The Young and the Restless recap for August 5 was all about battle lines being drawn. Claire stood firm against Victor’s controlling ways and declared she was done with him. Nikki went toe-to-toe with her husband, pleading for him to let go of his vendetta against Kyle. Meanwhile, Cane’s grand takeover scheme hit resistance when Billy pressed for the truth about Jill, forcing a tense phone call that could change everything.

Claire Declares She’s Done with Victor’s Power Plays

In Chancellor Park, Claire (Hayley Erin) vented her frustration about Victor’s (Eric Braeden) latest stunt. She couldn’t believe she had been naive enough to think she could bridge the gap between her grandfather and Kyle (Michael Mealor). After everything Victor said at Cole’s (J. Eddie Peck) memorial, she was finished trying to find common ground. Victor had broken something, and she wasn’t sure it could ever be fixed.

Kyle listened as she fumed, reminding her that he wasn’t surprised by Victor’s behavior. He urged Claire not to let Victor ruin their day. Claire, however, was determined—she was cutting Victor out of her life. Kyle gently advised her to step back and take a breath before making rash decisions, pointing out how she once convinced him to reconcile with his parents.

Claire wasn’t interested in the high road. To her, Victor and Jordan (Colleen Zenk) weren’t so different—both were fueled by grudges.

Their conversation was interrupted by Audra (Zuleyka Silver), who stopped mid-jog to pay her condolences. Audra’s passive-aggressive remarks about their time together didn’t sit well with Kyle, who told her to jog elsewhere. Claire, ever polite, thanked her for Nate’s (Sean Dominic) flowers but didn’t engage further. As Claire and Kyle walked away, it was clear Audra had an agenda.

Victoria Supports Claire’s Stand Against Victor

Back at the tack house, Victoria (Amelia Heinle) assured Claire that Victor deserved everything she said. Claire knew her grandfather would never change, so she was done living under his thumb.

Claire and Kyle had big plans, and moving in together was the first step. If Victor didn’t approve, that was his problem. Victoria backed her up, telling her daughter to live life on her own terms. Claire appreciated her mother’s support and found comfort knowing that Cole would’ve been proud of her for standing up to Victor.

Nikki Challenges Victor, And Victor Doubles Down

At the New Ranch, Nikki (Melody Thomas Scott) didn’t mince words. She let Victor (Eric Braeden) have it for his behavior toward Claire and Kyle. Victor, glued to his phone, dismissed her concerns. He defended his actions, claiming everything he did was necessary. Nikki wasn’t buying it. She reminded him that this was their home, not just his, and he didn’t get to decide who was welcome.

Their argument spiraled as Nikki pointed out that their time should be spent cherishing family, not fueling pointless feuds. Victor remained unmoved, claiming his bond with Claire would survive. Nikki was exhausted. She couldn’t keep going in circles with him, especially after losing Cole. Before she could storm off, Victor asked her not to leave angry, but his words fell flat.

Once alone, Victor texted Audra, summoning her for a blunt conversation. When she arrived, he scolded her for her botched attempt to manipulate Kyle. Audra claimed she planted seeds of doubt in Claire’s mind, but Victor wasn’t impressed. He declared her plan a failure and pulled the plug on all support for her company. Audra was done.

Cane’s Corporate Power Play Faces Resistance

Meanwhile, at the GCAC, Cane (Billy Flynn) continued his recruitment push with Billy (Jason Thompson) and Phyllis (Michelle Stafford). Cane laid out his vision of consolidating Newman, Jabot, and Chancellor under his Arabesque umbrella. CEOs could stay, but they’d be demoted—a prospect that made Phyllis giddy but had Billy rolling his eyes. Billy couldn’t imagine Victor taking orders from Cane, but Cane was certain he had leverage.

Billy’s focus stayed on Chancellor. He wasn’t interested in Cane’s empire-building; he just wanted to protect Chance’s legacy. Cane claimed he shared that sentiment, but Billy wasn’t convinced. Their conversation turned to Jill (Jess Walton), and Billy’s suspicion grew as Cane hinted at her involvement. Before Cane could elaborate, Phyllis stepped out to take a call, giving Billy a chance to confront Cane about Jill’s secrets.

Frustrated, Billy called his mother directly. Jill answered, sounding amused. But Billy wasn’t playing. “Depending on your answer, this may be the last time we speak,” he warned. When he asked if she knew about Cane’s Dumas connection, Jill didn’t deny it.