Summers

Michelle Stafford as Phyllis Summers

**Phyllis Summers** (formerly **Romalotti**, **Newman**, and **Abbott**) is a resident of Genoa City, currently portrayed by Michelle Stafford.

## Casting

The role of Phyllis was played by Michelle Stafford from 1994 to 1997. Michelle left and Sandra Nelson stepped in to play the role of Phyllis in 1997, but only played her until 1998. Michelle Stafford then came back in 2000 and in 2013, Michelle Stafford stepped out of the role of Phyllis to play the role of Nina Reeves on *General Hospital*. In 2014, Gina Tognoni stepped in to play the role of Phyllis. After 5 years, in 2019, it was announced that Gina Tognoni would leave The Young and the Restless. Michelle Stafford left *General Hospital* and reprised her role of Phyllis on June 21, 2019.

## Biography

Phyllis Summers is the daughter of George Summers and Lydia Callahan, older sister of Avery Clark, mother of Daniel Romalotti and Summer Newman and, grandmother of Lucy Romalotti.

### Danny, Peter, Nick

Phyllis first appeared as the obsessed fan of rock star Danny Romalotti. She drugged him, slept with him and told him she was pregnant with his child. Danny returned to Genoa City and Phyllis followed. Danny's ex-wife, Christine Abbott whom Danny left to be with Phyllis and the baby, dug up dirt on Phyllis. Phyllis decided that Christine was the reason that Danny wouldn't love her, so she rented a car and tried to run Christine down, but ran over Paul Williams instead. No one knew it was Phyllis until 2012. At Danny and Phyllis' divorce hearing, the judge postponed a decision until after marriage counseling had been attempted. Sensing that their psychiatrist, Dr. Tim Reid, was attracted to her, Phyllis seduced him. On the day that he was scheduled to testify that he felt Danny and Phyllis should divorce, Phyllis blackmailed him. Tim testified on Phyllis' behalf that her marriage to Danny had a chance, but he later recanted his testimony. Phyllis finally accepted defeat, and they got divorced.

Phyllis's son, Daniel Romalotti Jr., became ill with bacterial meningitis and was hospitalized for a while.

Phyllis and Danny held a vigil by his bedside and became a lot closer. During this Danny saw a new side of Phyllis and remarried her. Phyllis and Danny finally were happy together with" their" son, when Sasha Green showed up. Sasha had been dumped by the man Phyllis had paid to keep her happy and quiet so she wouldn't tell Danny about Daniel's paternity. Sasha was now demanding $20,000 to keep quiet. Phyllis hocked everything she had then finally got a loan from Dr. Reid to pay off Sasha. Sasha died not long after in a fire. Phyllis was a suspect, but it was only an accident. However, all of this plus Paul and Christine's words made Danny suspicious. He had a test done on Daniel and it proved that Phyllis was lying the whole time. A vicious custody battle ensued in which Phyllis lost. Danny and Daniel then went to Europe.

### After Danny and Daniel

Phyllis, who needed money, answered an ad for a job and met photographer Malcolm Winters. They had great rapport and maintained a flirty relationship as close friends sharing their love life woes. After some failed jobs and schemes, Phyllis went back to New York.

### Jabot and Jack

Phyllis resurfaced again three years later, returning to Genoa City as a web designer. Jabot Cosmetics was desperate for a web designer and Jack Abbott hired her for the job. Phyllis made the website a hit. When the summer campaign was over, Jack put off renewing Phyllis' contract, letting Victoria Newman snap her up. Phyllis and Jack fell in love and Phyllis became pregnant. However, she lost the baby and was told that she couldn't have any more kids. She started to back away from Jack, but he was still in love with her. However, she decided to try in vitro fertilization, but couldn't handle the hormone therapy and nearly died. When it was revealed that Diane Jenkins' baby, Kyle Jenkins, was Jack's son, Phyllis was torn. She wanted to support Jack in the custody battle, but she also wanted Diane Jenkins out of their lives. They lost the custody battle, and Diane and Kyle moved into the Abbott pool house, where Phyllis and Diane started playing nasty tricks on each other.

Phyllis walked out when Jack wouldn't take her side. Jack finally let there be ground rules. Diane framed Phyllis for both arson and attempted murder, which got twisted around when Jack and Phyllis blackmailed her into giving them custody of Kyle. However, the stress of business and being a father made Jack give him back. Phyllis and Jack divorced not long after.

### Daniel is Back

In 2003, a teenage Daniel came to Genoa City. Daniel thought that Phyllis abandoned him, but once he learned the truth, he wanted to move in with his mother. He didn't get along with her lover, though he did get along very well with Jack. Daniel learned to respect Phyllis's lover after he scared some kids off who were bullying him. 14-year old Cassie Newman had a huge crush on Daniel. She went to a party and found Daniel, her ride home, passed out drunk. Thinking she could drive herself, she tried to operate the car but ended up crashing. Both Cassie and Daniel were rushed to the hospital. Cassie died and since everyone assumed Daniel was driving, he was charged with manslaughter. Lily Winters hid him in the Abbott playhouse and brought him food. Phyllis desperately tried to find him. Nicholas Newman, Cassie's dad, found Daniel and tried to beat him up, but Phyllis wouldn't let him. After a long trial, Nick found evidence that Cassie was driving, and Daniel was found innocent.

### Summer Newman is Born

Nick and Phyllis became attracted to each other and had an affair. Phyllis ended up pregnant. It could have been either Jack or Nick's baby. A DNA test was done and Nick was the only one to see the results. He claimed the baby was his. The ice storm of 2006 stranded Phyllis and Jack in an elevator, and Phyllis ended up in labor. Jack delivered little Summer Newman. She was named after Phyllis' maiden name and because she was born in the winter.

### The Kidnapping and Accident on the Cliff

Not too long after Summer's birth, Phyllis, her friend Lauren Fenmore's infant son, Fenmore Baldwin, and little Summer were all kidnapped by Lauren's old nemesis, Sheila Carter, who had plastic surgery to look like Phyllis. Lauren came to their rescue and shot Sheila dead. Phyllis and Sharon were fighting at the edge of a cliff. When Drucilla Winters tried to break them apart, Dru fell to her death. A little while later, Phyllis was arrested for blackmailing Sharon and Brad Carlton about their affair. Phyllis was sentenced to six years in prison but was let out early.

### A Troubled Marriage

Many problems developed began in Phyllis' marriage following a kiss between Nick and his ex-wife Sharon after reminiscing times they shared as teenagers and their late daughter Cassie. Phyllis began to resent and grow frustrated with Sharon's constant involvement in Nick's life. Her frustration was enhanced by Nick's constant sympathetic approach toward Sharon's problems. Phyllis and Nick's marriage suffered strain as Phyllis' anger grew and Nick continued to be a shoulder for Sharon to cry on. Nick had sex with Sharon after another walk down memory lane when he went to check on her at the Abbott cabin during a storm. Phyllis though heartbroken was not surprised having known what transpired before her guilt ridden husband could confess. Phyllis in a last attempt to save her marriage forgave Nick. Their marriage would lead to separation after Nick had sex with Sharon again and learning that Sharon was pregnant. Nick moved out and Phyllis told him if he wanted a divorce that he would have to file. Sharon had a paternity test made on her unborn child due to the fact that she had two more lovers other than Nick, brothers Jack and Billy Abbott. Nick vowed to stay with Sharon despite what the results would be because he was convinced that her baby was his as the dying daughter predicted.

### Patty, Sharon and Trouble

Phyllis befriended Mary Jane Benson, who was actually Patty Williams in disguise. Patty was obsessed with Jack. Phyllis, whose marriage to Nick was falling apart, slept with Jack, which Patty witnessed. After over hearing that Summer was allergic to peanuts, Mary Jane ate a peanut cookie and kissed Summer. Summer fell into a coma, and Phyllis and Jack became closer. Patty told the assistant district attorney that Phyllis poisoned Summer on purpose so she could convince Nick to come back to her. Phyllis was separated from Summer for a while before finding evidence that proved Patty did it. Summer had serious brain damage and had to learn to talk, read, and write all over again. In light of Summer's near death experience Nick proposed to Phyllis hopes it would convince her of his newly affirmed commitment and love for her and their family. Phyllis traveled to Switzerland to bring Summer to specialist who would help Summer's recovery. Nick learned the night before Phyllis and Summer were scheduled to leave that Sharon's baby was his. Nick chose to wait until his wife and daughter's return to share this news not wanting anything to divert Phyllis' attention off of Summer's recovery. Sharon would later go into labor at the mental hospital where she was staying when Adam Wilson stole her baby, Faith, Sharon was told that Faith had died. Nick's father was on the brink of death after being shot in the chest by Patty Williams prompting Phyllis to return home early to be by Nick's side. After learning that Sharon's baby was also Nick's she was sympathetic to Nick's loss and encouraged him to speak openly about his daughter. Nick and Phyllis would grow closer as they focused on their daughter's recovery.

Sharon, who still thought her baby was dead, married Adam. Nick was not happy about his rival and brother having full access to his son Noah causing him to be very vocal of his anger towards the union. Nick's meddling in Sharon's new marriage began to frustrated Phyllis and Sharon both. Phyllis began to investigate into Adam's action's and agenda convinced she witnessed him push Dr. Charles Taylor a doctor whom he was blackmailing int front of a moving car killing him. She began to uncover some of Adam's misdeeds, and accidentally found a note that pretty much explained what really happened to Faith. Phyllis though worried Nick would return to Sharon, decided to give the note to Ashley, who thought Faith was her baby. Shortly after, Phyllis drove to the Abbott cabin to take down the plaque that said "In Memory of Faith C. Newman, always with us", since Faith was really alive, starting crying while driving and crashed. She spent several days in the hospital and ended up in a wheelchair for a few weeks.

### Sara and Murder

A woman named Sara Smythe abducted Lauren. Sara had plastic surgery to look like Lauren and tried to steal her life, but there was a problem: Lauren's husband, Michael Baldwin, was ruining her plan. She made a deal with Patty (who was disguised as Emily Peterson): Patty would kill Michael and Sara would kill Phyllis. Sara broke in and tried to strangle Phyllis. Phyllis jumped into a closet, slammed the door on Sara's arm and then told Sara that security was coming, so Sara fled. Michael showed up and they went to track down Sara, whom they thought was Lauren. Michael left Phyllis in the car alone where she pieced together that it wasn't Lauren that tried to murder her. She ran to warn Michael. Phyllis arrived in time to witness Lauren kill Sara.

Nick was framed for Adam's "murder". (Adam wasn't dead, he gave his bone marrow to a man named Richard Hightower who looked like him, killed Hightower and burned the body. The body was burned so badly that the only way a DNA test could be done was with the marrow.) Phyllis and Sharon teamed up to look for clues. They went to a corn field and found proof that Adam was alive. Suddenly a plane flew over and dropped pesticides. Sharon breathed it in and collapsed. Phyllis tried to help but Nick arrived in time to save her. At Genoa City Memorial Hospital, the district attorney decided to charge Nick for the murder of Hightower and his trial date was moved up. The already upset Phyllis realized that Nick was falling for Sharon again. Nick was arrested but the charges were eventually dropped. Phyllis left Nick because she was sick of she and Summer always being second to Sharon and Faith.

### Deacon, Gloworm and Divorce

Phyllis couldn't stop being jealous and when she heard that Sharon, Nick, and Faith were up at the Abbott cabin she drove up to spy on them. But half way up she got a flat tire. She was stranded on the side of the road with no cell phone reception when Deacon Sharpe (who had framed Daniel for murder and blackmailed Daniel's wife, Amber Moore) came to help. Nick pulled over when he spotted them and Phyllis kissed Deacon to make Nick jealous.

Phyllis and Summer briefly left town afterwards and when they came back Phyllis was surprised to see Deacon working at Gloworm. Deacon grabbed and kissed her but Phyllis pulled away and slapped him. She left and fought with Nick. She came back and had sex with Deacon in the alleyway. In November, Phyllis so was upset at the thought of being a "gr...gr...gran...", she couldn't even say the word "grandmother." She also did not want to be related to Daisy. She told Daniel to get a DNA test immediately.

In November, 2010, Phyllis went to pick up Summer from the tack house. Nick told her that their divorce was now final. Phyllis stayed composed but seemed upset. Phyllis ran into Sharon at Crimson Lights. Sharon noticed that Phyllis seemed mellow asking if she had used up all her energy on another scandalous *Restless Style* piece. Phyllis said no but her divorce was final from Nick. Sharon said she had heard. Phyllis smiled coyly and said, "I'm sure you were the first to know."

### Phyllis' Affirmation and More Trouble

Sharon asked why. Phyllis said that in the past she probably would've freaked out and blamed Sharon but she didn't feel like doing that now and was not interested in it. Phyllis said she did feel mellow--and normal. Sharon said that even though Phyllis was with Nick, Phyllis was a little less irrational and a little less destructive. Phyllis said that was because she was being subservient and submissive but that she didn't need to do that anymore. She didn't need Nick's approval--she was herself again.

Sharon said Phyllis was herself - vindictive and vicious and it suited her. At *Restless Style*, Phyllis shot down Billy's proposal that they do a cover story on now-pregnant Daisy Carter. When he suggested they instead do a follow-up on the Diane Jenkins hatchet piece, Phyllis shot that one down as well citing unforeseen repercussions from the article. After Kyle skipped school and showed up at the magazine's office, Phyllis pulled Kyle aside and told him she didn't blame him for being mad at her.

Kyle accused her of not caring. Phyllis said that wasn't true. Kyle said if she did care, she never would have written the article. Phyllis acknowledged him reading the article, but said he shouldn't have. She said there was a lot of history between his mom and her and it was very intense and that's what the article was about. It wasn't about Kyle, Phyllis said. Jack came in just in time to see Kyle take a long look a Phyllis before knocking over her cup to spill tea all over her laptop.

### Jack, Lauren and Sharon

Phyllis was pissed when Jack Abbott told her that they needed to take a break and give his son, Kyle Abbott, time to get over things. Phyllis then went to visit Daisy Carter, pledging to stand by her side. After Phyllis left, Daisy said she better stand by her. At Crimson Lights, Phyllis was reminiscing about using baby Daniel to snag Danny Romalotti back in the day. Michael Baldwin entered and joined her. She tried to convince him to help her get Daisy admitted to the hospital so she would have the DNA test.

She said there were similarities between her and Daisy. She said when she was younger, she was somewhat like her which was all the more reason she was getting no sympathy from her. Phyllis went to see Lauren Fenmore who said that her ordeal that spring was her own fault because she never should have let her guard down after Sheila Carter died. Phyllis told her pal this would all end but first they had to get Daisy out of jail. Lauren reluctantly agreed to Phyllis' request.

After Phyllis found out that Nick was remarrying Sharon Newman, she told Jack that she should feel good before telling him that she missed him during the "Kyle-break". Jack said that now was not the time for this discussion. Daniel interrupted to announce that Daisy's paternity results were in. Phyllis called Michael to tell him that Daisy's DNA results were back. Michael broke the news to Lauren. Phyllis and Jack accompanied Daniel to the hospital for the test results.

### Daisy, Adam and A New Story

Michael Baldwin and Lauren Fenmore also showed up for the test results. Daniel was the father of Daisy Carter's baby and it was a girl. Now that they had the results, Lauren asked when Daisy was going back to jail. Daisy said Daniel wouldn't let her go back to jail. Daniel stormed out with Jack Abbott in tow. Lauren became upset at the thought of Daisy being out of jail a second longer and stormed out with Michael in tow. Phyllis remained behind to talk to Daisy.

Lauren told Sheila what her plans were for the baby. Phyllis said she wanted to spend as much time with his baby boy as possible so if that meant he was born and raised in jail then that was what it would be. In June 2005, Sheila visited Adam Newman while he was in his cell. Jack blasted Sharon for twisting the evidence he'd shared with her about Faith Newman being alive. Noah insisted she had never promised to prove his innocence. Her aim, she explained, was to follow the evidence to see where it would lead.

Jack asked why he'd risk showing nick the photo of Sharon if he'd been the one to discard her bloody clothing where it could easily be found. sherry suggested that faith, desperate, had used her in order to establish reasonable doubt. Phyllis admitted using Adam to glean information for her story. Phyllis smugly informed Adam that she'd gone to the jail so she'd could adequately describe to her readers what it was like for him to be in prison where he belonged. Phyllis begged Adam to share graphic details about hiding Skye's body.

### Skye's Disappearance

Sharon Newman explained that the big story was that Skye Newman was scamming them all because she was still alive. Sherry claimed she'd release a new bulletin on the Internet if Skye could prove that jack was alive. Jack, casually reclining on the cot in his cell, warned that nick would look foolish if she published a story about him being a murderer because evidence was being gathered as they spoke. Jack sarcastically noted that the timid Sharon Newman would be no match for the devious and dangerous Sharon.

Abby demanded that Noah tell her where Phyllis was and warned that Sherry was not equipped to deal with Skye. Adam claimed that Phyllis vastly underestimated Sharon. Phyllis stopped by the tack house to pick up Summer Newman and mentioned hearing about Victor Newman showing up to celebrate Christmas. Nicholas Newman said he had no idea what had spurred his father's change of heart and doubted that the change would last. Phyllis noted that Victor had seemed happy at Adam's arraignment after the judge deemed Adam a flight risk and ordered him to be incarcerated.

Nick cracked a slight smile at Phyllis and shook his head in agreement. At Crimson Lights, Phyllis was working on her laptop when Nick approached her. Nick said that he had been doing Newman business because Victor was out of town. Faith Newman was with a nanny while he was working. Phyllis asked about Sharon and Nick said Sharon had left town to clear her head. Phyllis informed Nick that Sharon was working for Adam. Sharon was trying to prove that Skye was still alive. Nick asked how Phyllis knew about Sharon and Phyllis said that Adam had told her.

### Skye's Disappearance, Sharon's Choice and The Baby

Phyllis explained that Adam Newman had boasted to her that Sharon Newman had so much faith in him that she was determined to find Skye Lockhart Newman. Nicholas Newman asked if Phyllis planned a follow up story about Sharon and Adam. Phyllis said that she was determined to expose Adam as the criminal she believed he was. Nick asked if Phyllis had a vendetta against Sharon. Phyllis was surprised when Nick said that he supported Phyllis' decision to go after Sharon. Nick claimed he would never rescue Sharon again. Nick would never be a knight in shining armor for Sharon.

Phyllis said she once had wished for him to say that. Nick wasn't happy about abandoning Sharon but he thought she had made a terrible choice. Nick said he couldn't protect Sharon any longer. Nick said that he was totally focused on Summer Newman and Faith. Phyllis said people deserved to know the truth about Adam. Nick said whatever happened to Adam, Sharon would be collateral damage. Later, Kevin Fisher approached Phyllis at Crimson Lights. Kevin wanted to know where Daniel Romalotti was. Phyllis didn't know. Kevin said the baby was already turning their lives upside down.

Kevin realized that he wasn't ready to be a parent. Phyllis assumed that Kevin would be supporting her case to adopt the baby. Phyllis went to the counter and told Kevin that she had called Vance Abrams. Phyllis explained that she was sure her case was strong for adopting Daisy Carter's baby. Kevin said Phyllis had misunderstood him. Kevin didn't want to adopt the baby but he would not want Phyllis to adopt the baby either. Kevin agreed with Daniel's decision. Phyllis tried to dissuade Kevin, but he said the baby's needs came first.

### Trouble with Daisy Carter

Jack Abbott held Phyllis back and refused to let her run after Daniel Romalotti. Phyllis left a message for Daniel and told him she supported his decision to put the baby up for adoption. Lauren Fenmore overheard, as did Abby Newman, and told Phyllis she'd done the right thing. Abby admitted she was worried about Daniel because she hadn't heard from him. Later Daisy gave birth to her daughter with Daniel's help then she hit him in the head and took her to a local church Church Of The Sacred Heart and left her daughter there. Later, Phyllis found out that Victoria and Billy Abbott's adopted baby Lucy was actually Daniel's and her granddaughter, and remembering what it was like living her life without her child, Daniel, she decided that Lucy needed to be with her real family. Lauren and Daniel both objected, fearful that the baby's mother, Daisy who was a dangerous fugitive, would hear about it, return, and demand her parental rights. So with Michael and Rafe's legal help, they arranged a private meeting among all parties, and Phyllis was convinced to agree to let Billy and Victoria keep Lucy, provided that she would see Lucy one weekend a month, that Lucy would know Daniel was her father, and that Phyllis would be involved in major decisions in Lucy's life. Meanwhile, Chloe Mitchell sued Billy for custody of Delia, citing the fact that Billy had bought Lucy on the black market. As the private meeting was coming to a close, a CPS social worker arrived, having found out Lucy was a black market baby through Delia's custody paperwork. Although the adoption papers that Billy gave the social worker appeared legitimate, there had been no background check or social worker involved. Even though Daniel claimed to be Lucy's father and substantiated Billy and Victoria's right to his daughter, Lucy was taken from them until Daniel's claim could be verified with a DNA test. When the test came back positive, due to the ongoing pressure from the Abbott family and his mother, Daniel left to get Lucy, promising them that he would decide what to do once she was safe.

Daniel finally decided to allow Billy and Victoria to adopt Lucy, he relinquished his parental rights, and the adoption was made legal. Phyllis was livid, and wrote a Restless Style blog about Lucy and condemning Daisy, hoping to smoke her out. By doing so Phyllis had disobeyed the court's gag order, and she was fired by Billy. Daisy returned, and Phyllis hired Leslie Michaelson to arrange for Daisy to turn herself in and petition the court to get back her parental rights. Leslie pointed out that Daisy was only accused of the crimes, and that both Victoria and Billy had recently been arrested as well, that Victoria had lost custody of Reed, and Billy's ex-wife was suing for custody of Delia. So Daisy was given back her parental rights, although Phyllis was given temporary custody of Lucy.

### Romance with Nick

Nick bought back Restless Style from Billy, then offered Phyllis the opportunity to work with him again, and she took the job. Their first article together was titled "Was Adam Newman's love the kiss of death for his fiancee?" It wasn't long before their proximity brought them back to being lovers. They end up falling in love again, and Nick asks her to marry him again, which she accepts. Nick and Phyllis are very happy when they learn that she is pregnant, but Phyllis miscarries on what was supposed to be her wedding day after an argument with Daisy, who walks away and does nothing when she hears Phyllis in agony. The wedding is called off, but Nick and Phyllis decide to have a more intimate wedding with just their children in attendance at their home.

After remarrying Nick, Phyllis' past catches up with her when her attempted hit-and-run of Paul Williams and Christine Blair comes to light after 18 years. The revelation costs Phyllis her job at Restless Style and even cause Nick to wonder if he really knows her at all. It gets worse when Tim Reid, Phyllis' former therapist and former lover who had been blackmailing her, was found dead in his apartment. It then really gets worse when Summer finds her mother with Ronan Malloy, which causes their relationship to become very strained. When Nick finds out, he finally leaves Phyllis for good.

### Jack's Addiction

When the case against Phyllis is dropped and Summer gets into a bad car accident, Nick realizes that he's had enough and files for divorce and began pursuing a relationship with her sister, Avery. After gaining Adam's share support and teaming up with Tucker McCall, Jack offered Phyllis a job at Newman Enterprises: the Vice President of Research and Development, which she accepted. Starting out as only allies, Phyllis and Jack began growing closer, especially after his addiction to his pain medication intensified. Phyllis went with Jack to the Abbott cabin to help get over his withdrawal from the pills, despite all the hurtful things he began bringing up and throwing it into her face, Phyllis still stayed by his side. Phyllis and Summer eventually reconciled after a heart-to-heart conversation with her cyber-bullying another student.

### Summer's Paternity

In 2013, Summer began developing romantic feelings towards Kyle Abbott, which Nick was against. Phyllis, Summer, and Jack just thought he was being overprotective and was having a hard time letting Summer go after her high school graduation. Later, Nick reveals to Phyllis that he lied and claimed paternity of Summer after the original test results was corrupted and took a second one. It showed that Jack was Summer's real father, not Nick; meaning that Summer was in love with Kyle, her half-brother. Phyllis was furious with Nick that he kept this secret for all those years and compared him to Adam (Adam stole Nick and Sharon's daughter, Faith, after she was born and made Ashley believed it was her daughter she had miscarried). Fearing of how Summer would react if she'd found out that not only was Jack her father, but that her crush was her brother, Phyllis takes Kyle to Chicago and tried coming on to him and even discreetly called Summer with Kyle's phone discussing how he was checking out the women during the conference. Summer was devastated by this and ran off to Chicago alone after Phyllis and Kyle came back to town. Nick eventually found her and revealed the truth about her paternity while at the same time, Phyllis confessed to Jack about Summer being his daughter.

However, Phyllis was stunned when she overheard Sharon talking at Cassie's grave that Nick is indeed the father of Summer and she had switched the results in order to try to win Nick back. Sharon ran after Phyllis to Victor's foundation for multiple sclerosis. Phyllis threatened to tell Jack and Nick everything and tried calling Jack, but Sharon interfered. The two women fought over the cell phone, but Phyllis lost her balance and fell down a flight of stairs, knocking her unconscious after striking her head on the concrete floor.

### The Coma

Phyllis is found by Avery and Nick and rushed to the hospital where she was diagnosed with a blood clot on her brain, requiring surgery. After the surgery was successful, Phyllis briefly wakes up with Jack at her side, but is unable to talk. She then has a panic attack and seizes after seeing Sharon standing at the door. The seizure causes Phyllis to relapse into a coma and diagnosed with a bruised brain. Dr. Kurt Costner informs Phyllis' family and friends that she may never regain consciousness again. Daniel shows up at the hospital and requests to have his mom move to an experimental facility in Georgia that might help her recover quicker. Jack, Summer, and Avery are against this idea of the fact that she'll be far away from everyone, but they are eventually convinced by Nick and Daniel that if it'll help Phyllis recover, they will let her go. Before leaving for Georgia, Jack goes to Phyllis' room and puts his engagement ring on her finger, promising that he will wait for her when she comes home.

While Phyllis was in her coma, she was visited at times by Avery, Jack, and Summer. When Avery and Nick broke up, Avery hoped that telling Phyllis would wake her up. Phyllis' hand moved, but she didn't wake up. When Jack moved on with Kelly, he said good-bye to Phyllis. Summer brought her new husband, Austin Travers, to see Phyllis.

### Waking Up

After secretly getting Summer to sign the papers, Victor has the doctor inject Phyllis with the drug, hoping it'll wake her up. While at a memorial service to commemorate the first anniversary of the death of Katherine Chancellor, Victor gets a call from the doctor saying that Phyllis begins showing signs of brain activity. Victor then flies down to Georgia and sits bedside next to Phyllis, hoping she will wake up and give him the information he wants.

On August 29, after being comatose for 13 months, Phyllis finally wakes up. However, she appears to be catatonic as she has not said or done anything since awakening. Victor continues to ask Phyllis questions about what happened to her the night of her accident and shows her a picture of Sharon, thinking it would get her to refresh her memory. But Phyllis remains still the entire time. Victor then shows her a photo of Summer, saying that she misses her mom and needs her. When Victor walks out of the room, Phyllis stares at the photo and quietly utters the word "Summer." Phyllis then begins fidgeting around in her hospital bed, murmuring quietly to herself. At the same time as Nick proposes to Sharon, Phyllis wakes up, screaming.

She stares at a photo of Jack and eventually escapes from the hospital, stumbling out onto the highway hitchhiking a ride back to Genoa City. A man picks her up asking her where she's heading to, but she says nothing. The man that begins flirting with her and puts his hand on her legs. She then ambushes him and gets out. She sees a sign saying Genoa City is another 285 miles away; she sticks her thumb out again hoping for another ride.

### Return to Genoa City

Phyllis arrives in The Abbott house and rushes upstairs waiting for a woman who is Jack's new girlfriend, Kelly Andrews, to leave the apartment. After she does, Phyllis comes down and finds an invitation to Nick and Sharon's wedding with the information on it. Summer arrives in Nick's house when nobody is home and writes "Nick" on a slip of paper but doesn't continue writing the note.

On Nick and Sharon's wedding day, Phyllis takes a white wedding gown out of her closet. Just as she's about to get out the door, a police officer stands in front of her ready to arrest her for the assault of the driver. Phyllis stated he did nasty things to her and she didn't want to be taken advantage of and convinced him the man was guilty.

At Nick and Sharon's wedding,just before they were about to get married, Phyllis busted through the doors and shocked everybody! As Phyllis walked down the aisle, Summer was in tears and hugged her mother. Phyllis fainted and everybody rushed to her rescue. Kelly saw how much Jack still cared about Phyllis. Sharon left the church. Kelly arrived at the Genoa City Memorial Hospital with Jack and Summer. When Phyllis awoke, Summer got to talk with her. Phyllis then talked to Avery and then Jack. She questioned Jack why he wouldn't let her come home but Jack claimed she needed to rest. Nick asked Phyllis if she knows something Sharon's told her. Sharon showed up to ask Phyllis about the secret Phyllis might know about her that could potentially hurt Nick. The next day, Summer took off her wedding ring and introduced Austin to Phyllis as her friend. Austin was angry at Summer and Summer claimed they can't give Phyllis a whole lot of new information right now. Kelly felt out of place. Kelly felt guilty and when Jack returned home, she had her bags packed ready to leave. Jack was persistently trying to convince her to stay with her and eventually she stayed the night. Jack woke up the next morning next to a note from Kelly that she had left.

Phyllis woke up and remembered that Jack proposed to her before her fall and wanted to retrieve the ring she pawned for money to return to Genoa City. Jack told her she needed rest and Phyllis questioned why wouldn't he let her return home. Jack called Kelly when she was at the Athletic Club to come to Jabot to see him. Kelly arrived in Jack's office and saw the ring on the table and thought it was for her. Jack was speechless and she realized it's for Phyllis and apologized. Jack kissed Kelly passionately and chose her to be with. He promised to break the news to Phyllis.

Summer took off her wedding ring and introduced Austin to Phyllis as her friend. Austin was angry at Summer and Summer claimed they can't give Phyllis a whole lot of new information right now. Phyllis finally returned home to the Abbott Mansion where she was greeted by Summer and Austin whom she had met in the hospital. Phyllis asked Summer why she's so close to her tall, handsome, male friend. Summer told Phyllis that her and Austin were engaged in which Phyllis was enraged. Phyllis claimed Summer is only 18 who should be living her life. Summer corrected that she's in fact 19. Phyllis asked how long they've been together and Austin stated last spring which Phyllis didn't agree with! Austin was still upset that Summer wouldn't tell Phyllis the truth.

Ashley dropped the bomb asking Phyllis how she likes her new son-in-law when Phyllis wasn't told Summer was married because the doctor told her family not to drop all the events of the last year on her all at once. Ashley claimed she was sorry for dropping the bomb on her like that. In the mean time, Jack hid all the technology in the house so Phyllis couldn't read up on what she missed. Phyllis cracked the password by figuring it was Summer's birth date. While, Jack, Austin, and Summer were over at the mansion again, Phyllis angrily blurted out that Summer married a felon! Phyllis was derogatory towards Austin and furious. Phyllis was spiteful towards him for holding her sister at gunpoint and shooting Paul Williams at the wedding! Summer fired back by saying Austin's not the only one in this room who almost killed Paul Williams. Phyllis mandated on having this marriage annulled but Summer and Austin convinced her otherwise. Austin apologized to Phyllis for his past and Phyllis tried to negotiate forgiveness if he informed her on what she missed in the last year. Austin couldn't do that since he'd be going against Jack, Summer's fake father, if he did that.

### Feud with Kelly

After Nick, Noah, and Mariah left for the church; Phyllis showed up and took Sharon to the spot where she fell. Sharon finally remembered everything. When Victor, Jack, and Nick showed up; Sharon tearfully admitted she had switched the results of Summer's paternity test and that Nick was Summer's biological father. Nick was furious with Sharon and vowed to never forgive her. Things got worse for Sharon when Nick told her he was suing her for full custody of Faith, so Sharon hired David Sherman to represent her. Summer and Nick were upset with Sharon but also with Phyllis who only cared about revenge but eventually Phyllis was forgiven.

Kelly came over to The Abbott Mansion when Phyllis showed up. Phyllis asked who she was and Jack told her she's a friend of Billy's. And that she's an event planner at The Athletic Club. Phyllis soon blurted out that Kelly is the woman who broke up Billy and Victoria's marriage. Kelly admit she's made mistakes. Kelly sought her way out. Jack kept putting off telling Phyllis, believing she needed time to hear about everything that had happened within the past year. Phyllis found a picture of Kelly Andrews in Jack's desk at his office. Billy walked in and explained that Delia had been killed from a hit-and-run by Adam, and Kelly lost a son named Sam, and that's how Kelly and he met and a support group. Kelly told Stitch she's going to fight for Jack! Phyllis had read a lot of information up online when she was told not to. Phyllis asked ask if there was another woman while she was away and that she would understand. Jack did admit he was in a relationship with somebody else but the name's not important. Phyllis decided she wanted to get married and that Kelly can organize it! Jack still put it off. Kelly met up with Stitch at Memorial Hospital because Maureen had a heart attack. Stitch told Kelly that Vicki has to know the truth and Kelly backed him up. Kelly stayed and let Stitch go find Victoria. Jack was about to cut things off with Kelly when Kelly called Jack needing him because her mother had a heart attack.

Jack broke it off with Kelly and stayed with Phyllis. Phyllis claimed she'd understand if he was with somebody else while she was gone. Jack admit he did move on but the name's not important. Phyllis fought with Billy over her position back, which Jack offered her a higher position since Billy has done outstanding in her position, but Phyllis ultimately won it back. Jack and Phyllis ran into Kelly at the Athletic Club who was already upset talking to her brother, Ben Rayburn, about their mother really killing their father and running away from town, and Victoria's child being Billy's not his, and Kelly losing Jack. Phyllis insisted on Kelly arranging the wedding reception after hearing about the exceptional praise she's gotten.

Phyllis ran upstairs the Athletic Club to Kelly's apartment and told her she knew about Jack and her. Kelly asked if Jack told her but Phyllis stated she figured it out through the texts on his phone. Phyllis underestimated their relationship of being just sex and nothing more. She accused Kelly of jumping from Abbott brothers and Jack taking her in like a stray and Kelly slapped Phyllis! Phyllis and Kelly argued while Phyllis claimed to have ended the conversation and walked down the stairs. Kelly followed after her when Jack appeared at the door. Kelly yelled at him for making a big mistake and he will regret it for the rest of his life!

For New Year's the couple makes plans to go to the party at the Athletic Club to celebrate with their family and friends. Jack leaves first, and Phyllis plans to meet him there after Summer shows up with a fashion emergency; however when Phyllis is on her way to the club, her car suddenly stops and try as she might she can't get it started as she realizes that she has mysteriously run out of gas. To make matters worse, when Phyllis goes to use her phone to see if she is near a gas station...she finds that the battery is dead which annoys and angers her even more. Being one to never let anything get her down, Phyllis then takes her purse, phone, keys and proceeds to walk to the club.

When Phyllis gets to the club, Jack has to literally keep her from ripping Kelly's head off, because she was hitting on Jack when Phyllis walked in. Jack calms her down and goes to get her a drink while she changes her dress; however when Kelly approaches Phyllis, she is called a bi^%h, and Phyllis accuses her of siphoning the gas out of her car so that she wouldn't make it to the club, and for purposely copying her dress. Kelly assumes Phyllis is spitting conspiracy, but Red tells Kelly that if she wants a war then she has got it. Later Phyllis shows up in a fire engine red dress, and she and Jack kiss and toast the new year, as well as their future together. Kelly looks on though from the stairs.

Phyllis arrived in Neil's apartment and met Hilary, his wife who she admit she liked. Phyllis wanted Neil to make her look good at work. While leaving an appointment at the hospital, Phyllis sees her friend Michael Baldwin coming out of an oncology door and questions him. Michael admits to her, he has stage 3 prostate cancer and she promised not to tell. only Lauren, Kevin, and Fen know.

Phyllis texted Kelly from Jack's phone and got her to come to Jabot. The two woman argued, and Jack walked in to find Kelly holding her cheek. Kelly claimed that Phyllis had slapped her, but Kelly denied it. Kelly overheard Phyllis and Jack planning a romantic rendezvous, and later got a text. Kelly sneaked into the room while Jack was blindfolded. Phyllis burst in and Kelly claimed that Jack has texted her. Phyllis accused Kelly of setting Jack up. Jack found out a woman with blonde hair ordered the roses and believed Kelly had set him up. Jack told Kelly that he was marrying Phyllis, and to leave him alone. Phyllis confronted Kelly and accused her of planting a blonde wig in her purse.

Kelly tried to make peace with Phyllis by sitting down and having tea. Phyllis left and Ben sat down to talk with Kelly. While they were talking, Kelly started to feel faint and Ben took her to the hospital. The doctor said that Kelly had been poisoned. Kelly admit to Ben that she had just drank tea with Phyllis and got up for a second and Phyllis poisoned her tea!Stitch considered calling the police but Kelly denied that she had enough evidence and told the doctor's not to report anything. Kelly stopped by Jack and Phyllis's and accused Phyllis of poisoning her tea which Phyllis denied. Jack was confused and Kelly explained the story. Jack seemed to be more on Phyllis's side since Kelly barged into their house and made accusations. Kelly asked Phyllis to try some of the rest of her tea in a thermos then, and Jack said no! Kelly stated that he believes her. Jack asked Kelly to leave. Phyllis then broke a vase out of anger. Jack went to Victor to ask whether Phyllis's treatment could have affected her psychological process. Victor claimed she got her back, that's all he wanted. Jack asked a doctor to come over, which angered Phyllis because he thinks she's crazy!

The next day, Jack told Red he wants them both to go to a therapist. Phyllis admits that she doesn't know if she poisoned Kelly. She doesn't remember doing it but she could've. Phyllis told the therapist she hates Kelly just like she hates Sharon and hundreds of other people. She admit she can lie, duck, and weave through things but this one she doesn't know if she poisoned Kelly. The therapist told her the first step in moving on is forgiveness and she needs to forgive Kelly. Phyllis left the room only to see Kelly and Jack hugging. Phyllis apologized to Kelly before she left. Phyllis had her bags packed and left Jack's house.

Phyllis appeared on a park bench with her bags in Chancellor Park. Kelly appeared to meet Phyllis as she asked. Kelly warned Phyllis no more threats because she is being recorded and will go right to the police. Phyllis wanted to say she's sorry. Kelly explained she already said that in the hospital before she left. Phyllis apologized for poisoning Kelly and Kelly was shocked. Phyllis explained she's leaving Genoa City and wants Kelly to take care of Jack. Phyllis left and Kelly walked off only for Phyllis to stay watching her. Kelly arrived at Jack's house and told him about Phyllis. Jack arrived in Chancellor Park and met up with Phyllis at the park bench and took her home. Phyllis and Jack arrived home only for Red to be set up when Michael Baldwin the attorney made himself present and Paul and Christine appeared to arrest Phyllis. Phyllis was furious and Jack sadly watched them take her away. Avery and Jack decided it would be better to put Phyllis is a mental facility, Fairview, instead of straight to prison. Phyllis was all freaked out by the place, and then Victor arrived there and was willing to have her temporarily move in with him and Nikki, much to the disliking of Nikki and Jack. Kelly kept trying to convince Jack, but Jack insisted they have no future and he wants to help and be with Phyllis.

Victor, Phyllis, and Nikki attended the Valentine's Day Party at the Underground. Phyllis ran into Jack , who to her had moved on. Phyllis immediately assumed it was Kelly, and started ranting at Jack. He became even angrier when she realized that Jack and Avery had planned this to make Phyllis seem crazy. The roof of the Underground collapsed, trapping Phyllis and Nikki together. As Victor tried to free the two women, He found Jack unconscious. As Victor worked to resuscitate Jack, Phyllis pledged her undying love for Jack. She and Nikki were rescued and Victor stayed with Jack. Phyllis and Nikki are taken to Crimson Lights, where Phyllis has a run in with Kelly. Kelly claimed that Jack made love to her at the Underground and Phyllis slapped Kelly and screamed "HE'S MINE!". Phyllis refused to believe it, but Ashley admitted she saw Jack and Kelly together and disheveled.

Jack was taken to the hospital, where he swore up and down he did not sleep with Kelly. Phyllis believed Jack and vowed to stand by him. Kelly overheard Jack slandering her to Phyllis and burst in, furiously claiming that they did sleep together. Jack continued to write Kelly off as a lunatic, and Kelly stormed out in tears.

### Supporting Summer

Phyllis saw Paul and Christine together, and couldn't resist gloating about how Jack and Victor were going to work together to prove her innocence. Paul tried to diffuse the situation, but Phyllis kept pushing Christine, until she had an outburst. Christine snapped that Summer's husband had just died, and Phyllis was here taunting her, instead of comforting her daughter. Phyllis was stunned to hear about Austin's death. She went to Summer's place and comforted her. Phyllis told Summer she would arrange a memorial for Austin. At the memorial, Summer was giving her eulogy about Austin, and then suddenly accused Abby of sleeping with Austin.

### A wedding, Love and Drama

After the building collapse at the Underground, and putting the drama of Kelly behind them; Phyllis and Jack set their minds on planning their wedding. Finally the happy couple decided to elope to St. Bart's for a romantic private ceremony. In April 2015 Jack and Phyllis fly to St. Bart's and stay at a fabulous hotel in a beautiful honeymoon suite; Phyllis changes into her beautiful form fitting wedding gown, and Jack can't believe how stunning his Red looks. Later a Minister comes and performs the ceremony and they officially become Mr. and Mrs. Jack Abbott; however that night while Phyllis is taking a bath her husband is whacked over the head with a canoe oar, kidnapped by Kelly, and replaced by a Peruvian drug lord named Marco Annicelli who bears a striking resemblance to the real Jack Abbott.

Phyllis comes out of the bathroom in a fluffy robe, and when Marco takes her into his arms Phyllis can immediately sense that something is amiss and tries to get away from him; however Marco grabs Phyllis, throws her on the bed and has his way with her.

### Marriage to "Jack"

While her real husband is being held captive and tortured by a deranged Kelly, Phyllis is trying to figure out what on earth is going on with "Jack" since she knows him so well as to pick up when the slightest thing seems off with him. Marco however, rubs her suspicions off and seems to have an insatiable appetite for sexual relations, and so many times he seems bent on getting Phyllis into bed against her will.

Phyllis eventually begins to think that her husband is suffering from after effects of the head injuries he sustained after the building collapse at The Underground; however when "Jack's" behavior becomes increasingly strange such as: wanting to play golf rather than work, spending money like it was being printed in the basement, speaking Spanish in his sleep, and worse still partnering Jabot Cosmetics with Newman Enterprises, becoming "Newman-Abbott" and saying "I trust Victor Newman"; which is one thing Phyllis knows would never come out of her husband's mouth under any circumstances. Phyllis' concerns continue to increase from what she is seeing.

Business at Jabot continues to raise Phyllis suspicions about "Jack" and his behavior, which reaches its limit for her when she finds her husband standing in the lab with a gun. Phyllis is horrified, and asks her husband what on earth is he doing with a gun; however when Marco proceeds to lie to her again, Phyllis cuts him off, asks for the truth, and demands to know "Just what the hell is going on!" Marco gives her a different explanation and assures her he's telling the truth. Phyllis relents and later shares her concerns with Billy and Ashley, while at home Marco continues to sleep with her many times against her will.

### Jack and Phyllis Are Reunited

In late June 2015, Jack Abbott finally makes his escape, and comes home to Genoa City and the first place he goes is home to see his beautiful redhead.

After taking a shower and changing his clothes; he runs into the one person he's been dying to see: his beautiful Red, the love of his life. Phyllis asks him what he's doing home so soon as he's supposed to be at a meeting at the club; Jack replies that he wants to look at her, and as he hugs her; Phyllis seems to immediately know that she is in the arms of her Jack, and she says that he feels familiar, and that she knows that everything is going to be okay. Jack is about to tell Phyllis what happened to him, when Summer comes in and she is clearly furious with Jack for setting her grandfather up to be arrested. Phyllis reminds Summer that Victor is no goody two shoes and that he's not always innocent; however Summer insists that Victor is innocent as Jack looks as if he's thinking about what Marco may be up to. Jack then gets a text from Marisa that Marco is at the club, and tells Phyllis that he has to go, and to hold on to that feeling she had when he held her.

Summer asks her mother just what is going on with Jack, and Phyllis is just as confused as she is and doesn't blame her daughter for her feelings. however Phyllis tells Summer that while there have been many times she has had to question Jack's behavior, and even if her marriage was a lie. Phyllis then says from the way he held her, and the way he looked at her right before Summer came in made all of her bad feelings just melt away; Summer asks what Jack said and her mother replies that it wasn't what he said, but it was their connection; that feeling when one knows another deep in their bones and heart. Phyllis tells her daughter that this is the closest she has felt to Jack in months.

### Shooting in the Park

In July 2015, after Jack made his way home to his wife he winds up meeting Victor in Chancellor Park by sheer chance. In reality Victor was supposed to be meeting Marco as he had plans to kill him and end Marco's terror that he has been spreading to the Abbotts. When Jack shows up at the park, Victor believes he is talking to Marco; however when Jack reaches into his pocket to grab his phone and call the police, Victor takes out a gun and shoots Jack in the chest. Adam happened to see the whole thing, and when he goes to check on the man lying on the ground...he makes a horrifying discovery: Victor has shot the real Jack Abbott. Adam then calls 911 and gets Jack to the hospital; however when Phyllis hears about the shooting, she goes right to Victor's office and accuses him of having something to do with the bad state her husband is in; she also thinks that Victor woke her from her coma on purpose and then had ulterior motives to do harm to Jack. Victor of course denies everything, and since Victoria doesn't know what happened she sticks up for him; however Phyllis says that she expects Victor to lie but she hoped that Victoria would be honest with her.

At the Hospital, Phyllis learns that Jack has to have emergency surgery to remove the bullet and that her husband has fallen into a coma. Phyllis is petrified with worry that her husband might die, so she sets out to get to the bottom of what is going on; Phyllis then tries to communicate with Jack by asking yes or no questions and getting him to squeeze her hand to respond to her. Whenever she said something that wasn't true, it set off the heart monitor, and once he was stabilized he fell back into being unconscious; Phyllis is beside herself with worry and so she decides to go to the jail and question Victor about what he knows. At the jail of course Victor admits nothing and he also lies about knowing the meaning behind the number 2 that Jack wrote to his wife, of which Phyllis has a clue, but not the entire puzzle.

Later Phyllis talks to Ashley and Nick about Jack writing the note and what it might mean, unfortunately Nick is more into protecting his father and Ashley couldn't get anything out of him either. Phyllis later talks to Nikki about the note and still she gets nowhere. Some time later while being treated by Stitch, Jack finally wakes up from his coma and while his wife is talking to him she asks him who shot him, and with a trembling hand he points to Victor who happens to be standing in the room. Phyllis follows her husband's hand and looks at Victor with anger, and fury in her eyes.

After Jack wakes up, Victor still thinks that the man he shot in the park is Marco and not the real Jack Abbott; however once Jack opens his eyes and confirms that he is indeed the real Jack, Victor sets out to blackmail Jack for the crimes he committed in order to escape the boat and get back home to his wife. But Jack is also angry at Victor for putting a crazed maniac like Marco into his life, family etc. Jack is most angry about Marco being with Phyllis, and threatens to expose Victor. Eventually the two agree that each will keep their mouth shut about what the other knows, which leads Jack to lie to his wife, brother and sister; however Phyllis knows more than anyone that Jack is lying to cover up something else.

### Jack Tells the Truth

After returning home, Jack whisks his lovely bride away for a second honeymoon to the Island of St. Bart's, and in the same hotel they stayed in on their wedding day. While the couple makes up for much lost romance; Phyllis can tell that Jack is keeping something from her, and she demands that her husband cut the crap and tell her what is going on. Jack finally cracks and tells his wife about the dirty trick Victor played on both of them: releasing a dangerous drug lord named Marco Annicelli who bore an incredible resemblance to Jack, having Kelly kidnap him from the hotel on his wedding day, letting Marco into Jack's life literally, and into Phyllis' bed. Phyllis is completely stunned, as Jack continues telling her about the horrors Kelly put him through: including drugging him, tying him to the bed etc. Phyllis tells Jack what it was like for her having Marco in their house and in their bed; she tells him that she knew something was off with him, because all he wanted to do was play, trust Victor, and get her into bed more than anything else. Jack is horrified to hear what Marco did to his wife which is rape her for several months while impersonating him.

The couple decide to join forces and get their revenge on Marco and Victor for what happened.

### Phyllis Encounters Marco

Having been home for a while; Jack and Phyllis learn that Marco has not given up on taking over Jack's life or on trying to get his hands back on Phyllis, while this fills Phyllis with fear, Jack promises her that he won't let Marco get anywhere near her. The couple also devises a plan so that Phyllis can tell her husband from Marco: While on their second honeymoon they saw a beautiful church called the: Hagia Sophia from their room, and no one but the two of them would know the name of the church; Jack says that if she sees Marco, to casually ask him about the church, and if he can't name it then Phyllis will know it's not Jack.

During a blackout Phyllis and Jack learn that Marco is looking for them, and could be hiding anywhere. The couple head home where it's dark; Jack tells Phyllis to wait in her car and lock the door, but she refuses and Jack leaves to check their property.

Phyllis is alone in the living room when she hears footsteps, she calls Jack's name thinking it's him; however she gets a surprise when Marco walks into her living room from the kitchen. Marco tries to sweet talk her into thinking he's Jack; however when Phyllis asks him about the church they saw...he can't answer her question and instantly she knows that she is not talking to her husband, but Marco.

Marco advances on her telling her that he wants her, to "make love" to her like before; however Phyllis warns him to stay away from her, but he doesn't listen, and when he gets too close as of to grab her neck; Phyllis kicks him, punches him and finally breaks a glass vase over his head knocking him out. When Jack comes back into the house Phyllis tells him what happened with Marco. Jack is horrified, and worse still Marco has somehow managed to get up off the floor and escape from their house. Jack holds his wife close thankful that she is okay.

### Goodbye Marco

With Marisa's help, Jack and Phyllis finally have Marco all tied up...literally; Jack talks to him first, and smacks him for gloating about raping his wife. When Phyllis arrives, she is ready to cut Marco's heart out, and Jack has to stop her. Victor soon arrives, and Jack plans to call the police and tell them about the shooting, Marco etc. However Victor reminds him that if he goes down, then him and Jack will go down together, since Jack committed murder to escape the island. At first Jack doesn't care; however Phyllis grabs her husband and with tears in her eyes begs her husband to not do this to her: risk being extradited to the Islands and be in prison for life; Jack asks her if they should let Victor get away with what he did to them, and Phyllis doesn't care about that anymore because she tells Jack that she can't live without him, that she loves him so much, she says "Baby, please don't do this to me!" All Phyllis wants is for her husband to be with her, finally Jack hugs his wife and tells her that he won't call the police.

Finally there's a knock at the cabin door, and three big tough mob looking guys enter and take Marco away back to the deep dark hole of a Peruvian prison where he belongs.

### Phyllis Meets Ian Ward

While Mr and Mrs. Jack Abbott are on a romantic getaway at the Abbott Cabin, Phyllis happens to come across Ian Ward while she is taking a walk in the woods. Because she has been in a coma for a year, she doesn't know anything about Ian: what he did to her daughter, Nikki, etc. When she meets him, he tells her his name is Fred, that he's a recent widower, and that he's in the woods working on a book. Ian being the smooth talker that he is gets Phyllis to open up to him a little, and even comes to the cabin to cook for her.

When Jack and Phyllis get back home, Ian winds up in Genoa City also and soon Phyllis is inviting him to dinner, to meet Jack etc. When Jack hears Ian's voice, he tells Phyllis that the voice sounds awfully familiar but he can't put his finger on why.

Later when the Paragon project is becoming a problem, Phyllis meets Ian in the park, because by now she has become suspicious of him. Ian swear that he has nothing to do with Paragon or Adam, and then he leaves. Once Ian walks off Phyllis is greeted by her daughter Summer who is shocked to see her mom talking to this psychopath; Phyllis tells her daughter that the man is "Fred" a friend of hers but her face turns into shock when Summer tells her mom that the man was Ian Ward who is supposed to be locked away in prison.

Phyllis asks her daughter just what she is talking about, and Summer tells her mom about everything that happened with Ian while she was in a coma including putting Summer in the hospital. Phyllis is furious and goes to the jail to confront Ian while Victor is there; however Ian pretends not to know who she is, but Phyllis see right through him and says in short that he should be more scared of her than Victor.

### The Halloween Disaster

On Halloween, Jack and Phyllis attended a party for the Delia Project at Newman Enterprises in the tower ballroom. Jack is dressed as a vampire, and Phyllis as a witch. While there was merriment and Jack was enjoying dancing with his wife, Stitch suddenly comes running into the ballroom yelling about a fire on the lower floors. At first everyone thinks it's a joke, because there was no fire alarm; however soon it becomes apparent that this is no joke but a serious matter. There is a mad panic as everyone worries about their children who are on the lower levels with Nick, Sage, Mariah, and Kevin; Victor takes charge as Jack and Stitch head down to see exactly what's going on. Jack asks Billy to look after Phyllis in case he doesn't come back; however later Phyllis and Ashley go looking for Jack and Stitch, and wind up in the break room where they hear the sounds of helicopters coming to rescue people from the roof. The group makes plans for Jack and Phyllis to go to the lobby and check on the kids while Ashley and Stitch go to the roof; however shortly after leaving there is a huge explosion and Ashley and Stitch are caught in the flames while Jack and Phyllis are trapped in the break room.

Phyllis begins to hyperventilate with panic, but Jack holds and comforts her. When Phyllis opens the door, she sees that the smoke is getting worse, and Jack goes to pull her away from the door; then there's banging on the door and it opens and to the couple's shock Patty Williams is standing in front of their faces. Dressed as a kitty cat. Jack and Phyllis can't believe what they are seeing and they begin to think that either they are hallucinating from the smoke or have passed out and don't know it.

Patty then pushes her way into the room and shuts the door. Soon Phyllis calls Patty a wacko which upsets her, and when Patty asks about Summer; Phyllis goes into mother mode telling Patty "Don't you ever go anywhere near my daughter!" given that the last time Patty saw Summer, she put her in the hospital and she nearly died from a severe allergic reaction to peanut butter. Jack tries to calm the tension by asking Patty to lead the way out and they will follow her, but Patty thinks it's a trick and that they will do nothing of the kind. Phyllis says that they just want Patty to be a team player, and that she owes them considering the last time she spoke to Phyllis she shot her husband. Patty then tells Jack he can be so kind, but Phyllis can spit poison, she is also shocked that Jack is siding with his wife and that he seems all too happy to let her walk away. Jack then talks to Patty and tells her that he's not letting her go, that he was stupid to let her get away etc. Of course Phyllis knows that her husband is playing Patty so that she will lead them out; however Patty crosses the line when she asks Jack to prove what he says and kisses him, Phyllis will sit and watch no such thing so she gets up, lays a right hook on Patty's face and says "Keep your hands off my husband you sick b%$ch!"

Soon there is another explosion, as the roof in the break room collapses knocking out Jack and Phyllis. Jack gets up, helps his wife and then they see that the vending machine has fallen on top of Patty, unfortunately they can't move the very heavy machine to save her. Phyllis notices that the fire is getting closer and they have to get out Now! Jack feels bad about leaving Patty, but Phyllis says that she is dead so they don't have a choice and the couple escape the fire and make it to the lobby.

At the hospital, the couple are greeted by Billy and the others as Jack gets his wife a seat. While drama goes on at the hospital, Jack tends to his lovely bride as they comment that they are lucky to be alive, and how Jack is glad that he was able to save his wife. After Chelsea lights into Christine about her treatment of Adam, Jack and Phyllis have a discussion about leaving Patty behind, and they talk about why this is bothering him. Eventually the pair realize that they made the only choice they could make as hard as it was to leave Patty.

### Newman and Jabot?

A few days after the fire, Jack and Phyllis learn from Billy about his idea to allow Newman Enterprises to share building space with Jabot while Victor works to get his company back on its feet. Phyllis is dead set against this because Victor humiliated her, robbed her of her husband, and put Marco into her life. Phyllis tells Jack that she hopes that asking Victor about sharing office space with Jabot is part of his plan to get even with Victor about Marco; Phyllis further says that Jack promised her revenge, that she hasn't forgotten and she tells Jack that he'd better not forget either.

### An Unholy Alliance

Still fuming about what Victor did to her, Phyllis has teamed up with Billy to take down Victor Newman once and for all and bring him to his knees. Billy has his own agenda to want to crush Victor, and when Phyllis offers to help him; Billy tells her to stay out of it; however Phyllis tells Billy that she has her own scars on her life left by Victor and that she wants revenge.

Phyllis joins Jack at the birthday party for her niece, and while there both families put aside their differences for the sake of the children. Later after Phyllis helps Billy put the kids down, she and Jack leave and head back to Jabot where he can tell that his lovely redhead is up to something; however Phyllis brushes it off and scrambles off to a meeting she has.

When Victor shows up with bad news about Paragon, Phyllis and the others discover that Ian Ward's body was never found at the tower after the fire which leads Victor to think that Adam lied etc. Phyllis says that she can help Victor get Ian, and when he asks how; Phyllis says that she and Ian are tight friends, because first he was stalking Nikki; however now he's stalking her. Victor accuses her of knowing about Ian and saying nothing. Phyllis counters and says that she knew him as Fred the fisherman in the woods; however she also says that Victor should have told her about a maniac who brainwashed her daughter. Next Phyllis offers herself up as bait to help Victor catch Ian Ward, Jack is immediately opposed to this idea and when Victor and Jack talk together; Jack tells Victor to offer his wife as bait, and Victor has the same look that Jack had to which he responds that now they each feel the same way: neither of them would want their wife around Ian Ward never mind being bait.

Jack talks with Phyllis about her plan, and clearly he is dead set against it; however Jack realizes that Phyllis is clearly still in pain about the whole Marco situation, and will never forget what Victor did to her or their marriage.

### Trouble With Ian Ward and Victor

After Victor discovers that both Phyllis and Billy are working together to bring him down, he resolves to stop them first. However Phyllis has taken steps of her own to track down Ian Ward herself, by getting her hands on Topher...Ian's assistant who first helped him build Paragon; Phyllis gets Topher to film her doing a video for Ian: in short how he pretty much made a fool of her and she won't let that happen again. When Victor finds out that Phyllis has found Ian, she tells him that she plans on meeting him to get the necessary information to stop Paragon and the threat to Newman and Jabot; Victor however doesn't believe her and says that only way he will believe what she says is to go with her to meet Ian.

When the two arrive at Ian's motel room, Phyllis first tries to charm the information out of him; however when Victor enters the room and threatens Ian with a knife unless he stop Paragon, Ian says that he can't stop it. Victor suddenly grabs Phyllis by her throat and begins to strangle her, and tells Ian that if he doesn't stop Paragon then he will kill his "girlfriend". Ian doesn't believe Victor and says "You wouldn't dare!" However Victor is in no mood for games as he tightens his grip on Phyllis' neck, as she begs Ian to cooperate with him. Ian continues to say that he can't give Victor what he's looking for, and this causes Victor to literally begin choking the life out of Phyllis as she begins to cry out in pain and for someone to help her, she also begs Victor to stop it and let her go. Unfortunately Victor keeps his iron grip on her throat, and try as she might she can't pry his hands off of her neck. Ian finally relents and tells Victor that he will take them to the room where Paragon has been run from; Victor is relieved to hear this and finally lets Phyllis go as she falls on the bed gasping for air.

A short time later, Ian, Phyllis and Victor arrive at the server room; where Victor demands that Ian stop the virus. Ian says that he can't stop it because it has taken on a life of its own; however Phyllis steps in saying that her life and his are at risk from Victor if he can't stop this virus from attacking Jabot and Newman. Victor finally begins ripping cords, and wires from the wall, he smashes the laptop, and then grabs Ian by his shirt collar saying that he has destroyed the virus.

A few minutes later, there's a knock on the door and the FBI are standing at the door ready to arrest Ian Ward again. Phyllis thanks the agents for coming so quickly as Victor bids them to arrest him and take him away, as he's being led out Ian says that this is not over. After Ian leaves Phyllis tells Victor that their plan worked as she rubs her neck and Victor says that he hopes he didn't hurt her; Phyllis says that she knows that Victor will destroy whatever is in his way in order to get what he wants.

### Confrontation with Ashley

After Ian goes off to prison, Ashley first confronts Billy, and finally Phyllis. Reason being is that she can understand on some level why Billy would want to go after Victor; however she cannot understand why Phyllis wants Victor's blood. This hits Phyllis' nerve as Ashley continues to press her saying that Jack will never forgive her, and why she would go behind her husband's back and threaten his life's work all to get back at Victor. However Phyllis says that she doesn't need to explain herself, but Ashley says that she does indeed need to explain since Jabot is her company and Phyllis works for her; Phyllis knows this well as she thanks Ashley and tries to leave for her office. However Ashley won't relent as Phyllis begins going on the defensive, saying that she has NO idea what Victor did to her and put her through; Ashley begs to know and finally Phyllis says: "Well let's just say he ruined my honeymoon". She then gathers her tablet and her purse and heads for her office.

### Public Humiliation?

When Jack comes clean to Michael about Marco and what Victor did to him and his wife, he tells Michael that he plans to out himself and Victor at a press conference because he's tired of Victor thinking he can do whatever he wants to his family and he will stand by and take it...well no longer.

Phyllis happens to walk into the office and is shocked by her husband's plans; Jack tells her that this is the only way to save Jabot and get justice for them for what Victor did to her, him and their marriage. With Michael in the room, Phyllis tries to get her best friend to make Jack see that this is a huge mistake; unfortunately for her Michael agrees with Jack that Victor cannot get away with what he has done. Jack then vows to protect Marisa of all people, and Phyllis is shocked that he'd rather protect Marco's ex lover instead of his own wife.

When Michael leaves, Phyllis then cracks as she tries to make Jack realize that if he exposes Victor then she will be exposed as well; however Jack feels that her story will bring sympathy and compassion, but Phyllis fears being publicly humiliated as well as her children and the people she works with finding out what happened to her. Jack tries to hold her and say that they are doing this together; however Phyllis pushes him away as she says that he is not doing this as a team, but alone, and can he not see that. Sadly for Phyllis her husband cannot be persuaded to change his mind as he looks into her eyes and says "I'm sorry you feel that way." Phyllis begins to cry as she asks "So are you just going to do this?" Jack replies yes and leaves Phyllis in the room with tears in her eyes.

### To Love and Protect

At the Athletic Club, Jack is getting ready for the press conference that Michael set up for him so that he can expose Victor. Ashley tells him that he does not have to do this, but Jack says that Victor needs to pay for what he has done as Ashley responds: "At what cost?" When Jack gets up to begin the conference, Phyllis is standing by the bar as Michael comes over to comfort his best friend as she can't believe that her husband is getting ready to expose not only Victor but her as well.

Jack speaks about: How proud he is of Jabot, respecting his father's legacy and integrity, and cherishing his vision. He finally speaks of his father's courage, and while looking into Phyllis' eyes he talks about how courage is sometimes as simple as facing the truth no matter how detrimental to "business as usual". Jack continues to look into his wife's beautiful eyes and sees the pain on her face, the tears in her eyes, and realizes that he cannot expose the woman he loves; Jack then says that sometimes courage means facing adversity head on with dignity and grace...something he learned about from his wife. He then apologizes and says that there will be no big announcement, as he leave the podium Victor walks over to the microphone; Jack covers the mic asking "What the hell do you think you're doing?" Victor replies that since the press came to hear a story he has a hell of a scoop for them.

Jack tells Victor to walk away and consider himself lucky that the truth didn't come out; however Victor is smug as he says that he indeed feels lucky as Jack Abbott is giving up...and it wouldn't be the first time. Jack replies that he had more than himself to look after as people he cares about were involved but Victor wouldn't understand that. Victor says that he understands completely and thanks Jack for the $500 Million he's invested in Newman; Victor proceeds to tell the press about the large cash infusion that he has gotten from Jabot that will allow him to rebuild Newman Enterprises.

After the press conference, Phyllis hugs her husband as she thanks him for not exposing her secret; Jack holds his wife in a protective manner as if he could never bear to hurt her in that way. Ashley then hugs Jack as she says she is so happy he changed his mind and asks why he did it; Jack replies that he saw his wife and he realized that sometimes beating your enemies isn't as important as protecting the the people you love. Victor is still at the podium watching and listening to them talk as he says that meanwhile Jack saved himself years behind bars; Ashley replies that Jack saved Victor too but he's not going to hold his breath and wait for a thank you. Michael asks Jack what he wants to do and says that he can respond to the Newman lawsuit; however Jack tells Michael no lawsuits or fighting, and to draw up a contract saying that in exchange for the money: Victor agrees to drop the lawsuit and also to never pursue any legal action against Jabot, or any of its offices. Phyllis and Ashley know that Jabot can't take a hit like this; however Jabot has been in this spot before and they came back, so Ashley is confident that as long as they stick together then Jabot will be just fine. Ashley then tells Victor that just because he has money in his pockets doesn't mean that he has won, but Victor claims that he is the victim, that the Abbotts came after him, and that they're lucky he accepted the deal or else he would have taken each of them to court.

With Ashley, Michael and Phyllis looking on, Jack then walks up to Victor and says that this ends now: no more wars, no more blood; Jack and his family are done with Victor. Victor replies that Jack should remember one thing: he will always protect his family and company. However Jack says that Victor will always protect his ego, and his family be damned and everyone knows it. Jack finally says that if Victor thinks he has won, he is sadly mistaken and has no idea what he has just lost. Victor tells Michael to draw up the contract, and that as soon as he signs it he expects the money to be transferred into a Newman holding account. Jack asks Ashley to help Michael with the language, and tells Victor to enjoy snuggling up to his "cash register" as he leaves to "celebrate" with his family. Ashley can't believe that she has to plan a wedding with Victor, and she says that while this payoff puts Jabot in precarious predicament that it's only temporary as Jack did the right thing. Michael comments "Yeah, a half billion dollars of the right thing". Jack replies that he would pay any amount of money to have that smug bastard out of their lives.

Later that afternoon back at Jabot, Jack and Phyllis talk about the payoff and that fact that he did it on order to protect her. Jack says what kind of husband/man would he have been if he had cleared his conscience at her expense; Phyllis says that a $500 Million payoff may not work in his favor, but Jack turns to his lovely bride and says that he: loves her, their life together and their future, he further says that if he had revealed the truth that there would have been no going back and they would have been damaged. Phyllis tries to apologize by saying that if she had just trusted his instincts then none of this would have happened; however Jack tells her not to apologize, because what she suffered at Victor's hands was unspeakably wrong, and he understands that she wanted justice. Phyllis replies saying that the choice Jack made to protect her might decimate Jabot; Jack then looks into her eyes and says that as long as she is not decimated then he will be just fine.

Jack then takes her into his arms and they hug; Phyllis then says that if they have to close some divisions to restructure Jabot then they can, but Jack interrupts her and says "Let's not talk business". The feeling of love and romance has crept into the room as Phyllis begins to smile, and Jack talks about Christmas being right around the corner, and wanting to celebrate their life, marriage, love and future. Phyllis gets closer to her husband and he puts his arms around her waist as she says that while she loves that idea she's not so sure she made Santa's "nice"list this year; Jack replies "Well how about I help you make his "naughty" list?" The happy couple are feeling the romance in the room as they enjoy a romantic kiss, as Jack says that he feels the Christmas spirit coming on already; Phyllis laughs as they enjoy another romantic kiss/moment.

While they are enjoying each other, Billy walks into the room and breaks their romantic vibe, he apologizes for what happened and the the payoff having to happen; however Jack is feeling less than forgiving as he rips into Billy for starting this whole mess with Victor, he says that Billy has no idea what he has done, and did not now nor ever think about the consequences of his actions. He just acted first. Unfortunately the apologies never seem to make up for the damage done, and now "sorry" is too little too late, because Victor is dancing on their ashes and their father is rolling in his grave. All thanks to Billy".

Jack isn't through with Billy yet who says that he will somehow make this up to his brother; however Jack is still furious as he says that there is no way to possibly make up a half billion dollars. Billy says that he will do anything it takes, Jack replies by telling Billy to pack up his office and get out of the building because they are done, he further says that Billy will always be an Abbott but will never work at Jabot again. Jack continues to rip into Billy as he says that he doesn't care where he goes, because wherever he goes it will probably blow up. Phyllis looks at her husband in total disbelief and shock as he says that he will not pick up the pieces this time and that he has hurt the family for the last time. When Billy leaves the room, Phyllis is about to go after him when Jack tells her not to, because whenever Billy needs someone to talk to. It doesn't always have to be her.

### The Abbotts Team Up

Ashley announces to Jack and Phyllis that she is stepping down as CEO of Jabot, much to the shock of her brother and sister in law. Phyllis thinks that Ashley's decision is because of her, but she is told that she is not the reason; however Jack can tell that his sister is hiding something but Ashley will not say another word just that her decision is for the best. Jack and Phyllis try to convince her that she needs to stay at Jabot, but Ashley will not change her mind as she says that she has every confidence that Jack can rebuild Jabot with his wife by his side.

Later that night, Jack and Phyllis head to the Athletic Club to have dinner. Jack is worried about Jabot but he appreciates Ashley's faith in them, and Phyllis says that they will get through this together; Jack says that there's no one he'd rather get through this with. The lovebirds share a romantic moment as Victor and Nikki walk up to them and Victor comments that seeing them together and warms the cockles of his heart...all the love they have for each other knowing full well they're poorer than a church mouse. Jack and Phyllis are not happy and clearly offended by Victor rubbing the payoff in their faces. Jack says that all of a sudden he feels like eating at home, Phyllis comments to Victor that it's so great that he has so much of Jabot's money and asks if it's a third of what his own children sued him for and what an amazing bond they share. Victor replies that he loves Phyllis' fighting spirit as she asks if having Jabot's money is filling the black hole where his heart would be; Nikki comments that she genuinely regrets the way things were handled. Jack thanks Nikki, and says that Jabot will be fine...they've been down before and gotten back up. Victor continues rubbing it in by saying that he will find room for some of their former employees, Phyllis replies that Billy and Ashley are already gone from Jabot and no one will thank him for trying to destroy their company. She finally tells Victor that if he chokes on a piece of steak...good luck on finding someone to give him the Heimlich; Jack comments that's an interesting visual as the two leave the club and head for home.

### Battle Plan

After Phyllis talks with Ashley and gets it very clearly that her sister in law in not coming back to Jabot, she finds Jack at Jabot working with Kyle on coming up with a plan to rebuild Jabot after losing $500 Million to Victor. Jack is doing quite a bit of complaining and wallowing in his worry that he has nobody to help him rebuild Jabot; however Phyllis tells Kyle to leave since Summer's birthday is coming up, she then threatens to leave Jack to brood on his own after he yells at her about how he's going to rebuild Jabot. Phyllis encourages her husband telling him that he can rebuild Jabot and make it greater than before, but Jack begs her not to give him false encouragement and he knows that that is not her style. She doesn't to false encouragement only honesty.

Phyllis then sets her husband straight: he complains that he has no family around to help him...but she is standing right in front of him, she is there with him and the last time she checked their marriage vows made her family. Jack values his lady's business savvy and intelligence, and the pair put their heads together as they decide to put Ashley's right hand lab worker in charge of the chemistry part, then Phyllis to go in as head of R&D.

### Holiday Break

After coming up with a battle plan to save Jabot, Phyllis convinces her husband to leave work alone so they can celebrate Christmas and Summer's birthday. Jack agrees and kisses his wife as they leave and head for home.

### Celebrating Summer's Birthday

At the Athletic Club, Phyllis along with Jack and Kyle gather to celebrate Summer's 21st birthday. Phyllis lovingly teases her baby girl about having a hangover so early in the morning, and advises her to next time take two aspirin with a big glass of water before bed which works wonders. Jack wishes his stepdaughter a happy birthday from the bottom of his heart, and Phyllis gives Summer a gift from both her and Jack: a scrapbook of her first 21 years which included pictures, ribbons, newspaper clippings etc. Summer is deeply touched by the gift and can feel the love they put into making it for her.

Phyllis finds out from her daughter and Kyle that Billy ruined their fun at the Underground by making an idiot of himself and getting into a fight with Stitch; Jack soon has to leave to meet Ashley and wishes Summer a happy birthday, as Kyle goes to put their order in which gives mother and daughter a chance to bond and chat. Phyllis asks Summer how school is going since she has one semester under her belt, and what are her thoughts; Summer admits that while she hasn't chosen a major she still has time left to decide. Phyllis advises her daughter that it's important to choose something that excites her which may take time, because why pursue a degree if she's not passionate about what she's doing.

### A Chat with Billy

After Jack leaves, Phyllis winds up in Billy's room at the club. She wakes him up from his drunken stupor, and tells him that she is there for redemption, not only for him but for Jack as well. Billy is not in the mood to talk, but Phyllis will not let up as she tells him that she knows about him making an @$$ of himself at the Underground, Billy says that if she is there to lecture him then he doesn't want to hear it. Phyllis says that while Jack isn't drinking or taking pills again, the family is in dire straits and that now is the time the Abbotts need to stick together.

Billy tells Phyllis how badly he has messed things up with Victoria: being obnoxious to her at the club, then taking their relationship pouring gasoline on it and setting it on fire, and probably not seeing his kids for Christmas. Phyllis tell her brother in law that she has survived disasters way worse than mouthing off at a bar and getting drunk, she further says that her life should definitely not be what it is now as it should have been destroyed on many various occasions...and for a while her life was very bad; however she made it out...she always does. Phyllis further says that Billy can make it just like she did if He stops this pity party and steps up and makes some changes; Billy comments that he sicced Paragon on the family and promised the family that he would not be that guy who messed up anymore. However, she reminds Billy that they were in on getting Victor together plus that she wanted to get Victor much more than Billy did. Billy is surprised to hear this and asks "What the hell else did that man do to you?" Phyllis looks as if tears are about to creep into her eyes, but Billy says that he doesn't want to know and drag her back down the rabbit hole with him. Phyllis finally says that she is going to get everyone in the Abbott family together for the fast approaching holidays of she has to do it single handed.

### Pre Christmas celebrations and Chaos

After celebrating with her daughter. Phyllis winds up at the cabin later that day, and sends Jack a text to to meet her there. Jack arrives wearing an elf's hat talking about Santa's elves arriving as Phyllis bounds into the living room. Jack happily greets his wife with a kiss and suggests lighting a fire and getting cozy with a few blankets and a bottle of wine; however as he begins kissing her neck she says that they can't do that because she has arranged for all of the Abbott family to spend Christmas at the cabin...but with Tracey traveling, Kyle and Summer have plans and Ashley working on a project...that leaves Billy who enters the living room from outside with an arm full of firewood. Jack is not happy about having been set up by his wife.

After having an argument with Billy which causes him to storm off, Jack doesn't seem very willing to forgive his brother; however Phyllis gets Jack to see that Billy needs support, and reminds him that he credits her with saving his life when she brought him to the cabin to help him detox from the alcohol and pills. Jack admits that she did save his life, Phyllis then says that this is what Billy needs...someone to help save his life given that he could freeze to death out in the cold in the woods; Phyllis then convinces Jack to go and find his brother and bring him back to the cabin. After bringing Billy back and having another argument, Phyllis asks Jack if since he forgave her then can he not extend the same olive branch to Billy, Phyllis watches as her husband and brother in law finally come to an understanding.

### Christmas at the Abbott Cabin

At the Abbott Cabin, Jack and Phyllis are alone at night with a fire burning. The couple snuggle on the couch together as Phyllis says that she loves it when her husband plays the heroic big brother and forgives Billy of his sins; Jack thanks his wife for convincing him to forgive Billy because at one point in his life he was Billy. Jack further says that he grew out of that foolishness and that Billy needs to do the same thing.

Phyllis kisses Jack as she says that she is a woman of many talents and maybe she can convince him to hire Billy back at Jabot. Jack however, cuts her off saying that maybe they can focus on the holidays not work or anything else since they are together alone away from everything and everyone. Phyllis asks her husband if he means a blanket on the floor in front of the fire, to which Jack answers that this is definitely something they can do which makes her quite happy. Jack finally says that they need to hold on to their own memories since this may be their last Christmas at the cabin.

Phyllis tells Jack that there is no way that this will be their last time at the cabin; Jack replies that these are desperate times and they may have to get rid of some of their assets to keep Jabot afloat. However, Phyllis is not poor by any stretch of the imagination and says that she will buy the cabin herself, but Jack asks why she would to do that since the place is not full of the nicest of memories. Phyllis replies that while there have been some horrible things that have happened at the cabin, many wonderful things happened here; she also says that the cabin means something not only to the Abbotts but to her as well. Jack tells her that he knows all of this but Jabot means more to him than any real estate available and begins talking about the cutbacks and laying people off; however Phyllis cuts him off telling him to stop worrying because if they play it smart, get clever, creative and stick together then Jabot will be just fine. Phyllis further says that she and Jack know how to roll with the bad times and they also definitely know how to claw their way back to the good ones. Jack smiles as he tells Phyllis that she makes it sound almost fun; Phyllis replies that she puts the fun in fun and for Jack to stick with her, since they have proven that they can face anything and this is part of anything and that they can do it together.

The couple then kiss and make love on the couch.

Later that night, Jack and Phyllis are on a blanket kissing in front of the fireplace when there's a knock at the door. They wonder who it could be, and when the door opens; a big surprise walks in the door: Traci, Kyle, Summer, Abby and Stitch all come in the cabin with decorations, Santa hats etc. Traci tells Jack to listen to her and to listen good: Half a billion dollars comes and goes, but family is forever, the Abbott family is forever.

Later everyone has changed into fuzzy pajamas with big cups of cocoa, Jack is sitting on the couch with Traci and Phyllis surrounded by the family minus Billy who is with Victoria and their children, and Ashley who is at the lab. Jack talks about all the beautiful Abbott faces in the room, some which are by blood and some by marriage but all of them by love; he continues saying that he feels that their family won't be down for long, because what does not kill them will only make them stronger. Jack further says that his dad built Jabot as a source of pride for all of them, and that while Abbotts may come and go. Jabot will always be there. And the Abbotts will stay strong and united. Jack then makes a toast to family and everyone clinks mugs, enjoys the cocoa, and each couple enjoys a kiss.

### New Year's Eve Wedding and Drama

On New Years Eve, Jack and Phyllis plan to join the rest of their family and guests at the Newman Tower to celebrate the wedding of Abby and Stitch. Prior to the wedding, Phyllis runs into Billy at the club and tells her about his new possible business venture as well as being excited to finally redeem himself with the family and Victoria. Phyllis wishes him luck as Jack arrives at the club to collect his wife so they can head to the wedding; Billy tells Jack about his new business opportunity as he receives a phone call and agrees to meet them at the wedding. Jack can tell that something is going on with Billy and senses that Phyllis knows something, however she says nothing.

At the Newman Tower, the Abbotts, Newmans along with friends join together to watch Abby and Stitch get married. After Abby enters on her father's arm in her beautiful wedding gown and gets to the altar, before the Minister can begin the ceremony, Ashley suddenly falls out of her chair and onto the floor. Jack and Stitch rush to her side, and after a few minutes she wakes up; however despite Nick calling an ambulance Ashley refuses to go anywhere until her daughter and Stitch are married. The ceremony proceeds and Abby and Stitch become Mr and Mrs. Ben Rayburn.

At the elegant reception Jack and Billy get into an argument when Billy asks his brother for $2.2 Million in order to help him invest in his new business venture. However Jack won't give him the money without more information about what Billy is getting involved in, but Billy says that he can't give too much information and Jack flat out refuses to give him the money causing Billy to storm off. Phyllis and Jack get into a small argument about refusing to give Billy the money, but Jack says that while he wants to believe in and trust his brother $2.2 Million is a lot of money to give for a business venture he knows nothing about.

Soon after while Abby and Stitch enjoy their first dance, Victoria talks to Jack and Phyllis about Billy and Jack tells her that Billy has been gambling again; Phyllis gets annoyed with Jack for being so blunt with Vicki however Jack tells his wife that she needed to know what Billy has been up to. Later that night Jack walks behind his wife and tells her Happy New Year; Phyllis replies that while she loves Jack he drives her crazy and he says that the feeling is mutual. Phyllis turns and faces her husband as she talks about love, insanity and their relationship making perfect sense together, the pair then join the other couples in the room and kiss as the clock strikes midnight and rings in the new year.

### Family Tragedy

After storming off from the wedding, Billy is in the parking garage and runs into Gil his bookie who wants to collect the $200,000 Billy owes him for the racing bet he placed and lost. Billy asks Gil for more time since he's always paid he debts one way or the other; however Gil is not feeling very merciful and says that he wants his money Now! Gil was willing to let Billy go and give him more time, but when he tries to run away Gil has one of his men beat Billy to a pulp. Gil is not happy that Billy was hit in the face, and as they leave he warns Billy what he wants his money. A short time later, Noah comes into the garage, gets into his car and unknowingly runs Billy over as he tries to back up, he then leaves and doesn't realize what he has done. A few seconds later Marisa comes into the garage as she was running after Noah, she then sees Billy lying on the ground and knows that Noah ran over him; she then hurries to his side and calls 911.

At the hospital, Jack asks Phyllis how Billy wound up in this situation; Phyllis replies that it's because he let it get this way, because he: put Billy down in front of Victoria, wouldn't give him the money to gamble away, but Phyllis defends Billy saying that he was making a business investment and Jack doesn't believe that. Phyllis then says that Jack's disbelief is what has caused Billy to be in the hospital bed which he might not get out of. Victoria overhears them and says that she did exactly what Phyllis is doing to Jack. Making herself the bad guy, and she further says that Billy is in that hospital bed because of the decisions he has made. Phyllis comments that Billy didn't run himself over with the car, and Victoria says that neither she nor Jack was behind the wheel of the car that hit him; however her heart is breaking because he was drinking and gambling, because she wants him with her and their children showing how much he loves her. Phyllis defends Billy by saying that he made one bet to make money for a business investment so he could be worthy of Victoria and Jack; however Victoria says that that was just another rationalization to call his bookie, and Jack replies that he saw and talked to his brother and if Billy had listened to him then he would have known that he didn't need to prove himself in that way. Phyllis tells her husband that he expects Billy to play the role of a loser, and Victoria is Victor Newman's daughter and she sees Billy in the same way as her father, and neither one can see that Billy has been trying to change his life and think that everything for him will end in a bad way and if it does it will be because Jack and Victoria pushed him there.

### Praying for Billy

After Billy stops breathing and sets off the heart monitors he is finally stabilized. Jack, Phyllis, Traci and Ashley gather and pray for their brother that he will come back to them and survive the surgery.

### Who is Responsible?

The next day, Jack and Phyllis are at the police station talking with Paul about the accident and who did this to Billy. Jack says that he wants whomever is responsible to pay for what happened to his brother. Paul tells him that they are doing everything possible to find whoever ran Billy over, but when Jack asks about the bookie, Paul replies that though Gil admitted to encountering Billy in the garage there is no evidence that he ran him over. Phyllis comments that since there is no evidence the police really don't have anything; however Paul says that they have forensics and Jack from whom he wants information about what was happening with Billy that led to his present condition. Jack answers that he doesn't know since he's been trying to keep Jabot above water; however Phyllis says that Billy placed a very large bet on a horse race that didn't go his way hence why he owed so much money, but Paul wants to know just what Billy was doing that would make him place such a huge bet and need to win big.

Jack tells Paul that Billy needed money for a business venture, and when he found out that part of the money was for a gambling debt he became furious. Paul needs to know who Billy was working with, but Phyllis and Jack have no idea; however Kevin enters the room and admits that he's the one Billy was working with. That he was very eager to be involved. Phyllis asks if Billy said how he was going to get the money, but Kevin doesn't know and Jack says that this was Billy's way out of this mess, a way to earn back the respect of his family, help Jabot etc. and he would risk anything to do it. Phyllis asks if this new information helps Paul, and he says that every detail helps as he excuses himself and leaves the room.

Kevin says that he's doing everything he can to find out who was driving the car that hit Billy, but Jack says that he fully expects him to do so but it seem that he owes him more than that. Jack says that this project of Kevin's had to be pretty amazing for Billy to have been so excited; Kevin replies that the project is cutting edge, and when Phyllis asks exactly what this project is; Kevin says that he can't give a lot of details because he's not the only one involved and it's highly confidential. Jack asks what Kevin can tell them, and he replies that his project is revolutionary; Mariah adds that Billy wanted in and saw the potential. Jack asks if Kevin needs $2 million for his highly confidential project to which Kevin replies that he does to start and he never meant to put pressure on Billy for the money and he's sorry that this turned out the way it did. Jack tells Kevin that he's not the only one with regrets as he and Phyllis leave.

Back at the hospital, Jack and Phyllis arrive to a pleasant surprise: Abby and Stitch fresh from their honeymoon. Later Jack and Phyllis are talking with Dr. Dellafield about Billy's surgery, and the couple soon talk together as Phyllis can tell what her husband is thinking, and tells him that Billy is going to make it; Jack says that his brother's chances are 50/50. Phyllis hugs her husband from behind as she points out that those are statistics and even when the odds are 99/1 some make it and some don't. She further says that she made even when the odds seemed impossible; Jack turns and holds his wife close as he thanks God that she did make it and says that no matter what they have to hold on to their hope. The couple look into Billy's room where they can see Victoria sitting by the bed.

### Victor's Dirty Tricks

While Jack and Phyllis are in the waiting room, they talk with Victoria about Billy and wishing they could turn back time. Their conversation is interrupted when Victor walks into the room; Jack and Phyllis then leave to give Victoria and her father some time.

A short time later, Jack and Phyllis return and see Victor telling Victoria that what happened to Billy was no accident, and that given the circumstances the idea of him having an idea worth stealing is insane. Victor further says that there is a reason the Abbotts are on the brink of collapse, and why Ashley turned away from Jabot. Everything they touch turns to garbage. Victor doesn't know that Jack and Phyllis are standing in the doorway of the waiting room listening to every word; Phyllis then interrupts saying "That's lovely, Victor". Victor turns around to see the couple who can't believe what they are hearing and are clearly quite offended.

Jack is highly irritated with Victor as he says that he expected him to show an ounce of compassion for Billy, and of course Victor will do no such thing. Jack further asks if Victor hates Billy so much as to being unable to help running him down in front of Victoria; Victor tries to justify his remarks by saying that he was speaking openly and honestly to his daughter or the sake of her and her children. Victor continues to agitate Jack as he says that the project Billy was working on was not even important enough for him to invest in, he further adds injury to insult by rubbing the payoff in his face by saying that Jack wouldn't be able to afford to go after any entrepreneurial investments. Jack says that Victor doesn't know what he's talking about, and Victor asks about the project Billy was working on; Dr. Dellafield enters the room and Victoria and Jack leave to see how the surgery is going. This leaves Phyllis and Victor alone, she calls Victor a liar as she suspects that he is really interested in this idea; Victor asks whose idea she is talking about, but she says nothing.

Phyllis tells Victor that he was just going on about how Billy would not be capable of a legitimate business venture; however it's quite obvious that he is interested in this idea. Phyllis then lets the cat out of the bag by saying that Victor is only interested in Kevin's idea because Jack is, apparently this is exactly what he wanted to hear from her. Victor then insults Phyllis by saying that her husband's back is against the wall and that he doesn't give a damn what he does; Phyllis asks him why he is there and he responds that he is there for his daughter, and in the process he admits that he doesn't mind watching her wretched husband squirm a little bit. Phyllis is obviously offended as she tells Victor "Go to hell!" Victor says that the feeling is mutual as she leaves the room to find Jack.

### Comforting Jill

After the surgery, Dr. Dellafield talks first with Phyllis and Victoria about the face that Billy suffered cardiac arrest on the table and has very little brain activity. The ladies are stunned to hear this, but when Jill comes in she gets the news and blames herself for not being there for him. The doctor apologizes for not being able to give them better news, and says that cardiac arrest is a serious setback; Phyllis asks what is to be done and the doctor says that Billy is in recovery and machines are keeping him alive and all they can do is wait and hope for improvement. Phyllis asks Jill her what good charging in the operating room and ordering the doctors around would have done? Jill cries as she tells Phyllis that she hates feeling helpless and not knowing, and that if she were there then her son would have known that she was fighting for him and felt her presence. Phyllis tells Jill that the important thing is that she is there now and Billy definitely feels her presence as she hugs her, she also tells Victoria that beating herself up is not going to help anyone.

Later, Phyllis calls Jack who is at the coffee house and tells him to hurry back to the hospital. The family later discovers that Billy's condition is going downhill quickly and they may soon be faced with the terrible decision of whether or not to keep him on life support or take him off. Soon there is arguing about what to do; however when Michael and Lauren show up to comfort the Abbotts, it's discovered that Billy left power of attorney to Jack meaning that he has the final say on whether his baby brother will live or die.

### The Unholy Alliance Returns

After Billy wakes up from his coma, Phyllis pays him a visit to talk about a plan she was to take down Victor and get the computer program back from Victor. Billy tells Phyllis that he wants to help her take Victor down; however she is not willing to let him risk his fragile relationship with Victoria to help her, but Billy cannot be swayed and the two agree to join forces and whatever they do...they agree to not tell their respective spouses about their plan.

### A Secret Alliance

While Natalie is enjoying her room at the club, she gets an unexpected visitor: Phyllis Abbott. Natalie is a bit shocked to have Phyllis in her room, but Mrs. Abbott is in no mood to play games; she tells Natalie that since she is the secret investor in this computer security project she expects her to produce a working prototype. Natalie tries to explain that she is working for Victor Newman who has put much fear into her, but Phyllis doesn't care and warns Natalie to keep her mouth shut about her being the secret investor in this project, because apparently Natalie has crossed Phyllis once and she is warned to not do it again.

### A Complicated Situation

While working with Billy take down Victor; Phyllis soon finds her alliance with Natalie a bit more complicated when she learns that Victor has ordered Natalie to move in with her daughter Summer. Phyllis is not at all happy to hear this and goes to her daughter's house where she makes it quite clear that she didn't want her daughter involved in this plot in any way, and she warns Natalie that if her daughter gets hurt in any way she says "You'll wish you were back in Switzerland making cuckoo clocks." Natalie doesn't have time to react before Summer comes home. Summer is curious as to what her mother is doing there, and Phyllis says that she was just getting acquainted with her daughter's new room mate; Natalie then leave to finish unpacking and greets Phyllis again as she leaves mother and daughter to talk in private. Summer confides in her mother that Victor asked her to keep an eye on Natalie while she is working on the computer project; Phyllis is concerned that Victor is using her daughter to be a spy and doesn't want her to be taken advantage of. However Summer asks her mother if she can be happy for her and if she's afraid that she will be successful; Phyllis assures her daughter that she supports her, but she knows that working for Victor can make one cynical and she clearly doesn't want that for her baby girl. Summer says that since she is an adult working with Victor is her decision.

### Mother vs Daughter

After Victor fires Natalie from Newman, soon the issue of the Marco situation comes up, when Phyllis admits to her daughter that she and Billy are working together to take Natalie and her idea from Newman and bring it back to Jabot. Later, while Jack is ripping Phyllis, Billy and Natalie apart about the computer program; Phyllis gets a phone call from Summer telling her that they need to talk. A short time later; Phyllis pops up at her daughter's house asking her what was so important that she couldn't talk to her on the phone; Summer is clearly nervous about telling her mom whatever is on her mind. Summer says that her mom that she always taught her to do what she thought was right and to stand up for what she believes in; Phyllis comments that she did do this, does do this, and that her daughter always does such. Summer then tells her mom that she might not be so proud of her when she hears what she has done; Phyllis' expression begins to change as she hears her daughter admit that she told Victor everything about her and Billy working together to take the computer project from Newman.

Phyllis is a bit exasperated as she asks Summer why on earth she would throw her and Billy under the bus; Summer explains that while she hates what her grandfather did to her mother she still loves him, and then begins to cry as she thinks that her mother hates her now. However Phyllis goes and sits on the couch with her baby girl assuring her that she doesn't hate her but loves her and tries to get her to calm down; Summer is in tears as she says that Victor was so angry and Victoria was there also...meaning that she knows also. Phyllis is concerned for Billy as Summer asks if she really messed up this time; however Phyllis doesn't blame her daughter for what happened but herself for putting her into this position. Summer comments that she hates feeling like she always has to choose sides; Phyllis tells her that she knows and comforts her as she continues to cry.

After calming her daughter down, Phyllis talks with her about how the decision to work for Victor was her decision since she is an adult; she also reminds her that as long as she continues to work for Victor then she will always have to make the choice to not side with him blindly. However Phyllis knows that she has a very smart daughter, and she kisses her daughter goodbye as she leaves to figure out what happens next.

### Jack's Confession and The Truth

At the club Jack Abbott soon meets up with Christine to tell her about what happened on the island, and asks her if he will be facing any possible charges for what happened. Christine makes a few phone calls and soon tells Jack that the death toll from the boat was zero. Everyone made it off before the explosion; Jack soon realizes that Victor was blackmailing him for nothing and paid to keep people quiet. Phyllis shows up and she is relieved to hear the good news that her husband won't be facing any charges for the island or for murdering Kelly...something he honestly can't recall; Michael, Christine along with the Abbotts make up their minds to file charges against Victor after they both confess what he did to them with Marco. Later that day, Jack and Phyllis go to Newman and talk with Victor to let him know that the D.A and Michael know the truth about Marco and that there are no charges being filed against Jack; Victor doesn't believe them, but Phyllis defends her husband and says that all of his attempts to blackmail Jack were a waste of time because no crime was committed. The couple then tell Victor that they will see him in court as they leave to go home.

### Justice At Any Cost

At the start of the trial, Jack and Phyllis join the others as Michael and Christine give their opening arguments about Victor and his crimes and the impacts his actions had on the lives of everyone involved. Later before the actual testimony begins, Jack sees Phyllis go off on Summer for siding with Victor over her mom and later watches his wife break down on the stand as she is questioned about the horror she endured thanks to Victor putting Marco into her life and bed. Jack takes the stand and talks about being kidnapped while on his honeymoon, being held prisoner by Kelly and the island cops as well as finding her dead and not knowing how it happened.

Unfortunately, Victor's trial puts Phyllis on great edge and the idea of making Victor pay soon consumes her to push her husband and family away. Jack in concerned for his wife and what the pain she is feeling is doing to her, because this is not the woman he married. However, later after Victor's sentence is handed down with 10 years; Phyllis still feels no satisfaction since she wants to make Victor suffer as much if not more than he made her suffer and the only way to do that is to destroy Newman Enterprises the company he built from the ground up.

### Taking Down Victor

After agreeing to team up against Victor, Billy and Phyllis meet up with Natalie and get her to act charming and fool Victor into thinking her program is full of bugs and doesn't work. The desired result is that Victor fires her and then Jack and Phyllis hire her at Jabot. With no one but Billy and Phyllis the wiser. Phyllis soon becomes consumed by her hatred and anger for Victor which drives the pain she still clearly feels about the whole Marco situation. Phyllis lets her feelings for revenge get to her and she begins to push Jack away as well as getting into arguments with Victoria and facing her best friend Michael after forcing him to throw Victor's case. Jack has intentions of wanting to help the love of his life through her pain; however he instead pounces on her for her behavior and for wanting to bring down Newman to stick it to Victor and make him suffer as he did her.

### The Tension Mounts

After the trial is over, unfortunately the nightmare is not over for Jack and Phyllis. Jack sees that his wife is still feeling incredible pain and anger for Victor, and though he is going to jail this brings her little comfort. Phyllis lets her feelings for revenge get to her and she begins to push Jack away as well as getting into arguments with Victoria and facing her best friend Michael after forcing him to throw Victor's case. Jack has intentions of wanting to help the love of his life through her pain; however he instead pounces on her for her behavior and for wanting to bring down Newman to stick it to Victor and make him suffer as he did her. Phyllis does not respond well to this, so instead she runs to Billy each time she has an argument with Jack. Unfortunately this causes much tension to rise in their relationship, because Jack is very concerned as he watches the woman he loves more than anything being consumed by her pain and anger.

### Playing a Dangerous Game

While Phyllis and Jack are trying to save their marriage; Phyllis comes to realize that she has been pushing away the one person who has stood by her throughout the whole trial and everything else: Jack. After Jack talks with Neil, he and Phyllis meet up in the Newman Tower and the pair kiss and make up and later make love at home.

Later, the more Phyllis talks to Billy the more they bond over their feelings, vendetta against Victor, and Passkey. Phyllis eventually gets the feeling that Billy wants to be more than her friend, and her suspicions are confirmed on the night of the benefit fundraiser for the Abbott-Winters Foundation that Jack and Neil started together; after Phyllis help Billy out by fixing his pants the two wind up trapped at Billy's house by a severe thunderstorm which has made a tree fall down blocking their cars in the driveway. Jack tries as he might to get a hold of his wife but the storm has made cell service difficult; back at the house; Billy and Phyllis sit in front of a fire with a bottle of champagne, and clearly he is more tipsy than she is. However soon Phyllis trips, falls on top of Billy, and he pulls her into a long passionate kiss; Phyllis luckily realizes what she is doing and pulls herself away from him as she sees that he was not going to stop.

Soon the cops appear at the door, having been sent by Jack to check on his brother and wife. The police and emergency services move the trees and clear the road so it's safe for them to leave and had to the club for the rest of the benefit. When Jack sees his wife he asks her where she has been; Phyllis says that she was caught in the storm and waited at Billy's house until it was safe to leave; however she neglects to tell him about the kiss.

### To Cheat or Not To Cheat

Phyllis begins to spend more and more time at Billy's house during time when she should be with her husband. At one point she shows up and the two go for a ride on Billy's motorcycle, wind up covered in mud, and return to take a shower, wash clothes etc. Unfortunately Jack shows up and is stunned to see his wife in the house, wearing nothing but a shirt; Phyllis explains that they went for a ride and wound up splattered with mud hence why she is not wearing her clothes. Later after the pair get dressed, Phyllis tells Billy that she doesn't need him for a friend because she has a wonderful husband and she does not want to break up the marriage of the family; she then leaves vowing to not ever come back. However, Phyllis keeps going back to Billy's house, and it becomes apparent that he is more than attracted to his sister in law, and he tries on more than one occasion to sleep with her.

### Succumbing to Temptation

However, Phyllis does fall prey to temptation and sleeps with Billy on more than one occasion...though she regrets her actions deeply; Phyllis continues her affair with Billy, and even lies to Jack and pushes him away so she can be with him.

### Happy Birthday Jack?

For Jack's birthday, the couple plan to spend time alone together at the Abbott cabin: Phyllis has his favorite meal cooked, and Jack buys her a sexy nightie that he can't wait to see her in a peel her out of. However Phyllis feels so guilty about not only her affair, but also sleeping with her own husband when she knows she's been lying to him. That she gets drunk and passes out on the couch. Jack gives her a kiss and covers her with a blanket as he leaves the room.

### A Tryst in the Woods

After the uneventful birthday at the cabin, Jack has to go back to town but he leaves Phyllis at the cabin alone. While she is there; Phyllis is thinking about both her affair with Billy and the guilt she feels for not telling Jack the truth. Later, Billy shows up at the cabin clearly on purpose because he wants to see her, be with her etc. Billy gave Phyllis an ultimatum to either choose him or Jack. However Phyllis clearly is torn between the two, and at the cabin she tells him what happened with Jack: that she got drunk because she didn't want to have sex with her own husband, for the fact that she would feel like she was cheating on Billy. Despite Phyllis' pleas that she loves Jack and doesn't want to wreck her fragile marriage; Billy tells her that what she and Jack have is an illusion and not real, whereas the attraction they have is very real. The pair eventually make love on the couch, and Billy and Phyllis tell each other "I love you".

### A Hostage Situation

In July 2016, Ian Ward escaped from prison and came back to Genoa City in order to get revenge on Nikki, Victor and Phyllis. The woman who put him in jail. At court, Ian testified at Victor's appeal, and when he left the courtroom to be escorted back to prison; however he was promised by Chelsea and Adam that they would help him escape, and they lied to him. Ian realized this and overpowered the guard and took Nikki hostage; she cries out for Victor who comes running out of the room and demands Ian release his wife. Victor tells the guard to shoot Ian, but since he is using Nikki as a body shield the guard can't get a shot and Ian shoots Victor instead as he drags a screaming Nikki from the courthouse.

When Paul, Dylan and the police arrive at the courtroom to ask what happened; Nick, Victoria and Summer tell them about Ian kidnapping Nikki. Dylan then asks if they know of any place Ian might take her, and when the Abbott cabin is mentioned; Summer quickly says that this is where her mother is, and since she is the one who put Ian behind bars...he would definitely harm her if he gets to her. Paul immediately sends cops to head out to the cabin.

At the cabin, Phyllis gets a surprise when Ian shows up holding Nikki at gunpoint. Ian seems incredibly delighted to have Nikki Newman and now Phyllis Abbott as his hostages, he then forces Phyllis to tie Nikki to a chair and then ties her to a another chair. Soon, when Ian leaves the room; Phyllis spies her cell phone on the floor by Nikki and tells her to try and reach it with her foot. Unfortunately, she can't reach it; and when Ian comes back and sees the phone he realizes that they were going to try and use it to escape and takes the phone. Ian then dials Victor in his hospital room and makes Nikki tell him that she and Phyllis are being held hostage and if Ian doesn't get $5 Million from Victor then he will kill both of them.

Later, Summer and Nick arrive at the club where Jack is to tell him that his wife is being held hostage by Ian Ward. Jack is immediately worried and soon realizes that he left his phone at the cabin, and can't get in touch with her. Eventually, Victor shows up at the cabin to negotiate with Ian to release Phyllis and Nikki; Victor gets Ian to release Phyllis, however she won't leave without Nikki and soon Ian agrees to let both women go and keep Victor. A short time later Phyllis and Nikki arrive at the club and Jack is overjoyed to see his wife alive.

### Caught Red Handed

After recovering from her ordeal at the cabin, Phyllis tries to keep her marriage together while still carrying on her affair with Billy. One day while she is at Billy's house; Jill unexpectedly drops by looking for her son, and on the floor in the front hall she finds a beautiful white blouse. Jill examines the shirt and sees that it's a very expensive designer shirt...too high end for Bethany; Jill then deduces that Billy has a woman in the house and when she goes upstairs she stop outside the room when she hears a familiar female voice. Phyllis. Jill hears them say "I love you" and that they want to be together etc. Jill is shocked by what she is hearing and sneaks out of the house without them knowing that she was there.

A short time later; Phyllis returns to her room at the club and is surprised to find the door open. She enters to find Jill standing in the room and instantly Jill demands to know what Phyllis was doing in her son's bed. Phyllis starts to deny it; however Jill tells her not to bother because she found Phyllis' blouse on the floor and she saw/heard her in Billy's bedroom. Jill is furious that Phyllis is cheating on her adoring husband with his own brother, and Phyllis tries to justify her actions while in the same breath saying that she hates herself for what she is doing to Jack. Jill asks Phyllis if she still loves her husband, she replies that of course she loves Jack..very much, and Jill tell Phyllis in short to go back to her husband and fix her marriage, or else she will spill the secret of Billy and Phyllis' affair.

### Confessions

Eventually, Jack and Phyllis agree to try marriage counseling in order to fix their relationship and deal with any issues they have no matter how ugly. At the counselor's office, Jack and Phyllis talk about how damaged their relationship has been since the whole Victor/Marco situation occurred and later at the park; the couple talk and Phyllis breaks down as she says that she doesn't deserve Jack and that she hasn't been a good wife to him; while Jack takes some blame and says that he should've been more supportive of his wife while she was in so much pain and during Victor's trial.

Later; Phyllis is at the counselor's office and she admits to her affair with Billy and that she is at a crossroads as to what to do: either tell Jack the truth and risk losing her husband forever or keep quiet and be riddled with guilt for the rest of her life and keep her marriage. In the park, Jack and Phyllis are talking after she has been to the counselor's office; the pair talk about their relationship, how she has done nothing wrong, and how Jack is sorry because he thinks he reminds her of Marco so much that whenever she sees him she is immediately reminded of her pain and anger, and how he is glad that she has Billy to talk to. Phyllis cries as she tells Jack that she doesn't deserve him, that he doesn't remind her of Marco and how much she loves him; Phyllis then tells her husband that she has been lying to him as Jack looks shocked and curious as to what his wife is hiding.

### The Painful Truth

One day at Jabot, Jack is working in his office when Ashley comes in and tells Jack about her concerns regarding Billy and Phyllis. Jack tells his sister that there is nothing to worry about, because his brother and wife are simply friends and nothing more; however Ashley is convinced of nothing of the kind and puts the idea into Jack's head that his wife and brother may be hiding something from him. Later, after talking to both Collin and Jill; Jack goes home and confronts Phyllis as he demands to know what is going on between her and Billy if anything at all. Phyllis cracks and admits that she *was* having an affair with Billy, but that she ended it for the sake of their marriage; Jack is furious to hear that his wife has been cheating on him with his own brother and demands that she explain herself. Phyllis blames the affair on her anger, trauma etc over the Marco/Victor situation which is still branded on her mind; she further says that she and Billy bonded over their joint hatred for Victor and the pain he caused both of them. Phyllis then says that while is was wrong it was a terrible mistake that she deeply regrets and she ended the affair because she loves Jack and not Billy.

Jack however, wants to hear none of it, as he tells her not to hide behind Victor, but Phyllis says that she was never the same after what happened to her, and she turned to Billy which was a mistake because she doesn't want Billy she wants her husband, the man she married. However, Jack finds it hard to believe that she just ended Billy's feelings for her that quickly, and he demands to know just how much she turned to Billy and flatly asks her if she went to bed with him. Phyllis admits that she did sleep with Billy, that it's a mistake she kicks herself for, and that she loves Jack from the depths of her soul; Jack doesn't want to hear it and he tells Phyllis that they are over.

### Divorce Court and Injuries

After learning the painful truth of his wife's betrayal; Jack kicks her out of their house and demands that she give him a divorce. Phyllis refuses at first, but Jack is adamant about the divorce and willing to offer her any amount of money to get rid of her; however with Michael's help Phyllis offers Jack an alternate to divorce: they separate and Jack hires Phyllis at Jabot with the understanding that if he fires her then she will take half of Jabot from him. Eventually Jack relents and hires her, but he immediately sets out to make her life a living hell: he gives her a very small office, mounds of paperwork and makes her work around the clock.

One day at home, Jack and Phyllis get into a fight while he is telling her that he is packing her stuff and throwing her out; Phyllis is unrelenting in telling her husband how sorry she is, how much she loves him and how badly she wants Jack and their marriage. However Jack will hear none of it and as he heads upstairs, Phyllis is hot on his heels and she begs him not to pack her stuff, but as she grabs his arm; Jack wrenches free telling Phyllis to let go of him. Phyllis loses her balance, tumbles down the stairs, hits her head, lands by the door and doesn't move; Jack is stunned as Billy comes rushing in the door and kneels beside Phyllis who is unconscious. Billy demands to know what Jack did to her as 911 is called.

When the ambulance arrives, Jack is with Phyllis while Billy is talking to Dylan and Paul about what happened. Apparently; Billy says that he saw Jack push Phyllis down the stairs; however Jack says that it was an accident and leaves to go with Phyllis to the hospital. At the hospital Phyllis is immediately taken into the emergency room by Stitch who says that she has fallen into another coma. Summer is beside herself with worry about her mother, as Jack explains that they were fighting when she fell down the stairs.

While this is going on, Phyllis stays with her daughter and soon after making this arrangement, Jack and eventually Phyllis are soon seen without their wedding rings: a clear sign that they are no longer together.

### Common Ground and Moving On

During the Christmas holidays, Phyllis runs into Jack while she is at the club. After exchanging brief greetings, Jack asks her if she has plans for spending Christmas with Summer; Phyllis replies that her daughter is in Belize with a few of her friends which was a birthday gift from her and Nick. Jack begins to ask her if she has plans, but she cuts him off saying that Michael and Lauren have invited her over to their house. Phyllis then gathers her stuff to leave as Jack begins to reminisce about their last Christmas at the cabin; however she cuts him off saying in short that they are no longer together and that a trip down memory lane doesn't make sense she then wishes him a Merry Christmas and leaves.

Later at the New Years Eve Benefit in Newman Tower, Phyllis informs Jack that she is quitting her job at Jabot, as she has been hired at a new position, though she says nothing about working for Lauren. Phyllis tells Jack Happy New Year and soon leaves the party.

### Present Situation with Jack

Today, Jack and Phyllis have a civil working relationship. Recently Jack acquired Lauren's company Fenmores for Jabot; which came with working with his ex wife again. At first negotiations don't go so well as it seems as if Jack wants to take Lauren's company from her leading Phyllis to come to her best friends defense. Eventually a mutual decision is made, and Lauren Jack shake hands and seal the deal; Phyllis sets to work on the dressing room app for Fenmores, and gets help from Ravi who is the resident tech for Jabot.

The end result is that the app is a huge success which benefits both companies; however when Phyllis and Ravi present the result of their hard work Jack is the only one to give Phyllis any credit as Ashley only gives Ravi credit as if he did the job alone.

Even though the dressing room app was her idea and Ashley accused her of copying the Jabot Go app she designed. Soon after Ashley invites Ravi to celebrate with her, leaving Phyllis and Jack alone in the office; Jack tells Phyllis that she did a great job also while she thanks him and says it's too bad his sister has an attitude from hell. However Jack says that Ashley is well aware of the contributions Phyllis has made to the company even though she can't admit it to herself.

However Jack further says that he knew her concept was groundbreaking from the moment he saw it which is why he pursued Femores; Phyllis thanks him and says that it appears that his feelings have changed and he no longer minds that she works there to which Jack replies that he doesn't mind, for now.

### History Repeats Itself

Recently, Billy and Phyllis rekindled their relationship after Billy felt rejected by Victoria when he thought they were getting back together. After Victoria tells Billy that she has been giving him the wrong signals and apologizes; Billy leaves and winds up at Summer's place where Phyllis is still staying. However by the time Victoria calls Billy to apologize; it's too late and Billy and Phyllis wind up making love on the couch.

The couple keep their relationship a secret for a while, since them sleeping together was the final cause of her marriage to Jack going up in smoke. One night, while Billy and Phyllis are alone; Victoria calls him so he can talk to Katie who is having trouble sleeping. Phyllis hears this and goes to change into a sexy slip and regains his attention following the phone call after she hears him tell Victoria that his kids are always his number 1 priority.

Soon, Phyllis begins to have doubts about her relationship with Billy when it begins to feel like she is competing with Victoria for Billy; this comes to a head when the Brash & Sassy team have to go to L.A to shoot a commercial for the hockey deal. Phyllis sneaks out to L.A to surprise Billy knowing that he plans to go to San Diego with Vicki and the kids after the commercial is a wrap; unfortunately Cane sabotages the commercial deal to make Billy look bad, and get him fired...this backfires and Juliet pays the price with her job.

Phyllis and Billy meet up in the park and she comforts him as he feels bad about what happened in California, later the two are seen together in the park talking and Billy has told Phyllis that she is the woman he wants to be with.

## Personality

Phyllis is fiery, stubborn, strong, loving, intuitive, skeptical, wise, and argumentative. Phyllis would argue with anybody. She stands up for her beliefs whether they are right or wrong, of her "damaged" familial background, Stafford stated; "I think Phyllis is looking for something she decided must exist in life that maybe doesn't. She is looking for something she never had, which is a family unit and real love. She is looking for that and she is thinking that it should be a certain way, because it is not what she had. In truth, that thing that she is looking for might not even exist. But she is trying to find it". Phyllis is a little crazy and just likes to have fun. She can be a little obsessive about having a perfect family.

Phyllis is known for her tumultuous rivalry with Sharon Collins. Stafford stated Sharon hates Phyllis a lot more than Phyllis hates Sharon. Phyllis felt guilty about having the affair and in one scene she was writing I hate myself on a mirror with makeup.

Phyllis also has two best friends who are a couple, Michael Baldwin and Lauren Fenmore. Phyllis has always been there for both Lauren and Michael as both a shoulder, a clown and a friend. They are all very close. Phyllis and Michael even dated at one point.

Phyllis has lots of love for her daughter Summer and son Daniel, and she would do anything for them. Even some of Phyllis's fire personality and stubbornness is seen in Summer. Although while Phyllis is realistic and quick-witted; however, Summer at times is very naive.