1993 (#23) - Carol and Skip's departure and John and Ashley's return to Jabot

Upon Victor's return to Genoa City, the relationship between Ashley and Blade is put to the test for the first time. The woman, in fact, determined with her father not to overlook Jack's expulsion, decides to resign from her position at Jabot; a gesture that Blade, on the contrary, decides not to make, becoming, moreover, one of the key men in the new organizational structure of Victor's presidency. Blade and Ashley, however, despite their professional disagreements, promise each other that work matters will not interfere with their romantic relationship, which in fact happens. The relationship and the mutual feelings between the two of them, therefore, prove to be much stronger than either of them could have imagined, thus reinforcing the conviction of the two of them in continuing to organize their marriage. As time goes on, moreover, Blade plays a key role in convincing both Ashley and John to put aside their personal resistance and return to their family business, despite Victor's continued strong policy of keeping rival Jack out of Jabot. Blade and Victor's pressure to get John and Ashley back to work is obviously motivated by their professionalism, experience and love for their company; but, more concretely, it is also motivated by Victor's real needs, as he is forced to replace two important members of the company staff, Carol and Skip, who announce to everyone that they have decided to leave Genoa City to go to Philadelphia, where they plan to start a new life and raise little Skylar together. Taking the place previously occupied by Skip and Carol is Blade, who chivalrously gives up his seat on the board of directors of the company in favor of John and Ashley. The new company organization chart is thus defined only a few days after the departure of Carl and Robbins, who are embraced and greeted by the entire company in a moving farewell ceremony.