Days of Our Lives Update
Update written by Joseph
Kayla sits at her desk in her office at the hospital and looks at a framed photo of her and Steve. Stephanie walks in with food and says she misses him too.
Steve goes to Marlena’s hotel room in Estonia. Steve tells Marlena that the ISA has been working through the night to try to decrypt the file they found. Marlena asks if they are closer to bringing John home.
Philip exits the Brady Pub and runs in to Alex. Philip tells Alex that he understands what he’s feeling. Alex promises that whatever he thinks he knows, it’s worse. Philip guesses Alex wishes he could be locked up which Alex says would be a start. Philip says he won’t defend what he did as he lied his way in to inheritance but it’s working out well. Alex argues that it’s working for him. Philip says it’s working for the whole family as they accomplished Victor’s dream of taking over DiMera. Philip states that Victor would be proud of them all which Alex questions.
Sarah enters the living room of the Kiriakis Mansion and asks if anyone’s home but no one answers. Sarah looks up at the portrait of Victor and says not to look at her like he never kept a secret from his family. Maggie then comes in and startles Sarah. Sarah comments on it being quiet in the house. Maggie informs her that she gave the staff the night off since it seems the trash took itself out which Sarah questions. Maggie clarifies that it looks like they have rid themselves of Vivian Alamain as she presents the letter she was left.
Xander finishes a call about new security measures, remarking that he can’t have just anyone wandering off the street in to his brand new office. Vivian then walks in to the office. Vivian remarks that one can never be too careful about who walks in to executive suites. Xander questions what she’s doing there. Vivian knows he’s going to have security throw her out, but she thinks he will want to hear what she has to say about his brother.
Steve tells Marlena that he’s sorry that the ISA have not been able to decrypt the file yet, but they do think they are close. Marlena complains about the nuclear bomb being out there and John being held hostage. Steve says he tried to get in to see Orpheus, but only his medical team have been allowed to see him since he was shot. Marlena argues that a psychiatrist could gain access to him.
Kayla asks if Stephanie just came to check on her and bring her lunch. Kayla questions what’s going on with her. Stephanie claims it’s nothing but then admits that she’s freaking out and needs her mom as Kayla hugs her.
Philip tells Alex that he thinks of all people, Victor would understand why he did what he did, pointing out that the ends are a big win for Titan. Philip says they only took over DiMera because he and Xander worked together. Alex blames it on what was going on with EJ and Kristen. Alex warns Philip that if the truth comes out, it will all come crashing down. Philip thanks Alex for not saying anything to Xander. Alex remarks that he didn’t do it for him, but to protect Xander.
Xander tells Vivian that he’s not in the mood for her games. Vivian says she’ll be quick, repeating that he will want to hear what she has to say. Vivian is sure he’s curious to know why Philip was so quick to invite her to stay in the mansion. Xander says he’s not curious but will never understand. Vivian informs Xander that she didn’t give Philip a choice.
Maggie tells Sarah that she’s so relieved that Vivian has left. Sarah questions if she said why she left. Maggie shows Sarah the letter that Vivian left and says she has no idea what it means and she doesn’t care, but she’s glad that Philip kicked her to the curb as she doesn’t know what possessed him to invite her to move in. Maggie doesn’t understand what kind of hold Vivian has on Philip. Sarah responds that she does.
Kayla asks Stephanie what it is. Stephanie explains that she found something out that she wasn’t supposed to know and she told someone else about it and now she’s forcing him to keep the secret too. Kayla guesses that’s Alex. Stephanie confirms that they are now both in this mess.
Philip didn’t realize Alex and Xander were so close. Alex feels he owes him one since he was duped by Theresa and now Philip wants him to see it happen all over again. Alex notes that Stephanie told him it was his call on whether or not to expose him. Philip asks what he decided. Alex informs him that he won’t say anything because their family has too much at stake now. Alex says that Titan has everything invested in the takeover so shaking up the corporate structure could put everything at risk. Philip insists that he’s making the right decision. Alex says they’ll see but warns that he won’t protect Philip forever, so there will come a day where it’s safe to tell Xander the truth about what he did and expose Philip for the lying con artist he is. Alex adds that whether Philip chooses to tell Xander first is up to him. Alex then walks away.
Maggie asks if Sarah knows something about what’s going on between Philip and Vivian. Sarah tells her to just forget she said anything. Maggie questions why Sarah said she knew why Philip is so loyal to Vivian. Sarah remarks that they are just alike and you can’t trust either of them. Maggie responds that Philip is not like Vivian as he is Victor’s son. Sarah clarifies that she’s not saying Philip isn’t part of the family or not to care about him, but brings up all the damage that he’s done and that she’s allowed him to do. Maggie questions what it is as she can tell Sarah looks like she has the weight of the world on her shoulders lately. Sarah tells her that she has no idea. Maggie insists that she can trust her. Sarah says she just doesn’t want to burden her with it. Maggie wants to help her and asks what has her upset. Sarah reveals that she’s keeping a huge secret from Xander that could change his life. Maggie asks what the secret is. Sarah reminds Maggie of the letter that Victor wrote, naming Philip as his heir, and reveals that it’s fake and that Philip forged it with Vivian’s help, leaving Maggie shocked.
Xander tells Vivian that he’s not surprised that she’s blackmailing Philip. Vivian calls it having leverage. Xander guesses she’s lording something over him and bets he knows what it is. Xander worries that Philip is still carrying on with Stephanie and making a fool of Alex again. Vivian tells Xander that he still doesn’t get it as that was a cover story for something worse. Vivian declares that Philip isn’t making a fool out of Alex, but out of Xander.
Steve and Marlena dress as medical staff to get in to see Orpheus in his hospital bed. Orpheus guesses they want his help in finding John, but questions why he would lift a finger. Marlena tells Orpheus that he’s free to help John or not, but she knows how much he loves his children and grandchildren. Orpheus asks what they have to do with this. Steve asks if he doesn’t think they would be affected by a rogue nuclear weapon being detonated somewhere. Marlena agrees that it will affect his family. Orpheus then says that he will tell them what they want to know, but he wants something in return. Steve refuses to cut a deal with him. Orpheus says he’s not seeking immunity, he just needs help for his son Christian who is having custody issues and he just wants his son to be able to see his kid. Orpheus feels a good word from Marlena could go a long way. Marlena agrees to write him a letter. Steve asks Orpheus what rosebud is. Orpheus reveals it’s the codename for a black market arms exchange across the border to sell the nuclear bomb. Orpheus warns that anyone willing to pay for that is willing to use it. Steve asks for the coordinates. Orpheus says his only contact was strictly through intermediaries. Marlena says they can start on the border. Steve calls it better than nothing and says they will go. Orpheus stops them and asks Marlena to promise to keep her word about helping his son. Marlena and Steve then exit.
Kayla says that obviously keeping this secret is tearing Stephanie apart. Stephanie points out that a lot of people could get hurt if the truth came out. Kayla asks if she’s protecting people. Stephanie says she could be making it worse and worries that her conscience is telling her that keeping the secret is hurting people, so Kayla encourages her to follow her conscience.
Maggie is shocked to learn of the forged letter as Sarah apologizes for keeping it from her. Maggie says she’s not the one who forged it, that was Philip and Vivian. Sarah explains that they wanted to take everything from Xander but luckily the judge only awarded Philip half of Titan. Maggie questions why Sarah kept it quiet that Philip has conned Xander out of half of his birth right. Sarah explains that she didn’t know until the judge gave Philip half of the company and when she found out, she was furious but she kept quiet because she was also afraid of what Xander might do to Philip if he found out. Sarah points out that Xander had already pulled a gun on Philip, so she was afraid that he would hurt his brother or worse if he found out and she couldn’t bear the thought of Xander being taken away from her and Victoria again when they just got a chance to finally be happy. Maggie calls it a terrible secret that she had to keep. Sarah adds that she saw Xander and Philip working together and finally getting along, so she convinced herself that Victor would be happy with his two sons as a team. Maggie asks if she’s second guessing herself. Sarah is not sure if she’s keeping the secret because she genuinely thinks it’s best for Xander or that she’s afraid to admit that she lied to him too. Maggie is sorry she had to go through this alone. Sarah guesses that Maggie will encourage her to tell Xander the truth, no matter what it costs her.
Xander asks Vivian what the hell she’s talking about and how Philip is making a fool out of him. Vivian asks if she really has to explain it and guesses that Xander must have been humiliated when he found out he had to share Titan with Philip. Xander argues that she’s behind on the times as Victor’s letter turned in to the best thing to happen to Titan. Xander admits he wasn’t thrilled at first, but he couldn’t be more pleased since they turned out to be a great team. Vivian calls their bond a lie. Xander says she’s just being cynical while he and Philip have never been closer and their bond is genuine. Vivian then reveals to Xander that Victor didn’t write the letter, she did.
Maggie sits with Sarah and says in most circumstances, she believes honesty is the best policy but what Sarah did was to keep Xander from self destructing. Maggie knows it was to protect her husband and family. Sarah thanks her for understanding. Maggie says there’s been a lot of chaos since Victor died. Sarah asks what she thinks Victor would have wanted. Maggie responds that Victor loved Philip and Xander in his own way, so the truth is that he would’ve wanted Philip in his will but he couldn’t give him anything without revealing that Philip was still alive. Sarah points out that now Xander and Philip are living in the house and running the company together as a team like true brothers. Maggie admits that not much put a smile on Victor’s face, but she thinks he would’ve liked this. Sarah asks even if it’s based on a lie. Maggie calls it impossible to say, but she can’t deny that a lot of good has come out of this lie. Maggie says she could argue that Sarah confessing to Xander would only make herself feel better by telling the truth and clearing her conscience. Maggie worries that it might destroy the family unity and her marriage as well.
Xander accuses Vivian of lying. Vivian assures that she forged the letter. Xander guesses that she wanted Philip to get the inheritance so she would profit as well. Xander doesn’t believe her and thinks Vivian is trying to screw with everyone like Theresa did. Vivian mocks him being in denial. Xander insists that he doesn’t believe a word out of her mouth. Vivian says he may not believe what he’s hearing, but he will believe what he sees as she writes Victor’s signature and shows it to him.
Steve and Marlena return to the hotel room in Estonia as Steve finishes a call with Andrew, catching him up on what they learned about the black market. Steve tells Marlena that Andrew thinks they are this close to breaking the encryption on the file. Steve then informs Marlena that he’s afraid this is the end of the road for them as that’s ISA orders. Marlena argues that they haven’t followed ISA orders since getting to Estonia. Steve says following leads on John was one thing but infiltrating black markets, they have to leave to the pros. Marlena argues that Steve is a pro but Steve says it’s an undercover operation and he can’t risk being recognized. Steve hates to admit he can’t do something and he wants to be the first man to find John, but they need to step back. Marlena questions going home and just waiting for the phone to ring in hopes that John will be alright. Marlena argues that all they have to do is bring John home. Marlena says she hates this, but she trusts Steve. Steve tells Marlena to pack her bag and he will charter them a flight back to Salem. Steve adds that he believes in his heart that Andrew will bring John home. Steve says he will get his things, call Kayla, and let Marlena know when he’s made their travel arrangements. Steve then exits the room. Marlena turns around and finds something on her bag.
Steve calls Kayla and tells her that they are coming home.
Marlena approaches the bag with a note that has her name on it.
Kayla asks Steve if they found John. Steve says not yet, but they found enough to let the ISA take it from here.
Marlena opens the note that says if she wants to see John alive, to come back and come alone.
Kayla cannot wait to have Steve back in her arms. Kayla says it must be killing him to have to come home before it’s over. Steve admits he’s disappointed to not be in charge of the operation but it’s not what is best for their family. Kayla admits she’s relieved as she wants John home but she also wants Steve back by her side. Steve says Marlena will need them more than ever. Kayla assures they will be there for her. Steve says he will let Kayla know when they are taking off. Kayla sends her love to Marlena and says she loves Steve as they hang up. After Steve walks away, Marlena then comes out of her room.
Alex and Stephanie meet in the town square and agree that they should keep the secret for now. Stephanie is surprised as Alex explains that he just ran in to Philip and he wanted to knock him out but he thinks it’s best for now if they keep it a secret. Stephanie worries about how it will make Alex feel but he assures he can handle it for now. Stephanie is sorry that she got Alex in to this mess as she thought it would be over when she first told Sarah.
Sarah admits to Maggie that telling Xander would clear her conscience but others would benefit too. Maggie asks if she means because Xander would get the whole company. Sarah says she means Alex and Stephanie because they are keeping the secret too. Sarah explains that she convinced them to keep it to themselves for the sake of the family, but Alex is furious and she’s pretty sure she ruined her relationship with Stephanie. Maggie is pretty sure Alex hates Philip now, but not as much as Xander would hate both if he found out. Sarah agrees that all the brotherly love would just go to Hell. Maggie wishes she could tell her what to do. Maggie assures that she loves her no matter what she decides as they hug.
Xander argues that Vivian’s signature proves nothing. Vivian then recites the letter to Xander. Xander thinks she’s just paraphrasing it. Vivian insists that she knows it by heart because she wrote many copies until she decided it was believable. Xander argues that this can’t be true but Vivian says he knows it is. Xander complains that it doesn’t make any sense and asks why Vivian would throw away the con by telling him. Vivian argues that she was supposed to get half the fortune, not Xander. Xander guesses that Philip didn’t keep up his end of the bargain. Vivian confirms that she wants Philip to lose everything. Xander threatens to call the cops to send her back to prison. Vivian asks why he would do that when it was Philip who stabbed him in the back. Vivian then walks out of the office.
Marlena goes back to see Orpheus, who guesses she got his note. Marlena asks what he wants. Orpheus responds that he wants to be honest with her because of their history. Orpheus reveals that what he told Steve about rosebud isn’t true as he made up the whole thing. Marlena says she’s not surprised. Orpheus says he’s sorry but he doesn’t trust Steve like he trusts Marlena. Marlena asks what is the truth then. Orpheus reveals that he knows where John is and he can take her to him, but all she has to do is get him out of here.
Alex tells Stephanie that with all the guilt he feels for keeping the truth, the less he sees Xander the better. Alex invites Stephanie to lunch instead of going to the office. Stephanie mentions that she had lunch with Kayla but she will go to keep him company. Stephanie and Alex then walk off together while Philip walks in to the town square and runs in to Vivian. Philip hopes she’s moving her things in to the Salem Inn but Vivian reveals that she just came back from DiMera Enterprises. Philip questions what she was doing there. Vivian claims she was admiring his office but warns him not to get used to it because his brother is a little upset with him.
Sarah remains in the living room, staring up at the portrait of Victor. Sarah comments that everyone in the house seems to come to him for advice which is unhinged because he had terrible judgment and caused all kinds of misery. Sarah states that Maggie doesn’t have any answers, so she asks Victor if she’s doing the right thing by keeping this from her husband. Xander then walks in and pours a drink. Sarah asks him what’s wrong. Xander responds that he doesn’t want to believe it, but he thinks he was just betrayed in the worst possible way.
Marlena tells Orpheus to go to Hell. Orpheus argues that she will regret that decision. Marlena knows Orpheus is lying because he would never take her to see John. Orpheus questions her not believing him. Steve then returns and tells Orpheus that it turns out they don’t need his lying ass anyway because the ISA decrypted the file they found. Orpheus accuses them of bluffing. Steve thinks back to Marlena showing him the note from Orpheus and talking about him thinking she would fall for it while they knew Orpheus was lying and that Rosebud was just a sled. Steve tells Marlena that the car is downstairs and they’re going home. Orpheus complains that they are making a mistake and if they don’t get him out, they’ll never see John again. Marlena responds that she has faith that she will see John again, but hopefully she will never see Orpheus again. Orpheus calls out to Marlena not to go but she exits with Steve.
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