In one of the most intense and dramatic episodes of The Bold and the Beautiful, the fashion world of Forrester Creations is rocked by a devastating scandal when Ridge Forrester uncovers that Deke has stolen someone else’s design and passed it off as his own. The episode opens with the familiar buzz of the design room, where models prepare for an upcoming showcase, and tension quietly simmers beneath the surface. Ridge is reviewing sketches for the new collection when something about Deke’s design catches his eye — a sense of déjà vu, a striking familiarity he can’t ignore. As he studies the lines, fabric choices, and detailing, realization dawns slowly but surely: this isn’t original work. It’s a direct copy of a design submitted weeks earlier by a young intern.

From that moment, the atmosphere shifts. Ridge’s calm demeanor turns to cold, calculated fury as he quietly orders the design files and submission dates. His instincts are confirmed when he finds that the intern’s digital sketches predate Deke’s final submission. The betrayal cuts deep. Ridge has always prided himself on Forrester Creations’ integrity — their artistry, originality, and the respect they hold in the fashion industry. To have someone under his roof commit such a violation feels like a personal wound. The camera captures every subtle flicker of emotion on his face — disbelief, disappointment, and finally, anger.

When Ridge calls Deke into his office, the tone is icy. Deke walks in confidently, unaware that his secret is moments away from exploding. He begins talking about the upcoming showcase and how his design could be the highlight of the season. Ridge listens in silence, his jaw tight, eyes locked on Deke with a restrained intensity that could shatter glass. Then, without warning, Ridge slams the sketchbook onto the desk and demands, “Whose design is this, Deke? Don’t you dare lie to me.” Deke freezes, realizing instantly that the truth has surfaced. He tries to deny it at first, claiming it’s a coincidence, that creative ideas overlap all the time. But Ridge cuts him off sharply, showing him the timestamps, the original file, and the proof of plagiarism.

As the confrontation intensifies, Ridge’s voice rises, filled with anger and disappointment. He reminds Deke that Forrester Creations built its empire on talent, respect, and originality — values that Deke has just thrown away. “You don’t steal someone else’s dream and call it your own,” Ridge says bitterly. Deke, cornered and desperate, tries to justify his actions. He insists that he only wanted to impress Ridge, to prove himself worthy of a permanent position. His excuses fall flat. Ridge’s expression hardens even further, and his decision is immediate and final: Deke is fired. The words echo in the room like a verdict.

The fallout spreads quickly. Rumors circulate through the building as employees whisper about Deke’s sudden dismissal. The young intern, whose design was stolen, is called into Ridge’s office. She’s nervous at first, unsure if she’s in trouble, but Ridge surprises her with sincere praise and an apology on behalf of the company. He tells her that her talent deserves recognition and assures her that the design will be credited to her, not buried in scandal. Her eyes well up with gratitude as Ridge promises to personally oversee her career development. This moment of integrity reinforces why Ridge remains the moral backbone of Forrester Creations.