Is this Ian and Jordan’s Plan for Mariah and Claire After Young and the Restless December 16?

On the Monday, December 16 episode of The Young and the Restless, Ian was downright giddy to learn that Mariah and Claire were friends now. Jordan was a lot less enthused. She told her niece, “No friends! They’re too distracting!” But what if both Ian and Jordan can take advantage of this friendship to get what they both want?

Taken By Force

Earlier, we assumed that taking Aria would be the best way for Ian (Ray Wise) to control Mariah (Camryn Grimes) and for Jordan (Colleen Zenk) to get to the Newmans. But who wants the hassle of taking care of a baby? They’re so sticky. And you can’t threaten them into silence like Jordan could with Harrison (Redding Munsell).

It’s much better to kidnap an adult—especially one you can control.

MORE: Find out what happens next on Y&R.

The Right Girl

We do not doubt that if Jordan were to reach out to Claire (Hayley Erin), her niece would respond and go to meet her. And then Jordan and Ian could snatch her. And use her to control Mariah—without any baby drool.

Mariah will want to help her friend even if that means sacrificing Sharon (Sharon Case). Mariah may assume Sharon has Nick (Joshua Morrow) to protect her, while Claire needs Mariah.

READ MORE: See a peek at what happens next on Y&R.

Other Way Around

On the other hand, Ian could use Tessa (Cait Fairbanks) to get to Mariah, like he told Jordan he would do, and then use Mariah to get to Claire and from Claire to all the Newmans that Jordan wants to take out.

The big question will come down to who will get their way first, and who will use whom to do it?

Double Nuts

Of course, messing with both girls will mean getting all their parents involved. Sharon, Victoria (Amelia Heinle), and Cole (J. Eddie Peck) will never stand for this. And if Victor (Eric Braeden), Nikki (Melody Thomas Scott), and Jack (Peter Bergman)—via Kyle (Michael Mealor)—are pulled in, well, then Jordan and Ian will really know they’ve miscalculated!