Tensions explode on “The Bold and the Beautiful” as Ridge Forrester provokes Carter Walton, setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation that could change the fate of Forrester Creations forever. Meanwhile, Hope Logan stands firm, refusing to bow to the Forresters, intensifying the already volatile situation.
On Monday, February 17th, viewers will witness Ridge’s relentless attempts to push Carter into submission. His cutting remarks and constant prodding serve as a stark reminder of why Carter seized power in the first place. Rather than making amends and restoring Forrester Creations to its original leadership, Carter grapples with guilt but remains unwilling to surrender just yet. His struggle is made even more difficult by Ridge’s ruthless words, particularly regarding Brooke Logan. As Ridge continues to criticize Brooke and the Logan family, Carter finds himself torn between his loyalty and his conscience.
At the same time, Hope finds herself in a battle of wills, refusing to yield to Ridge and Steffy’s demands. While Brooke tries to mediate, Hope is adamant that the Forresters do not deserve to regain control so easily. Her fury only escalates when Carter entertains the idea of returning Forrester Creations to its founding family, making her feel utterly betrayed. Hope sees Carter’s hesitation as a personal slight, feeling that his wavering stance goes against everything they fought for.
As the conflict unfolds, Brooke and Taylor engage in a discussion about Brooke’s true motives. Steffy and Taylor firmly believe that Brooke’s actions are fueled by a desire to reunite with Ridge rather than any genuine concern for the company’s future. While Taylor is confident that Ridge will remain steadfast, she warns Steffy not to underestimate Brooke’s influence.
Meanwhile, Hope takes her grievances to Brooke, venting about her clash with Carter and even hinting that her mother might be partly to blame for Carter’s growing doubts. Despite this, Hope refuses to back down, determined to keep Carter aligned with their ambitious vision for the company. At this point, apologizing or backing down to Ridge or Steffy is completely out of the question for Hope. 
The episode takes an even more shocking turn as Carter reaches an emotional breaking point. Amid a tense moment, he reflects on Eric Forrester’s legacy and the weight of his decisions. Carter gifts Hope a sentimental necklace as a token of his appreciation, but she rejects it outright, furious that he would even consider siding with the Forresters again. Just when it seems like the tension can’t get any higher, Ridge arrives at Forrester Creations, delivering a scathing monologue about power and betrayal. In a symbolic moment, Carter crushes the necklace in his hand, drawing blood—a metaphor for the emotional and political cost of his choices.
As Steffy and Taylor observe from the Forrester mansion, they smugly conclude that Brooke’s involvement was likely a last-ditch effort to reclaim Ridge. However, Brooke’s desperation becomes more apparent as she urges Carter to reconsider his decision, making it clear that her real priority is securing her place in Ridge’s life rather than ensuring the company’s best future.
Hope, feeling more isolated than ever, must now decide her next move. With Carter seemingly wavering and Ridge tightening his grip on Forrester Creations, will she be left standing alone? Will Carter’s internal conflict push him back into the Forrester fold, or will he remain loyal to Hope’s vision? One thing is certain—lines have been drawn, and the battle for power is far from over.
