At Jackie M, Nick was shocked to hear his mom hired Owen but Jackie was optimistic about Owen and Bridget both being good for the company. Of course, then a Mr. Williams came by demanding two months worth of payments on their loans. Jackie bought time by spilling that Madame X is Bridget. "All you have to do is mention the Forrester name and the windows start flying open," Jackie observed ruefully. Nick was wary about exploiting Bridget in such a fashion but Jackie cited the advantages. Later, Nick clearly had a lot on his mind and he admitted he was thinking about Stephanie.

Stephanie came into Eric's office to complain about Rick and Steffy's relationship. He was just looking forward to some peace within the family and urged Stephanie to stop rumor-mongering. Then, Donna interrupted with some erotic plans for a bottle of honey. Stephanie went off, dubbing the hanky panky insulting and ranting about Rick and Steffy. Eric pointed out Stephanie had only herself blame when it came to the lovers sharing a last name since she'd lied to him about Ridge's paternity all those years. Stephanie kept ranting, even calling Donna a slut. "The class, the style, the elegance is all gone," she said of Forrester. Eric had enough! "Your family? Your company? Your accomplishments?" he marveled, noting his designs were a part of the company, too. "You have to go. I'm finished with this," he declared. "You're fired!" Shocked, Stephanie laughed bitterly and walked out, telling Eric not to come knocking at her door later. Donna comforted Eric, saying he'd done the right thing. "It's going to be a much better place to work around here, without Stephanie."

Ridge and Taylor were glad to have sent Thomas off to James for some much-needed help. Ridge comforted Taylor with a hug. Later, Stephanie visited Ridge's office, telling him she'd gotten the ax. And she claimed she was oddly okay with leaving. Alone in her office, she flashed back on years with Eric at Forrester. When Eric dropped by, Stephanie truly wished he'd be happy but told him he'd regret this day. And her work here was done, but it wasn't the end of her road.