Robin: It's true. Look at you. You're the better parent.

Patrick: Robin, you're being too hard on yourself.

Robin: I just don't understand. I mean, I babysat when I was little, I helped raise Maxie. You don't even like kids.

Patrick: Well, that was before we had this beautiful little thing.

Robin: And now, all the sudden, bam, you're a paragon and I'm a disaster.

Patrick: You're not a disaster.

Robin: I just don't know what to do for her, you know? I feed her, I change her, and nothing I do seems to be right.

Patrick: Okay, well, maybe you need a change of scenery or something. Or maybe you should go back to work for a couple of days or something.

Robin: Are you saying it's better if I'm not here with our child?

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Nadine: I am so sorry for the way Uncle Vance and my cousin, Bo, treated you.

Nikolas: That's fine. They love you --

Nadine: No, they had no right accusing you of trying to take advantage of me.

Nikolas: They just -- that's it. They just -- they don't want to see you taken advantage of.

Nadine: No, but I was the one who asked you to marry me. And as for Aunt Raylene's dying wish, please. I'll explain to her that it was just going to be a marriage of convenience.

Nikolas: A what? No, it's not.

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Marty: Okay, we've got Mrs. Dryden's holiday bash on the 19th. The theme this year is "Leather and Lace."

Carly: Please don't tell me she wants the staff to dress accordingly.

Marty: I managed to talk her out of it. And tonight, we've got the "Crimson" cocktail party.

Carly: What's the occasion?

Marty: Officially, it's the charity du jour. But I think it's to counter all the negative publicity Kate's been getting since her non-wedding to Sonny. Anyway, the Wilsons want to change their daughter's --

Carly: I want to know more about the "Crimson" cocktail party.

Jax: Tell her nothing, Marty. From now on, Carly gets no information about "Crimson" whatsoever.

Carly: I guess you should know, Marty, this is going to be a very acrimonious divorce now that Jax is screwing Kate.

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Sonny: The meeting with the Zacchara lieutenants last night was informative.

Max: They all treated you with respect.

Milo: They accept you as the new boss.

Sonny: No, no, no. They're just blowing smoke because they are waiting to see why they should trust me. And if I was in their position, I would do the same thing. But the trouble is, right now, this Russian thing is getting worse, as we all know, right? And I'm thinking the Zaccharas they're not doing what they...

Claudia: Why did you start the meeting without me, honey?

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Robin: That was a stupid thing to say.

Patrick: Hey, we're in this together.

Robin: That's a good thing. At least Emma has one competent parent.

Patrick: Why are you doing this to yourself?

Robin: I just keep thinking what a nightmare it would have been if I would have stuck to the original plan to cut you out of the baby's life and raise her on my own. I just see all these new mothers and they're with their little babies and they're so happy and content.

Patrick: Okay, but you don't think they're sleep-deprived? That they're not going through their 1,000 challenges, just like you are?

Robin: I don't think you understand. When Emma is alone with me, she wails, okay? It's as if she senses, you know, that -- I don't know. It just...

Patrick: What?

Robin: I don't know. I just feel like because I can't breast-feed her, you know, that I'm failing her somehow.

Patrick: Okay, not long ago, the majority of babies in this country were fed by a bottle and they all grew up healthy and happy and totally bonded with their mothers.

Robin: I know you're trying to make me feel better, but I just don't.

Patrick: But, you know, okay, when you were pregnant and you went through all your changes, I was on the sidelines. I couldn't really do anything, especially during your C-section. But now, Emma's here and I can do my part. I can help and I want to.

Robin: I know, I know. But I'm still her mother.

Patrick: She knows that. But you have to let go a little bit. And I know how difficult it is, being a control freak and everything.

Robin: Okay, that would be funny if weren't so out of my control right now.

Patrick: Okay, why don't you go to work? At least there things are a little bit more in your control. Get a little distance, take a breather. Point is, everything is going to work itself out.

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Nikolas: Despite what anyone may think, I know that your offer to marry me came from a sincere desire to help.

Nadine: Did people say that I was trying to trick you?

Nikolas: It doesn't matter, Nadine.

Nadine: Turkey vultures circling for roadkill, that's what Aunt Raylene would say. But she'd say I shouldn't let it bother me.

Nikolas: She'd be right. I never doubted your motives, even for a second.

Nadine: Well, that's all that matters to me.

Nikolas: I was incredibly moved by your offer. I really was. But because I didn't want to hurt you or insult you, I didn't make myself clear. We're not getting married.

Nadine: What about your immigration issues?

Nikolas: I'm confident my attorneys will work things out so I can stay in the U.S., but if they can't, then I'll just have to leave. But I won't marry someone just to get around citizenship requirements, and I don't want to take advantage of your friendship or the real connection that we're trying to build with each other.

Nadine: I did it again. Made the whole thing up in my head and blew things out of proportion.

Nikolas: No, no. Look, you're wonderful and generous and I thank you for that, but I need to know you understand.

Nadine: Oh, I can be pretty thick but, believe me, I read you loud and clear. We will not be getting married.

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Jax: Please tell me you're not going to drag Marty in the middle of our divorce.

Carly: You're the one who told him to keep information from me.

Jax: That's because you have nothing to do with "Crimson."

Carly: Really? I'm seriously considering going after the share of the magazine in our divorce settlement.

Kate: Try it and I'll tie you up in court long enough for that hideous ensemble to come back in fashion.

Carly: Wow, look, everyone, it's Connie Falconeri, the pride of Bensonhurst.

Kate: Get a life, Carly. Marty, the cocktail party?

Marty: I'll get the contract.

Jax: Keep Carly out of the loop on anything to do with "Crimson."

Marty: Okay.

Carly: I have a life. Not some made up, cartoon version.

Kate: Okay, well, then accept the reality that your marriage is over and have some dignity.

Carly: So, you going to be picking up her tab now?

Kate: Oh, no. You're confusing me with yourself, Carly, because all the money you came to was by marrying and divorcing rich men. You see, I worked my way to the top.

Carly: Right. On your back.

Kate: Oh, wow. That was crude and pointless. Like you. Come on, Jax, we have a lot to discuss before the party.

Jax: Yeah, we'll continue this another time.

Carly: We will. We will.

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Sonny: I need to speak with Claudia alone.

Claudia: You know, it's okay to refer to me as your wife, even though, technically, we haven't sealed the deal. Which is, by the way, grounds for an annulment.

Sonny: But we agreed to get into this, right? As long as we gave each other mutual respect.

Claudia: I'll still respect you in the morning.

Sonny: Okay, the night that we slept together was a huge mistake for both of us. I mean, you left feeling cheap, right? And used. And I regretted it completely.

Claudia: Well, things have changed significantly since then. We are legally married now. And that comes with a whole lot of headaches and obligations. But there's this one really beautiful, built-in perk and I don't see why we shouldn't take advantage of it.

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Epiphany: What are you doing?

Robin: I work here.

Leyla: How's the baby?

Robin: She's fine. Patrick's watching her right now. We agreed to trade off. Where are my charts?

Epiphany: Are you sure about this?

Robin: Yes, I'm sure. I work and I have a child. Lots of people do it.

Leyla: I think what Epiphany is trying to say is, maybe it's a little bit too soon?

Robin: I think I'm the best judge of that. Where are my charts?

Leyla: They're right there, in front of you.

Robin: Sorry, I didn't see that.

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Luke: You're bluffing.

Tracy: The second the weather clears, I'm going to get my divorce.

Luke: Or maybe you've got an inside straight?

Tracy: Well, I guess it's going to cost you to find out, won't it?

Luke: Anybody can bet on a sure thing. But going after something risky, that takes real skill. That's why you and I are such a great pair.

Tracy: Were. Past tense. And what was so great about it? Being your personal cash machine? Wondering if I was going to wake up and find the other side of the bed empty? And let's not forget you poisoning my martini.

Luke: Oh, will you get over that? That's water under the bridge. And besides, you got even with me. You faked your own death.

Tracy: And how many times did you do that to me?

Luke: My heart attacks were not fake. They were the real thing. And I was ready to throw in the towel and it was you who convinced me I had something to live for because you convinced me that you loved me.

Luke: Too bad you were lying.

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Lulu: Well, it's my first day back, and I want to say that --

Maxie: Spare me the drama, Clarice, that layout was ours. Fax these to --

Lulu: Oh, Jimmy. I know the number.

[Phone ringing]

Maxie: If Giselle uses that layout for "Couture," Kate is going to have kittens. Hold on. Kate Howard's office. Giselle?

Lulu: Kate Howard's office.

Maxie: She was expecting your call.

Lulu: Federico? Giselle?

Maxie: Federico.

Lulu: It's Lulu Spencer. It's my first day back. I'm not quite sure what's gong on with the phones. Just give me a second to figure it out.

Maxie: I'll patch you right through.

Maxie: It's good to have you back.

Lulu: It's good to be back.

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Claudia: You have to admit, regardless of what came after, the sex was pretty mind-blowing. So, as long as we keep out emotions out of it, I don't --

Sonny: Yeah, let's do that. Let's just keep the emotions out of it, because it just complicates everything.

Claudia: I'm not talking about romance. I'm talking about strictly physical.

Sonny: This is about business, right? This is about power. Your father needs a new leader to run his organization.

Claudia: Right, and you need an organization to run. And you need firepower against the Russians.

Sonny: Right, right. And it works best for everybody, doesn't it? As long as we don't get emotional. You don't want to get emotional in these type of things, you know what I mean?

Claudia: Mm-hm. You don't think I can have sex with you without getting emotionally attached to you? Or is it the opposite? You're afraid you'll get emotionally attached to me.

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Nadine: Okay, I know how this is going to look, like I'm desperate and will use any excuse, but this -- that's really not what's going on because I heard you loud and clear when you said that you didn't want me --

Nikolas: It's all right.

Nadine: And I know it's beyond pathetic to put you on the spot for a woman that you've never met. So, please, forgive me.

Nikolas: Okay, I do.

Nadine: What?

Nikolas: I forgive you.

Nadine: But, you don't even know what for.

Nikolas: Well, I'm sure whatever it is, you had the best of intentions, so you don't need to be forgiven.

Nadine: I wouldn't be so sure. I couldn't bring myself to tell Aunt Raylene the truth. So, she still thinks that we're getting married and now she wants to meet you.

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Tracy: I wasn't lying when I said I loved you.

Luke: No, you loved me. You loved me when I was flat on my back with a bum ticker, when I was half the man I wanted to be, when I was half the man you needed. Then you loved me. But now I'm strong, now I'm on my feet, I don't have one foot in the grave --

Tracy: No, no, no. I am not one of those women who likes her men an invalid, dependent. In fact, as much as you hurt me, I admire who you are.

Luke: Well, then believe me when I tell you I love you. I want you, Tracy. I want to stay your husband.

Tracy: Luke, you say that now, but how are you going to feel when Laura waltzes back into your life?

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Lulu: I have Giselle on line two.

Kate: Well, she can wait while I properly welcome you back. Lulu, it's good to see you. It's okay, I'm not going to bite.

Jax: You look great.

Lulu: Thank you. I feel great.

Jax: You sure you're ready for this?

Lulu: Absolutely.

Maxie: It's like she never missed a day.

Kate: Okay, great. Well then, I can be frank. Carly is throwing a juvenile fit and she has decided to make both me and "Crimson" a target. I need to know where your loyalties lie.

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Carly: Thanks for agreeing to meet with me. I think we should talk about what happened between your cousin and my husband.

Olivia: Yeah, I'm going to try real hard not to take sides here.

Carly: I'm glad to hear that.

Olivia: But, Connie's family. If you're going to go after her, I'm not just going to sit on my hands.

Carly: Connie blames me because she and Sonny aren't together anymore.

Olivia: You've got to admit, Carly, you did everything in your power to undermine the relationship.

Carly: No, I didn't. I just predicted it wouldn't last, and I was right.

Olivia: Now Connie's pissed and she's looking for payback. You know how this world works. You're not one of these pampered, silicone bimbos who's had everything handed to her on a silver platter, you know? That's why I like hanging out with you and having a couple of beers. But this is my cousin we're talking about, so --

Carly: So, you would be understanding and forgiving if you walked in on Connie having sex with your husband?

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Claudia: You can't seriously expect me to remain celibate for the duration of our marriage. A woman has needs, you know? If you can't or won't satisfy them, I'm sure I can find someone who will.

Sonny: That's fine. You can do -- do whatever you want. Do you have anybody in mind that you're thinking of?

[Knock at door]

Max: Boss?

Claudia: I just -- I need to tell you this. If feels so good knowing that I am now in your capable hands.

Max: Sasha Donev's here to see you.

Claudia: Should I go to my room?

Sonny: No, you should stay because you may want to hear this. It's your choice though, you know?

Claudia: I'll stay.

Sonny: Okay.

Claudia: Should be interesting.

Sonny: Go get her.

Sasha: Mr. Corinthos, I'd like a private word.

Claudia: That's about as private as you're going to get with my husband.

Sasha: I see a lot has happened since we last spoke.

Sonny: Since last time you said to me that I go last, which meant that I'd have to watch people die before you got to me?

Sasha: I'm sure you understand that it was business. But circumstances have changed.

Sonny: After that, you beat my father to a pulp, burnt down his restaurant; he barely crawled out of there alive, right? Then you burnt down my office and there was somebody that I care about that was trapped inside of there. And those were your orders.

Sasha: I've come here to talk about the future.

Sonny: And, as the future, I'm now the head of the Zacchara organization. So I am very focused on the future. And I'm interested in establishing what happens to people who come after me or anybody that I care about. But I'm sure you understand it's just business.

Sasha: I don't make the decisions. I'm an attorney, a go-between.

Sonny: Which makes you a hell of a lot guiltier than my father.

Sasha: You'd be shooting the messenger.

Sonny: Who said anything about shooting? There are many ways to get your point across.

Sasha: Look, I really wouldn't make any hostile moves right now if I were you. There are reports that a child has been taken hostage.

Sonny: If you touch --

Sasha: Not yours, Sonny. It's not yours, but if this child were to get caught in the crossfire, who knows what kind of retaliation that you might bring upon yourself and your new family.

Sonny: Okay. You go back to those animals that you work for, and you tell them that I'm now running the Zacchara organization. If there is any further aggression, it will be met with blanket retaliation. Get her out of here.

Claudia: Impressive.

Sonny: Intimidating the lawyer is one thing, but the actual syndicate is another. This is a long ways from being over.

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