Holden’s Shadowy Arrival in Genoa City

Since his first appearance in January 2025, Holden Novak (Nathan Owens) has been wrapped in mystery. He posed as Damian Kane, inserted himself into Genoa City business, and revealed just enough to leave everyone guessing. We know he shares a complicated past with Audra (Zuleyka Silver). We also know he is secretly partnered with Cane Ashby (Billy Flynn). But the truth about Holden remains frustratingly out of reach.

Now, three burning questions stand out — and the answers could reshape everything for the Newmans, the Abbotts, and the entire corporate world of Genoa City.

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What Really Happened Between Holden and Audra?

When Claire (Hayley Erin) asked Holden about his past with Audra during a night at Society, the timing couldn’t have been worse. Audra walked in and caught the tail end of their private conversation. Her smirk said it all — there’s a lot more history between her and Holden than she’s willing to admit.

Audra has told Nate (Sean Dominic) that she and Holden only dated a few times. But when she confided in Sally (Courtney Hope), her story was very different. She revealed she ended things because Holden’s reckless, thrill-seeking lifestyle scared her.

That raises unsettling questions. Does Holden have a violent or dangerous streak that Audra has tried to hide? Was he involved in risky, even illegal, activities in Los Angeles? And could Audra herself have been part of something shady that Holden still knows about? Their secret past could come back to haunt them both — and shake up every relationship Audra has built in Genoa City.

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What Are Holden and Cane Plotting?

Holden’s alliance with Cane is another puzzle piece fans can’t ignore. Daniel (Michael Graziadei) overheard Holden on the phone with Cane and immediately grew suspicious, especially since Phyllis (Michelle Stafford) now works for Cane. Holden dodged Daniel’s questions, but his guarded responses only made things look worse.

Cane instructed Holden to get close to Genoa City’s power players, suggesting a larger plan is already in motion. Are they targeting Chancellor Industries? Jabot? Newman Enterprises? No one knows for sure.

There’s also speculation that Cane and Holden might not just be partners — they could be family. If they turn out to be brothers, the fallout would be explosive. Lily (Christel Khalil), Devon (Bryton James), and Nate would be stunned, and loyalties inside Chancellor-Winters could collapse overnight.

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Will Holden Betray Claire?

Of all the complications surrounding Holden, his friendship with Claire may be the most delicate. Over the past few months, they’ve built a bond that has helped Claire through tough times. With her romance with Kyle (Michael Mealor) now in jeopardy, Holden’s support has become even more meaningful.

But what happens if Holden and Cane move to take over Chancellor Industries? Claire, who just earned a promotion from her grandmother Nikki (Melody Thomas Scott), would be devastated. Worse still, Holden appears to be developing romantic feelings for her. If his scheme with Cane comes to light, he risks destroying not only their friendship but also any chance of something deeper.

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Genoa City on Edge

Holden Novak has quickly become one of the most unpredictable wild cards in Genoa City. His murky past with Audra, his secret alliance with Cane, and his growing closeness to Claire all point to drama ahead. Fans are left wondering:

• Is Holden hiding a dangerous side?

• What are he and Cane planning for Chancellor Industries?

• And will Holden sacrifice Claire — the one person who truly trusts him — to achieve his goals?

One thing is clear: Holden’s secrets won’t stay buried for long. And when the truth comes out, Genoa City will never be the same.