YOUNG AND RESTLESS RECAPS

As everyone waited for the judge's decision on whether or not Adam will go to trial, Victor recalled to Nikki first holding his son as a baby and his high hopes for Adam's future. Vic also remembered how Hope decided to raise Adam on her farm in Kansas without him knowing who his father is. Victor then flashbacked to a couple of years ago, when Hope was dying of cancer and apologized for keeping father and son apart. Her dying wish was for them to be reunited and get to know each other.


After more memories of Adam's misdeeds since coming to Genoa City, Victor got a call that the court was reconvening. Everyone returned to the courtroom and anxiously awaited for the judge to share her decision. Judge Anderson explained, "My task was to decide whether there is sufficient evidence to hold Adam Newman over for trial on a litany of charges; criminal conspiracy, fraud, kidnapping, an accessory to the murder of Richard Hightower. There were issues with both counsel and witnesses which taint the case against the defendant... Because the law required that much of the state's evidence be excluded, this case hinged on witness testimony."
The courtroom was completely silent as the judge continued. "It was claimed that Adam Newman waged a campaign of terror against Ashley Abbott as a means of revenge against her husband Victor Newman," Judge Anderson noted. "Ms. Abbott's psychological state at the time of the alleged assaults casts doubt on her story. The witness has a long history of mental instability. Her uncorroborated testimony and retrieved memories only served to underscore the court's questions about their veracity. Victor Newman testified about an ungrateful son who committed fraud and betrayed his family. However, many of his statements were unsubstantiated, and the court believes that Mr. Newman's testimony was shaded by his own bitter disappointment as a father.... Jack Abbott's concerns are tainted by strong and persistent rumors of his own complicity with Adam in the creation of a forged diary. Finally, Nicholas Newman testified that both he and his sister Victoria shared their father's harsh assessment of Adam, but the court again can't help wondering whether Adam wasn't more a threat to their shares of the Newman empire than to the family itself... Sharon Newman's testimony about Adam's alleged confession might have carried great weight in my decision, but without corroborating evidence, the court must consider the possibility that her decision to come forward and testify for the prosecution might suggest acrimony over a marriage that was ultimately annulled."
The judge then announced, "The entire case against Adam Newman is dismissed without prejudice." Everyone in the courtroom was shocked and angry. Jack blamed Owen's incompetence for letting Adam walk. "I did the best that I could," Owen countered. "Having a bunch of vengeful witnesses didn't help." Victor told everyone to come back to the ranch.
Adam was thrilled, until he was approached by Richard Hightower's son, Justin. "Why'd you kill my dad?" the boy charged. "What'd he ever do to you?" .... Nick expressed his appreciation to Sharon for testifying but she lamented that it wasn't enough.... Victor assured Justin's aunt that he will take care of the boy.... Ashley vented her frustration to Victor that she had to relive the most painful moments of her life for nothing.... Adam invited his detractors to say whatever they wanted to him but one by one, they walked away from him in silence.
At the ranch, Victor urged everyone to get on with their lives and not focus on vengeance for Adam. "Ignore him as if he never existed," Vic advised. "The crimes he committed against all of us will weigh so heavily on his shoulders, he will carry those sins for the rest of his life. He will never be a free man." Meanwhile, Adam told Skye they needed to reconsider their situation but she insisted that they stay married. "We have an arrangement," she curtly reminded. "Your name, my money, and you're not backing out of that." Adam then remembered when he finished grad school and said good-bye to his mother before moving to New York City. " I know you will make me very, very proud," Hope assured back then, which now filled Adam with guilt.