Stephanie was away on a cruise with her sister Pam (actually, Susan Flannery was away…) for three weeks. That´s when Massimo came to Los Angeles. He stopped by to say “hallo” to his old “friend”. Eric was thrilled to see him again (NOT!!!). The two started arguing from the start.
Massimo wanted to know when Stephanie would be back. Eric told him that he wanted Massimo to stay away from Stephanie. Massimo was amused. He told Eric all about how he and Stephanie had been in contact over the years and that he knew everything Eric had put her through. Eric again warned Massimo to stay away.
Then they heard Taylor and Brooke fighting outside the office and Massimo figured out who was who. He clearly didn´t like Brooke… Then he left the building.
Stephanie returned home, happy. She had no idea that Brooke was after Ridge again. Eric greeted her, and left out the fact that Massimo was back in town.
Eric and Taylor told Stephanie about what Brooke was up to and Stephanie decided to take care of the situation. But Brooke was through with craving Stephanie´s acceptance – she was going to get Ridge, she told her. The slutty CEO who runs around the office in a teddy happily announced “The queen is dead, long live the queen”.
Stephanie was so angry she was shaking as she tried to pour water in a glass. That´s when Massimo entered. She was thrilled to see him again. They talked for awhile. He couldn´t help but start badmouthing Eric as hard as he could. Megan called Eric to tell him Massimo is in the building. Eric heard his voice coming from Brooke´s office and listened in on the conversation. Massimo went on and on and on how Eric was a dog and not worthy of Stephanie. Eric couldn´t take it anymore, burst inside and hit Massimo who fell to the floor bleeding from the mouth.
Massimo warned Eric that was a huge mistake as Stephanie was chocked over Eric´s behavior. The two men argued some more as Stephanie tried to break it off.
Eric stated that if Massimo wasn´t gone in 5 minutes, he would let security throw him out. With that, Eric left the office. Massimo again badmouthed Eric to Stephanie, who tried to defend him. Massimo then found out all about the Brooke problem and decided he would take care of it. Stephanie told him he would give her anything he wanted if he succeeded in getting rid of Brooke (legally). Massimo now had a plan…
Massimo payed Steven Logan 5 million dollars to lie to Brooke. He was about to tell his daughter he was dying and wanted Brooke to move with him to Paris. Brooke was devastated to hear her father was dying and moved to Paris. (That Steven is such a great father to Brooke… I wonder if he would sell his mother out the same way?) Stephanie was thrilled to hear Brooke was leaving the country.
After the bye-bye gathering for Brooke, Stephanie and Massimo celebrated her absence. Now, Massimo wanted his reward. Sure, what do you want? A big kiss! Okay… Ooops, the door is opened… (That NEVER happens on soaps!! LOL)
Eric wasn´t very happy about that... He confronted them. Stephanie tried to explain and keep the men apart.
Eric asked Stephanie to leave them alone. She obliged. Eric wanted to know who Massimo thought he was. Massimo answered he´s the man Stephanie should have married. The two had it out once more.
The lie was exposed and Brooke returned home after breaking her ties with her SOB father.
Ridge was mad with Massimo, Stephanie and Taylor for the lie. Brooke thought she had won, but not. Ridge chose to stay with Taylor and told Brooke that they were not gonna happen. So Brooke finally backed off.
