Victor’s obsession with keeping Claire away from Kyle may go deeper than anyone expected Now that secrets from France have surfaced, Claire’s family is worried – and Kyle is staying silent. How far will Victor go before everything comes crashing down?

The July 31 episode of The Young and the Restless took a dramatic turn that even long-time fans didn’t see coming. Victor Newman, never one to be subtle, has made it abundantly clear that his contempt for Claire’s relationship with Kyle has escalated far beyond reason. It’s no longer a matter of disapproval—it’s personal, unhinged, and bordering on fanatical obsession.

And why? That’s the million-dollar question.

Let’s not forget the glaring hypocrisy here: Just months ago, Kyle was married to Victor’s other granddaughter, Summer. Victor didn’t seem to care nearly as much about that relationship. Sure, he has a longstanding grudge against Phyllis, Summer’s mother, but does that somehow make Summer less worthy of his protection? Victor’s lack of fury back then, compared to the volcanic rage he’s unleashing now, feels like a double standard the size of Genoa City.

Victor’s treatment of Claire is disturbing, especially considering everything she’s been through. This is a young woman who was psychologically abused by her unhinged aunt, only to finally find family and a shred of peace. And now, her own grandfather is using that very trauma as a weapon to control her decisions? It’s a low blow—even by Victor’s ruthless standards.

Victor’s Crusade Reaches the Breaking Point

Victor has never been one to play fair. But his latest antics are on another level. After Kyle smugly rubbed salt in Audra’s wounds—mocking her failed attempt to seduce him and her failure to secure funding for her cosmetics venture—Victor’s anger ignited like dry brush in the desert sun.

Kyle’s arrogance didn’t help matters. His smirk and cocky attitude seemed to fuel Victor’s vendetta. Victor had already taken extreme steps by trying to orchestrate a honey trap with Audra. But if that didn’t work, who’s to say he wouldn’t just fabricate the entire affair anyway?

Would it really be a stretch for Victor Newman to lie?

A Web of Lies on the Horizon

Let’s imagine the next phase of Victor’s plan. He tells Claire that Kyle slept with Audra. And Audra, ever the opportunist, backs up the claim. It’s classic Newman manipulation—layered, cruel, and devastating.

Then comes the emotional blackmail.

Victor won’t just be disappointed if Claire doesn’t believe him—he’ll be heartbroken in the most melodramatic fashion imaginable. We’re talking full Shakespearean betrayal: “twisting the dagger,” “spitting in his face,” “dancing on his grave.” He’ll make it clear that trusting Kyle over him is not just a choice—it’s a betrayal of their entire familial bond.

The cruelty is staggering, particularly when directed at someone as vulnerable as Claire. This is a woman desperate for love and acceptance, and Victor is prepared to strip it all away—unless she does exactly what he wants.

Claire’s Test of Loyalty

So what happens when Claire is forced to choose between the man she loves and the grandfather who claims to love her—conditionally, of course? That’s the cliffhanger that The Young and the Restless is dangling, and it’s bound to pull viewers into a swirl of tension, tears, and tornadoes of deceit.

If Claire chooses to believe Kyle, she risks losing her family all over again. But if she sides with Victor, she might be walking straight into another toxic relationship—this time with someone who uses love as leverage.

Victor Newman has always been a complicated man, but this time, he may have gone too far. And as his tactics grow more desperate, one can’t help but wonder: How much damage is he willing to inflict on the people he claims to protect?

One thing is certain—this war isn’t over. Not by a long shot.

The July 31 episode of The Young and the Restless took a dramatic turn that even long-time fans didn’t see coming. Victor Newman, never one to be subtle, has made it abundantly clear that his contempt for Claire’s relationship with Kyle has escalated far beyond reason. It’s no longer a matter of disapproval—it’s personal, unhinged,…