The Young and the Restless Full Episode Recap - Wednesday, Feb 26, 2025

Love, Lies, and Billionaire Mysteries

Another day, another round of scandal, secrets, and candlelit dinners in Genoa City! From Victor playing detective (again) to Lily pulling double duty as both CEO and unqualified therapist, let’s dive into this Young and the Restless full episode recap. Buckle up, because we’ve got family drama, suspicious billionaires, and a pasta dinner that somehow didn’t end in disaster.

Victor’s New Mission: Protect Lily at All Costs

Victor Newman—because who else?—has summoned his trusty legal sidekick, Michael Baldwin, for a top-secret chat. But shocker: it’s not about his usual Jabot espionage shenanigans. This time, he’s concerned about Lily Winters. That’s right, Victor suddenly cares about the well-being of a non-Newman. Let’s all take a moment to absorb the rarity of this situation.

Victor needs help from Michael | CBS/Sony

Turns out, Victor is convinced that Aristotle Dumas, the mysterious, potentially mythical billionaire, is sticking his nose into the Winters family’s business. This has Victor rattled enough to set aside his personal grudge against Nate. (Which, let’s be real, was probably just simmering on low heat anyway.) He tasks Michael with digging up every dirty secret about Aristotle Dumas and his connection to Damian Kane, because nothing screams ‘helpful family friend’ like a full-scale investigation.

Lily and Damian: Business, Pleasure, or a Disaster Waiting to Happen?

Damian and Lily's dinner date

Meanwhile, Lily is out here multitasking like a pro, blending business with… whatever this thing with Damian is. Over dinner at the club, she subtly grills him about his fractured relationship with his mother, Amy. Damian, for his part, is serving up a tragic backstory with a side of bitterness. Apparently, he blamed his mother for his father’s untimely demise, accusing her of being absent and indifferent. But plot twist—Amy was actually working two jobs just to keep their lives afloat. Now Damian is sitting in a five-star restaurant, nursing decades of resentment over a Pinot Grigio. The irony is rich.

Lily, forever the diplomat, suggests he hear his mother out. Because nothing says ‘healthy family reunion’ like some light emotional manipulation over an overpriced meal. Still, it seems to work because Damian later texts his mom asking to meet. Progress!

Adam’s Grand Romantic Gesture (That Surprisingly Didn’t Involve Betrayal)

Over in Adam Newman’s world, the man has apparently decided that the best way to Chelsea’s heart is through her stomach. (A rare moment of insight, considering his history.) Chelsea walks into a room full of candles, only to find Adam proudly rolling out a cart like he’s competing on Top Chef. He’s even gone full domestic, cooking homemade pasta and pairing it with a ‘perfectly breathed’ bottle of wine. Is this the same Adam who spent years emotionally tormenting the people he supposedly loves? Who knew he had a culinary side?

Adam surprises Chelsea with dinner

Chelsea, ever the realist, is skeptical but impressed. (Probably trying to figure out if he secretly hired a chef while she wasn’t looking.) The meal is a success—so much so that Adam refuses to reveal his ‘secret ingredient.’ Let’s be honest, it’s probably just extra Parmesan.

After dinner, Adam busts out a cheesecake flown in from NYC, because of course he did. Chelsea, still in a haze of carbs and nostalgia, finally acknowledges that Adam has stepped up for their son, Connor. She even admits that Billy and Sally saw their inevitable reunion before they did. And just like that, the night ends with a kiss. If only all their problems could be solved with Italian food.

Victor, Nikki, and Michael: The Intervention Squad

Back at the ranch, Nikki arrives just in time to add her signature brand of sass and concern to the mix. She and Michael team up to remind Victor that he should maybe, possibly, definitely focus on recovering from that time he got shot instead of playing Genoa City’s top detective. Naturally, Victor waves them off, because slowing down is for mere mortals. Nikki, however, is thrilled that Victor’s current obsession involves helping Lily rather than orchestrating a corporate takedown. Small victories.

Lily and Damian: A Not-Date That Ends Suspiciously Like a Date

By the end of the night, Damian has fully embraced his tragic-hero energy, admitting that while he might be able to let go of his anger toward his mother, he’s struggling with the fact that she kept secrets from him. (Because no one in Genoa City has ever done that before. Please.)

In a turn of events that shocks no one, Damian clearly wants more time with Lily. He asks if he can see her again, and she—ever the negotiator—leaves the door open just enough. As she exits, Damian sends a text to his mother: Dinner tomorrow? Ah, the power of a well-timed pep talk.

Chelsea and Adam: A Night of Romance and Regret

Chelsea, having fully fallen for Adam’s unexpected domesticity, declares the evening “better than good.” Adam, obviously fishing for reassurance, asks if the night was a success. Instead of rolling her eyes, Chelsea kisses him. Looks like Genoa City’s most toxic yet magnetic couple might just be back on. For now.

What’s Next in Genoa City?

With Victor on a new billionaire-hunting mission, Lily walking the fine line between business and romance, and Adam successfully wooing Chelsea with pasta, the drama is only heating up. Will Aristotle Dumas turn out to be a real threat? Can Damian mend fences with his mother? And will Chelsea regret that kiss as soon as the carbs wear off? Stay tuned for the next Young and the Restless full episode recap to find out!

Previous Y&R Full Episode Recap from Soap Opera Reviews