In Eric's office, Eric and Donna smooched and Eric reaffirmed his love for her. Then he left to go break the news to Stephanie, but not before running into Ridge and giving him the vibe that he was going to break things off with Stephanie for good. Katie and Brooke entered, and a beaming Donna shared the news that Eric loves her and wants her in the fashion show. Katie was asked that she thinks of things from a PR perspective, and she suggested that outing Donna's relationship with Eric during the fashion show could backfire. Donna explained how genuine her relationship is with Eric, and she, Brooke and Katie embraced Donna's happiness. A gloomy Storm entered and told Brooke he learned what happened to her with the rape. Storm and Brooke hugged. He suggested they should pursue legal action against Stephanie. Donna told Storm Stephanie is already about to pay, as Eric is leaving his wife for Donna as they speak. Storm said he was upset at being the last person to know everything that's been going on with his sisters. He persisted in asking Brooke to consider pressing charges.

Ridge checked in with Thorne and Felicia on last-minute preparations for the fashion show. Felicia noticed that her ex, Jake, was part of the crew working for the show, but told Thorne that her plate is too full with work and other responsibilities to be interested in ex-boyfriends. Ridge cautioned Thorne and Felicia not to get their hopes up about their parents, because he got the vibe from Eric that he's planning to go with Donna. Felicia and Thorne flipped but Ridge defended Eric, maintaining that it's his choice and reminding his siblings that Eric never got in the way of their choices. Additionally, Ridge stressed that Stephanie's actions completely crossed the line. Felicia and Thorne pressed Stephanie's case, but Ridge remained unsympathetic toward his mother.

Eric arrived at Stephanie's hotel room. She suggested to Eric that he keep the focus on the show and not distract the press with public decision between her and Donna. Eric interrupted her and broke the news to Stephanie that they are finished. She tried to explain and apologize again, but Eric told her it's too late: He's in love with Donna. Stephanie was skeptical of Eric's feelings and warned that he will turn the fashion show into a sideshow. She lost her temper and warned she wouldn't take Eric back this time. Eric told her he doesn't want to go back. Stephanie apologized and adopted a more contrite tone, but Eric insisted it was too late. "I tried more than anybody ever has, and I can't anymore," Eric declared, adding, "I will always love you." A desperate Stephanie pulled Eric into a passionate kiss, but Eric pulled away, pushed her arms down and walked out of her hotel room. Stephanie sank onto her bed and her eyes filled with tears as she agonized over her loss.