1990 (#2) - Tensions with Victor, John's illness, and Jim's breakup with Nikki

Following Victor's acquisition of Jabot, many things changed at the company. First, the removal of Jack from the CEO position to make way for Brad. But more than anything else, the philosophy of the company has changed, led for decades by John with firmness but also experience, passion and human warmth. All qualities, these, that Victor evidently lacks. Although he is an excellent, capable and ambitious manager, he has never had anything to do with the particular sector of fashion and cosmetics in which Jabot operates. And beyond Jack's deep hatred for Victor, it is John himself who is suffering from the situation, seeing himself pushed aside and bypassed within his own creature that he founded and personally led for so many years. It is therefore difficult for John to accept the rapid and radical changes that Victor is bringing to the company, in his mission of rationalization and renewal that John just cannot understand. And so there is no shortage of heated discussions between the two men, as different as they are equal in charisma and character. It is during one of these animated squabbles, in which John accuses Victor of having taken away the soul of the company with his cold and cynical management aimed only at increasing profits in the short term, that John himself falls to the ground unconscious. Jack immediately realizes the seriousness of the situation and, together with Ashley, takes his father to the emergency room, where fortunately he is declared out of danger. However, the episode impresses Victor, who realizes that he respects and feels deep admiration for a man with a strong character like John. In the meantime, Victor himself resolutely pursues his sentimental interests, throwing himself to the reconquest of Nikki's heart, who is quite listlessly building a future with Jim. It is obvious to Victor that he can read feelings for his rival in her eyes, and when, during a ceremony, Victor assures Nikki that he will leave her alone if only she will confirm that she loves Jim more than anyone else, Nikki realizes that she doesn't just want to be content to live, but to be happy. With tears in her eyes, she confesses to Jim that she has realized she can no longer deny the obvious, that it will never work between them. Jim, as the wise man he is, and not without a deep bitterness, confesses to admire the woman's sincerity and confirms his intention to leave her free so that she can pursue her desires and wishing her good luck.