Holly's 2023 Return: 6 hours

3/9/23 Eileen sat in Haven Bistro, waiting for Anna's contact, and she was shocked when Laura arrived. Laura sat down and questioned what information Eileen had gotten. Eileen admitted that she'd thought getting physical would "loosen lips," but Victor had had an "off night" in the bedroom. Laura decided they needed to think up another way to get information out of Victor. Eileen mentioned how the file on Holly had piqued Victor's interest, and Laura said that they would have to give him exactly what he wanted.

Selina was sitting at the Metro Court bar when Victor sat down. She asked the bartender to put whatever Victor wanted on her tab, as he looked like he needed a pick-me-up. "What do you know about it?" he snapped, and she turned and pulled out her phone, obviously offended. He apologized, as he hadn't been feeling like himself. Selina remembered putting something into his drink months before. She got up and left a message for Holly, updating her on Victor's situation, and she got into the elevator. 

3/13 At the hospital, Victor chatted briefly with a doctor about his recent bout of impotence. When the doctor reappeared, he announced that the hospital had found something alarming in Victor's bloodwork. The doctor said he would bring Finn on board for a consult. "The bloodwork shows that there is a pathogen inside your bloodstream," the doctor told a stunned Victor. 

3/14 At the hospital, Finn told Victor that Victor had contracted a rare pathogen that had a very specific mission. Finn added that the pathogen had achieved its mission. Victor asked how he had been exposed to the pathogen. Finn asked tongue-in-cheek if Victor had any enemies, and he added that what Victor had was not accidental. Finn noted that the bloodwork had indicated that Victor had contracted the pathogen in November or December. Victor asked about treatment, and Finn said that the damage caused wasn't known to be reversible.

Later, when Victor spotted Laura, he flashed back to Laura saying that she would take Victor down. "It was you... yeah, had to be you," Victor said as he approached Laura. Victor called Laura "vindictive," and he said that she was determined to strip him of his power and to humiliate him. Laura said that there would be more than Laura to blame whenever Victor's life fell apart. "But you're the one that will pay most dearly. Mutually assured destruction, Mayor Collins. You struck the first blown, and now we both have everything to lose," Victor warned. 

3/17 At the hospital, Victor told his doctor that he needed an urgent course of treatment for his erectile dysfunction. The doctor mentioned a prescription, and he left for the pharmacy. Afterwards, Victor opened the door to Eileen. Victor warned Eileen not to visit him unless she had something to use against Laura. Eileen handed Victor her phone, and he stared intently at a photo Eileen had taken in Robert's office. "So, a necklace made from the Ice Princess still exists. And Robert has it," Victor marveled. Victor noted that Robert had made sure to keep the recovery of the necklace a secret, and he wondered what else was being hidden. Eileen shared that the necklace was stashed in an evidence locker at the PCPD. Victor commended Eileen for her work, and Eileen said that she hoped Victor was finished with her. Victor said Eileen would have to bring him the necklace if she wanted to be free of him. Later, at Metro Court, Victor phoned someone, and he ordered them to check on Holly.

In the district attorney's office, Diane visited Robert just as Eileen left. Eileen texted Victor to say that the two needed to talk. After Eileen left, Diane suggested that Robert delay criminal charges against Esme. Robert agrees as long as the victims agree. Eileen returned to Robert's office. Robert asked if Victor had "bought it," and Eileen revealed that he had. Eileen added that Victor had had questions about the night that Holly had supposedly been killed. Robert said that he had already alerted the proper authorities to cover their tracks. "Let's move on to phase two," Robert said.

3/21 On the footbridge, Valentin revealed that he, Anna, Robert, Felicia, Lucy, and Laura were working to take down Victor. Valentin told Drew about the necklace that contained diamonds cut from the Ice Princess, and he added that their plan to bring down Victor would involve Victor incriminating himself from fake codes engraved into the necklace. Valentin asked Drew to help, and Drew agreed.

3/24 At the safe house, Eileen was brought inside in a hooded mask. Anna and Valentin ordered Eileen to set up a meeting with Victor. The two presented Eileen with a fake necklace in an attempt to incriminate Victor. Eileen protested, but she called Victor to set up the meeting. Victor ordered Eileen to meet him at his suite at Metro Court. Anna and Valentin wanted Eileen to wear a wiretap. Eileen asked for Anna and Valentin's promise that she would be free once she delivered the necklace. Anna said that none of them would be free until they knew what Victor was after. Later, Eileen appeared in Victor's suite with the fake necklace. Eileen was in a hurry to leave, but Victor ordered her to stay. Victor then produced a special lens, and he began to examine the necklace.

3/27 In his suite at Metro Court, Victor said that Eileen deserved answers, and he handed her the necklace. Eileen quipped that the necklace was worth millions, but Victor insisted she take it. Eileen was confused, but Victor said that he had only needed the code from the necklace and not the necklace itself. Victor recalled that many years earlier, he and his brothers had "developed a means of putting the world back to rights" by "mitigating the harm humanity has done." Victor said that Mikkos had only been motivated by power and money. He added that he had tried to make Mikkos see reason, but Luke and Laura had shown up and "ruined everything."

Victor added that they were all running out of time, and he said that he and his family had developed a "contingency" in case their original plan had been thwarted. Victor said that Mikkos had had the code engraved on the back of the diamond, which Victor had. Eileen asked how Victor planned to crack the code. Victor noted that it had taken him decades to track down a decryption key, and he surmised that he had everything he needed to complete what he had long set out to do. "Saving the world and ensuring a place for my family and their progeny," Victor stated. Victor added that saving the world would happen at a cost. Eileen asked what Victor meant. "I can ensure the future for my family, but countless other souls will have to pay the price -- possibly for generations to come," Victor said direly.

Eileen tried to inquire about the "cost" that Victor had mentioned, but Victor stonewalled her questions. Victor attempted to use a flash drive on his laptop to decrypt a program by using the codes he had found on the necklace, but he stopped suddenly. Victor barked that the program should have revealed a set of coordinates. Victor surmised that something had been tampered with, and he asked where Eileen had found the necklace. Eileen vowed that she had retrieved the necklace from the PCPD.

Eileen asked if it was possible that Mikkos had done something with the key. Victor admitted that it was possible that Mikkos had betrayed him. "Perhaps the code was never meant to reveal the coordinates to anyone but Mikkos. That selfish bastard! Taking his secret to the grave. Damn it!" Victor said, and he threw the flash drive from his computer onto the floor. Eileen glared at the flash drive on the floor. Victor groused that he had gone too far with his plans and that he wouldn't be turned away again. Just then, Eileen's phone rang, and she answered a call from Anna. Eileen told Victor that the call was from the District Attorney's office. On the other end of the line, Anna told Eileen to leave Victor's room. Eileen stared at the flash drive on the floor again, and she told Anna that she wouldn't leave.

3/28 In Metro Court's lobby, Robert saw Victor's henchman enter the elevator. Diane exited the same elevator before the door closed and she immediately spotted Robert. She warmly greeted him and asked what he was doing there so late. Robert claimed that he had been stood up. "I don't buy that for a second," Diane said. She couldn't imagine anyone standing Robert up before she walked away as his phone rang.

In Victor's hotel suite, Victor vowed that he would not be denied. Just then, Eileen's phone rang. When she saw that it was Anna, she answered the call and carefully explained that she was in a meeting and needed more time. "Time's up. Get out now," Anna said. Eileen glanced at the decryption key on the floor as she insisted that she couldn't leave. Worried, Anna asked if Victor was holding Eileen against her will. Eileen explained that she couldn't talk, but she promised that she would have all the answers soon. "And we won't have to meet again," Eileen said.

After Eileen disconnected the call, she apologized to Victor. Seconds later, Eileen's phone buzzed again, but Eileen put the call on silent. Victor assured Eileen that she could leave, since she had done her part, but she admitted that she didn't want to leave him when he was unhappy. She smiled seductively as she started to loosen his necktie, but a knock at the door put a stop to her plans. It was Victor's henchman. Victor's henchman reported that he had the information that Victor had been waiting for.

Victor and his goon disappeared into an adjoining room, so Eileen took the opportunity to pick the decryption key off the floor and slide it into her pocket. A few minutes later, Victor and his goon returned. Eileen explained that she had to get back to work because she had a zoning meeting, but Victor reminded Eileen that she worked for him. "You're not done yet," Victor said. Victor handed her the box with the necklace and instructed her to return it to the evidence room before anyone discovered that it was missing. Victor explained that he needed time to crack the code, but he promised that Eileen would be done with everything soon.

Anna called and advised Robert that Eileen was still in Victor's room, and she urged Robert to help Eileen. "I'm on it," Robert said. After he disconnected the call, he walked over to the elevator. He was surprised when Diane walked up. Diane explained that she was meeting Alexis for dessert because Alexis had been working late. Robert and Diane entered the elevator, but Robert hit the button for a different floor than the restaurant. Robert claimed that his contact had asked him to meet in her room, but Diane was suspicious. Diane questioned why Robert had been waiting in the lobby instead of going to his contact's hotel room. Robert was saved from answering when the elevator door slid open. He quickly made his way to Victor's hotel room, but Diane followed him because she knew that Victor had been staying on the same floor. Robert urged Diane to get back on the elevator, but she refused to budge until Robert gave her an answer.

Robert admitted that he was there to rescue Eileen from Victor. He banged on the door and announced himself to Victor, but there was no reply. Robert and Diane realized that Victor had left. "Let's hope he didn't leave a corpse behind," Robert said. Robert warned Diane that he intended to kick the door in, so he urged her to leave. To his surprise, Diane walked away without argument. Robert pulled out a credit card, but Diane returned and handed him a pass key that she had collected from a maid. Diane informed Robert that the city owed her $40. Robert smiled and took the key card from Diane. Moments later, Robert and Diane entered Victor's suite, but no one was there. Diane wanted to know why Robert was after Victor. "He killed Luke Spencer," Robert said.

On the footbridge, Eileen asked Victor why they were there, so he explained that he had wanted privacy. Victor's henchman suddenly shoved Eileen against the railing and searched her pockets. When he found the decryption key, he handed it to Victor. Victor asked why he shouldn't kill her. "Because I know things," Eileen said in a tone filled with desperation. Victor was stunned when she revealed that Valentin, Anna, and Lucy were alive and hiding out in Port Charles. Victor demanded to know why Eileen had tried to steal the decryption key, so she admitted that Valentin and Anna had the real necklace. Eileen begged Victor to give her a chance to make amends, so Victor decided to take her up on it. Victor ordered Eileen to call Anna.

At the hideout, Anna was relieved when she answered Eileen's call. Eileen explained that she had been unable to get her hands on the decryption key and that she was done helping Anna. Eileen claimed that she intended to flee the country and get as far away from Victor as possible. After Eileen abruptly disconnected the call, Anna admitted that Eileen had sounded terrified, and she hoped that Eileen was halfway to Canada. Felicia warned Anna that Victor might grow suspicious if Eileen suddenly disappeared. "At least we have the real necklace. As long as we have that, we still stand a chance," Anna said.

On the footbridge, Eileen reminded Victor that she had done as he had asked. Victor assured Eileen that she would not have to worry about Anna again. Before Eileen could react, Victor shoved her over the railing. Eileen screamed as she fell to her death.

3/30 Drew arrives at the hideaway in the woods. He explained to Valentin and Anna that Felicia had sent him. He maintained that he had taken every precaution to make sure he hadn't been followed. He revealed that Victor had disappeared, and Anna feared the Victor was onto them. Drew continued that Eileen hadn't been to her apartment in some time, as he'd gone there and found her "very hungry, very thirsty dog." He mentioned that he'd taken the dog to the Quartermaines', but he didn't think that Eileen had left willingly.

3/29 Outside the hospital, Laura greeted Robert. After a hug, Laura admired the building. "Look at this place. Caring for the people of Port Charles for 60 years," Laura said. "These walls, they've seen everything," Robert replied. Laura nodded in agreement. Her tone was sad as she admitted that it would be a difficult day. "General Hospital has lost one of its best," Robert said. Laura pointed out that she and Robert were still standing, but Robert chuckled. "Barely," Robert said. Laura reminded him that they had to keep going, and she was certain that Epiphany would want it that way. Robert agreed. Just then, Diane walked up. Robert and Laura were surprised to see Diane, so Diane revealed that she was the executor of Epiphany's will, and Diane had one final task to attend to before the memorial service. Laura admitted that she wouldn't be able to stay long because she had to fill in for the deputy mayor, who had been indisposed.

Diane asked in a conspiratorial tone if there had been any update on Eileen's whereabouts. Robert quickly explained that Diane had given him a helping hand the other night, and he assured Laura that Diane could be trusted because Diane was a friend. Diane chuckled, and she excused herself. After Diane left, Laura noticed that Robert seemed happier, and she wondered if it had anything to do with Diane. Robert and Laura entered the hospital. Felicia and Emma walked in behind them, and Emma called out to her grandfather. Robert happily hugged Emma.

Later, Elizabeth thanked everyone for attending the service to honor Epiphany. She talked about the impact that Epiphany had had on the people gathered, and she described Epiphany as firm, tender, pragmatic, and someone who had been full of compassion for the nurses that had worked under her. Elizabeth admitted that Epiphany had been her mentor, her best friend, and someone they had all considered family. Elizabeth's thoughts drifted as she remembered Epiphany insisting on taking Elizabeth out for a drink the night before Elizabeth's wedding to Franco. Elizabeth pushed the memory away. Elizabeth admitted that she had been filled with gratitude to have known and been loved by Epiphany.

3/30 A tearful Laura arrived on the dock and asked Sonny what had happened. Sonny guessed that Victor had gotten to Eileen. Laura realized that she needed to prepare a statement for the press. Horrified, she confided that if Victor had caused Eileen's death, then Anna, Valentin, and Lucy were in danger. Sonny promised to check it out and left. When Jordan returned, Laura asked her what had really happened. Jordan revealed that, while they wouldn't know until the medical examiner's official report, the ME suspected that Eileen had died from a fall. Jordan wondered if Eileen had had any reason to take her own life, but Laura replied that Eileen had been all about survival. There was a knock on the hideout door, and Sonny identified himself. Anna let him in, and he revealed that Laura had sent him to warn them that Eileen was dead. Anna knew that Victor would be after them.

4/6 At the safe house, Anna and Valentin were standing with their hands in the air as Victor entered. Victor refused to leave without getting what he was there for. He demanded that Valentin give him the real Ice Princess necklace. He decided to give Valentin one more chance to redeem himself and "step up as a Cassadine." He again demanded the necklace. Valentin revealed that no other Cassadine cared about whatever Victor's "grand plan" was, and he informed Victor that he was wasting time and energy. He stated that he did not have the necklace, so Victor decided to take a different approach. One guard grabbed Valentin and held him back, and another grabbed Anna with his hands around her head. Victor threatened that if Valentin did not give up the necklace, he would have his guard break Anna's neck, leaving her paralyzed for life. He wondered how long Valentin would love her when she couldn't stand.

4/7 Valentin returned to Victor with the necklace, and Victor satisfactorily inspected it. "We could have done this together, father and son," Victor said wistfully. He revealed that he'd had to choose another heir to carry on the Cassadine name. He continued that Valentin's betrayal had broken his heart, so it was only fair for Victor to return the favor. He took out his gun and shot Anna.

At the hospital, a distraught Valentin told Laura and Robert that Victor had shot Anna in the abdomen. Valentin said the bullet was still inside Anna. Laura assured Valentin that Anna was strong. Robert asked about Lucy. Valentin shared that Lucy had managed to escape the safe house. Robert and Laura pressed Valentin for any clues that Victor might have left. Valentin recalled that Victor had mentioned that he had chosen a "new heir" to the Cassadine throne. Just then, a surgeon appeared, and he told Valentin, Laura, and Robert that Anna was in critical condition. The surgeon added that his team would attempt to remove the bullet, but he said the damage to Anna could cause severe organ damage. Laura stepped away to call Esme.

Back by the nurses' station, Robert said that it was Valentin's fault that Anna had been shot. Felicia appeared, and she told Robert not to take out his frustrations on Valentin. Valentin conceded that Robert was right, and he recalled that Victor had only shot Anna to get back at Valentin.

On the Haunted Star, Victor learned from a henchman that Holly was not at the burn clinic in Switzerland. Victor said it was proof that the fire had been staged and that Holly was alive and searching for Ethan. Victor said it was time to "offload" Ethan "at a profit." Victor asked the henchman to make sure the staterooms of the ship were appropriately prepared for their guests. At the same time, Laura returned home to find that her home had been ransacked and that Esme appeared to have been knocked unconscious with no sign of Ace.

4/10 At the hospital, Robert, Felicia, and Valentin brought Jordan up to speed on the events that had led to Anna's shooting, including that Anna, Valentin, Lucy, and Holly had all faked their deaths. Valentin blamed himself for Anna's shooting. Jordan asked what Victor had wanted so badly that he would kill for. Robert revealed that Victor wanted the necklace that had been made from the Ice Princess diamond. Jordan received a phone call about Ace's abduction, and Robert and Felicia quickly surmised that Victor was connected. Jordan left to visit Esme in a nearby hospital room. Esme had been having a bad dream about the man who had taken her baby. Esme cried as she asked Jordan why the man had taken Ace.

In a waiting area nearby, Felicia comforted Valentin, who said that his family was "toxic." Valentin blamed himself for Anna's shooting. Felicia said that Valentin was different from the rest of his family and that Anna had seen the good in Valentin. Felicia told Valentin that he couldn't lose hope, for Charlotte's sake. Just then, Valentin looked over his shoulder, and he saw Charlotte. Valentin wept as he pulled Charlotte into his arms. Later, Valentin excused himself to speak to Robert nearby. Robert shared that Anna was still fighting. Valentin told Robert that he wanted Victor found. "But I also want him dead. And then I want to dig a hole and bury him with my bare hands," Valentin said angrily.

4/11 At the hospital, Dante and Jordan believed that Victor was responsible for Liesl and Ace's disappearance. Robert recalled that Victor had always had an obsession with Liesl, and he added that he thought Victor had decided to leave Port Charles with "a few passengers on board." Robert said that Victor had grown restless and sloppy.

Later, in the interrogation room at the PCPD, Robert tried to get a confession out of the man who had tried to kill Lucy. Diane appeared, and she said that she could offer the man a better deal than Robert. In the lobby afterwards, Robert asked what Diane had planned. Diane offered a mutual exchange of information, so Robert told Diane that one of Victor's goons had kidnapped Ace. Robert asked how the "garbage bag" who had tried to kill Lucy had ended up as Diane's client. Diane only told Robert that he would have to trust her. Laura approached Sonny and Dante, and she told Sonny that Spencer might also have been abducted by Victor. Sonny vowed that he and his people were already "on it." Later, Sonny received a call from Diane. Diane revealed that if the man who had tried to kill Lucy hadn't been apprehended, he would have joined Victor on a "voyage." Sonny thanked Diane, and he hung up. Jordan asked if Sonny had something to share. Sonny replied that he knew where they could find Victor.

Meanwhile on the Haunted Star, the henchman produced Liesl, who was fighting and cursing in German with a bag over her head. Victor told Liesl that she was "as saucy as ever," and he recalled their past. She snarks at him about not being able to take no for an answer from her. Victor then said that he had brought Liesl to the Haunted Star for a reason.

4/12 Laura confided to Felicia that she felt unsettled, and that everything that had been happening was strangely familiar. "Like déjà vu?" Felicia asked. Laura admitted that it had been more than that. Laura had a flashback as she told Felicia about the first time that Laura had been held captive on the Haunted Star, which had been known as the Titan at the time. As the memory faded, Laura admitted that it felt as if history had repeated itself with her grandsons. Laura suspected that the key to what was going on was locked in the past. Felicia offered to help Laura figure things out. Felicia pointed out that Victor finally had what he had been after -- the Ice Princess necklace and the decryption key. Felicia was curious where Victor might have taken Spencer and Ace. Laura was certain that Victor would find a place that was isolated and where he had pull with the local authorities. Laura recalled that the Cassadines had had hideouts in Panama, Ecuador, and a remote place in Venezuela that had been cut off from everything by tropical rainforests. Laura revealed that the only way to the secret hideout was by boat. Felicia thought it was a promising lead, but Laura argued that it was a theory, and they had no real evidence to back it up. Felicia assured Laura that she knew exactly who could help them get what they needed.

4/13 Valentin looked up at Anna and was shocked and happy to see that her eyes were open. "Welcome back," he said tearfully. Soon, Anna wanted an update about Victor, and Valentin told her about the hostages he had on the Haunted Star. Victor stated that he was willing to protect his family at any cost and to ensure the future prosperity of the Cassadines. Liesl wondered why she was there, as she didn't care about the Cassadine legacy. Victor replied that she would help him usher in a "new era for humanity." He continued that, since he'd been young, he'd been horrified by the damage humans had done to the planet, as there would be nothing left for future generations. He revealed that Mikkos had agreed, and they'd devised technology to reverse "mankind's mistake." Liesl chuckled as she remembered how the device that controlled the climate had turned out. Victor continued that he and Mikkos had devised another set of tools to fall back on, and they'd hidden them in bunkers.

He continued that only Mikkos had known the locations of the bunkers, but he'd engraved a code on the Ice Princess to locate them. "Is that why you killed Luke?" Liesl questioned. Victor answered that sacrifices had to be made for the greater good, and plenty of people agreed with him. He went on that only extreme measure could reverse the damage to the planet, and Spencer asked for an explanation. Victor explained that the population of the planet had almost doubled in the previous 40 years, but it could be fixed. He revealed that there was a pathogen stored in a bunker that would reduce the population to "manageable levels." Liesl and Spencer both protested, but Victor figured that someone had to have the courage to make hard choices. Spencer refused to let him get away with it, but Victor responded that no one could stop him. "Not even you," he warned. Victor continued that Liesl was there to ensure that the Cassadines were all "properly inoculated." Liesl refused to help, but he threatened "dire consequences" if she didn't comply.

April 17, 2023 At the hospital, Sonny steps out of the elevator and tells Robert he is there to pop in to see Anna. An irritated Robert confronted Sonny for having hired Diane to represent the man who had tried to kill Lucy at the Nurses Ball. Sonny and Robert argued before Nina appeared. Robert walked away. Nearby, Robert and Diane drank Earl Grey tea, and they discussed the ethics of representing men like Sonny. Diane said that Robert had bent the law for people he cared about, and she claimed that she and Robert were "equals." Diane reminded Robert that he had promised to take her to dinner sometime. Robert proposed that they have dinner that night, and Diane eventually agreed.

On an island off the coast of Venezuela, Felicia was thrilled when Holly appeared in Felicia's hotel room, disguised as a maid. Felicia said that she had gone to Caracas to catch a boat to meet with Holly. Holly revealed that she had received a tip that Ethan was being held somewhere on the island. Felicia thought the tip was "convenient." Holly said that she'd had no choice but to follow the tip because Ethan was her son. Later, Felicia and Holly appeared in an elegant room that Holly said was part of an exclusive club that Victor belonged to. A bald man in a tuxedo appeared, and he said the club was closed due to a private auction to be held virtually. Felicia said that she and Holly represented clients who insisted that the women bid in person. Felicia slipped something to the bald man, who told the ladies to take a seat. The bald man said the auction would start shortly, and he turned to a pair of guards nearby. "Bring the item up. And remember Mr. Cassadine's instructions: handle with care," he said.

A short while later, the bald man returned, and the virtual auction began. The host described the item that everyone was bidding one as "one of a kind" and one that had a personal meaning to everyone at the auction. "Bring him up," the host said. Just then, a man appeared with his hands tied behind his back and a black hood over his face. The host asked for the guards to reveal the person that the club members were bidding on. The man's hood was removed, and a curly, blond-haired man was revealed to be Ethan. "For the privilege of ending the life of Ethan Lovett, the bidding will start at one million dollars," the host said as Holly's face filled with horror.

April 18, 2023 By the side of the road after dark had fallen, Robert tried to repair his car, which had broken down. As they were stranded, Robert asked Diane why she continued to work for Sonny. Diane recalled having gotten Spinelli out of jail the first time she had represented Sonny. Diane rambled on about her career as Robert repaired the car. Robert asked Diane to stand in front of the car while he started the engine. As Robert started the car, black steam billowed out from under the hood and onto Diane's white dress. Diane changed into a softball jersey that Robert owned. Later, Robert surprised Diane when he put his arms around her and kissed her.

On the island off the coast of Venezuela, the host announced that someone had submitted a bid for one million dollars to kill Ethan. Holly raised her hand, and she eventually increased her bid to ten million dollars. "Sold. You have just bought yourself the exquisite privilege of executing Ethan Lovett,' the host said morbidly. The host demanded that Holly pay right away. Holly tried to stall, but the host said that the next highest bidder had already transferred their own funds. "Ethan Lovett is no longer yours for the taking," the host told Holly. As Holly protested, Ethan tried to slip free from the rope that held his hands behind his back. Just then, a woman dressed in white with a long white hat to shield her face appeared. The host congratulated the woman for having won the auction.

As the woman tried to walk past Holly and Felicia, Holly pulled on the woman's dress. The woman's face came into focus, and she was revealed to be Tracy Quartermaine. Tracy said that she had gone to Venezuela for the same reason that Holly and Felicia had. The host accused Tracy of working with Holly and Felicia, and he ordered nearby guards to seize the three women. Tracy sarcastically congratulated Holly and Felicia for having ruined everything. Just then, Ethan broke free of the rope that had held his hands together, and he punched one of the guards. Felicia and Holly attacked another guard, and Ethan shouted for everyone to leave with him. The four hurriedly filed out of the room together.

April 24, 2023 In the hospital lobby, Laura, Drew, and Curtis told Robert that Victor was likely headed to an island off the coast of Greenland. Robert confirmed that a ship was parked in a cove near Greenland. The four surmised that the ship had to be the Haunted Star. Robert said that he had spoken to the WSB and that the agency had refused to act because of jurisdictional issues. Robert asked for time, but Laura said she wouldn't wait. "The hell with the WSB. I'm getting our families home now," Laura declared. Laura arranged for a charter plane and helicopter to take them to the Haunted Star. Robert wanted to travel with Laura, Drew, and Curtis, but Laura said that Robert needed to stay in Port Charles as a "backup." Robert begrudgingly agreed.

On a flight to Port Charles from Venezuela, Felicia credited Tracy for having saved Ethan's life. Tracy said she had only gotten involved because Victor had killed Luke. Tracy and Felicia both found it absurd that Luke could have died in a freak accident in Switzerland. Tracy said that she had visited Jennifer Smith to question her about Luke's death. Tracy said she believed Jennifer's story that Jennifer had been framed. Tracy chastised Felicia for not having involved her in the group's plans to take down Victor. Felicia tried to console Tracy, who was still angry about Luke's death. Tracy laughed out loud when Felicia said that it was good that Tracy was returning to her family. "Ha ha! Have you seen my family?" Tracy scoffed.

Also on the plane, Holly and Ethan caught up on each others' lives. Ethan told Holly that he planned to leave for Australia instead of staying in Port Charles. Ethan said that he and Holly would have to be careful, and he wondered if it was wise for Holly to return to Port Charles. Holly said that she had "unfinished business" in town. Holly asked Ethan for stories about Victor from when Victor had held Ethan captive. Ethan finished telling Holly what she had asked for. Afterwards, a pilot announced that the plane was preparing to land in Port Charles. Holly and Ethan hugged, and they vowed that their worries were only temporary. A short while later, in Robert's office, Diane barged in on Robert to present him with a dry-cleaning bill for the damage to her outfit that his car had caused. The two were about to kiss when Holly entered the room. Robert was surprised to see Holly, while Diane had a puzzled and seemingly angry look on her face.

April 25, 2023 In Robert's office, Robert rushed to hug Holly as Diane stood confused. Holly said that she had helped free Ethan with help from Tracy. Robert and Holly continued to ignore Diane, who grew impatient. Diane spoke up, and she said that she resented having been used as a "stooge" in the ruse to fake Holly's death. Holly apologized, but Diane lashed out at both Robert and Holly before leaving. Afterwards, Holly asked about Anna and Laura. Robert shared that Laura had left town with Drew and Curtis to find Victor. Holly said that Victor was spinning out of control. Holly asked if Anna could have visitors, and she said that she needed to apologize to Anna. “And you both need to hear what Ethan told me," Holly said.

Later, Anna was surprised when Holly followed Robert into the room. Holly apologized for her part in having framed Anna for Lucy's shooting. Anna said that Holly had been given little choice. Robert was anxious to have a "strategy session" with Anna and Holly concerning Victor, and he mentioned Valentin. Anna said that Valentin had left in the search for Victor, and she surmised that Robert and Holly were holding something back. Holly shared that Victor had planned to "revive a technology that the Cassadines had developed in the 80s." Robert and Anna both grew concerned.

At Charlie's Pub, Diane ranted to Alexis about Holly having interrupting Diane and Robert. Alexis was surprised that Holly was alive. Diane complained that Holly had returned before Diane could have another date with Robert. Alexis encouraged a Diane not to "give up" on Robert. April 26, 2023 In Anna's hospital room, Anna reminded Holly and Robert that Cassadine technology from the 1980s had been deadly. Anna worried that Laura, Valentin, Drew, and Curtis were walking into a trap. Holly revealed that the guards had led Ethan to believe that Victor's plans had been decades in the making. "God help our friends if they're swept up in that. God help all of us," Holly said. Robert asked if Ethan had learned anything else. Holly told Robert and Anna that the guards had implied that only those who were close to Victor would be safe. "What the hell does that mean?" Anna asked. Robert feared that it did not bode well for them. Anna, Robert, and Holly discussed Victor's plans, which they agreed would have devastating consequences for the rest of the world. Holly suggested that Victor might have a bomb, and Anna agreed that it fit Victor's doomsday scenario. Robert had doubts because he questioned what Victor hoped to accomplish with a bomb.

The conversation turned to Victor's hostages and how Liesl fit into Victor's plans. Anna was confident that Liesl hadn't been a willing participant because Liesl had turned her life around since her days working with Faison. Robert agreed with Anna. Anna pointed out that Liesl had lost two children, so all Liesl had left were Nina and James. Anna also reminded Robert that Liesl had agreed to donate bone marrow to Nina's daughter, which made it less likely that Liesl was in cahoots with Victor. Robert suggested that Liesl's abduction had taken careful planning, which indicated that Liesl somehow played a pivotal role in Victor's plans. Anna pointed out that Liesl's skill was in the lab, which meant that Victor's plan was far more sinister than detonating a bomb. "It's a biological agent," Anna said. Robert realized that Victor needed Liesl's expertise to activate the weapon. Holly conceded that Victor was perfectly capable of biological warfare, so Robert suggested that the code in the Ice Princess necklace was either coordinates to a safe haven or the biological agent itself.

Horrified, Anna implored Robert to call and warn Laura. Robert stepped out of the hospital room to make the call. A short time later, he returned to report that he had been unsuccessful because Laura and Valentin's phones had been out of the area. Anna urged Robert to keep trying, and she asked him to alert the WSB because Laura and Valentin would need help.

In a Cassadine bunker somewhere in Greenland, Victor approached a door as a guard informed him that the main power had been turned on. Pleased, Victor looked at the door. "Here it is. Everything I've ever worked for lies behind this door," Victor said. Victor ordered one of the guards to open the door. The guard used a large crowbar to break the lock. A short time later, Victor entered an old abandoned laboratory. He flipped on the lights, ordered one of the guards to fetch the prisoners, and instructed the remaining guard to open a large freezer. Later, Victor was frustrated by the guard's lack of progress with the freezer. However, Victor cheered up when Liesl, Spencer, and Trina were led at gunpoint into the lab. "This is the future," Victor said. He turned his attention to Liesl as he informed her that she would soon be performing "scientific wonders." Liesl looked around at the dusty lab and informed him that she couldn't be expected to work in such poor conditions. Victor assured Liesl that she would have everything she needed.

Just then, the guard announced that the lock from the freezer was off. Delighted, Victor helped the guard open the lid of the freezer. Nearby, Liesl, Spencer, and Trina agreed that Victor needed to be stopped. Victor smiled with satisfaction as he retrieved a small metal cylinder from the freezer. "It's all here. At last, the power to set the world right," Victor said. Victor revealed that the cylinder contained the pathogen that Victor and Mikkos had developed, but there was one more step to complete.

"That's where you come in, my dear Liesl," Victor said. Victor explained that he needed Liesl to make certain that the pathogen was still viable, and that the antidote was effective. Eager to get to work, Victor started to open the cylinder, but Liesl stopped him. "You fool! What are you doing?" Liesl asked. She reminded him that the pathogen might kill them, but Victor revealed that pathogen could only be activated by UV light, which was why it had been stored in a bunker. Liesl informed Victor that she needed a controlled environment and protective clothing, but he made it clear that it was not an option.

Later, Liesl finished studying a slide under a microscope. Victor asked if the pathogen was viable, but Liesl told him that it had degraded. She assured Victor that she had "triple-checked," but Victor called her bluff. He threatened to send Liesl outside with a sample to test its effectiveness. "You bastard," Liesl said. Reluctantly, Liesl confirmed that the pathogen was intact. However, she pointed out that she would need to test it on a human subject.

April 28, 2023 In Anna's room at the hospital, Anna told Holly that she had called in a favor. The two heard a knock at the door, and Anna smiled when Andre Maddox appeared. Anna introduced Holly and Andre to one another. Andre revealed that when he'd been doing psychological evaluations for the WSB, he had gained access to the complete dossier on the Cassadines. Holly referenced the Cassadines' "crazy weather machine." Jordan entered, and she was surprised to find Andre in the room. Jordan grew impatient as she recalled that Laura, Curtis, and others weren't answering their phones. Anna asked Jordan to give the group time to bring the hostages home before they all "ran out of time." Jordan asked what Anna meant. Andre closed the door. Anna told Jordan that they believed Victor had been searching for a weapon of mass destruction. Holly said that she thought she knew the type of weapon Victor coveted. "The end of civilization," Holly said direly.

Holly used a tablet to pull up the original dossier on the Cassadines from 1981. Anna noted that the tablet contained psychiatric evaluations of Mikkos, Victor, and Tony Cassadine. Anna said that Victor had been different from his brothers in that he truly believed he could fix the world, whereas Mikkos had only wanted to control it. Anna said that Victor had always believed the machines the Cassadines had developed in the 80s could be used to help curtail the world's population. Holly mentioned Demeter as it pertained to Greek mythology. Holly told Anna that there was another weapon that hadn't yet been accounted for. Anna looked at the tablet, and she marveled when she learned about an engineered virus that only a small portion of the population would be immune to. Anna announced that, according to the dossier, roughly 80 percent of the world's population wouldn't be immune to the pathogen.

Holly started to phone the WSB, but Andre said they couldn't share their theory with the bureau. Andre reasoned that if the WSB learned there was a large-scale biological weapon in Greenland, the agency would do everything in their power to neutralize the threat. Anna said the WSB had to make a choice between saving eight people versus eight billion. "They'll just bomb it and wipe that island off the map...killing everyone," Anna realized as Holly and others looked on in horror. Holly noted that the WSB's agenda was to focus on "the greater good" instead of the few passengers on board the Haunted Star. Anna surmised that they still had some time before the WSB could be alerted. Andre thought the idea was risky because Victor could still release the pathogen.

Anna asked if everyone in the room was in agreement to wait for Valentin and his crew to bring the hostages home. Andre offered his help, and he and Holly left the room. Alone with Jordan, Anna asked for one more favor. "The bureau is probably going to run this investigation through your department. And if they find out the location of the island or what Victor's really up to..." Anna trailed off. Jordan said that she would run interference for as long as she could. "I get what's at stake. We have to keep this under wraps. People would panic if they knew Victor Cassadine had a biological weapon," Jordan said. Unbeknownst to Jordan, Andre and Holly had left a small crack in the door to Anna's room. Scott had approached, and he overheard Jordan's remark that Victor had a biological weapon. Scott's face grew wrinkled and concerned.

Somewhere in Greenland, Laura, Valentin, Drew, and Curtis landed as snow fell heavily on the icy ground of the island. Drew said he thought the four were less than an hour by foot from the Haunted Star. Valentin and Drew left to find a signal for Valentin's satellite phone. Curtis stayed with Laura, who recalled that she had been Trina's age when she had first encountered the Cassadines. Laura noted that the Haunted Star had been a wedding gift from Helena and that Helena had cursed the ship, as well as Luke and Laura's marriage. Laura said that the Cassadines had continued to find new ways to torment her and her family. Curtis agreed with Laura that it was time to end the Cassadine curse "once and for all." Valentin and Drew returned. Valentin said he had picked up a satellite signal and that the group was a half-mile from the Haunted Star. Valentin, Drew, Laura, and Curtis started to walk when they came across footprints in the snow. The group heard a voice, and they hurriedly retreated behind a rock wall as two men approached. Unbeknownst to the two men, something lay frozen on the ground nearby. The two guards turned to head back, but the sound of Valentin's satellite phone rang nearby. "Did you hear that?" one of the guards asked the other.

May 1, 2023 In Anna's room at the hospital, Scott told Anna and Holly that he had overheard their conversation about Victor. Robert pleaded with Scott not to make contact with the WSB. Scott said it was none of Robert's business what he decided to do with regard to the WSB, but he added that he hadn't said anything to anyone. As Scott railed against Anna and Robert, Holly snuck out of the room. Scott vowed that he would tell the WSB what he had overheard if Robert and Anna didn't. Anna and Robert tried to reason with Scott. As Anna spoke, Holly slipped back into the room and put a chloroform rag to Scott's face. Scott fell to the ground, unconscious. Robert applauded Holly for having assaulted Scott. Anna, Robert, and Holly decided to get on the next flight to Greenland, and Anna swung her legs out of bed to get dressed. Robert grew agitated when Anna and Holly said that Robert would have to stay in Port Charles. Robert groused, but Anna and Felicia sweet-talked him into staying. Robert recalled that he had been "cleaning up messes" for both Anna and Holly for years. "Yes, and we both love you for it," Anna said warmly as she and Holly left.

Outside the Cassadine compound in Greenland, two guards spotted Valentin's satellite phone on the frozen ground. Valentin made a move to draw their attention, and the guards quickly pulled a gun on him. The men asked who Valentin was. Valentin gave his name, and he said that he was there to see Victor. Inside the compound, Liesl told Victor that there had been a "roadblock" in her work on the antidote to the pathogen. Victor was interrupted by a guard who said that Valentin had been apprehended. Victor ordered Valentin to be brought inside, and he surmised that Valentin hadn't gone to the compound alone.

Victor told Liesl to get back to work on the antidote, but Liesl reminded Victor that she had encountered a setback. According to Liesl, she needed single-dose vials in order for the antidote not to risk contamination. Liesl called Victor's plans "futile and doomed," and she suggested that it was time to retreat. Victor said that he would have to reevaluate his plan. Victor added that his plan would still proceed, and he noted that he would have to "speed up the timetable." Liesl said that she refused to use Spencer or Trina as "innocent" test subjects for the antidote. Victor asked if Liesl would have the same quarrels about using someone who was "decidedly less innocent." Just then, Valentin was brought into the room. "Perfect timing... son," Victor said to Valentin.

Back outside the compound, Laura, Drew, and Curtis debated what to do. Laura suggested that Drew take her prisoner and present her to Victor. Drew pushed back on the idea, as Curtis promised that he wouldn't leave the Haunted Star without Laura, Spencer, and Trina. A short while later, Laura approached the guards. As Laura feigned that she was injured, Drew and Curtis rushed toward the guards to disarm them. Having obtained the guards' weapons, Laura asked Drew to trust that she knew what she was doing. Laura held her hands out, and Drew cuffed her as she requested.

May 2, 2023 Valentin is given the antidote
At the hospital, Robert tried to keep Elizabeth from entering Anna's room. Robert pleaded with Elizabeth to trust him. Elizabeth said that she trusted Robert, but she added that she still had to do her job. Robert continued to try to stall, and Elizabeth agreed to give Robert 30 minutes.

Inside the room, Scott slowly started to awaken from having been chloroformed. Scott reached for a nearby hospital phone. He tried to dial an operator, but he noticed that the line had been cut. A short while later, an elderly white-haired man approached the room. The man introduced himself as Agent Hursley from the WSB. Hursley entered Anna's room, where Scott was conscious and standing. Scott told Elizabeth that he had been drugged because Robert hadn't wanted Scott to tell the WSB that Victor had a biological weapon. "You idiot. Don't you realize what you've just done? You've killed the woman you purported to love, along with three hostages," Robert snapped at Scott.

In the lab at the Cassadine compound in Greenland, Valentin was escorted to Victor. To Valentin's horror, Liesl confirmed Victor's plan to eliminate 80 percent of the world's population.

Later, in a private cell at the compound, Victor ordered Liesl to inject Valentin with the trial experiment of the antidote to the pathogen. A weary Liesl pleaded with Victor, and she reminded him that Valentin was Victor's son. "Not anymore," Victor said coldly. Liesl injected Valentin. Liesl apologized to Valentin, and she left after having administered the antidote. "This is insanity," Liesl told Victor outside the cell. A moment later, Victor and Liesl noticed that Valentin's nose was bleeding.

May 3, 2023 Helena takes pleasure in Valentin's dire predicament
At the hospital, Felicia left a voicemail message for Robert. She explained that Andre had brought her up to speed about Victor's plans to use a biological weapon. Felicia warned Robert that the WSB suspected that Victor and Mikkos had developed a bioweapon, and Robert would be wise to worry about what the WSB would do next. "I know I am," Felicia said.

In Anna's hospital room, Robert demanded to know where Scott was, but Agent Hursley would only reveal that Scott had been debriefed. Hursley assured Robert that the WSB appreciated Scott's cooperation, but Robert argued that neither Scott nor the WSB had all the facts. Hursley ordered Robert to take a seat. "And do what you've been doing best, keeping your mouth shut," Hursley said. Robert picked up the beside phone, but he quickly realized that Hursley had the phone disconnected. Hursley informed Robert that it would be awhile until Hursley's superiors arrived, but Robert insisted that time was of the essence. Hursley and Robert continued to argue until things turned violent. After a brief scuffle, Hursley had a black eye. Hursley warned Robert that attacking an agent had not been a wise move, but Robert was unapologetic. Robert knew that the WSB intended to bomb the island "into the Stone Age." Robert explained that he had a team in place that needed a little time to take Victor out. "That's not my problem, not my call," Hursley said.

Just then, Felicia knocked on the door. Hursley opened the door while Robert called out to Felicia. Hursley tried to shut the door as he stepped into the hall, but Robert implored Felicia to call Frisco. Annoyed, Hursley stepped back into the hospital room, shut the door in Felicia's face, and threatened to gag Robert if Robert kept talking. Robert ignored the warning as he yelled out to Felicia to tell Frisco to call off the emergency protocol. Hursley followed through with his threat to gag Robert.

In the hallway, Felicia pulled out her phone. A short time later, Felicia banged on the hospital room door until Hursley opened it. Felicia handed her phone to Hursley as she told the agent that his superior was on the phone. While Hursley talked to his superior, Felicia ran over to Robert and removed the gag. Robert was relieved that Felicia had gotten through to Frisco, but Felicia revealed that she had bad news. Felicia explained that Frisco had refused to give the order, so the governing board had replaced Frisco on the spot, and the new director had given the order to destroy the island. "Along with everyone on it," Robert said.

In the island's bunker, Valentin was strapped to a chair in an observation room. Victor and Liesl stood on the other side of the room's window as Liesl closely watched the monitors tracking Valentin's vital signs. As blood dripped from Valentin's nose, Liesl warned Victor that Valentin's heart rate had dropped rapidly. "Yes, this pathogen is vicious, isn't it?" Victor said. Victor advised Valentin to reconsider his silence because Victor would eventually find Valentin's companions. Valentin insisted that he was alone. Victor watched dispassionately as Valentin squirmed in pain. Victor warned Valentin that the pathogen worked quickly. Liesl grew alarmed when she saw Valentin's vital signs drop. She reminded Victor that she couldn't test the antidote on a dead person, but Victor told Liesl that he needed to know how effective the antidote was in the latter stages of the illness. Liesl accused Victor of being more interested in Valentin's endurance for pain than the efficacy of the antidote. "Maybe it's both," Victor said.

Victor assured Liesl that Valentin was strong. Victor gave Valentin another opportunity to name his accomplices, but Valentin refused to comply. Victor began to talk about raising Charlotte. Valentin groaned. "It burns," Valentin cried out. Liesl explained that Valentin was delirious, and she implored Victor to let her help his son. Victor refused because Valentin had betrayed him. Liesl warned Victor that Valentin would die because of Victor's vindictiveness. "We're done here," Victor said. He grabbed Liesl's jacket and dragged her away. In the observation room, Valentin's vision turned blurry as he writhed in pain. Moments later, a woman entered the room. Valentin filled with hope as he asked if it was Anna. "No, my son. Someone so much more important to you," Helena Cassadine said. Valentin was shocked as he looked and saw his mother. Helena assured Valentin that they would soon be together. Valentin begged for Helena's help, but she smiled. Helena explained that she was not an angel of mercy there to save him from an agonizing death. "Oh, my poor, dear, twisted little boy. I'm here to drag you down. Down where you belong -- with me," Helena said. Valentin vowed that he would not go anywhere with Helena. Helena warned Valentin that Victor had all but sealed Valentin's fate.

Elsewhere in the bunker, Drew and Laura ran into a guard, so Laura pretended to be Drew's prisoner. Drew claimed that he had been ordered to take Laura to join the rest of the prisoners, but the guard wanted to verify the order with Victor. Laura stumbled against the guard, which gave Drew the opportunity to quickly knock the guard unconscious. Drew praised Laura for her quick thinking as he cut the zip-tie off her wrist. While Drew dealt with the unconscious guard, Laura entered Victor's lab.

Moments later, Drew joined Laura in the lab. "What is this place," Drew asked. "Victor's playground," Laura said. She picked up a canister that had a label reading, "Vorsicht Ansteckend." Drew wondered what it meant. Victor appeared in the doorway. Liesl stood next to Victor, and several guards flanked them. Victor assured Drew that Liesl would be more than happy to translate. Victor wasn't surprised to see Laura because he'd had a hunch that she had accompanied Valentin. Victor and Drew exchanged words, and things quickly escalated when Drew lunged for Victor. While the guards jumped to Victor's defense, Laura quickly removed a small vial from the canister and slid it into her pocket. Victor turned his attention back to Laura, and he told her that it was a full-circle moment. "You, here with me, at the very end," Victor said.

Victor told Laura and Drew about his plan to unleash the deadly pathogen. Drew asked how Victor could be certain that a pathogen developed decades earlier would still work. Victor invited Laura and Drew to see for themselves. Victor turned on a television that had a live feed from the observation room. Laura and Drew were horrified when they saw Valentin strapped to a chair and crying out in agony. "Do you doubt the pathogen now?" Victor asked. Laura insisted that Victor was insane. Victor grinned as he explained that it was the dawn of a new world, where only the strong would survive. "Are you sure about that?" Laura asked. Victor's smile vanished when he saw that she was holding a vial filled with the deadly pathogen.

May 4, 2023 Agent Hursley led a handcuffed Robert to the elevators at the hospital, followed by a protesting Felicia. Robert demanded to talk to the director of the WSB, but Hursley replied that the new director wouldn't take Robert's calls. The elevator doors opened, and Jordan and Diane stepped out. "You're not going anywhere," Diane said.

"Says who?" Hursley demanded.
"Says me," Jordan replied. He challenged that she had no jurisdiction in the situation, but Diane thought that was for a judge to decide. The two walked off together, and Robert insisted that they needed to talk to the director of the WSB to call off the strike on the island.

In the lab, Laura stood with the tube of the pathogen and told Victor that it would be a shame if she dropped it. "If you drop it, you die," Victor told her. "So do you," she shot back, and she thought it was worth it. Liesl tried to shout out a warning to Laura, but a guard put his hand over her mouth. Laura threw the tube on the floor, shattering it. Victor chuckled and informed her that it was only activated with UV light. The guards grabbed Laura, and he instructed them to keep Liesl alive long enough to test the antidote on their "guinea pig." As he approached Victor, everyone heard several loud bangs, and the door suddenly blasted open.

Anna ran in with her gun, and she, Laura, and Drew fought with the guards. Laura managed to grab the case with the rest of the pathogen, but Victor threatened her with his gun and took it from her. Victor advised them to kill Anna, and he escorted Liesl out. Laura tried to stop him, but he turned back and said, "Goodbye, Laura," and he shot her. He made his way out with Liesl as the fights continued. Anna suddenly doubled over in pain from her previous gunshot wound. The guard fighting her took the opportunity to raise his gun, but Curtis burst in and shot him. "Good shot," Anna said.

When the guards were all down, Drew went after Victor, and Curtis tended to Laura, who'd been shot in the arm. Anna wondered where Valentin was, and Laura broke the news to her. Anna ran out toward the isolation room. Just then, a computer in the room began to beep uncontrollably. "I know that sound," Laura said in horror. She revealed that the computer was just like the one Mikkos had used 40 years before.

In the isolation room, Valentin's hallucination of Helena invited him to join her, but he retorted that he would be going home to Charlotte and Anna. Helena shot back that they were all better off without him, and he began to sob. She urged him not to fight it because the pain would be over soon, but he spat that he would "take complete agony over eternity with you." She advised him to let go and wondered if he trusted his own mother. He replied that there was only one person he trusted with his life. Just then, Anna appeared in the observation window. Outside, a gun-wielding Victor pushed Liesl along in the snow. "Going somewhere?" they heard, and they turned and saw Holly with a gun.

May 5, 2023 An explosion rocks Spencer, Trina, Laura, and others
On the frozen ground outside the Cassadine compound in Greenland, Liesl yelled for Holly to shoot Victor. Victor held out his hand that contained the canister with the pathogen. "If anything happens to me, we all die!" Victor warned. Holly taunted Victor when she said she had been responsible for Victor's erectile dysfunction. "No more heirs for Uncle Victor. In fact, Victor, you can't even... try, can you?" Holly gloated. "You bitch!" Victor yelled, and he tried to shoot Holly. As Victor fired, Drew sneaked up behind Victor and knocked him to the ground. Afterwards, Holly and Drew realized that Liesl had been shot and was bleeding. Holly found a pulse, and Liesl slowly came to. Victor's hand twitched in the snow, and he quietly hurried away. Liesl awoke on the ground. Drew noted that Victor had disappeared and that he was likely headed back to the Haunted Star. Liesl said that Valentin needed the antidote because he was dying.

In a cell inside the Cassadine bunker in Greenland, Anna pleaded with a delirious Valentin to hang on. Valentin thought that he was imagining Anna, but Anna assured Valentin that she was real. Valentin whispered that he loved Anna. Valentin slowly realized that Anna wasn't a hallucination, but he told Anna that it was too late to save him. Valentin said he regretted that he had let anger and spite control him for many years. Valentin added that he liked the man he was with Anna. "So, if this is how I die... it's okay, because you redeemed me. Thank you. I love you, Anna Devane. I will always, always love you," Valentin sobbed.

Anna stepped into Valentin's cell. Valentin noted that he was contagious because he had been injected with the pathogen. Anna placed her hands on Valentin's face, and she said she didn't want Valentin to be alone. Anna then gave an emotional speech to Valentin. "I wanna tell you about someone: Valentin Cassadine," Anna started. "He's a man that is not going to die in some obscene plot of his father's, because you have a destiny. You're gonna be an even greater father to Charlotte. You're gonna be my partner, because you know my darkness. You know what I'm capable of, and you're capable of those things, too. I know that sounds a little twisted, but it's not, really. I think that kind of connection, it sort of elevates us. It allows us to love the people we love without any kind of restraint or restriction, including each other.

"I think that's why I came into this room," Anna said as her voice broke. Valentin said that Anna would likely die. Anna said there was still a 20 percent chance that she was immune to the pathogen, and she quipped that she could beat the odds. "I'm willing to risk them... just to be with you," Anna said. Anna and Valentin said they loved one another.

On the main deck of the Haunted Star, Spencer and Trina had agreed to leave Greenland after hearing from Jordan that the WSB had planned an airstrike for the entire island. Spencer and Trina agreed to head to a nearby seaplane. After leaving the ship, Spencer and Trina heard footsteps in the snow. The two hid behind a rock, and they watched Victor scramble by with the canister in his hand. Spencer noted that Victor still had the pathogen, and he said he needed to go after Victor. Trina pleaded with Spencer not to follow Victor. Spencer handed Ace to Trina, and he promised that he would join her as soon as he took care of Victor.

In the underground bunker nearby, Laura recognized the program that was running on the computer in the center of the room. Laura recalled that it was the same computer and software program that Mikkos had used over 40 years earlier in another underground bunker. "It's all the same. I think there might be another weather machine," Laura marveled. Laura and Curtis noted that the computer showed a map of the Mid-Atlantic United States. Laura said that the original Cassadine weather machine had been capable of creating an artificial blizzard in a targeted area, and she recalled that Mikkos had aimed the machine at Port Charles in 1981. Laura gasped when she said she thought there might be another weather machine still in existence.

Curtis asked why Mikkos would have recreated another bunker, and he deduced that it was to hold the world hostage with both the pathogen and the weather machine. Curtis suggested they kill the power to the computer, but Laura noted that it wouldn't necessarily kill the power to the weather machine. The computer started to calibrate its target, and Laura realized with horror that the weather machine's target was the same as it had been in 1981: Port Charles. Laura told Curtis that the longer the weather machine was in operation, the greater the devastation would be. Laura noted the machine was designed to create a blizzard by using carbonic snow, and she said that she still had the code used to create the carbonic snow. Laura said the code had been seared into her memory. Curtis worried that if Laura guessed incorrectly, the computer system could lock them out permanently. Laura entered the code, and she and Curtis hugged when they realized the code still worked.

A short while later, as Laura and Curtis started to leave the bunker, they ran into Holly. Holly gave Laura a phone, and she said that Laura and Curtis needed to call Robert and Jordan to say that Victor was attempting to escape. Curtis used the phone to call Jordan at the hospital. Jordan ordered Curtis and Laura to evacuate Greenland immediately because the WSB had ordered a drone strike on the entire island. Laura said that Victor had taken the pathogen with him and that bombing the island would do no good. A moment later, Robert told Laura that the strike had been called off. Agent Hursley then told Robert, Felicia, and others that a WSB satellite was in position to attack the Haunted Star because they believed Victor was on board the ship.

Back on the main deck of the Haunted Star, Victor ordered the ship to be undocked, and he said that they were leaving Greenland. Victor poured himself a drink at the bar as he cursed Holly for having caused his medical condition. Victor opened the canister, and he yelled when he realized the canister was empty. Back in Valentin's cell, Holly burst into the room. Anna yelled for Holly to leave the cell before Holly could be infected with the pathogen. Holly surprised Anna and Valentin when she revealed she had the antidote for the pathogen in her hand.

A short while later, Spencer confronted Victor on the Haunted Star. Spencer ordered Victor to give him the canister. Victor angrily refused. Spencer pushed Victor, whose head struck the side of the bar. Victor was knocked unconscious. Spencer checked for Victor's pulse, and he remarked that Victor was still alive. Spencer then heard the sound of jet engines roaring above, and he looked up. As Trina waited for Spencer outside, she found Laura and Curtis, who had just left the bunker. Curtis told Trina that the drone strike had been redirected to the Haunted Star. Trina was terrified when she realized that Spencer was on the ship. Trina told Laura that someone had to tell the WSB to call off the air strike. Just then, Trina and Laura gasped as they witnessed a fiery explosion nearby. "Spencer!" Trina called out. Laura gasped, and she put her hands to her face.

May 8, 2023 In Greenland, Trina and Valentin were led to a nearby shed to identify a body that was recovered. Trina expressed her relief when she saw the dead body was Victor. "It's not him. It's not Spencer! He could still be alive!" Trina said as she exhaled. Valentin's eyes widened as he stared at Victor's dead body. Trina left to return to the WSB lobby. Valentin stayed behind to speak some final words to Victor. Valentin said he was grateful that he hadn't been raised by Victor, and he claimed that the Cassadine name belonged to Valentin, since Victor was dead. "I'll make sure it's one that future generations of Cassadines can be proud of," Valentin swore.

Later, on the frozen ground outside, Laura put her arms around Trina. Valentin held Ace, and the group walked to a nearby plane. Trina turned, and she spotted someone behind a rock "Spencer? Spencer! Spencer!" Trina said, and she made a running leap into Spencer's arms. Spencer smiled, and the two kissed as they held one another tight. Nearby, Laura and Valentin were amazed that Spencer was alive.

May 9, 2023 In Robert's office, Robert apologized to Diane for having used her in his and Holly's plan to fool Victor months earlier. Robert said that he and Diane had become more than friends. Diane said she wanted to spend more time with Robert, who proposed a toast. As the two prepared to toast, Diane received a work call. After Diane left, Robert started to leave with a Champagne bottle. Robert saw Holly at the door. "It looks like I'm just in time to celebrate," Holly said with a smile.

Holly teased Robert with memories of the two drinking Champagne at all hours of the day during the marriage in the 80s. Robert asked Holly how she and others had stopped Victor in Greenland. Holly proudly told Robert that she had been responsible for Victor's erectile dysfunction. "Payback is a bitch," Robert quipped. Holly added that she had played her part in helping save Valentin and Anna from the deadly pathogen. Robert said that Anna was "reckless" with her life. Holly thought that Robert might be jealous of Anna's relationship with Valentin, but Robert said that it was Anna's mistake to make.

Holly said that there had been times in Greenland when she had thought she was going to die. "And there was only one thing I wanted to do... this," Holly said softly. Holly put her arms around Robert, and the two kissed. Robert soon put his arms around Holly in return. Diane had returned, and she scowled as the two continued to kiss.

May 10, 2023 In Robert's office, Diane walked in on Robert and Holly during a heated kiss. Diane cleared her throat, prompting Holly and Robert to pull apart. Robert was startled, but Holly giggled. "There's something about saving the world that makes a woman act on impulse," Holly said. Diane smiled.

"How exhilarating, and so modest," Diane said. Holly confessed that the only thing missing from the adventure had been Robert. Robert smiled awkwardly as he rambled about being busy at the time. Diane wasn't interested in hearing Robert and Holly's stories, so she turned to leave. Holly asked Diane to stay because Holly had been on her way out. After Holly left, Robert began to apologize, but Diane cut him off. "I'll settle for the truth," Diane said. Robert told Diane that he had been taken aback when Holly had kissed him, so Diane clarified that she refused to build a relationship with a man who didn't want to be with her.

Robert assured Diane that he enjoyed their time together, but Diane laughed. "Well, consider me swept off my feet," Diane said in a sarcastic tone. Robert admitted that he was not good at "touchy-feely stuff," so Diane decided to make it simple. She told him that she had no desire to be in competition for Robert's feelings, especially when the other woman was the love of Robert's life. Robert explained that he and Holly had a lot of history and he would always love Holly in some sense but Holly was a part of his past.

Diane wondered if Robert had really left Holly behind. Robert admitted that Holly's "death" had hit him hard and he had felt lighter knowing that Holly was alive but he insisted that knowing Holly was living her life was a lot different than wanting to live that life with Holly. Diane told Robert that it was clear that he needed time to figure things out. She urged him to take all the time he needed but not to call her until he knew what he wanted.

In the squad room, Felicia was surprised when she saw Holly. After the friends exchanged a warm hug, Felicia asked about Ethan. Holly assured Felicia that Ethan was well, and he had returned to Australia. The conversation turned to Victor and how his death had impacted Holly. Holly admitted that she felt like a whole new woman, and nearly losing everything had clarified what was important. Holly revealed that it was the reason that she had wanted to talk to Robert.

Felicia was happy for her friend, but she warned Holly that Robert had been seeing someone. Holly realized that Felicia had been referring to Diane, which explained the expression on Diane's face when Diane had walked in on Holly and Robert. Felicia assured Holly that Diane was a good person. Holly explained that she had returned to Port Charles because of unfinished business with Robert. "I want to tell Robert exactly how I feel about him," Holly said. Holly insisted that life was too short. Felicia was happy that Holly was sure about her feelings. "But do you know if he feels the same way?" Felicia asked. Holly admitted that the spark had still been there when she and Robert had kissed. Holly realized that Robert needed time, but Holly was back, and there was nothing to stand in their way.

May 15 Robert arrives interrupting Anna and Valentine’s romantic evening. Robert poured himself a glass of Chianti wine, and he told Valentin to leave Anna out of things the next time Valentin found himself in trouble. Valentin left to check on dinner. Afterwards, Anna told Robert that she knew what he was going to say. "Good! Then we'll say it together: Anna Devane, what were you thinking?" Robert asked.

May 16 At Anna's house, Robert asked if Anna had thought about Robin, Emma, and others before Anna had left for Greenland. Anna scolded Robert for accusing her of putting Valentin before her family. Anna surmised that something else was on Robert's mind. Robert shared that he had feelings for both Holly and Diane. Robert said that every time he saw Holly's face, he felt at home, and he asked for Anna's advice. Anna said she couldn't tell Robert what to do, but she called Robert "quite the catch." Anna started to tease Robert by incessantly gushing over him. Robert grew uncomfortable. "Tell what's-his-face I said goodbye!" Robert quipped as he stormed out.

At the Savoy, Holly met Felicia for a girls' night out. Holly said that she hoped to stay in Port Charles permanently, and she shared that Ethan had already returned to Australia. Holly and Felicia soon spotted Diane with Alexis at a nearby table. Holly and Felicia approached, and they asked to join Alexis and Diane. Diane asked to speak with Holly alone.

Alone at a table, Holly told Diane that she had strong feelings for Robert. Holly recalled that she and Robert had been "dancing around one another" for 30 years. Holly shared that she felt things would work out for her and Robert because there were no obstacles. Diane antagonized Holly over Holly's past mistakes, and she implied that things would never work out between Holly and Robert. Diane stood up, and she quipped that perhaps she would defend Holly in court one day. Holly said that she wouldn't trust her freedom to anyone else. Diane rejoined Alexis at the bar, and she admitted that she thought she actually liked Holly.

May 17 At Anna's residence, Anna called out for Valentin as she descended the stairs. She smiled when she saw a bouquet of red roses on the foyer table. The flowers were accompanied by a note from Valentin explaining that he'd gone to work at ELQ, but it had been heaven waking up beside Anna. She was still smiling when she answered a knock at the door. It was Holly. Holly explained that she needed Anna's help. Holly revealed that she needed a job, and she asked Anna to put in a good word with the WSB. Anna was curious why Holly would want to work for the WSB when Holly had barely escaped Victor's crosshairs. Anna insisted that it was not worth it, but Holly explained that it was her best option. Holly told Anna about Ethan's trouble in Australia and how some of the men that her son had been indebted to wanted Ethan dead. Holly acknowledged that Ethan was a skilled card player, and he would target rich men to win the money needed to clear his debts.

Anna realized that Ethan would incur a new set of enemies from the losers at the card games. "If I don't settle his debts, my beautiful son is a dead man walking," Holly said. Anna reminded Holly that Robert would want to help because Robert considered Ethan the son that Robert had never had. Holly insisted that she couldn't put both Robert's reputation and career at risk. Anna was surprised when Holly mentioned that Diane had asked why Holly believed that things might work out for Robert and Holly when they hadn't in the past. Anna conceded that Diane had made a point, but Anna warned Holly that Diane had a "horse in the race." Holly revealed that she was aware of Diane's feelings for Robert, which was why Holly was determined to find a legal way to earn the money needed to help Ethan. Anna confessed that the new WSB director was not fond of anyone who had been associated with Frisco Jones, but she agreed to talk to a few other connections.

At the police station, Robert asked if he had received a delivery from Judge Taylor's office. The desk sergeant checked, but he didn't find anything addressed to Robert. Annoyed, Robert advised the police officer to take the initiative and track down the warrant that Robert had been looking for. Nearby, Dante overheard the tense exchange, so he approached Robert. Robert revealed that he'd been waiting for a warrant as part of a RICO investigation at the Savoy. Surprised, Dante asked if Robert suspected Curtis of wrongdoing. Robert clarified that his interest was in Selina. "So, Selina and Curtis are in business together?" Dante asked. Robert recalled seeing Selina talking to Holly at the Savoy the previous evening, but he pushed the memory away. When Robert saw the desk sergeant, he asked for an update. Robert's mood soured when he was told that the warrant had not been delivered. Dante questioned why the police hadn't been notified of the investigation, but Robert reminded Dante that Robert was at the top of the chain of command.

At Metro Court's restaurant, Felicia was delighted to have some quality time with her husband, but she wondered what had happened to the romantic man that she had married. Mac looked up from his phone and explained that he hadn't heard from Robert, despite Mac having sent several text messages. When Mac saw Diane, he called out to her and invited her to join him and Felicia for breakfast. Diane tensed when Mac explained that he had questions about his brother. Diane was careful not to say anything, and she relaxed when she realized that Mac had simply been looking for Robert. Mac had hoped Diane could tell him where Robert was, since they worked together. Diane reminded Mac that she didn't keep tabs on Robert, but she admitted that Robert had some "issues" to work out. Mac asked Diane to elaborate, but she walked away. Moments later, Dante called Mac.

After Mac left, Felicia walked over to Diane's table and sat down. Diane insisted that she was busy going over notes before court, so Felicia cut to the chase by reminding Diane that Robert and Holly's relationship had spanned over 30 years. However, Felicia admitted that Robert might not be ready to upend his life for Holly. Diane argued that Holly was the love of Robert's life. "End of story," Diane said. Felicia admitted that she wanted both Robert and Holly to be happy, but Felicia knew that Diane cared about Robert. Felicia confessed that she'd seen Robert with Diane, and knowing his complicated history with Holly, she wasn't certain if Robert and Holly were meant to be together.

Meanwhile, Robert was in a foul mood when he returned to the squad room because Judge Taylor had refused to sign off on the warrant. Robert's mood didn't improve when he saw his brother standing next to Dante because Robert suspected that Dante had called Mac. Mac demanded to speak to Robert in private, so Robert followed Mac to the interrogation room. After Mac shut the door, he told Robert to forget about the warrant because the Savoy was off-limits. Stunned, Robert reminded his brother that Selina was a regular at the nightclub. Mac was livid when he realized that Robert's interest in Selina stemmed from concern about Holly. Mac informed his brother that he couldn't risk Robert jeopardizing the surveillance that Mac had put in place at the Savoy. Surprised, Robert demanded to know why he hadn't been told about the investigation. "I'm telling you now. Stay out of it," Mac said. To Mac's frustration, Robert refused to back down, so Mac reminded Robert that Robert didn't have a signed warrant.

"Screw the warrant," Robert said. Mac watched helplessly as Robert stormed out of the squad room. A short time later, Robert entered the bar. Selina told him that Curtis had left, but Robert revealed that he was there for her. "What is the hold you have over Holly Sutton?" Robert asked. Selina looked past Robert's shoulder as she advised him to ask Holly. Robert turned and saw Holly standing behind him.

May 18th At the Savoy, Robert demanded to know what Holly was up to with Selina. As they argued, N'neka arrived and wondered who had let them in, as the club was closed. Robert explained that he was the district attorney, there on official business, but Holly invited him to talk somewhere more private. A few minutes later, the two were on the docks. Holly explained everything to Robert about Ethan and why she needed money for him and fast. Robert insisted that he could have helped, but Holly didn't want to get the man she loved in trouble. Holly continued that she was in love with Robert and wanted to be with him, but she needed to help Ethan first. She also acknowledged that she couldn't keep asking him to cross the line for her, so she would handle it on her own.

"Where does this end?" Robert asked quietly. He didn't know what kind of relationship they could have if she continually had to hide things from him. He realized that they weren't meant to be, and she lamented missing her chance. He promised that he loved her, and he would always be there for her. "What now?" Robert asked. A crying Holly replied that she had to help her son. He wondered how, but she advised him not to ask questions he didn't want the answers to. She vowed to take care of it and told him not to worry about her. She added that letting go of him was the hardest thing she'd ever had to do. She insisted that she wanted him to be happy. They shared a kiss, and she left. "Goodbye, Holly," he muttered when she was gone.