Days of Our Lives Update
Update written by Joseph
Belle gets out of bed and calls Paulina, who is in the town square with Abe. Belle says she knows they have a meeting later this afternoon but asks if they can push it so she can take a personal day. Paulina says it would be no problem at all. Paulina says the trial is over and Kristen has been arrested, so maybe Belle can finally get her life back to normal. Belle responds that she doesn’t know if that’s possible.
Jada comes home to her and Stephanie’s apartment where she’s surprised to find Alex in a towel.
Stephanie joins Xander at the Titan-DiMera office. Xander assumes Alex filled her in on why they were bringing her in. Stephanie confirms that it’s about coming up with a strategy in case Philip’s fraud comes out. Xander says they are hoping that doesn’t happen but want to be prepared if it does. Stephanie tells him that she has a plan but she’s not sure Xander is going to like it.
Steve is in his office, on the phone with Paul. Steve thanks him for getting back to him so soon and says it gave him exactly what he needed to crack this case. Steve says he owes him as they hang up. Steve then declares that Philip is a bad, bad boy.
Philip wakes up in bed with Gabi. Philip admits he thought he was dreaming for a second. They agree this was unexpected. Philip didn’t think agreeing to lunch would turn in to dinner which turned in to this. Philip comments on his history of jumping in to bed without thinking. Gabi asks who says she wasn’t thinking as she then kisses Philip.
Abe and Paulina look through books in the town square in front of the bookstore. Abe notes Paulina becoming distracted as she reads through Stephanie’s “One Stormy Night” novel. They laugh together as Paulina jokes that reading any more of that will make her sweaty. Paulina remembers she has a meeting with Jada and tells Abe that she’ll come back after so they can grab a bite to eat. Paulina then exits and Abe then picks up One Stormy Night.
Alex apologizes to Jada as he thought she already left for work. Jada explains that she did but forgot a file she needed. Alex asks if she has seen Stephanie since she was gone when he woke up. Jada says she was gone when she left this morning too. Alex wonders where she went.
Stephanie suggests to Xander that they have to prevent the truth from coming out. Xander asks what if they can’t. Stephanie says she will get on the case and see what she can do. Stephanie talks about Philip’s fraud being able to undercut the deal because he was never a legit CEO but says there is something Xander can do to help and possibly salvage the deal which Xander questions. Stephanie tells him that he can draw up legal papers, officially naming Philip as co-CEO and putting Victor’s wishes to paper, putting this issue to bed once and for all. Xander questions rewarding Philip by signing over half of everything to him. Stephanie figured he wouldn’t like it. Xander confirms that he hates it.
Philip tells Gabi that maybe they can do this again sometime which Gabi says she would like. Gabi brings up that they almost slept together just a few years ago. Philip remembers but says it would’ve been a mistake then since she was hung up on Jake. Gabi says that this time felt right. Gabi kisses Philip and then goes to leave his room right as Belle arrives at the door.
Paulina meets Jada in her office at the police station. Paulina tells Jada that she wanted to talk to her about AI since it was used to doctor the footage of Chanel and EJ. Paulina is convinced that EJ had something to do with it and that he must have paid someone off in the forensics department. Jada says she thought that too so she got a warrant to check the bank accounts of everyone who had a copy of the video to see if there were any unusual deposits but nothing came up and forensics insist it was an honest mistake.
Gabi goes home where Arianna confronts her and questions where she has been. Gabi questions her being up before noon while Arianna talks about being worried sick when Gabi didn’t come home or answer any of her text messages. Gabi apologizes and claims her phone died. Arianna questions her not having a charger. Gabi says she forgets things from time to time. Gabi says she has work to do but Arianna says she doesn’t get to go anywhere until she tells her why she didn’t come home last night.
Philip is sure Belle has questions about he and Gabi but Belle says it’s fine as she didn’t come to gather detail about his salacious sex life. Philip asks why she is here then. Belle responds that she came to warn him that she knows who is looking in to Titan-DiMera and they are getting very close to uncovering his secret. Philip questions how she knows this and who the hell it is.
Steve texts Stephanie that he needs to see her and asks her to come to his office right away.
Xander tells Stephanie that even if he went along with this, it doesn’t mean the deal can’t go belly up. Stephanie feels it might help bolster his defense of the takeover. Xander feels it doesn’t guarantee the deal won’t get nullified somehow and he’d still lose half of everything so he feels it’s not worth the risk. Stephanie points out that if the secret does come out and he does nothing to secure Philip’s position. Stephanie tells him to imagine being in Philip’s shoes and asks what’s to stop Philip from turning Xander over to the police if he did assault him and he’d end up losing everything.
Paulina tells Jada that from here on out, she will make sure the police get caught up with AI technology. Paulina says on a happier note, she’s glad that Chanel is no longer wrongfully accused. Paulina asks if the judge set a date for Kristen’s sentencing. Jada says not yet. Paulina hopes that the judge throws the book at Kristen. Jada says it still boggles her mind that Kristen almost let her own nephew take the fall for a crime she committed. Paulina says that’s just how the DiMeras are and remarks that you’d have to be out of your mind to even trust someone with the last name DiMera, apart from Johnny and Chanel.
Gabi apologizes to Arianna for making her worry but says she doesn’t have to explain herself, reminding her that she’s an adult. Arianna argues against how Gabi reacted and treated her in the same situation, then comes to the realization that Gabi had sex last night. Gabi argues that she’s allowed to have a love life and says there’s a big difference in Arianna being 18 and scaring her family. Arianna says she doesn’t want a lecture. Arianna didn’t realize Gabi was seeing someone. Gabi responds that she’s not and that it just sort of happened. Arianna hopes for this chill vibe the next time it just sort of happens for her. Gabi remarks that as long as it’s not with a sketchy bad boy who owes money to loan sharks. Arianna asks if she wants her to go back to dating boring normal guys. Gabi confirms she would prefer that and so would Will and Sonny. Gabi remarks that Will and Sonny are going to have their hands full when Arianna goes back home. Arianna then reveals that she wants to stay in Salem to go to school which surprises Gabi, who says she would love that. Arianna admits she already enrolled. Gabi calls it the best news ever as they hug.
Philip demands names from Belle as to who has been snooping around Titan-DiMera. Belle thinks back to talking to Steve about his investigation, but tells Philip that she’s sorry but she can’t tell him. Philip questions the point of warning him then. Belle thinks it’s important for Philip to just come forward and admit he forged the letter from Victor if it’s going to come out anyway. Philip argues that it won’t come out if she just tells him who is coming after his company. Belle repeats that she’s sorry but she can’t help him. Philip complains about her not being a friend after all the favors he’s done for her. Belle argues that she was trying to help him. Philip then stops and apologizes for being a jerk, saying he’s obviously under a lot of stress and he feels terrible. Belle says it’s not just about him, it’s everything.
Alex joins Xander in the Titan-DiMera office. Xander informs Alex that he just had a meeting with Stephanie, who said she would see if she could stop the truth about Philip’s fraud coming out and she also said that he should sign over half of the company to Philip because Stephanie is convinced he could defend his role in the takeover. Alex thinks it might be worth a shot while Xander thinks hiring Stephanie was a waste of time and money. Alex argues that Stephanie didn’t want the job in the first place and only took it because he asked her which only happened because Xander forced his hand, so he thinks Xander should show some gratitude. Xander responds that he’ll show gratitude when Stephanie delivers him something other than a half baked idea. Alex argues that Stephanie is amazing at her job and warns Xander about disrespecting her. Xander asks if it’s going to make him quit.
Stephanie goes to see Steve in his office and says she actually wanted to talk to him too. Steve asks if it has to do with Philip. Stephanie assumes he’s continued his investigation. Steve confirms he has and he’s come across some very interesting information. Steve reveals that it turns out that Philip has no legitimate claim to his inheritance or to the co-CEO position at Titan-DiMera, but guesses Stephanie already knew that which she confirms.
Paulina rejoins Abe in the town square and says her meeting was productive. Paulina suggests they get a table at the Bistro but Abe gets a call from his son, Theo. Abe tells him to slow down and tell him what’s wrong.
Arianna finishes a call with Will and Sonny, thanking them for being so cool about her decision to stay in Salem. Arianna hangs up and tells Gabi that they are totally on board. Gabi says she’s so excited that she’s staying. Gabi suggests having weekly girls nights and promises to give her plenty of space. Arianna then reveals that she plans on living in the dorms. Gabi questions her moving out. Arianna says it’s just across town and jokes that Gabi won’t have to worry about sneaking back in. Arianna says she’s going to grab breakfast so they hug as Arianna then exits.
Philip asks Belle to sit down and talk to him. He asks if she’s still upset about her break up with EJ, arguing that he’s not worth a single tear drop. Belle admits she misses EJ even though most of her wants to hate him but part of her still loves him. Philip asks if she’s thinking about getting back together. Belle assures that she’s not and talks about having the trial as distraction from her break up and her father’s death. Philip praises Belle and promises it will get better in time. Philip tells Belle that he will be there to help her through if she needs him as they hug.
Stephanie questions how Steve figured it out. Steve explains that now that Paul is with the ISA, he asked him for access to the original records from Xander and Philip’s court case concerning Philip’s claim on the Titan fortune. Steve says once he had that, he had Paul analyze Victor’s letter and their handwriting expert said if it was a forgery, it was a very good one but the ISA studied the ink formulation and learned that the ink used to write the letter wasn’t commercially available until January of last year, well after Victor died, so he couldn’t have written the letter. Stephanie calls that impressive detective work. Steve states that he’s shared what he knows, so he asks Stephanie to return the favor.
Alex tells Xander that he’s not going to quit, but if he keeps running his mouth about Stephanie like that, they are going to have a big problem. Xander decides they’ll just drop the subject. Alex asks about Xander starting his anger management sessions with Marlena because he hopes that a happier boss could mean a happier work place.
Steve tells Stephanie that considering how many people know about Philip’s forgery, he’s surprised the truth hasn’t come out already. Stephanie says that’s because there’s a lot on the line and if the truth comes out, the entire Titan-DiMera deal could unravel which is why Xander kept a lid on it. Stephanie adds that she’s now asking Steve to do the same. Stephanie asks if Steve even cares if the DiMeras get their company back. Steve admits he doesn’t, so Stephanie asks him to just let this one go. Stephanie points out that besides the DiMeras, no one gets hurt if they keep this on the DL. Steve says that’s not entirely true. Stephanie pleads with him to do it as a favor to her. Stephanie knows it’s asking a lot but says it’s really important to her, so Steve agrees to let it go. Steve calls it a choice between some client and his daughter, so he will choose her every time. Steve knows from experience that a secret like this doesn’t stay under wraps in the long run, so he warns her to prepare Alex for the inevitable.
Abe tells Theo that he loves him and to hang in there as he hangs up. Paulina asks what is up with Theo. Abe says he’s still having a rough time after his break up with Claire. Paulina wishes she could give him a big hug so it’s too bad he lives in South Africa. Abe admits he misses him so much along with Brandon, Eli, Lani, and the kids. Paulina suggests they visit their children soon. Abe responds that if he’s learned one thing from John’s passing, it’s that time is precious. Paulina agrees that they should make a point to spend as much time with their family as they can.
Xander takes Victoria on a walk past the Brady Pub, saying he’s glad to spend time with her and get away from the office. Xander remarks that everyone there thinks he should be nicer to Philip, but he doesn’t think cheating and swindling should be rewarded with kindness.
Belle apologizes to Philip for being such a downer and says it’s good she took a personal day because going in to the office, she would just make everyone miserable. Philip asks what she’s going to do with her day off. Belle thought she would just go home and crawl back in bed but Philip says she can’t do that. Belle suggests drowning her sorrows in ice cream but Philip decides they should play hooky together.
Stephanie goes home and says she didn’t think Alex would still be there as she thought he had a meeting with Xander. Alex responds that he did but thought it’d be nice to work from home today. Stephanie tells him that her home is his. Alex thanks her but doesn’t know if Jada would agree, joking that he accidentally put on a little show for her this morning. Alex guesses they just missed each other at the office as he didn’t know she had a meeting with Xander too. Stephanie says he called her at the last minute and guesses he wasn’t too pleased with the advice she gave him. Alex confirms he wasn’t completely on board but he’s sure eventually Xander will see the wisdom of her plan. Stephanie says as it turns out, she doesn’t think Xander has to worry about Philip’s secret coming out anytime soon. Alex asks what makes her say that. Stephanie reveals that she knows who was looking in to the Titan-DiMera deal and they’ve agreed to drop it.
Steve goes to see Gabi at home. Gabi asks if he found dirt on Xander and Philip. Steve reveals that he came to return her retainer because he’s decided he can’t work on this case any longer, leaving Gabi shocked.
Abe reveals to Paulina that he bought her a copy of “One Stormy Night”. Paulina excitedly says she can’t wait to read it. Abe says he skimmed through it a little bit and jokes that he might have to borrow it when she’s done. Paulina suggests they read it together in bed which Abe agrees to.
Philip clears his work schedule and asks Belle what she wants to do on their day off. Belle reminds him of the time he talked her in to cutting class in high school. Philip jokes that he still can’t believe she went along with it. Philip suggests riding horses again like they did then, so they exit together.
Xander gets a text from Marlena, wanting to confirm his appointment for tomorrow. Xander tells Victoria that if he doesn’t want to lose custody of her, he doesn’t have a choice.
At the Brady Pub, Jada runs in to Arianna, who is reading One Stormy Night. Jada comments that it seems like everywhere she goes, someone is reading that book. Arianna notes that it’s all over social media too and asks if Jada has read it. Jada confirms she has and that it’s pretty racy. Arianna calls the writing amazing and they laugh together about it. Arianna mentions trying to look up the author but she couldn’t find anything on Anastasia Sands. Jada says she understands it’s her first novel. Arianna wonders if it’s her real name.
Alex questions Stephanie as to who has agreed to drop it, who was looking in to the takeover, and how she even figured this out. Stephanie responds that she can’t say. Alex asks if she knows why they were sniffing around in the first place. Stephanie asks him not to interrogate her. Alex argues that this kind of affects him and asks what she can say. Stephanie says that it’s all over, so Xander can rest easy for now. Stephanie asks Alex to just trust her. Alex guesses he doesn’t have much choice and tells her good work.
Gabi questions why Steve is quitting. Steve says he can’t explain and apologizes. Steve advises Gabi to leave well enough alone and then exits. Gabi says like hell she will.
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