On The Bold and the Beautiful, a long-simmering family rivalry has erupted into full-scale war, leaving Ridge Forrester shaken and questioning his own position of power. As Eric Forrester officially declares war on Ridge and Brooke, the balance at Forrester Creations begins to shift in ways no one fully anticipated. What makes the situation even more explosive is Ridge’s growing fear that he might actually lose—and his controversial decision to blame Katie Logan for helping ignite the conflict.

For years, Ridge has viewed himself as the natural heir to Eric’s legacy. Though Eric founded Forrester Creations, Ridge gradually assumed creative control, believing it was his time to lead the company into the future. While Eric stepped back, Ridge grew increasingly confident that his authority was unquestionable. However, that confidence begins to crumble the moment Eric makes it clear he is no longer willing to stand aside.

Eric’s declaration of war is not impulsive—it is calculated, emotional, and deeply personal. He feels pushed aside, disrespected, and underestimated by his own son. Watching Ridge and Brooke make unilateral decisions has convinced Eric that the company he built is slipping from his hands. This sense of betrayal fuels his determination to reclaim control, no matter the cost.

Ridge, meanwhile, is blindsided by the intensity of Eric’s response. At first, he assumes this is just another disagreement that will eventually fade. But as Eric becomes more strategic and vocal, Ridge realizes the threat is real. For the first time in years, Ridge is forced to confront the possibility that he may not win. This fear unsettles him deeply, shaking both his professional authority and personal confidence.

Instead of taking full responsibility for the conflict, Ridge begins looking for someone to blame—and Katie Logan becomes his target. Ridge convinces himself that Katie’s influence, advice, and divided loyalties have fueled Eric’s rebellion. In Ridge’s mind, Katie represents a bridge between Eric and Brooke, and he believes her involvement blurred boundaries that should never have been crossed.

Katie, however, never intended to spark a war. Her actions were driven by concern for Eric’s emotional well-being and respect for his legacy. She believed Eric deserved to be heard, not sidelined. Ridge’s accusation cuts deeply, placing Katie in an impossible position. She is left feeling responsible for a battle she never wanted, while also questioning whether Ridge’s leadership is rooted more in ego than fairness.

Brooke finds herself caught in the crossfire. As Ridge’s partner, she stands firmly by his side, but Eric’s declaration of war makes her a direct target as well. Eric sees Brooke as a symbol of Ridge’s overconfidence and believes her influence has accelerated his marginalization. This transforms the professional conflict into a deeply personal one, reopening old wounds and unresolved resentment.

Ridge’s fear intensifies as Eric begins asserting himself with renewed strength. Eric is no longer the passive patriarch; he is a founder reclaiming his throne. His confidence, experience, and emotional connection to the company give him an edge Ridge did not anticipate. Employees, family members, and even longtime allies begin to question where their loyalty truly lies.

What terrifies Ridge most is the realization that Eric still commands respect—not just sentimentally, but strategically. Eric understands the fashion world, the company’s roots, and the power dynamics better than anyone. Ridge suddenly sees that his father is not fighting emotionally, but intelligently. This forces Ridge to face an uncomfortable truth: legacy can outweigh ambition.

The blame Ridge places on Katie also reveals cracks in his own judgment. Rather than addressing Eric’s concerns directly, Ridge deflects frustration onto someone who tried to mediate rather than dominate. This behavior raises questions about Ridge’s leadership style and whether he is reacting out of fear rather than confidence. His inability to control the narrative leaves him increasingly defensive.

As tensions escalate, the war threatens to divide the entire Forrester family. Loyalties are tested, alliances shift, and long-standing relationships strain under the pressure. Eric’s bold stance forces everyone to choose a side, and neutrality may no longer be an option. Ridge’s fear of losing becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy as his reactions push others further away.

Brooke attempts to steady Ridge, but even she senses the danger. If Ridge loses this battle, it could permanently alter his role at Forrester Creations and his standing within the family. Brooke also risks becoming collateral damage in Eric’s quest for redemption and respect. The stakes are no longer just professional—they are deeply emotional and generational.

At its core, this conflict is about identity. Eric is fighting for recognition, legacy, and relevance. Ridge is fighting to prove he deserves the power he’s claimed. Katie becomes an unintended catalyst, while Brooke stands as both support and symbol. Each character believes they are right, making compromise nearly impossible.

As The Bold and the Beautiful pushes this storyline forward, the question remains: can Ridge overcome his fear and face Eric head-on, or will his need to blame others cost him everything? Eric’s declaration of war has changed the game, and for the first time, Ridge Forrester may not be the one holding all the cards.