1993 (#18) - Nikki's grief, Cole's comfort and Jack's divorce

While everyone at Abbott, Jack first and foremost, is happy to have regained control of the company, there are many who mourn the untimely death of Victor. Among them, there is obviously Nikki, who is deeply saddened by the loss of her ex-husband, towards whom she feels guilty for the latest discussions and misunderstandings. Absolutely shocked by the announcement of Victor's death are also Douglas, his lifelong friend, Katherine and Rex, who offer their condolences to the whole family and in particular to young Victoria, still incredulous at the news of her father's death. At this time alone after her de facto separation with Jack, with whom she is absolutely furious for having immediately taken advantage of the situation to take back Jabot, Nikki often finds herself at the ranch praying for Victor, trying to gain strength with her daughter Victoria. It is during this difficult time that Nikki makes the acquaintance of Cole, with whom she immediately feels a great connection. Cole, who has repeatedly told Victoria that he is not interested in her because of his young age, although he does not hide the fact that he feels attracted to her, finds himself spending much of his time with Nikki. Nikki is delighted with the support Nikki offers her and begins to take an interest in him and his novel, helping him to find a publisher to publish his book. When Nikki informs Cole of the wonderful news that his novel will soon be published, the joy between the two is unstoppable and they end up celebrating by making love. Victoria, meanwhile, who has seen her mother get too close to Cole, urges Jack to recompose his marriage to the woman so that he can have free reign with Cole. Jack, however, who has certainly not forgotten all the years that have passed in which it was Victoria herself who openly declared that she hoped for a divorce between him and Nikki in order to reunite his family, refuses Victoria's invitation, pointing out that he and Nikki are now close to divorce. When the divorce papers with Jack finally arrive, Nikki signs them, not without some regret; she is happy, however, to be able to come out and announce to everyone that she has started a relationship with Cole. This leaves Victoria stunned and stunned, who accuses her mother of stealing her man, but it is Cole himself who begs Victoria to put aside this absurd rivalry with her mother, since he has never really been interested in the young girl and Nikki, therefore, has not interfered in any relationship. Victoria, at Cole's words, runs away in desperate tears, swearing to herself that she will get the boy.