The air at Forrester Creations is thick with a mix of celebration and simmering tension as Liam’s (Scott Clifton) “miraculous recovery” continues to be the talk of the office. While everyone, including Ridge (Thorsten Kaye), Brooke (Katherine Kelly Lang), and Eric (John McCook), revels in this medical marvel (oddly, without any on-screen explanation of his cancer diagnosis or recovery being shared with them), Eric is seizing the moment for his own agenda. He delivers a not-so-subtle speech about life being too short, followed by a “Brooke-centric video” created by Will, highlighting the company’s deep ties to Italy. This sets the stage for a dramatic and potentially game-changing trip overseas.

With the Italian trip firmly back on the agenda, Brooke, ever the romantic, muses about inviting Nick (Jack Wagner) to join them. This casual suggestion immediately triggers a territorial response from Ridge, who, with astonishing arrogance, declares that his rival is “not invited,” seemingly believing he has the authority to dictate who can and cannot visit Italy. Later, in a private conversation with Eric, Ridge unleashes a scathing assessment of Nick, labeling him “arrogant, self-centered, takes advantage of every possible situation, including Brooke.” The sheer lack of irony in Ridge’s statement is remarkable, given his own history. Ridge then accurately deduces that Eric’s ultimate goal is for his son to “dump Taylor” and “reunite with Ridge,” confirming Eric’s relentless “Bridge” agenda.

Eric, in turn, fuels Ridge’s insecurity by suggesting that if Ridge isn’t careful, Nick will “steal Brooke right out from under him.” While Eric admits to liking Taylor, he unequivocally states that he knows Ridge’s “true love is Brooke.” Ridge attempts to dismiss this possibility, asserting that Brooke wouldn’t fall for Nick because he’s “fake and full of false bravado.” However, his underlying fear is palpable; it’s “pretty clear that Ridge fears that’s exactly what will happen!” This internal conflict in Ridge sets the stage for a fierce romantic battle in Italy.

The push-and-pull between Ridge and Brooke reaches a comical yet poignant climax. When Ridge insists that Nick isn’t the man for her, Brooke delivers a devastating counter-punch: “he’s right… because he is the right man for her.” She then reminisces about their shared past, recalling iconic moments like spotting him at the top of the water staircase and the time he saw her through the keyhole in Italy, invoking their undeniable history. In a moment of pure, self-aware frustration, Brooke utters “the truest words ever uttered”: “This is ridiculous. Why is this happening? We’re too old for this!” This acknowledgment of their cyclical, dramatic romance adds a layer of self-deprecating humor to their enduring saga.

Meanwhile, Nick, ever opportunistic, arrives at the design office to visit Brooke, seizing the chance to further his romantic agenda. Their conversation quickly veers into reminiscing about their past, and Nick deftly suggests that Brooke “needs a man who is devoted to only her,” emphatically stating that this man is “most certainly not, in his opinion, Ridge.” He reveals that his return to Los Angeles was solely “to see her,” reinforcing his unwavering devotion. Though he makes a “nice mention of his mom, Jackie,” the core of his pitch remains focused on why Ridge is simply “not the right guy for her.”

Nick’s romantic overture culminates in a grand proposition. He confidently declares he’s “thinking clearly and knows how he feels” as he passionately invites Brooke: “Come to Naples with me. Let me show you the Naples I know.” His unique vision of romance involves taking her to… shipyards? He poetically compares “Building a boat” to “writing a love letter with your hand,” describing it as “slow, delicate, very intricate and each brush of varnish is like following the curves of your lover’s back.” While Brooke admits she “never thought of it like that (and, I mean, who has?),” Nick continues his seductive pitch. He reveals he’s having a cruiser built and dreams of taking her out on the water to “see your beautiful skin being kissed by the warmth of the sunlight.” As a final, playful temptation, he adds, “I might even let you wear my captain’s hat!” After Brooke leaves, Nick, alone in the design office, calls Italy to check on his cruiser project, then gazes at a picture of Brooke, flashing back to their wedding, underscoring his deep, lingering feelings.

The tension between Brooke and Ridge escalates as Brooke returns to the main office to confront him. She boldly states that this upcoming Italy trip “won’t be the same as the past,” and provocatively suggests that “it might be better if Nick was there.” Ridge visibly “bristles” at this, but Brooke, standing her ground, points out his hypocrisy: “Taylor lurks around wherever you go. Why can’t I have somebody?” She reminds him that he’s “engaged,” making it “not right for him to suggest she can’t have someone in her life.” Of course, Ridge, in classic form, tries to backtrack, claiming he’d be okay with her having someone, “just not, you know, Nick!”

Brooke then lays down the final ultimatum. She reminds Ridge that their current predicament stems from his misplaced anger when she became CEO, dismissing it as “all a misunderstanding.” Despite the pain he caused her by running off to start a life with Taylor, she expresses her willingness to forgive him, but warns him: “This is the last chance.” Her plea escalates as she literally “begs him” to “come home to her.” The stakes are higher than ever, as she concludes with a powerful threat: “If we can’t do this, I’m just going to bring Nick to Italy with me!” This final desperate plea sets the stage for Ridge’s monumental decision, which will determine if “Bridge” can truly reunite or if Brooke will embark on a new chapter with Nick.

Meanwhile, a deeply unsettling secret continues to unfold around Luna’s (Lisa Yamada) death. Deacon (Sean Kanan) finds Sheila (Kimberlin Brown), surprisingly, working on inventory with her “eight-toed foot propped up.” Their conversation quickly turns to Luna, and Deacon is rightfully “gobsmacked” as both Sheila and Li (Naomi Matsuda) attempt to defend Luna’s heinous actions. Deacon forcefully reminds them that the girl “killed two people,” then received a “miraculous second chance” only to “take hostages and shoot two more people.” This stark reminder of Luna’s violent past adds a chilling undertone to their discussion.

Li then tries to deflect blame, making it “clear that she blames everything on Penelope and her poor mothering skills,” believing that “If not for Poppy, Luna would have had a happy life.” Sheila, surprisingly, finds herself “amazed that she and Li are bonding over Luna,” lamenting that “They’re all focused on Liam’s recovery, and they don’t even mention Luna.” Li adds to the mystery by reiterating that there won’t be a service for Luna, as “it’s already happened.” This statement, coupled with her odd behavior and the previous hints that Luna might still be alive (similar to Finn’s faked death), raises significant suspicion. Sheila expresses regret, wishing she’d known about the “service” so she could have “said farewell to her grandchild.” The repeated emphasis on no public service, and the comparison to Finn’s “death,” strongly suggests that Li is indeed “keeping a very big secret,” possibly that Luna is not actually dead.

The stage is set for a dramatic week on “The Bold and the Beautiful.” Brooke delivers her final, desperate ultimatum to Ridge, forcing him to choose. The intense rivalry between Ridge and Nick is set to explode as they “push each other’s buttons” with the Italy trip looming. Adding to the intrigue, Daphne makes a surprise return from Paris, potentially complicating matters for Carter. Amidst all this, Liam’s recovery continues to be a central theme, with more developments to come. However, the most compelling mystery remains: What is Li hiding about Luna, and how will this shocking secret eventually impact everyone in Forrester Creations and beyond?