Adam Newman finds himself once again entangled in his father Victor’s web of control. Despite years of conflict and personal growth, Adam still struggles to break free from the shadow of Victor’s expectations. This week in Genoa City, tensions reach new heights as Adam’s independence is threatened over what should be a simple transaction: selling his apartment to Clare and Kyle. But in Victor’s world, even private decisions are subject to his approval. He commands Adam not to sell the property, forcing Adam into a familiar dilemma — defy his father and risk his place in the family, or comply and continue to sacrifice his autonomy.

Meanwhile, Chelsea Lawson, newly appointed COO of Newman Media and someone Adam once trusted implicitly, begins showing her pragmatic side. She pushes back against Adam’s plans and begins wielding her influence to steer company decisions, echoing Victor’s manipulative tactics. This leaves Adam feeling cornered not just by his father, but by the woman he thought was an ally. Her refusal to support a media campaign against Billy — someone she once loved — only increases the strain. She recognizes that smearing Billy at Victor’s request is morally wrong and pleads with Adam to reconsider. But for Adam, resistance could mean losing everything he’s worked for.

To make matters worse, Billy Abbott openly mocks Adam’s continued obedience to Victor, dubbing him “Puppet Boy.” Ironically, Billy, long at odds with the Newmans, begins to express a surprising degree of empathy toward Adam. He knows what it’s like to fight Victor’s influence and proposes an alliance — not out of friendship, but mutual interest in challenging Victor’s empire. He urges Adam to finally break free, reminding him that power without freedom is just another form of imprisonment.

This sparks a deep internal conflict within Adam. Torn between love, loyalty, and the desire for independence, he begins to question everything — his role in Newman Enterprises, his trust in Chelsea, and his own sense of self. The pressure builds as he contemplates betraying his father to reclaim control over his life. But the cost of defiance could be high — potentially alienating his family and jeopardizing his future in Genoa City.

At the same time, a new threat is brewing in the form of Dumas, a mysterious figure exerting influence over the Winters Corporation and other major businesses. Amanda Sinclair, assigned to investigate, senses something deeper behind Dumas’ involvement. She turns to Billy for insight, suspecting that he might unknowingly be part of a broader conspiracy. Dumas’ true intentions remain unclear, but his presence is unsettling enough to spark concerns across the business landscape.

Adam’s emotional crisis, Chelsea’s shifting priorities, Billy’s unpredictable gambits, and the shadowy maneuvers of Dumas set the stage for a volatile week ahead. As alliances shift and betrayals loom, every move in Genoa City could trigger a domino effect. And for Adam Newman, the question remains: will he continue living under his father’s rule, or finally become the man he was meant to be?

Lily recognizes the familiar voice of the man calling himself Dumas – Are you Cane? Y&R Spoilers

Genoa City is on edge as Adam Newman stands at a crucial turning point. Still ensnared in Victor Newman’s unrelenting control, Adam is forced to deal with another family power play — a simple real estate transaction becomes a battleground. Clare Newman and Kyle Abbott’s interest in buying Adam’s apartment is suddenly blocked by Victor, who instructs Adam not to sell. It’s more than just real estate — it’s about dominance, and Adam knows it. Once again, his desire for independence is pitted against the iron will of his father.

The situation worsens as Chelsea, once Adam’s closest confidante, begins asserting her influence as the new COO of Newman Media. She resists Adam’s plans, especially Victor’s request to use media power to destroy Billy Abbott’s reputation. Chelsea, once a con artist herself, recognizes the danger of such manipulation. Her concern for Billy — a former lover — adds emotional complexity, but she also sees the moral decay in carrying out Victor’s schemes. Despite her loyalty to the company, Chelsea pleads with Adam not to become the instrument of his father’s vendetta.

Meanwhile, Billy Abbott refuses to remain silent. He taunts Adam, repeatedly calling him “Puppet Boy,” a biting label that reflects how deeply Adam is still under Victor’s thumb. But behind the sarcasm, Billy offers something unexpected: a hand in rebellion. Though their history is fraught with conflict, Billy sees Adam as the key to weakening Victor’s grip on Genoa City. He urges Adam to confront his father and finally take control of his own destiny.

Adam, however, is paralyzed by indecision. Every step toward freedom seems to come with unbearable risks — losing his family, his career, and perhaps even Chelsea. But continuing down the same path means living in Victor’s shadow forever, performing roles assigned to him rather than forging his own identity. As pressure mounts from every side, Adam starts to question whether he’s capable of breaking free — or if the chains of loyalty and legacy have already sealed his fate.

Simultaneously, the corporate world trembles with the growing influence of Dumas, a mysterious figure manipulating events behind the scenes. Amanda Sinclair’s investigation reveals troubling signs. She speaks with key players like Billy and the Novak brothers, trying to determine whether Dumas is protector or predator. The lines between ally and enemy blur as Dumas’ reach begins to stretch across multiple companies, including Chancellor and Abbott Communications.

Billy grows more suspicious, sensing that Dumas could be a pawn in a larger corporate conspiracy. Amanda, cautious but increasingly skeptical, finds herself drawn into a complex game of power and deception. As secrets pile up, Dumas’ presence becomes a wildcard that could change the fate of multiple families in Genoa City.

With so many forces pulling at him — Victor’s dominance, Chelsea’s conflict, Billy’s challenge, and the emergence of Dumas — Adam faces the ultimate test. Can he reject the chains of power and rewrite his own narrative? Or will he continue to be a pawn in the Newman empire, watching as others shape his future? The next few days will reveal whether Adam Newman has the strength to stand alone — or whether he will be consumed by the legacy he can’t escape.