Following her divorce from Cole Howard, Ashley Abbott went on a cruise to lick her wounds. She returned pregnant, though no one knew that she stole Victor Newman's sperm and inseminated herself (via Soap Central). Brad Carlton (Don Diamont), whom Ashley had a relationship with in the past, began pursuing her again. He proposed and offered to raise her baby as his own. On the day of their wedding, Ashley went into labor; she and Brad ended up getting married in her hospital room after Abby's birth.

In 2002, Ashley was diagnosed with breast cancer. While Brad stood by her side, Olivia and Drucilla Winters found out the truth about Abby's paternity and convinced Ashley to tell her husband Victor Newman was the father. Brad was furious and ended up sleeping with Olivia. However, Ashley later found out she was pregnant with Cole's baby, and the two decided to reconcile.

Months later there was a huge business-related upset between Jabot Cosmetics and Newman Enterprises. Ashley took off to confront Victor who she believed was behind the coup but was involved in a major car accident. She was rushed to the hospital; unfortunately, her baby Robert didn't survive (via Soaps in Depth). The grief of losing another child and the news that she would no longer be able to conceive caused Ashley to experience another breakdown.

She then told Victor that Abby was his daughter, and he tried to form a relationship with the little girl. Not in her right mind, Ashley asked Brad for a divorce and declared her love for Victor, who was already happily married.