DAPHNE’S PERFECT TIMING: THE BOLD MOVE TO SNAG CARTER WHEN HE’S AT HIS LOWEST

If there’s one thing soap villains (or are they just misunderstood heroines?) know how to do, it’s strike when the iron is hot—or in Daphne Rose’s case, when a man’s heart is shattered into a million tiny pieces.

Next week on The Bold and the Beautiful, we’re about to witness what might be the most calculating romantic move in recent B&B history. And trust me, I’ve seen PLENTY of schemes over the years!

CARTER’S WORST NIGHTMARE BECOMES REALITY

Here’s what’s going down: Carter Walton is about to have his heart completely DEMOLISHED when he overhears Hope Logan pledging her future to Liam Spencer.

Poor Carter! The man can’t catch a break in the romance department. First Quinn, then the mess with Katie, and now Hope slipping through his fingers just when he thought they might have a real shot.

But here’s the kicker—Hope has no idea that Carter is listening in when she tells Liam she wants to focus on another chapter together. And Carter has NO CLUE that Liam is literally dying from a terminal brain tumor! Talk about tragic miscommunication…

The scene is reportedly set to air mid-week (around May 14-15), and my sources tell me that Lawrence Saint-Victor delivers an absolutely gut-wrenching performance. You’ll need tissues, folks. LOTS of tissues.

DAPHNE SWOOPS IN LIKE A DESIGNER-CLAD VULTURE

While Carter’s picking up the pieces of his broken heart, guess who’s right there, ready with emotional superglue and not-so-subtle suggestions that they should be together?

You guessed it: Daphne Rose.

I’ve been watching Daphne since she arrived on canvas, and let me tell you—this woman has the timing of a Swiss watch. The SECOND Carter’s world implodes, she’s there to “comfort” him with those perfectly timed touches and meaningful glances.

“You need to move on,” she’ll urge him, according to my sources. “Hope’s made her choice. But I’m right here…”

Is it just me, or does anyone else smell opportunism wafting through the air like an overpowering perfume?

BUT WHAT ARE DAPHNE’S TRUE INTENTIONS?

Here’s where things get really juicy. What exactly is Daphne’s endgame?

Let’s not forget that Daphne didn’t just randomly appear in L.A. She arrived with connections to Steffy Forrester, and longtime viewers know that anything connected to Steffy usually spells trouble for any Logan woman’s happiness.

Several behind-the-scenes sources have hinted that Daphne’s pursuit of Carter might be more strategic than romantic. Is she genuinely falling for the gorgeous COO, or is this all part of some master plan to drive a permanent wedge between Carter and Hope?

Murielle Hilaire is playing these scenes with just enough ambiguity that you’re never quite sure if Daphne’s heartfelt consolations are genuine or if she’s internally doing a victory dance.

One thing’s for sure—the chemistry between Carter and Daphne is OFF THE CHARTS. Whether it’s born from manipulation or real feelings, these two are about to steam up your screens!

THE MOST IRONIC TWIST OF ALL

Now here’s where the B&B writers are proving they’re at the top of their game: while Daphne is convincing Carter to move on from Hope, Liam is actually encouraging Hope to pursue a future with Carter after he’s gone!

That’s right—at the EXACT SAME TIME Carter is being pushed away from Hope, Liam is trying to push Hope back toward Carter!

Spoilers for next week reveal that despite Hope’s attempts to focus on spending whatever time Liam has left together, he’ll deliver a heartfelt plea steering her back toward Carter romantically. Liam genuinely believes Hope and Carter could live happily ever after once he’s gone.

The tragic irony is absolutely DELICIOUS! By the time Hope finally listens to Liam’s advice, Carter may have already fallen into Daphne’s waiting arms.

FANS ARE ALREADY DIVIDED

The B&B fandom is absolutely ERUPTING over this storyline. Team Darter (that’s Daphne + Carter for those not up on their soap couple nicknames) is already forming, with many viewers feeling Carter deserves someone who puts him first for a change.

“After years of being everyone’s second choice, maybe Carter needs someone who actually wants HIM,” tweeted one fan yesterday.

Others aren’t buying Daphne’s sudden interest in Carter. “She’s obviously using him to get ahead at Forrester,” wrote another viewer. “Nobody falls in love that conveniently!”

I’ve been following this show for over two decades, and I cannot REMEMBER the last time a potential couple generated this much heated debate before they’ve even shared their first kiss!

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT WILL SHOCK EVERYONE

So what can we expect in the coming weeks? My prediction is that Carter will initially resist Daphne’s advances, still nursing hopes for reconciliation with Hope. But eventually, Daphne’s persistence (and let’s be honest, her undeniable beauty) will wear down his defenses.

Just as Carter and Daphne reach a pivotal moment in their relationship—perhaps even their first real passionate kiss—that’s EXACTLY when Hope will walk in, newly enlightened by Liam’s advice and ready to give Carter another chance.

The look on Hope’s face when she sees them together? Emmy-worthy material for Annika Noelle, guaranteed.

But here’s the million-dollar question that has me losing sleep: Will Daphne’s feelings for Carter evolve into something real? Or is she just playing the long game for some ulterior motive we haven’t even discovered yet?

The most interesting villains are always the ones who start believing their own lies. Could Daphne actually fall for Carter for real, even if that wasn’t her original intention?

One thing’s for sure—next week’s episodes are NOT to be missed. Clear your schedule, charge your DVR, and stock up on wine and tissues. The emotional rollercoaster is about to leave the station!

What do YOU think? Is Daphne genuine or just opportunistic? Does Carter deserve better than being Hope’s second choice? Hit me up in the comments with your predictions!