General Hospital Nurses' Ball Sneak Peek: Lucy Gets a Backstage Surprise

General Hospital‘s Lucy is sporting sequins, a headset and a don’t-mess-with-me expression on her face: Must be Nurses’ Ball time again!

The ABC soap’s beloved charity event, founded by Lynn Herring’s character in 1994 to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS, is back the week of May 22 and full of song, dance, drama and intrigue. (Oh, and stripping. There’ll probably be some stripping.)

But it wouldn’t be Nurses’ Ball if there weren’t some behind-the-scenes tension bubbling backstage. In this exclusive clip from Wednesday’s episode (ABC, check your local listings), Lucy is in her emcee groove, pulling double duty as she simultaneously stage-manages and touches up her makeup, when Valentin Cassadine slinks into her dressing room.

For those who aren’t aware or might need a refresher: The two aren’t friends. And, as Lucy hastily points out, the Cassadine heir once put a bullet into her former love, Dr. Kevin Collins, so she’s not inclined to hear him out.

But money talks. So when Valentine starts talking about seven figures and such, Lucy promptly changes her mind. (Our girl always was a shrewd businesswoman, right?)

This year’s Nurses’ Ball — GH‘s 13th — is sponsored by Burt’s Bees and will feature performances of music by contemporary musicians who’ve recently passed away, including David Bowie. Also on tap: a cameo by Extra host Mario Lopez, who’ll work the fictional red carpet alongside Port Charles’ Nina (played by Michelle Stafford).

Press PLAY on the clip above to see what happens — and to get a look at one of Lucy’s many gowns from the event — then hit the comments: What’s your favorite Nurses’ Ball performance of all time?