Diane and Kyle.

Diane laid her cards on the table for Kyle on the June 30 episode of The Young and the Restless. She all but drew him a picture and used finger puppets to illustrate. But Kyle assured his mommy that he was a smart, big boy, and he was totes in control of the situation. Audra isn’t playing him. How could Audra play him when he’s so smart? There is nothing Diane could say that would convince him. Which is why the time for talk is over. And the time for action has begun.

Expert Is

Diane (Susan Walters) has been a schemer since before Kyle (Michael Mealor) was born. Literally. He wouldn’t even exist if Diane hadn’t tried to trick Victor (Eric Braeden) by stealing his sperm… but ended up with Jack’s (Peter Bergman), instead.

Diane faked her own death and nearly got Nikki (Melody Thomas Scott) sent to prison for it. Then, when her scheme came out, she managed to shrug it all off and got Jack to not just fall in love, but marry her.

This is a master class in plotting. If Kyle were smart, he’d listen closely. Alas, Kyle is very, very dumb.

See Your True Colors

That’s why, even though Kyle can’t see how Audra (Zuleyka Silver) is pulling his strings, Diane most certainly can. She knows there’s more to Audra and Victor (Eric Braeden) than just business, and she understands that Kyle — and Jack — are the real targets.

So if the men in her life aren’t willing to take up arms in their own defense, then it’s down to Diane. And, in a battle between Kyle’s mom and Kyle’s ex, our money will be on Diane every time.

However, if Victor lowers himself to stepping in, all bets are off. Victor always wins. Which will mean an advantage for Audra. Until Victor decides to cut her out, too.