The Young And The Restless Spoilers: Michael Torn Between Lauren’s Trust, Diane’s Loyalty, and Victor’s Wrath

The Young and the Restless spoilers document that Michael Baldwin (Christian Le Blanc) has trapped himself in an unwinnable position. He wants Victor Newman (Eric Braeden) to serve as a father figure, and he’s not that.

Now, after returning to what is at least part-time work for Genoa City, Wisconsin’s reigning Grinch, Michael will either need to betray Victor’s grudging, partial confidence or lose the trust of his wife and longtime friend.

Lauren Fenmore Baldwin (Tracey Bregman) set an ultimatum with her husband in the recent past, similar to what Nikki Newman (Melody Thomas Scott) is doing now with Victor. Lauren implored Michael to stop working for the head of Newman Enterprises, and he did, which provoked Victor’s scorn.

Yes, Victor Newman Is In Business To Make Money

The volume of times Victor cited the amount of money he was paying Michael matters. In his mind, Michael is a paid fixer first, with whatever emotions he ascribes to him falling in a distant second place.

Michael’s job has been to do the dirty work that allows Victor to scrounge around in the gutter of amorality. That’s the easy stereotype that viewers are fed about Victor’s business success.

But what has Lauren done through the years that is different than Victor?

Little to no focus is placed on her methods of operation. As for Diane Jenkins (Susan Walters), she faked her death and abandoned her only son, Kyle Abbott (Michael Mealor). Yet she questions her ex-husband’s (Victor’s) morality all the time.

Lauren Fenmore Is In Business To Make Money

It’s not Victor’s fault that Michael’s father abandoned him decades ago. That is purely Michael’s backstory, which has nothing to do with the business connection he has with Victor. Oh, and the money that Victor has paid has allowed a lavish lifestyle, with Lauren being ever-wealthy as well.

Lauren infamously tormented Traci Abbott (Beth Maitland) when they were young adults. That post-childhood behavior was mean to the core, with Lauren later acknowledging that she was wrong and apologizing to Traci in recent years.

Any push-back on the Lauren-Victor comparison is apt. Lauren isn’t perfect, but she has admitted her mistakes. Victor’s ego is legendary, and he wins the amorality contest. Yet, it’s right to say that Victor is set as an easy target because that’s part of the soapy rub; he’s the bad guy anti-hero on this show.

Diane Jenkins Is Concerned About Survival

Full credit to Diane for returning to the land of the living in the recent past. She also volunteered admission of the mental health struggles she had when deciding to fake her death. Compassion was offered, and she, like anyone, deserves to pursue redemption, which she has.

Diane is naturally loyal to the man she loves and is married to. She and Nikki share a common bond, one of their few points of agreement, in being supportive of their spouses and families.

But Diane’s request for Michael to betray Victor’s trust isn’t about what’s right or wrong. Jabot’s survival is at stake, and she’s making an enormous ask of Michael. Whether he can or will deliver will impact Victor, Diane, Lauren, and others in GC.

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