The October 15, 2025 episode of The Young and the Restless was a whirlwind of emotion, betrayal, and revelation that shook Genoa City to its core. The focus of the episode centered on Victoria Newman’s startling discovery about Holden Novak’s secret life — a revelation that sent Claire Newman into a spiral of heartbreak and confusion. The twists that unfolded in this hour not only deepened the mystery around Holden’s past but also exposed emotional wounds that could redefine the relationships between Victoria, Claire, and the enigmatic man who has captured their attention.

The episode opened with Victoria arriving unexpectedly at Holden’s Los Angeles home after learning that he had been hiding something. Victoria’s instincts had been on high alert ever since Claire mentioned that Holden was behaving strangely and avoiding questions about his past. True to her Newman nature, Victoria decided to find answers herself. She confronted Holden with sharp precision, demanding to know what he had been keeping from them. At first, Holden tried to deflect, insisting that his past didn’t matter. But Victoria’s piercing stare left no room for lies. Eventually, he broke down and confessed a truth that stunned her — he had a stepson he never mentioned, a young man named Ethan, who had vanished years ago under mysterious circumstances.

Victoria was speechless. She reminded Holden that honesty is non-negotiable in her world, especially when it comes to protecting her daughter. Her voice trembled with anger as she asked why he had concealed such a major part of his life. Holden explained that Ethan wasn’t his biological son but rather the child of his late wife, a woman whose death still haunted him. He claimed he had hidden the truth because the pain of losing his family was too heavy to revisit. But the shadows in his tone hinted there was more to the story — something darker than simple grief.

Meanwhile, Claire met with Kyle Abbott, who had flown to Los Angeles determined to win her back. Their reunion was bittersweet. Kyle’s sincerity was evident; he spoke openly about missing her and realizing she had brought meaning to his life beyond corporate battles. Claire, however, was distracted and unsettled. Her mind lingered on Holden’s strange behavior, and she admitted that something about him felt off lately. Kyle urged her to trust her instincts — a moment of foreshadowing that would prove chillingly prophetic by the episode’s end.

Back in Genoa City, Victoria confided in Nikki about what she had learned. Nikki’s motherly instincts kicked in immediately, warning her daughter to tread carefully. She reminded Victoria that men with secrets often bring danger, not peace. Nikki’s concern was genuine, but her mention of “protecting the Newman name” added a touch of classic family tension. Victoria, though shaken, refused to let fear control her. She vowed to uncover the full truth about Holden and his missing stepson, no matter how painful it might be.