{On the phone}

Laura: Nikolas didn't ask why I was barefoot coming down the stairs from your guest bedroom?

Stefan:  "Wyndemere has 13 bedrooms, most of them accessed by the same set of stairs. As to why you were here, we explained that."

Laura:  "To the satisfaction of two teenaged boys?"

Stefan:  "Nikolas is hardly the average teenager."

Laura:  "No, he's just better at covering his feelings than most. I mean, Lucky walked out without a word. Do you honestly think that Nikolas was unfazed?"

Stefan:  "I would hope that Nikolas is becoming accustomed to the sight of his mother in his home. Now, I couldn't begin to speak for Lucky, but I would hope that he would--"

Laura:  "Lucky speaks very well for himself, which is part of what I’m worried about. I haven't seen him or heard from him since it happened. Do you know if he's seen Nikolas? Or if they've had a chance to compare notes?"

Stefan:  "I have no way of knowing."

Laura:  "Well, has Nikolas started to ask questions about us?"

Stefan:  "Laura, we did nothing improper."

Laura:  "Yeah, well, maybe not, but the fact is we have an awful lot to hide. Do you think that Nikolas suspects that you are his father?"

Stefan:  {Seeing Nikolas walk in} "I wish I could reassure you, but this is not the best time."

Laura:  "Is he there?"

Stefan:  "We will discuss this further. I'll be in touch. Thank you." {He hangs up}

Nikolas:  "The best time for what?"

Stefan:  "Oh, an investment counselor."

Nikolas:  "Wanting reassurance from you?"

Stefan:  "I can be a calming presence. Or perhaps you don't recall--I’ve barely seen you lately."

Nikolas:  "I know. I know and I’m sorry for that. But there's some things we need to discuss. I didn't want to go into it in front of Laura because I didn't want to upset her."

Stefan:  "What things?"

Nikolas:  "I spotted Helena on the docks several nights ago. She was threatening Alexis. I heard her demand full account of all the funds I stand to inherit."

Stefan:  "You needn't be concerned about your holdings. The legacy will remain intact."

Nikolas:  "Yeah, yeah, but what about my family? What happens to them? I mean, what will Helena do to Alexis if she defies her again? What if Alexis gives in to her threats? How will Helena use her against you?"

Stefan:  "Nikolas, I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself."

Nikolas:  "Yeah, I know, I know, but Helena is more vicious now than ever. I mean, you should have heard her raving on the docks. I mean, we could hardly believe what we were hearing--"

Stefan: " 'We?' "

Nikolas:  "Yeah, Lucky was with me."

Stefan:  "You've been spending quite a bit of time with him lately. Is there any particular reason?"

Nikolas:  "We're helping a mutual friend. Is that important? I'm trying to warn you about Helena here."

Stefan:  "Nikolas, I never relax my guard. Nothing your grandmother could do would surprise me."

Nikolas:  "Yeah? Well, does it surprise you that she blames Luke and Alexis for loosening the parapet railing? Helena's convinced that she was the target, that they conspired to murder her. I mean, can you imagine Alexis conspiring with Luke over anything?"

Stefan:  "Well, your grandmother believes the world conspires against her. Would that it were true."

Nikolas:  "Worst of all, she has some plot to destroy my mother's life."

Stefan:  "What gives you that idea?"

Nikolas:  "Because I heard her say it to Alexis, in between all the threats. When Lucky and I, when we went to confront her about it, she insisted that we'd misheard her."

Stefan:  "Is it possible that you did?"

Nikolas:  "Both of us? I mean, go to Alexis if you need to verify. Helena's out to punish my mother. She didn't say why. All I know is she--"

Stefan:  "Laura’s testimony exonerated me. I'm sure your grandmother despises her for that. But I assure you, no harm will come to your mother. I will do whatever I must to keep her safe."

Nikolas:  "Do you care for Laura because she's my mother or because she's important to you?"

Stefan:  "You are very observant, Nikolas."

Nikolas:  "Well, it doesn't take a detective to know something's changed between you and Laura."

Stefan:  "It's true. I--I am seeing something in Laura that I’d forgotten was there."

Nikolas:  "What's that?"

Stefan:  "Laura risked her marriage to Luke to come forward and speak the truth. She did that because she loves you, Nikolas."

Nikolas:  "So you're saying what? That you're grateful?"

Stefan:  "However Laura has failed you in the past, she values your happiness now above her own."

Nikolas:  "You're not answering my question."

Stefan:  "It creates a bond between us. That is the new connection you are seeing."

Nikolas:  "Do you love her?"

Stefan:  "How can I not? She's your mother. She is your mother in a way that I’d stopped believing was possible. And, as I said, I won't let anything happen to her."

Nikolas:  "I know. Thank you. For my mother as well as myself." {He leaves}

{Nikolas goes to Katherine and tells her of his conversation with Stefan. He says that he now knows his uncle is in love with Laura and he feels bad for Lucky and for Katherine. He tries to comfort Katherine, and they end up in a kiss}
 

Read Lucky's conversation with Laura here