RJ Wrestles With His Conscience — and Donna Drops an Absolute Bomb on Katie Regarding Eric

At Forrester Creations, Ridge feels like RJ is holding out on him. Brooke interjects that they’re worried because Eric’s behavior has been off. RJ thinks the fashion show will be over soon and it’s time to stop asking why his grandfather wants to do it. Ridge can’t let it go and questions, “Why now?! There’s something you’re not telling me.” Brooke reminds RJ they’re all a family, “If Eric needs help…” RJ flashes to Eric telling him not to divulge his condition to anyone, especially his dad. Ridge questions him again. RJ tells them there’s something they both need to know about Granddad.

Ridge asks what he needs to know. RJ says, “Granddad… has never been more determined to create a collection.” Brooke doesn’t understand why he needs to do it alone. RJ snaps, “He’s not alone, he has me.” With that, he hurries out of the office. Ridge stops him to say that whatever happens on the runway, they love each other. Family always comes first.

At the Forrester mansion, Donna wishes this wasn’t real. She tells Katie the doctor just gave them the news and she can’t make any sense out of it. Katie cries that this is devastating, “I’m so sorry,” she says as she embraces Donna. They sit, and Donna explains it all started with tremors in his hands. That’s why he got RJ to help him. Their collaboration was the best thing to come of this, “It was magic.” Katie muses, “Until it wasn’t.” Donna nods and explains that the pain became debilitating, and he began coughing up blood, “The doctor said he only has six months to live, maybe less.” Katie gasps, “Oh my God!” and hugs her crying sister.

In the design office, Luna gets a text from her mother asking her to call. “I love you but you have to stay away from Forrester Creations.” Luna flashes to kissing RJ, looks at a photo of Eric, and recalls RJ thanking her for allowing him to open up to her about his grandfather’s situation. Carter appears at the door and gives her instructions, but she’s distracted. He asks if everything is OK.

Luna apologizes and Carter chuckles that things can get crazy before a fashion show around there. He just wishes Ridge and Eric weren’t pitted against each other. RJ appears and tells Carter they can keep it friendly. They discuss how hard the men have been working. RJ says his grandfather wants this line to define him, so it has to be better than anything he’s ever done. Carter recalls that when he last saw him, Eric couldn’t even sit down to sign paperwork… he was so amped up! RJ and Luna exchange a look.

At the Forrester mansion, Donna tells Katie that Eric asked her to keep this to herself and she doesn’t want to upset him. Eric reappears and quickly realizes that Katie knows what’s happening. She cries, hugs him, and explains how she came back and overheard. She’s so sorry this is happening to him; he’s the best guy she knows. Eric says, “Thanks.” They embrace and Eric looks at Donna over Katie’s shoulder.

In the design office, Carter has gone and RJ tells Luna that Ridge put him on the spot. He’s noticed Eric has been off lately. Luna marvels that even though they’re competing in a fashion showdown, the love and respect is still there. RJ muses, “If only my dad knew the truth.”

In the main office, Brooke tells Ridge that the showdown is putting a lot of pressure on his relationship with his father, and she’s worried it will extend to RJ. Ridge reassures her. Carter comes in and Brooke demands to know who he’s rooting for. Carter says he’s rooting for his best friend of course, but he also has to throw some support to the icon, Eric Forrester. Ridge teases his BFF about having a sentimental favorite. It won’t stop him from beating his dad on the runway.

At the Forrester mansion, Katie tries to convince Eric to tell Ridge and Brooke about his prognosis, but Eric insists they be kept in the dark. He feels no one knows what the future holds and reminds Katie that she told the doctors to go to hell when they diagnosed her heart condition. “All we can do is live each day we’re given and cherish each second of this life God gave us.” He is going to create his best collection ever and beat the pants off Ridge while he’s at it. The women cry and Eric hugs Donna, “It’s OK.”

In the design office, Luna assures RJ he’s a good grandson and recaps how he’s helping him bring his passion to life. RJ worries what kind of son he’s being to his dad to keep this secret. Luna thinks he’ll understand, but RJ’s not sure he would. He becomes emotional, “What if I’m robbing him with precious time with his dad? I think he deserves to know the truth.” Luna hugs RJ.

In the main office, Ridge tells Brooke she’s right about what she said earlier — the fashion challenge is unhealthy. His father just wants to be in the spotlight again. Brooke warns him not to let hit affect his relationship with RJ. Ridge complains about Eric wanting to be back in the CEO chair, “Grand finale? My dad isn’t going anywhere.”

In the Forrester living room, Eric tells Katie and Donna that his legacy is built on classic couture. Ridge wants to make it trendier and he doesn’t agree with that. “He doesn’t quite respect what I want to do. He’s not taking care of my legacy.” He wants to make a mark that people will know and put his name on the company indelibly. Katie argues, “That’s already true!” Donna reminds him the doctor doesn’t want him to do the showdown. Eric appreciates their love and concern but this is his battle, “And it’s pretty much won, I gotta tell you.” It’s his life, and his company; if this is his last act, he’s going to take his final bow his way.