Tensions run high at Forrester Creations as Hope faces unexpected resistance during what should have been a celebratory moment. In the design studio, Hope clashes with Steffy, who subtly implies that Brooke may not be the best fit to lead the company. Hope, already on edge, is enraged by Steffy’s words, accusing her of undermining her mother. However, Steffy counters that Brooke has paid the price for Hope’s actions, leaving Ridge and Eric effectively sidelined from the business. Hope refuses to back down, declaring that Forrester Creations has a new future—one that doesn’t include the old guard.
Meanwhile, in the main office, Brooke confronts Carter about the growing divide within the company. She senses that the situation is weighing heavily on him, but Carter remains reserved. Brooke reminds him that he has always been a valued member of the team, but Carter remains conflicted. The tension only escalates when the much-anticipated jewelry line launch begins at the Forrester estate. Ridge, Eric, and Taylor watch on as Hope and Carter bask in the success of the new collection, but there’s an underlying sense of unease. Eric bitterly remarks that, despite their contributions, they won’t receive any credit.
As the launch progresses, Finn takes a moment to text Steffy from the hospital, apologizing for his long shift on Valentine’s Day. However, Finn is burdened by a secret that could shake Steffy to her core. Holding a picture of himself with Luna, he murmurs, “How do I tell you Luna is my daughter?” Unbeknownst to Steffy, Finn is struggling with a truth that could change everything.
Back at Forrester Creations, Carter receives a personalized Valentine’s Day gift from Electra, who has been instrumental in the jewelry line’s success. He assures her that Hope will love it, yet an uneasiness lingers in the air. As Hope delivers a triumphant speech, celebrating what she sees as the bright new future of Forrester, Carter’s enthusiasm fades. Brooke, Katie, and Zende exchange glances, noticing his lack of excitement. Brooke, sensing his turmoil, questions what is truly weighing on him.
After the festivities, Hope requests some alone time with Carter in the main office. Sensing his hesitation, she demands to know what’s wrong. Carter finally voices his concerns, admitting that while they may have achieved their goals, something about it feels wrong. The exclusion of Ridge, Eric, and Steffy from Forrester Creations doesn’t sit well with him. Hope, still reveling in their victory, is stunned by his words. She argues that Ridge and Steffy have always looked down on her, making her feel inferior. Why should she apologize when they never respected her in the first place?
Carter, however, isn’t convinced. He takes out Eric’s old stapler, a symbol of the legacy they disrupted, and sighs. “This isn’t mine,” he admits. “His office, his chair, his desk—they aren’t mine. I feel like a traitor.” Hope, taken aback, urges him to stop, insisting that what they did was necessary. But Carter shakes his head. “It wasn’t heroic. I can’t keep pretending it was.” 
Frustrated, Hope accuses Carter of betraying her just when she thought they were on the same page. “You promised to have my back!” she cries. Carter insists that he still supports her but doesn’t want to fight with her on Valentine’s Day. As emotions run high, Hope storms out in tears, unable to accept his change of heart.
Left alone, Carter stares at the necklace he had planned to give Hope. His turmoil reaches its peak as he smashes the gemstone heart against the desk, shattering it into pieces. Just then, Ridge appears in the doorway. Carter, no longer sure of his place, admits that he wants to return Forrester Creations to its rightful owners. But Hope, blinded by her victory, isn’t willing to let go. The fallout from Carter’s decision is only just beginning, and the future of Forrester Creations hangs in the balance.
