Summer Makes a Shocking Move Before Saying Her Final Tearful Farewells and Departing for Italy

At the Abbott manse, Jack learns Kyle couldn’t change Summer’s mind — she’s moving to Italy right away. “How can I just let her go?” Kyle rants that he can’t make sense of this; why would Summer throw away everything they have. He has to try and talk to her one last time.

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In the suite, Summer packs and Nick tries to cajole Phyllis into coming with them. Phyllis is surprised to hear her daughter wants to take her winter clothing. Summer reminds them this isn’t a trial run and asks them not to pretend to be supportive while hoping to change her mind. She reminds them great things are rarely easy. Nick goes to see to the storage unit and Phyllis follows. Once alone, Summer fights tears as she packs a photo of her and Kyle, and flashes to Tara threatening to make sure Kyle never sees Harrison again if she doesn’t take the job.

At Newman Media, Victor and Nikki talk about Summer going to Milan and recall when Victoria went away. Nikki questions why it was so abrupt, but Victor thinks finding out your fiancé has a three year-old with an ex-lover would make anyone run. Nikki just hopes she’s going for the right reasons.

Kyle arrives at the hotel suite where Phyllis tells him Summer’s gone to say her goodbyes. Kyle wants help convincing her to stay and wonders where she got the idea that he is interested in Tara — was it from Nick? Phyllis denies it and tells Kyle that he’s put her daughter in a no-win situation with this ready-made family. She’s not blaming him, and doesn’t think Summer is either, but he has to accept there’s nothing left to fight for. Kyle notices that Summer packed a framed photo of them and rushes out.

At Crimson Lights, Summer tells Mariah and Faith her plans. Mariah leaves the sisters to talk. Faith is stunned to hear that Kyle isn’t going with her and that there isn’t going to be a wedding. Summer explains that it’s complicated; she’s trying to stand up for herself just as Faith did.

Faith’s ride arrives and she leaves after telling Summer she loves her. Mariah reappears and tells Summer she’s a real piece of work trashing Kyle’s heart like this. Summer doesn’t expect her to understand, but Mariah snarks that she understands completely. She reveals she was actually pulling for them this time, but it turns out she’s still selfish. Summer wishes her luck with the pregnancy. Mariah says, “Goodbye, Snowflake,” and shakes her head as Summer walks out.

Kyle arrives at the coffee house where Mariah rants, “Good riddance,” about Summer. Kyle warns her to stop with the nasty comments. Mariah apologizes but goes on about her bailing without trying to even make things work. Kyle decides he has to convince her they can make this work and takes off.

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At Society, Lauren asks Sally if she’s aware Summer’s leaving JCV to take the position at Marchetti. Sally has heard rumors. Lauren thinks she’s more plugged in than that. Summer appears and Sally congratulates her on the new gig — as jealous as she is, she’s happy for her. Summer wanted to see Lauren before she leaved. Lauren’s shocked but happy for her as well. Sally leaves them to chat after wishing Summer all the best in Italy, and goes to text Tara near the door. She says Summer’s going to screw her on her way out… at least one of them will get what they want.

Back at the table, Lauren marvels, “That’s quite the suggestion.” Summer appreciates how gracious she’s being and will be forever grateful that she brought her on at JCV. Lauren loved working with her.

As Summer’s walking out, she runs into Billy, who is shocked to hear the wedding’s off and she’s leaving for Italy tonight. He presumes his child and his ex had something to do with her decision. Summer asks Billy to be there for Kyle when he needs a friend. Billy doesn’t think Kyle wants anything to do with him, but he’ll try to help in any way he can. He says he’s pulling for her and she goes.

Later, Lauren and Sally reconvene. Lauren knows Sally wanted the job in Italy and gives her a pep talk about her confidence; she and Summer are both talented and experienced. Sally would like a chance to prove herself and feels she’s ready to step into Summer’s shoes. She’s stunned when Lauren tells her that Summer suggested Sally replace her as president of JCV. She’ll give her an opportunity to prove herself. Sally’s stunned.

At the door, Billy tells Kyle that he missed Summer. Kyle wonders if it’s time to give up. Billy would bet on the chance that he has a chance until that plane takes off — if he doesn’t try he’ll live with the regret.

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At Chancellor Park, Jack is surprised to run into Summer and tells her the position is a great opportunity. He advises her that Kyle is looking for her and wants to make her stay. Summer replies that Kyle needs to let her go; it’s the best thing for everybody. She cries, “Please, Jack. Please help him see that.” Jack recalls the toll it took on everyone’s lives when he learned he was Kyle’s father. Summer knows they share the same deep commitment to family. She sees how much Kyle loves being a dad, but she’s not ready for those things yet. They remember how Jack once thought she was his daughter and he vows to do what he can to help his son. “Wherever you are, whatever time of day or night. Whatever you need, you can call on me.”

At Newman Media, Victoria is on hand to say farewell to Summer, who thanks her for the help setting her up in Italy. Nikki hopes this is something she truly wants. Summer’s excited for the challenge but is a little nervous. Victor assures her she’s ready. They all express their love. Victoria and Nikki know she’ll be kicking butt in the grand tradition of Newman women. Victor and Nikki will see her when they go to Florence. Nikki hopes she’ll come home often as well.

In the park, Kyle learns via a phone call that Summer’s plane hasn’t left yet, jumps a hedge, and runs off.

Summer rejoins Phyllis in her suite and says, “Well, I guess this is it.” Phyllis replies that this isn’t goodbye and that she’ll visit her daughter in Milan. “Maybe I can build a Grand Phoenix there.” She starts to cry, “The world is yours. Everything is yours. My beautiful daughter.” Phyllis goes on that Summer isn’t going to take anything from anyone because she’s her daughter. Summer will reboot her life in Milan and tells Phyllis she’s her hero and inspires her every day. They’re both crying as Summer hopes she’s half as brave as her when she needs to be. Phyllis marvels that Angelina Marchetti won’t know what hit her. They’ll miss each other like crazy and tearfully embrace. Phyllis reiterates that this is not goodbye.

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At the Abbott mansion, Tara tells Jack she’s meeting with Lauren today about her shoe line. She was hoping to see Kyle beforehand, but Jack tells her he’s busy looking for Summer to try and talk her out of going to Italy. Tara feels terrible and hopes Kyle doesn’t blame her or Harrison. Jack reassures her — this is Summer’s decision. He adds that once she’s gone, Kyle will take a great deal of comfort from his son. Tara smiles. After, Billy shows up and reveals to Jack that he advised Kyle to go after Summer. Jack’s dismayed, but Billy argues they can make it work. Jack told his son that some things are not meant to be — love does not conquer all and sometimes things don’t go as planned.

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In the hotel lobby, Nick spots Kyle and implores, “Don’t do this.” Summer tells Kyle he’s not going to change her mind, it’s made up.

At Society, Tara joins Sally and Lauren, who announces that Sally is acting president of JCV. Lauren steps away and Sally confides that Summer recommended her to replace her — she nearly fell out of her chair. Tara muses that it looks like they’re both getting what they want. Sally won’t relax until Summer gets on the plane.

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Back in the Grand Phoenix, Kyle makes his appeal to Summer — in time she’ll grow to love Harrison; their future is so bright. Summer cries that there’s no future for them, he has nothing left to fight for. He blurts, “For you.” Summer assures him he’ll have a wonderful life. He’ll move on from her and she’ll move on from him. She kisses him deeply and they clasp hands. She pulls away and walks out. Kyle looks down and sees her engagement ring in the palm of his hand.

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Outside, Summer chokes back tears, collects herself, and continues on her way.

Next on The Young and the Restless: Nikki grills Victoria.

Look back on Summer and Kyle’s engagement in Chancellor Park in the photo gallery below. Get your free daily soap-opera fix for The Young and the Restless — and all of the other daytime dramas — delivered straight to your email inbox by signing up for Soaps.com’s newsletter.

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