recap: B&B Recap October 23: Li Hears a Surprisingly Strong Heartbeat

The rabbit officially died today on The Bold and the Beautiful, even though Steffy has known she’s been pregnant for several episodes! The show that aired on Friday, October 23, 2026, was jam-packed with drama and tension about family and fashion.

I Can Hear Your Heartbeat, Love, Love

Daphne Rose, oblivious to how the child she plans on raising was conceived, celebrated the news that her surrogate, egg donor, and bestie, Steffy, was pregnant! Carter said that it didn’t matter how they got to this point. All that mattered was the child that they’re in love with. Daphne Rose said that Carter would do anything to bring this baby into the world. Daphne Rose and Carter embraced while Li, Finn, and an anxious Steffy watched.

Li said that this was a wonderful moment, and the next nine months would bring many more. Li said that there will be early ultrasounds, too. Daphne told Steffy that she and Carter would give her whatever she needed. Daphne said that she felt so much love and joy, especially for the baby that was growing inside Steffy. Happy for Daphne, Steffy tried to muster a smile.

Daphne expressed to Finn her joy that she was going to become a mother, and it was all because of Steffy. She asked Finn to support his wife and the baby. Daphne said that Finn was married to a loving, committed, and giving woman. “Please, Finn. Be happy for us,” Daphne said as she hugged him.

Then, Li entered. Finn congratulated Daphne Rose. Li said it might be too soon, but let’s see. “See what?” Steffy asked. Li responded if they could hear the baby’s heartbeat! Steffy wanted to hold off on hearing the heartbeat. Li pointed out that Steffy was the surrogate. Li said her device would pick up the audio only of the baby’s heartbeat. Daphne Rose asked if that would be okay. Steffy agreed.

Li began the procedure on Steffy’s tummy. Then, Daphne Rose heard the heart beating. Daphne was overwhelmed. Li noted that the heartbeat was so strong for it being so early in the pregnancy. “Congratulations,” Li said. Steffy appeared anxious.

Brooke and Donna Dissect Katie

Brooke advised Donna against talking to Katie about the tension between them. She’d get angry! (Let’s hope Katie doesn’t find out that Brooke talked to Bill, right?) Brooke acknowledged that it was risky to go to Bill, but she had to try to stop Katie.

Donna blamed Bill for giving Katie the fashion company. Brooke said Katie’s pain and resentment would have to come out somehow. Donna got teary and wondered how Beth and Storm would respond to all of this. Brooke shrugged that Katie wouldn’t meet her halfway. Donna realized that's why Brooke called Bill.

Donna and Brooke revealed that they were both sad. Brooke said that Katie was wrapped up in getting revenge. Donna said that they had to fix this. Brooke said that she thought twice about getting Bill involved, especially knowing how much Ridge despised him.

Donna reminded Brooke that Ridge would not be happy if he found out that Brooke and Bill were in communication. Brooke said that she didn’t want to give Katie another reason to get mad. Donna said that Bill had better not let Katie know that they had talked. Donna admitted that Brooke and Bill have a special relationship. That could be a good thing, or it could complicate things.

Bill Advocates for Brooke

Katie told Bill that she knew him better than anyone. She wanted to know what was going on with her husband. Bill said that she didn’t have to go scorched earth on the Forresters. Katie marveled at Bill’s comment as he wrote the book on scorched earth. Bill told Katie that he learned from her the value of family.

Bill said that Katie could achieve what she wanted to without hurting Forrester. Bill asked Katie if she wanted to eviscerate the Forresters. “This is not you,” Katie said. She pointed to Bill’s necklace, which stood for taking no prisoners and winning at all costs. Katie insisted on knowing what was going on!

Katie accused Bill of having a mission. “You love sticking it to the dressmaker!” Katie reminded Bill of how he feels about Ridge. Bill wondered if Katie wanted to annihilate Forrester Creations. Katie said that she wanted Bill and her to do that together. Let’s bring them down, Katie enthused.

Bill wondered if Katie was taking things too far. Katie chuckled that that was rich coming from him. Why couldn't Katie get in on the fun, she wondered? Katie said she needed to teach Brooke a lesson, which was “don’t mess with little sister or else.” Bill said his concern was the cost Katie would pay for winning.

Bill said that he has paid the price for doing business a certain way. Katie says that she loved her family – Bill, Will, Wyatt, and Liam. Bill said that Katie has other family – her two sisters. Katie said that Brooke kicked her out of the family. Bill said that he has said things that he didn’t mean when he was angry, and so has Katie.

Katie asked Bill if he was concerned about her relationship with Brooke. “And Donna,” Bill added. Katie said they weren’t close anymore. Bill said he’d been extricated from his family. Katie said that her family – Bill and Will – was important to her. Bill said that Katie didn’t have to sacrifice her relationship with Donna and Brooke, but that’s what would happen if they buried Forrester.

Why is Steffy’s baby’s heartbeat so strong? Is Donna overreacting to Brooke reaching out to Bill? What will Katie do once she learns that Bill met with Brooke? Sound off in the comments section!