EXCLUSIVE FRIDAY CANADIAN Y&R DAY-AHEAD: Tessa’s Christmas Gift Just Blew Mariah Copeland’s Cover Wide Open

MARIAH COPELAND EXPOSED AS DOMINIC’S KIDNAPPER AND THE ENDING WILL HAUNT YOU

TL;DR: Tessa’s scarf leads everyone straight to Mariah Copeland, Phyllis Summers gets absolutely eviscerated by everyone she’s ever loved, and Ian Ward appears with a twist that’ll have you screaming at your screen on The Young and the Restless.

That Scarf Tessa Bought for Christmas? It Just Destroyed Mariah Copeland

Oh, the delicious irony. A gift given in love just became the evidence that exposes everything.

Devon and Abby are at Crimson Lights showing Daniel and Tessa a photo of the scarf found at the scene when Tessa’s face drains of color. She knows that scarf. She bought it for Mariah Copeland two Christmases ago. The room goes silent. Devon can’t process it — why would Mariah take Dominic?

Tessa drops more bombs: Mariah Copeland checked into a psychiatric clinic in Boston but waltzed out days ago. Her tracking app shows Mariah’s in Florida now, but clearly she swung through Genoa City first to collect a little souvenir — namely, someone else’s child.

Police call with a tip. A kid matching Dominic’s description left a motel with a woman. Devon and Abby fly to the scene, and security footage confirms their worst nightmare: Mariah Copeland is the kidnapper. She left behind Dominic’s mitten on that grimy motel floor like a breadcrumb from hell.

Do you think Mariah Copeland can ever come back from this? Tell us — write to amber@soapoperamagazine.com!

Mariah Copeland Thinks She’s Playing Hide-and-Seek — Ian Ward Knows Better

Meanwhile, Mariah Copeland is still treating this catastrophe like a fun little adventure. She tells Dominic they’re hide-and-seek champions and promises to “take care of everything.” She claims she texted his parents a hint. Adorable. Delusional. Terrifying.

They play “I Spy” in the car. Dominic spots a police car and Mariah nearly loses it — but it speeds past. When he asks why she’s crying, she lies through her teeth: she’s just so excited they’re together.

But here’s where The Young and the Restless drops the bomb that will have you rewinding. Ian Ward appears. He reminds Mariah Copeland to keep her eyes on the prize and do what needs to be done. And from the backseat, sweet little Dominic calls out one word: “Poppa?”

Ian Ward. Poppa. Let that satisfying horror wash over you.

Phyllis Summers Celebrated Her Victory Alone — Because Everyone Left Her

Over at the GCAC, Phyllis Summers gets a text from Cane: “It’s official. Victory is ours.” She’s basking in her triumph when Nick Newman walks in and absolutely demolishes her.

Nick tells Phyllis she’s pathetic and he can’t believe he ever loved her. Sharon arrives and twists the knife deeper, comparing Phyllis to Martin Laurent. Phyllis shrugs it off — Victor brought this on himself, she’s sleeping fine, thanks for asking.

But Nick lands the death blow. He hopes Phyllis becomes wildly successful AND completely alone. They’re finished. Desperate, Phyllis calls Summer. No answer. Instead, a text arrives: “Don’t call me again.”

Phyllis Summers got her empire. She also got an empty phone and a dining room full of people who can’t stand her. Victory never tasted so bitter.

Billy Abbott Is Hiding Jill’s Collapse — And It’s Eating Him Alive

Cane summons Billy to his train car lair with good news: Newman Enterprises is theirs, and papers are being drawn up to make Billy the CEO of Chancellor. But Billy isn’t popping champagne. Jill’s health is failing. She’s weak, struggling to breathe, and her heart is giving out.

Billy admits Jill asked him not to visit because she didn’t want to fight. Despite everything, he loves his mother. Cane agrees to keep the Chancellor announcement quiet — the stress could kill her.

These two men who’ve clashed for years share a rare moment of understanding. Cane observes they’re both destined to spend their lives alone. Billy points out Cane has Phyllis. Cane laughs bitterly: “That’s not love.”

Abby Newman Is Ready to Unleash Victor’s Army

Back at the Chancellor mansion, Abby breaks down sobbing. She made Dominic waffles that morning because she promised. Now her baby is gone, taken by someone they trusted.

Devon theorizes that Mariah Copeland’s psychiatric problems made her believe Dominic is her son. It’s the only explanation that makes sense — except it doesn’t make the betrayal hurt any less.

Abby decides to call Victor and deploy Newman’s private security team. They need every resource available because this nightmare just revealed its true mastermind, and his name is Ian Ward.

Who shocked you more — Mariah Copeland or Phyllis Summers? Sound off in the comments!

WATCH THIS: More Ian Ward please…

@soapoperamag You know what I need? MORE IAN WARD! But for real this time! I don't want this man to just be haunting Mariah; I want him to be back in the full flesh, terrorizing the town! Who's with me? #YoungandtheRestless ♬ original sound – Soap Opera Magazine