1997
Lois divorced Ned after catching him in another lie. Justus killed mobster Damian Smith. Jason and Robin broke up over the mob. A drunken A.J. and Carly slept together. When Carly discovered she was pregnant she drugged A.J. to make him forget their night together. Monica had an affair with young Dr. Dorman, who sued her for sexual harassment when she left him for Alan. Lois gave birth to Ned's daughter, Brooke Lynn, but refused to return to Port Charles. Jason slept with Carly. Ned met and fell in love with attorney Alexis Davis.

1998
Carly gave birth to Michael. Jason pretended to be Michael's father to help his friend Carly. Ned and Alexis became involved. Robin and Jason got back together. Alan became addicted to drugs and Emily briefly did, too. The Quartermaines rejected Alan, forcing him to confront his addiction.

1999
Robin told A.J. that he is Michael's father and Jason lost his custody rights. Jason broke up with Robin for her betrayal. A.J. and Carly married for Michael's sake. A.J. became CEO of ELQ. Ned married Chloe to help her get her inheritance. Jason and Carly planned to be together when she divorced A.J. When Jason grew close to Elizabeth, Carly slept with Sonny. Ned and Chloe divorced.

2000
Jason left Port Charles after Carly became pregnant with Sonny's child. A.J. turned back to alcohol. Carly tried to kill A.J. at the Nurses' Ball. Ned returned to his life as Eddie Maine and planned to marry Alexis. Alan's past with Rae was revealed and Monica had to fight for her husband again. Emily dated Juan. Alexis left Ned at the altar and ended their relationship. Zander kidnapped Emily. Emily chose Zander over Juan.

2001
Emily was paralyzed in a bus accident while running away to Mexico with Zander. Ned left ELQ to run L&B records. Alan discovered that Skye is his daughter. Ned began dating Alexis' sister Kristina. Jason briefly returned to Port Charles to help Sonny take down a rival mob boss. Emily left Port Charles to rehabilitate. Ned pretended to be the father of Alexis' child when she became pregnant by Sonny. Skye and Jax briefly took over ELQ.