At Forrester Creations, Taylor makes it crystal clear to Brooke that Ridge has moved on, and it would be best for her to do the same. But Brooke refuses to accept it. She passionately reminds Ridge that he is the love of her life, just as she is his. With tears in her eyes, she pleads for him to return home, to where he belongs. Taylor, watching in disbelief, shakes her head. She had hoped Brooke had evolved over time, but once again, Brooke proves that she will do anything to win Ridge back. Taylor calls her out, saying Brooke’s real motive for accepting the CEO position at Forrester was to keep herself in Ridge’s orbit. Brooke insists she only took the role to convince Carter of his mistakes, but now that Ridge is back, she believes they can heal and move forward together.

Taylor, however, couldn’t disagree more. She believes it’s time for Brooke to finally let go. But Brooke remains persistent, asking Ridge to admit that he still wants to be with her. As the tension builds, Steffy discusses the chaos with Daphne in the design office. Daphne, who has been growing closer to Carter, listens as Steffy expresses frustration over Hope always playing the victim. Finn enters, and Steffy shares the exciting news that the Forrester family is back in control of the company. Finn is happy for her, while Daphne acknowledges Carter’s role in securing their victory.

Meanwhile, at the cabin, Hope is devastated. She never expected Carter to betray her, especially after everything they’ve been through. She accuses him of throwing away everything they had together just to maintain his position at Forrester. Carter insists that he is only trying to make things right and that what they share is bigger than the company. But Hope isn’t convinced. If he truly cared, he would have left Forrester with her. Instead, he chose to stand with Ridge and Eric, believing they could convince Steffy to rehire Hope. But Hope scoffs, saying that Carter is delusional if he thinks they would listen to him after what he has done.

Frustrated and heartbroken, Carter tells Hope that he has always been there for her, risking everything because he loves her. But Hope sees things differently. She accuses him of setting her up, of making a deal with Ridge and Eric behind her back. She no longer recognizes the man she once loved. As she tells him goodbye, Carter is left stunned.

Back at Forrester, Ridge finally makes his choice. He tells Brooke that while he will always love and respect her, he needs to move on. Reuniting in Rome reminded him of their connection, but it wasn’t enough. He has made a commitment, and he intends to keep it. His future is with Taylor. Brooke is shattered. She watches in disbelief as Taylor embraces Ridge, tears streaming down her face. Devastated, Brooke rushes out, sobbing in the hallway.

Later, Carter sits alone in the design office, staring longingly at a portrait of Hope. He replays their last conversation in his mind, full of regret. Daphne enters, noticing his sorrow. She reminds him that he did the right thing, even if it cost him Hope. Carter isn’t so sure. He feels like he has lost everything. But Daphne insists that he should feel relieved. Hope abandoned him, and now it’s time for him to move forward.

As Daphne comforts him, Carter begins to let his walls down. She assures him that she is there for him. They share a lingering embrace, and for the first time, Carter begins to wonder if moving on isn’t such a bad idea after all.