In the January 28 episode of The Young and the Restless, Mariah crossed the line between fear and action, turning a lie she told herself into a choice that permanently altered multiple lives. What began as emotional confusion hardened into resolve as Mariah took Dominic and committed to a path she could no longer undo, setting off a crisis that left Abby and Devon spiraling and gave Ian exactly the leverage he wanted.
Key Takeaways
Mariah took Dominic and committed fully to the lie that she was protecting him.
Abby and Devon realized too late that their son had been taken.
Ian successfully pushed Mariah past hesitation and into action.
Mariah Takes Dominic and Makes the Lie Real
Mariah (Camryn Grimes) arrived at the motel with Dominic (Ethan Ray Clark, who recently took over the role), believing she could still talk herself out of what she had done. She framed the moment as temporary, a pause rather than a theft, but her behavior told a different story. By creating distance, changing locations, and preparing explanations, Mariah turned impulse into intent.
Ian (Ray Wise) remained at her side, reinforcing the narrative she needed to hear. He reminded her of the bond she formed carrying Dominic, reframing that history as ownership rather than sacrifice. Every doubt Mariah voiced was met with reassurance that she was finally choosing herself, even as the consequences mounted.
When Dominic asked questions about his parents, Mariah filled the silence with promises she hoped she could keep. Each answer pushed her further from reality and deeper into the lie she insisted was protection.
Abby and Devon Realize Dominic Is Gone
Back at home, Abby (Melissa Ordway) and Devon (Bryton James) sensed immediately that something was wrong. The absence felt wrong, too quiet, too final. What began as frantic searching quickly turned into dread as evidence suggested someone had been watching and waiting.
Abby’s certainty that Dominic would never wander off collided with the terrifying truth that he hadn’t. Devon struggled to stay grounded, but panic crept in as every possibility narrowed. By the time authorities were contacted, the emotional damage was already done.
Their fear wasn’t just about where Dominic was. It was about who might have taken him, and why.
Ian Gets Exactly What He Wanted
Ian didn’t need to force Mariah’s hand. He simply removed every emotional escape route. By positioning himself as the only one who truly understood her pain, he ensured that once she acted, she would feel trapped into continuing.
Mariah’s breakdown wasn’t weakness. It was the cost of realizing that love, guilt, and manipulation had blurred beyond recognition. Taking Dominic wasn’t the end of the story. It was the beginning of a chase defined by fear, deception, and irreversible damage.
Ian watched it all unfold, confident that Mariah’s guilt would keep her compliant long after regret set in.
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