Jennifer died from cancer, leaving the Brooks' daughters without a mother, and Stuart without a wife. In time, Stuart turned to Liz Foster for companionship. Initially, the death of their respective spouses was a reason for bringing them together. But as Stuart got to know Liz better, he realized that he was developing romantic feelings for her.

Jill, who was once again financially broke, accepted a job as a manicurist at a barbershop. When Snapper overheard a customer proposition Jill, he insisted that she quit the job. Soon after, with Brock's help, Jill landed a job at a beauty salon managed by Derek Thurston. Jill quickly found herself attracted to Derek, who was handsome and charismatic. Ironically, Katherine Chancellor was also romantically interested in Derek.

Katherine used her money to try and buy Derek's affection. After she set him up in his own salon, Derek agreed to marry her. But there was a stipulation. The marriage would only last a year and, when it ended, he'd be sole owner of the salon.

Derek confided to Jill that he had no intention of marrying Katherine--he was only interested in her money. Katherine, however, was determined to make Derek her husband. One night, she deliberately got him drunk, and then arranged a quick wedding ceremony. The next day, Derek was flabbergasted to discover that Katherine was now his wife. When Derek told Katherine that he planned to get an annulment, the stinging rejection prompted her to try and commit suicide. Fortunately, Katherine was rescued by Derek and Brock. Soon after, two thugs arrived in Genoa City with a vendetta against Derek. They wanted revenge for a business deal that had gone bad. They intended to murder Derek, but Katherine saved his life by shielding his body with her own. Katherine was shot and, after being rushed to the hospital, doctors revealed that she was paralyzed. Derek promised to stay with Katherine until she was able to walk again. He then told Jill he had decided to honor his arrangement to be Katherine's husband for one year. Jill was mortified.