Young and the Restless: Ian Ward & Jordan Howard Set up Sharon and Murdered Heather

You’re listening to Soap Dirt, your source for the latest in television entertainment news. Hey, Y&R fans! Guess what? Christmas just came early because mega-villain Ian Ward is back, and he’s conspiring with the ever-crazy Jordan Howard. These two have set up Sharon and killed Heather—but the big question is, why?

I’m Belinda from Soap Dirt, and I’ve got all the answers you need about this incredible sweeps twist that I teased in yesterday’s early edition spoilers. If you haven’t already, please click subscribe! Let’s dive into this because I am beyond excited. Ian Ward is one of my all-time favorite villains.

So, if you’re current on the US episodes, you’ve seen Phyllis get lured away from Daniel and drive to Sharon’s house to get a confession for Heather’s murder—or so she thought. Sharon didn’t send those texts; her phone was missing. Meanwhile, Sharon was also headed home after searching for her phone at Crimson Lights. In Wednesday’s episode, Phyllis was distracted by texts supposedly from Sharon and crashed into a tree after an oncoming car ran her off the road. This fiery crash makes it look like Sharon was about to confess to killing Heather—and everyone, including Phyllis, buys it.

The Thursday episode’s big twist? Ian Ward and Jordan Howard are revealed as the masterminds. But why are they targeting Sharon and Heather? And what about Phyllis, Daniel, and the rest—are they collateral damage or primary targets?

Let’s start with Heather’s connection to Ian Ward. Ian, a notorious cult leader, ran the “New World” cult that included Nikki Newman and Heather’s father, Paul Williams. Paul’s dad eventually rescued them, and the commune burned down, sending Ian to prison. Killing Paul’s daughter, Heather, could be revenge for destroying his cult.

Now, why frame Sharon? The history is complicated. Sharon’s daughter, Mariah, was secretly sold at birth to Ian, who raised her in his second cult, “The Path.” Mariah later came to Genoa City, hired by Victor to gaslight Sharon due to her resemblance to Cassie. Ian’s twisted hold on Mariah and his vendetta against the Newmans runs deep. He even drugged Mariah and forced her into a sham marriage, using her to con Sharon.

Ian’s history with Sharon and the Newmans involves years of manipulation, grudges, and con artistry. Nikki’s troubled past, Victor’s ruthless tactics, and Paul’s connection through Heather all make them targets. Jordan Howard’s involvement adds another layer—she loathes the Newmans, and Victor once held her captive, lying to the authorities about her discovery.

So, how did Ian and Jordan reconnect and escape without alerting their victims? And why target Heather and frame Sharon? One theory is that they drugged Sharon, triggering her erratic behavior and hallucinations. This scenario fits the murder of Heather and incriminates Sharon with those planted texts.

With Sharon’s arrest imminent, Phyllis’s crash implicates her as well, and Daniel will be exonerated. Meanwhile, Ian and Jordan’s true plans remain hidden, free to strike again. Victor, who’s orchestrated so many schemes, might finally face consequences. Could Ian and Jordan’s next target be the Newman patriarch himself?

This twist promises to unravel in dramatic fashion. Ian Ward’s return brings a welcome blast from the past, and if you’re new to Y&R, buckle up—you’re in for a wild ride.