Victoria anxiously searches for Matt after he suddenly disappears, only for him to stumble into the Newman ranch bruised, shaken, and furious. He drinks heavily before revealing a shocking truth that rocks the entire family: Jordan is his mother. Victoria, Nikki, and Victor are stunned as Matt accuses Victor of destroying Jordan’s life and ruining his own. He claims Jordan saved him, not harmed him, insisting she was hunted by the Newmans. Victoria begs him to see reason, but Matt refuses, believing Victor is the true enemy. Victor warns him he still has a choice, but Matt rejects it, vowing revenge. He disappears into the night determined to make the Newmans pay. Victoria breaks down, torn between love and betrayal. Victor prepares for war, while Nikki tries to comfort her shattered daughter. Matt retreats to Jordan’s old hideout, promising vengeance.

Back at the ranch, Victoria fears Matt is lost for good, while Victor quietly deploys security to track him. Their argument escalates as Victoria refuses to see Matt as an enemy, but Victor insists he declared war. Suddenly, the guards arrive with terrifying news: Claire has been found tied up in the basement, begging them to stop Matt. Victoria is horrified, screaming his name as the screen fades to black. Later, Victoria returns home hoping to reconnect with Claire, unaware another heartbreak awaits. She overhears Claire and Matt confessing deep emotional love for each other, believing their trauma created a bond she can never compete with. Devastated, she silently retreats before they notice. Nikki finds her broken, unable to process the betrayal. Inside the room, Clare and Matt discuss revealing their secret. Neither knows Victoria heard everything.

Victoria isolates herself, drowning in silent heartbreak, refusing to confront them. Matt senses something is off when he cannot reach her, while Clare later finds Victoria crying alone in the kitchen. Clare tries to speak but instead announces she is leaving to avoid hurting Victoria further. She insists Victoria deserves happiness and refuses to take Matt away from her. Victoria pleads with her, but Clare is determined. When Matt enters and learns Victoria overheard everything, he panics as Clare confirms she is leaving for Victoria’s sake. She shares a final emotional goodbye with Victoria, calling her “Mom,” before walking out. Matt struggles to stop her, but Clare insists distance is the only way to heal. She exits, leaving both Matt and Victoria shattered. The house falls into painful silence.

Matt approaches Victoria after Clare leaves, desperate to explain what she overheard. He insists his connection with Clare is rooted in trauma, not romantic love. Clare loves him because he understands her pain, and he loves her because she represents survival. But he is not in love with Clare—he is in love with Victoria. Victoria is stunned as Matt confesses he held back to avoid hurting her. Clare left to protect Victoria’s happiness, not to claim Matt for herself. Matt pleads for a chance, asking Victoria not to push him away. He gently touches her cheek, promising his feelings are real. Victoria’s tears fall as she struggles between pain and hope. Matt whispers a final plea: “Let me love you, Victoria… if you still want me.”