Beyond The Gates - S2Ep 102 - 06.05.26 - Martin prepares for his big campaign event (1/3)

As preparations continue for Martin’s upcoming fundraiser, he and campaign manager Shonda review the event’s seating chart. Martin makes it clear that he wants his close friend Kyle Abbott, son of Genoa City businessman Jack Abbott, to attend with his family. During the review, Smitty spots a major problem: longtime rivals Victor Newman and Jack Abbott have been seated far too close to one another. Given their infamous feud, the arrangement could spell disaster. Grateful for Smitty’s keen eye, Martin and Shonda quickly revise the seating plan, placing the two men on opposite sides of the room. While discussing fundraiser logistics, Martin notices Smitty is still focused on the Impaler investigation and questions why he is working so intensely after already submitting his draft story. Smitty explains that his editor believes the case is too significant to leave at a single article and has assigned him a larger investigative series, one that will demand nearly all of his attention for the next three weeks. The revelation concerns both Martin and Shonda, who stress how important Smitty’s presence will be during the fundraiser and throughout the campaign. Smitty reassures them that his workload will not interfere with campaign appearances. He promises to attend the fundraiser and insists there will be no rumors about trouble in his relationship with Martin that could create political headaches. He plans to quietly leave after Martin’s speech, believing few people will notice. Martin, however, is disappointed by the response. He explains that Smitty’s presence is about far more than appearances; he wants the support of the person who has always been his anchor. Later, Martin visits his grandparents to discuss the fundraiser. Vernon shares exciting news: Victor Newman has officially agreed to serve as a keynote speaker. The endorsement is expected to help raise significant funds and strengthen Martin’s political future. The conversation eventually shifts to Joey Armstrong and the influence he continues to wield over the family. Vernon reveals troubling rumors that Joey may be more connected to the Impaler case than anyone realizes. The family fears that if the investigation escalates from a local story into a national scandal, it could expose secrets far beyond Joey’s control—including a favor owed by a congressman who allegedly killed a man three years earlier while acting in self-defense on a remote country road. Meanwhile, Jacob arrives at the brownstone with a controversial proposal. He wants Smitty to bait the Impaler into revealing themselves by publishing false information designed to provoke a response. Smitty immediately rejects the idea, arguing that his journalistic integrity will not allow him to knowingly publish lies. Instead, he suggests a different strategy: releasing information to the public and encouraging readers to come forward with tips or overlooked details that could aid the investigation. Jacob ultimately finds the alternative approach promising and agrees it may be their best path forward. A crossover event with The Young and the Restless and Beyond The Gates cast will take place soon. Follow @MartinandSmitty on Twitter/X