The Young and the Restless Recap, May 26: Victor detonates Phyllis’ manipulative deal with Matt

Here is your The Young and the Restless recap for Tuesday, May 26, 2026 featuring Phyllis losing all over her leverage against the criminal charges.

What happened on The Young and the Restless

Chelsea did her best to support Adam | Image: CBS

At Society, Billy paid for Adam's drink, which was highly uncharacteristic of him. He told Adam that he had some big news, and he had no idea how much Billy was about to rock his world. Adam got in his usual digs toward Billy, but he got just as good as he gave. Billy was hopeful that Phyllis and Cane could beat the charges and that she would maintain control of Newman.

Billy started off lightly by delivering the news of he and Sally's engagement. Adam was disgusted with the idea of Sally tying the knot with Billy, but he wished nothing but the best for his ex. However, Billy wasn't finished delivering news that was going to alter Adam's brain chemistry. Sally was pregnant, and with Billy as the father, it was the most bitter knife being jabbed into his heart.

Adam was right that Billy was eager to rub his nose in it, which is why Billy took off after dropping the news on him. Adam was forced to process everything that was just put on him, including the reality that he was supposed to have his own child with Sally.

Chelsea joined Adam, but he was in a complete state of shock. He dropped the bombshell about the wedding, but what was truly bothering him was the child on the way. In a sense, Billy was about to live a life with Sally that Adam had mourned, and it brought up the grief of Ava all over again.

Putting Sally first

Billy and Sally share a kiss | Image: CBS

Sally and Audra wrapped up a long work day, but it was clear that her pregnancy was getting the better of her. Going at the pace that she was used to might not be possible at this stage. She hadn't eaten all day, which was contributing to her lightheadedness. Audra did her best friend duties and insisted that she take better care of herself.

As a sign of how close the two women had become, Sally officially asked Audra if she'd like to be her maid of honor for the wedding. Billy joined the ladies, and he and Audra made a genuine effort to coexist for Sally's sake. This was his future wife's best friend, so his only goal was to make her life easier.

Crimson frights

Traci encouraged Jack to fight for Diane | Image: CBS

Jack ran into his worst nightmare at Crimson Lights as Patty sat lying in wait for him to strike up a conversation. She was excited about his reaction to her floral gift, but after hearing he threw them into the trash, her mood may have soured a bit.

Patty was completely taken aback that Jack had a sudden change of heart about working with her. Even though she promised not to push him, Jack thought that the flowers came on a bit too strong. The idea of having any sort of romantic connection with Patty after that mistake on the yacht made his skin crawl.

When Jack arrived home, he poured a drink for himself and for Traci and ranted about his run-in with Patty. Her actions proved that she was far from rehabilitated, and there was no chance of redemption. He was adamant that Patty and Victor would pay for the damage they'd caused.

The end of Phyllis’ master plan

Victor and Nick crashed Phyllis' big plan | Image: CBS

Nick took another pill before walking into the ranch, and Victor hoped he didn't interfere with his recovery by inviting him there. After realizing that he wasn't interrupting anything, Victor told him about Patty's call, alluding to knowing how to get their hands on Matt Clark.

Nick pretended not to know of the information that Victor was telling him, but his father was far too smart to be duped like that. Victor knew that Nick had been secretly negotiating his own deal to get his hands on Matt Clark, going behind his entire family's back.

Nick made up a story about wanting to use Phyllis helping Matt in any capacity as a way to leverage additional charges against her. However, Patty was such a wildcard in the mix because there was no telling what she wanted to use Matt for. Patty didn't do anything without an agenda, so something nefarious was being cooked up in his twisted mind.

Patty showed up at the ranch, wanting to make some sort of deal with the Newmans in exchange for Matt. Nick was apprehensive about working with her in any capacity, especially after her delusional mindset was still just as prevalent as ever. She truly believed that she was going to marry Jack once his divorce from Diane became official.

Nick nearly fell to the floor laughing after listening to Patty's tale about being soulmates with Jack. She was certain that being married to Jack was her destiny, and all she wanted was the validation of Victor telling the town that she was redeemed. Thankfully for them, Phyllis texted with an update on Matt, so they might not have to make a trade with Patty.

At Summers Conglomerate, Phyllis made a final effort to get through to Matt, hoping that she could somehow regain possession of her leverage against the criminal charges. She left a voicemail for him and asked for the opportunity to explain herself. It was a long shot, but if he was receptive to the idea, she might somehow still secure her freedom.

Despite knocking out Matt and tying him up in her suite, she was still adamant on the phone that she had his best interests in mind. She took an insane leap and confessed to having romantic feelings for him, and it sounded just as crazy as she thought it did. Would Matt ever believe a word of that after she told him about the heinous atrocities he'd allegedly committed?

Matt quickly returned her call and asked if she was genuine about having feelings for him. After a short talk on the phone, Matt arrived at her office and questioned her sincerity after being told by Patty about her plan to trade him to skate the charges. He wanted to know specific things that she liked about him. Vague responses were not going to be enough to trick him into falling back into her trap.

Matt leaned in for a kiss, but he hesitated after remembering his wedding ring. She gave him the full rundown about Sienna and her affair with Noah, again making it seem like she was the only person that he could trust. He pleaded with Phyllis to allow him to try and make amends to Sienna and the Newmans, but Nick and Victor walked in and put an end to the conversation.

Phyllis felt completely betrayed by Nick because bringing Victor into the deal was not part of what they'd discussed. Matt realized in that moment that everything he let himself believe was the end. Phyllis duped him again. Also, any deal that she had to keep Newman was clearly off the table.

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