The Young and the Restless Full Episode Recap | Lauren Wants Nikki to Play Dirty - Thursday, April 3, 2025 [SPOILERS]

Thursday's full episode recap of Y&R finally brought Traci back into the fold, with Diane butting into her business and Lauren having a meetup with a very sparkly Nikki—asking her to betray the mustache—Victor Newman. Yeah, let's get right to it.

Lauren wants Nikki to betray Victor | Y&R, CBS SONY

A Dangerous Proposition: Lauren Wants Nikki to Play Dirty

Nikki wasn’t expecting a scheming session when she met Lauren in the jazz lounge, but here we are. After a little pleasantry, Lauren gets right to the point: she wants Nikki to stab her own husband in the back. Bold move, Lauren. Bold move.

Nikki | Y&R

Victor’s Back and Ready for Battle

Over at the ranch, Michael waltzes in with a mix of good news and a steaming pile of bad. Victor’s back at full strength—fantastic. But let’s get to the juicy part. Some sneaky executive embedded at Jabot is getting greedy and threatening to snitch unless he gets a bigger payday. Victor is not amused. Someone’s got the nerve to shake him down? Oh, the audacity.

Traci’s Got a Bad Feeling—and She’s Probably Right

Over at Jabot, Jack warns Traci to keep her superhero cape in the closet. She’s worried about Martin—rightfully so—but Jack doesn’t want her charging into danger. Traci, ever the optimist, is hoping she’s wrong, but if she’s not, she’s ready to take action.

Nikki’s Not About That Betrayal Life

Back at the jazz lounge, Nikki scoffs at the idea of betraying Victor. But Lauren’s got those worry lines deepening as she confesses that Michael’s drowning in whatever scheme Victor’s roped him into. Nikki’s no fool—she knows this has Jack Abbott’s name all over it. Victor’s determined to see the Abbotts crumble, but would he really pull Michael into this mess?

Speaking of Victor, he’s done playing nice with these Jabot spies. If they’re getting paid, they better start delivering results. And as for Kyle asking questions? Victor couldn't care less. Who even is Kyle Abbott, anyway?

Kyle Smells a Rat

Jack barely hangs up from his call with Traci before Kyle saunters in with his own intel. Apparently, a Jabot employee got a little too nosy with him. And the questions? Suspiciously similar to what Victor once demanded Kyle dig up. Looks like the Newman kingpin still wants payback—obviously.

Diane’s Wedding Intrusion

Meanwhile, Traci’s trying to have a peaceful meal when Diane plops herself down uninvited—because of course she does. She chatters about wedding plans and pokes at Traci about Alan. Playing a round of 100 questions, Diane wants to know what's troubling Traci and starts asking away. Does Alan have his heart set on a Parisian wedding? Is Traci nervous? Is the house not good enough? Is she getting cold feet? Diane, take a breath. Traci does her best at biting her tongue and keeping quiet about her suspicions about Alan being Sharon and Phyllis' kidnapper. 

Diane has tons of questions for Traci | Y&R

Traci uses both hands so she doesn't spill the tea about Alan to Diane | Y&R

Kyle’s Gut Tells Him Something’s Off

Kyle gives Jack an update—Matheson, the nosy Jabot employee, was acting guilty as hell. Claimed he had a migraine, but Kyle’s not buying it. Oh, and Victor was super precise about the info he wanted Kyle to steal back in the day. Maybe this is all connected. Maybe this is Victor’s long-game revenge for something with Nikki. Either way, it’s messy.

Michael and Victor’s Conspiracy Corner

Back at the ranch, Victor and Michael are making connections. Turns out Nate and Damian Kane are half-brothers. And Dumas? He’s sniffing around Billy. This whole situation stinks of manipulation, but is Victor losing his touch, or is he just playing the long con? Michael’s not sure, but one thing’s clear—this is just the beginning of whatever game is unfolding.

Diane’s Relentless Interrogation Continues

Diane refuses to let Traci off the hook. She’s convinced Traci’s more anxious than excited. Traci insists Alan’s treating her like a queen, but then her phone rings, saving her from Diane’s exhausting line of questioning. It’s Alan, and her voice practically oozes longing when she answers. When are you coming home? You have no idea how much I need to look into the eyes of the man I’m going to marry.

Victor Won’t Be Outplayed

Victor’s putting the pieces together. Dumas has a connection to Billy. He’s got a sudden interest in Winters Inc. And—wait for it—he owned Arabesque. Tucker owned Glissade. Both are French names. Coincidence? Michael doesn’t think so. Could Tucker be Aristotle? Victor’s brain is working overtime now.

Victor is putting the pieces together | Y&R

Nikki’s Loyalty vs. Lauren’s Worries

Meanwhile, Nikki tells Lauren that, sure, Michael made it clear he’s loyal to Victor, but Lauren’s scared Victor’s going to drag him into serious trouble. When Nikki confronts Victor, he brushes it off. Hurt Michael? Never! He’s practically family. Nikki’s not so sure.

Michael’s Half-Promises and Lauren’s Fears

Later, Michael meets Lauren, and she immediately knows he’s been with Victor. She’s not thrilled. Michael jokes about avoiding another Peruvian prison stint, but Lauren isn’t laughing. She makes him swear that if Victor ever pushes him too far, he’ll walk away.

Jack Plays it Cool—For Now

On the patio, Jack reassures Kyle that Alan hasn’t done anything to Traci, but there is something going on. Jack won’t break Traci’s confidence, but Kyle’s offer to help is on the table. Neither of them wants Traci getting played.

Traci’s Smile is as Forced as Diane’s Boundaries are Nonexistent

Traci returns to the table, clearly rattled, but Diane’s not done prying. She notices the shift and pounces: Are you sure everything’s okay? You don’t look like a woman excited to get married…

Oh, Diane. Sometimes silence is golden—but that’s just not your style, is it? Follow Soap Opera Reviews for daily spoilers and recaps. We live for the drama!