Days Update Wednesday, August 5, 2026

Days of Our Lives Update

 

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Update written by Joseph

Johnny runs in to Paulina in the town square. Paulina asks how Chanel is. Johnny says the last round of chemo was rough but she’s feeling better now. Johnny then gets a call from Marlena. Johnny says he hasn’t heard from Kristen and asks why. Johnny says he’ll let her know if he does as he hangs up. Paulina joins Lani at the bakery. Paulina informs Lani that she thinks something very strange is going on with Lexie.

Lexie sits in the room where EJ put her and is on the phone with Theo, claiming that she arrived in South Africa and that her mother sends her love. Theo asks if she’s around so he can say hello. Lexie claims he’s breaking up, so she’ll call him back. Theo asks if she will call later today. Lexie says they have a bunch of plans and with the time difference, she’s not sure how much she’ll be in touch. Lexie assures that she’s thinking of Theo and Abe every day. Lexie tells Theo that she loves him and hangs up. EJ then joins Lexie and tells her that she’s making a very big mistake.

Stephanie goes to the DiMera Enterprises office and tells Theo that she glad he called because she has a PR strategy that she’s super excited to pitch. She notes him being distracted and asks if everything is okay. Theo responds that he’s not sure.

Joy comes out of the Pub with Kelsey and runs in to Alex, who says he’s glad he caught her. Joy asks what he wants. Alex says he wanted to say how sorry he is for storming out of their custody meeting as he just needed time to cool down. Joy asks if he expects her to apologize for making unreasonable demands. Alex argues that they share a child so they have to come to some sort of agreement, but Joy says not as far as she’s concerned.

Stephanie questions Theo not being sure if he’s okay and asks if things are still tense between he and Abe. Theo assures they are good now, but it’s his mother. Theo informs her that Lexie took a trip to South Africa and she just said she got there okay. Theo says maybe he’s being overprotective but it’s a big trip to take alone. Theo adds that Lexie was adamant about taking the trip alone. Stephanie encourages that she’s sure she’s fine. Theo feels Lexie sounded off on the phone. Stephanie suggests it’s just jet lag and bets on their next call, she will sound like herself again. Theo asks what’s going on with Stephanie as he can tell that she’s upset and is trying hard not to let him see it, but he does. Stephanie admits that something is bothering her, actually someone. Theo guesses it’s Joy Wesley, which Stephanie confirms.

Joy and Alex go in to the Pub, where Alex insists they have to come up with some sort of agreement. Joy disagrees since she was doing fine as a single mother in New York and only came back to Salem because she thought it was the right thing. Alex insists that it is and that he wants to be part of his daughter’s life. Joy argues that she has been trying but it’s been nonstop drama that she doesn’t need since day one. Joy adds that she also doesn’t need Alex’s support, financially or otherwise, because her parents were helping her before. Alex gets that the situation has become more complicated. Joy calls it disastrous and for her, almost deadly. Alex understands her frustration but says they can do this and come up with a plan. Joy responds that she already has as she tells Alex to forget she ever came back and forget about Kelsey while he goes back to his ideal and uncomplicated perfect life with his wife. Joy asks how’s that for a plan.

Paulina tells Lani that she knows what’s going on with Lexie is not her business. Lani says it kind of is since Abe was her husband. Lani asks what’s going on. Paulina talks about Lexie not letting Abe out of her sight and being protective and territorial while now she decided to go visit her mother in South Africa alone, right before Abe’s birthday. Paulina asks if Lani doesn’t think that’s strange. Johnny then comes over and asks Lani if she has a minute as it’s important.

Lexie tells EJ that she doesn’t appreciate him eavesdropping. EJ is surprised she got any phone signal down here. Lexie says it took awhile and wasn’t good. EJ tells her to think about what she’s doing as Abe and Theo would be crushed to know she is so close by and doesn’t want to be with them. Lexie responds that she does want to be with them more than anything but they had their time together and it was beautiful and perfect. Lexie declares that this way, they will remember her how she wants to remembered and asks EJ not to fight her on this. Lexie doesn’t want to be greedy and asks for more than she already has. EJ asks what he can do for her. Lexie responds that it’s not for her, but for Kristen.

Johnny questions Lani and Paulina not hearing from Kristen. Lani says she hasn’t in a couple of days and asks why. Johnny says Marlena has been trying to get in touch with her but apparently Kristen’s phone has been disconnected which Paulina calls strange. Lani tries calling Kristen, but gets a message that it’s no longer in service. Lani brings up the last time she saw Kristen a couple days ago and it was kind of weird as she sensed that Kristen was saying goodbye like she was going away. Johnny questions why Kristen would leave now when Rachel just got out of Bayview. Lani agrees that it doesn’t make sense as Rachel is more important to her than anything. Johnny thanks them and says he will look in to this as he walks away. Paulina wonders what that was about. Lani admits that now she’s worried as Paulina points out that people are mysteriously leaving Salem.

Theo tells Stephanie that he’s sorry that happened. Stephanie says she should know by now that the best thing she could do is stay away from Joy, but when Alex told her she wanted her banned from Kelsey for 18 years, she confronted her and thought she could get through to her to drop the ridiculous demands, but instead she made everything worse. Stephanie explains that after she laid in to her, Joy told her that Belle made her see that she was wrong so she was going to ease up until she went off on her and now Joy has completely dug in again and doesn’t want her near Kelsey. Theo asks what Alex has to say about all of this. Stephanie admits she hasn’t told him yet.

Alex argues that Joy can’t just take his kid and run. Joy asks why she would stay in Salem when everyone hates her. Alex says that’s not true. Joy argues that if they don’t, Stephanie will make sure they do and she’s not going to live her life like that, so she’s going back to New York. Joy tells Alex that she won’t stop him from visiting Kelsey, but he can’t bring his wife with him ever. Alex tells her that’s never going to work. Joy brings up Stephanie almost shooting her and how she could’ve filed a criminal complaint and put Stephanie in prison but she didn’t, under the condition that she couldn’t come near Kelsey. Alex argues that he didn’t agree to that for 18 years and thought Joy would come to the conclusion that Stephanie isn’t dangerous. Joy responds that she hasn’t and she won’t, especially after what happened yesterday. Alex then questions what happened yesterday.

EJ questions Lexie’s request involving Kristen. Lexie pleads with him not to go after Kristen. Lexie says that whatever Kristen did and however awful it was, separating her from her only child is a bridge too far. Lexie says time is precious and when you reach the end like she has, you see clearly that the only thing that matters is love and honor. Lexie warns that EJ will regret the path he’s on and will find himself empty and alone. EJ responds that he’ll bear that in mind. EJ goes back to his previous concern and asks how long she expects this charade with her family to continue. Lexie says until she’s gone and he sends Abe and Theo her letters. Lexie asks for a pen to write to them while she can.

Lani asks Paulina what reason Lexie gave for wanting to visit her mom alone. Paulina says that Abe said he thought it was strange too and pointed out that she had not booked a return flight. Lani asks why Paulina is telling her this. Paulina hoped she could do some digging. Lani thought she said it wasn’t her business. Paulina points out that she is the Mayor, so if someone’s missing it is her business. Lani argues that she isn’t missing if she just took a trip. Paulina questions why now and why alone, pleading with Lani to find out for her. Lani asks if she’s thinking there’s trouble in paradise and maybe if Lexie’s gone, she and Abe can reunite. Paulina says hell no as she’s no one’s consolation prize, but she still cares about Abe and Theo. Lani isn’t sure what she wants her to do since she’s not a cop anymore. Paulina encourages her to put her detective skills to work.

Theo questions Stephanie not telling Alex what happened. She explains that she was asleep when he got home and he was gone when she woke up, but she’s dreading it because she keeps screwing things up and making things worse. Theo encourages that she wasn’t in the wrong for deleting Joy’s voicemail since she thought she was manipulating Alex. Stephanie points out that she was wrong and that Joy was on the side of the road after a car accident. Stephanie says that all could’ve been avoided if she just stayed out of it. Theo says her intentions were good and suggests telling Alex that. Stephanie isn’t sure he will want to hear it. Theo encourages that Alex is her husband, so they can try to work everything out before it’s too late.

Joy questions Stephanie not telling Alex what happened. Alex says they didn’t get a chance to talk. Joy tells him that Stephanie wanted to have a friendly chat and then completely lost it with paranoid rage and accused her of using their daughter to steal Alex from her. Alex argues that doesn’t sound like Stephanie. Joy says he can go ask her if he doesn’t believe her. Joy adds that she had just spoken to Belle about the custody agreement and she had made her see that maybe she was wrong, but Stephanie’s insane overreaction made her realize that she wasn’t. Joy realizes that Stephanie really didn’t mention any of this to Alex.

Johnny goes to the DiMera Mansion and sees EJ in the living room. EJ calls this a surprise. Johnny asks if Kristen is home. EJ says he doesn’t think so. Johnny asks when he last saw her. EJ asks what’s going on. Johnny informs him that according to Marlena, Kristen is missing, which doesn’t make any sense since Rachel just got out of Bayview. Johnny then questions what EJ did.

Lani tells Paulina that her life’s calling at the moment is her twins and making sure Chanel doesn’t overdo it. Paulina apologizes for offending her while Lani apologizes for getting defensive. Lani isn’t sure looking in to Lexie is a good idea. Paulina argues that it’s not idle gossip, but Abe’s life, and if something is going on that could hurt him or break his heart, she needs to know what it is.

Lexie cries over writing her letters, wondering how to say goodbye to Abe again

Paulina asks if Lani thinks Lexie could be hiding something or maybe she realized she doesn’t want to be here and wants to start somewhere fresh, suggesting whatever EJ did could’ve caused something like that. Lani doesn’t want to speculate while Paulina says that’s why she wants her to look in to it. Lani points out that she’s not part the of the police force anymore so she doesn’t have access to any files and has limited resources. Paulina encourages that she’s very capable and maybe her special agent husband could lend a hand. Lani reluctantly agrees but says there’s no promises as she will just do her best and let her know what she finds out.

Stephanie appreciates Theo’s support but says she’s not going to bail on their meeting. Theo says she is. Stephanie feels that would be unprofessional. Theo argues that her marriage is much more important than a PR pitch. Theo tells Stephanie to go talk to Alex while he will have his assistant reschedule. Stephanie thanks Theo and calls him a good friend as she exits the office.

Joy tells Alex that Kelsey is the only reason she’s in Salem and questions the point in staying if they can’t come to an agreement on custody. Alex says the point is to work it out while Joy calls that impossible with his wife thinking she wants to steal him away from her. Joy says she will set the record straight by going back to New York where she doesn’t have to be subjected to Stephanie’s tirades. Alex reminds Joy that he has parental rights since his name was added to Joy’s birth certificate, so he’s legally her father too. Alex asks if she knows what happens when he puts that in front of a judge, then apologizes for saying that, adding that this doesn’t have to get ugly. Alex believes they can find a solution that works for all of them without the courts involved. Alex gets that Joy had a life without Kelsey before he was in the picture, but he’s apart of it now and Kelsey has his heart. Alex pleads with Joy not to leave and says he doesn’t want them to go.

Johnny asks EJ what happened to Kristen and if he made her disappear. EJ claims he didn’t, but he believes she left town to get away from him. Johnny asks why. EJ says this isn’t going to be easy to hear, but he’s going to tell him to warn him to watch his back. EJ adds that he never wanted Johnny to find out or know this about his aunt. Johnny tells him to just say it. EJ then reveals to Johnny that Kristen is the reason that Sophia tried to kill him.

Theo joins Lani at the Bakery. Lani says it’s so good to see him and asks why he’s not at work. Theo says he had a meeting get rescheduled, so he decided to take a walk and clear his head. Lani asks what’s going on. Theo tells her about Lexie’s trip and going alone. Lani calls it a long trip for someone who just came back to life. Theo says that they wanted to go with her, but she insisted on going alone, and now he’s worried.

Lexie continues writing her goodbye letter to Abe.

Joy tells Alex that if she agrees to stay and work out custody, he needs to talk to Stephanie as she will not tolerate any more of her harassment and if she comes at her one more time, she and Kelsey are gone. Alex agrees to get this all straightened out and promises to find a way to make it work for all of them. Alex says he has to go and tells Kelsey that he will see her very soon. Alex then says goodbye to Joy and exits the Pub. Alex runs in to Stephanie, who says she’s glad she found him. Stephanie then asks what’s wrong. Alex reveals that he just talked to Joy. Stephanie guesses she told him what happened. Alex confirms that she did and asks Stephanie what the hell is wrong with her as she could’ve ruined everything.

Johnny questions EJ telling him that his aunt Kristen is the reason Sophia tried to kill him. EJ responds that Kristen put Sophia up to it because she wanted revenge. Johnny argues that he’s never done anything to Kristen and asks what possible reason she could want revenge for him. EJ clarifies that it was revenge against him, not Johnny, as Kristen believed it was his fault that she was taken to prison and away from Rachel. Johnny shouts that Kristen shot him and asks how that’s his fault. EJ says he believes that in Kristen’s sick mind, he gave her reason to shoot him. Johnny asks if he’s sure about this. EJ knows it sounds crazy and unthinkable, but he’s sure. EJ explains that Sophia knew that Chanel would be at the aquarium with Lani and the kids and that Johnny would be working from home alone because Kristen told her. EJ adds that as soon as he knew, he had to protect Johnny and neutralize Kristen by making sure she stayed far away from his precious children. EJ declares the he almost lost Johnny and he’s never going to let that happen again.

Stephanie tries to explain as Alex tells her that Joy wants to take his daughter to New York for good because of her. Stephanie argues that she can’t do that. Alex says she can try because they don’t have a custody agreement because of Stephanie. Alex knows this isn’t easy for Stephanie and she didn’t sign up for it, but Kelsey is his flesh and blood and didn’t sign up for it either. Alex adds that Stephanie can’t expect him to abandon her. Stephanie assures that she doesn’t. Alex says that’s good because that’s never going to happen. Alex gets that she doesn’t like Joy but she is Kelsey’s mother, so she can’t go around attacking her. Stephanie argues that she only wanted to talk to her and assure her that she’s not a threat. Alex mocks that she did a bang up job. Alex then says he’s late for work and has to go, so he hurries off, leaving Stephanie upset.

Joy tells Kelsey that she thought bringing Alex in to their lives was the right thing to do for both of them, but it’s getting kind of tricky. Joy knows Alex has a wife but admits she can’t help but imagine the three of them as a family. Joy says she can’t let go of the dream of giving Kelsey the life she never had.

Lani asks Theo if he’s heard from Lexie since she left. Theo says she called when she landed but there was a bad connection and it was a “don’t call me, I’ll call you” situation. Theo feels something isn’t right and it’s like Lexie is trying to keep he and Abe at arms length. Theo then get a work call and says he’ll keep her posted as he steps away to answer.

Lexie begins writing her goodbye letter to Theo.

Stephanie walks to the town square and runs in to Theo. Stephanie tells Theo that she was going to tell Alex, but Joy got to him first. Theo hugs Stephanie and tells her it’s going to be okay.

Johnny asks what EJ did with Kristen. EJ admits that he planned to imprison her on a DiMera private island but she escaped, so they don’t know where she is, which is why he needs Johnny to be vigilant. EJ thinks Kristen has realized she went too far and that Johnny is probably safe, but you can never be too careful. Johnny asks what EJ is going to do with Kristen when he finds her. EJ says he doesn’t know and he has people looking for her, but promises that Kristen will never intimidate or hurt his children or Johnny’s children ever again.

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Days Update Tuesday, August 4, 2026

Days of Our Lives Update

 

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Update written by Joseph

Brady and Rachel have breakfast at the Brady Pub. Rachel brings up Kristen liking pancakes. Brady notes that Sarah does too and says she will be there soon to welcome her home. Rachel wishes it was Kristen and asks when she is going to come see her.

Xander is waiting in Marlena’s office, thinking back to almost kissing Sarah, until Marlena comes in and greets him. Xander calls it a beautiful morning and says he’s in a great mood since Titan gets to live another day. Marlena congratulates him. Xander calls it a major relief and announces that he also just had a breakthrough with Sarah.

Javi has a nightmare about Dimitri trying to strangle Leo and then wakes up in a panic, yelling out Leo’s name while in bed next to Gus.

Leo arrives in Alamainia, re-reading the text from Dimitri and guesses that he must be holding Gwen in the same house that Gwen held him.

At the house in Alamainia, Gwen complains to Dimitri about the food that she is being fed. Dimitri tells her not to worry about being poisoned, even though that’s what he worried about when she had him held captive here for an entire year. Gwen claims to not know what he’s talking about. Dimitri promises to be a better host than she was as he remarks that she didn’t come to visit him the entire time. Gwen says that’s because she didn’t know where he was. Gwen questions how long he’s planning on keeping her here. Dimitri asks if forever works for her.

Javi apologizes to Gus for his nightmare. Gus asks if he wants to tell him what it was about. Javi claims he doesn’t really remember. Gus then points out that Javi was calling out Leo’s name, so it might have been about him.

Leo sits outside and looks up the address to the house where Dimitri was held. Leo says that it’s like a fortress but then says it’s not so complicated to get in. Leo says he’s got this and walks off with his bags.

Gwen questions if Dimitri expects her to admit under extreme duress that she kidnapped him to acquire his vast fortune, because she did not do it. Dimitri tells her to try that on someone who might believe her. Gwen says if she did kidnap him, he’d have a little bit of proof by now and she’d be in a cell. Dimitri calls the house escape proof and says he didn’t have to change a thing from when he was held there. Gwen argues that his sick twisted fantasy will fizzle out quick. Gwen tells him to enjoy his illusion of control because she’s high maintenance and a force to be reckoned with. Dimitri thinks they both know forces can be eliminated.

Brady encourages Rachel that they will hear from Kristen soon and that she’s just busy. Sarah then arrives so Rachel runs up to hug her. Sarah tells her that she’s so happy she’s home. Brady tells Sarah that he’s glad she could join them. Rachel tells Sarah that she missed her, but points out that Kristen might be joining them as she’s probably coming back soon. Brady points out that they don’t know if she is coming, but even if she was, Sarah would not be leaving. Rachel notes that she doesn’t think Kristen would like it.

Marlena asks Xander what kind of breakthrough he had with Sarah. Xander explains that he, Sarah, and Philip were going to celebrate Titan with champagne, but when he and Sarah went to retrieve the bottle, they somehow got locked in the wine cellar. Xander says while they were in there, their chemistry came roaring back and he knows Sarah felt it too. Xander tells Marlena about the mouse and how Sarah jumped in to his arms and they were about to kiss, but Philip showed up to rescue them before they could. Xander declares that he has hope for the first time in a long time that he and Sarah could be together again. Marlena brings up Xander being involved with other women recently. Xander says that was nothing more than lust as his heart wasn’t in to it with Gwen or Kristen. Xander knows Sarah and Brady are in a relationship and that Brady is Marlena’s stepson. Marlena says what’s concerning her is that Xander might be deluding himself in to thinking that almost kiss meant that Sarah wants back in to a relationship with him. Xander questions if she doesn’t think it’s possible. Marlena thinks he needs to be realistic. Xander argues that he is being realistic as he could see it in Sarah’s eyes. Marlena is sure they had a moment, but it still doesn’t mean she wants back in the relationship. Marlena doesn’t think she should be, until Xander has learned to deal with his anger issues because until then, any relationship he has will end up right back in the same place.

Brady questions why Rachel would say Kristen would be okay with Sarah staying. Rachel doesn’t think Kristen likes Sarah very much. Brady says that’s not okay while Rachel apologizes to Sarah for hurting her feelings. Sarah tells her not to worry about it. Rachel then gets a text from a friend wanting to catch up, so Brady sends her to another booth to call her. Brady apologizes to Sarah for Rachel talking about Kristen like that. Sarah promises it’s okay and she gets it as there’s no surprise that Kristen doesn’t like her or anyone involved with Brady. Brady points out that when Sarah walked in, he noticed a vibe and bit of awkwardness, guessing he didn’t imagine that.

Javi questions saying Leo’s name in his sleep and assumes it’s because he’s worried about him traveling on his own to Alamainia to rescue Gwen from Dimitri, who is obviously a really bad guy. Gus asks if he thinks Dimitri is going to kill Leo. Javi admits that he does.

Gwen argues that Dimitri wouldn’t dare eliminate her because he’s having far too much fun on his power trip, watching her suffer. Dimitri admits that and says after all the suffering he had to endure at her hands and exhausting every legal effort, he finally realized he could turn it around and take justice in his own hands. Dimitri adds that if anyone tries to rescue Gwen, they have no legal right. The doorbell then rings, so Dimitri asks who that could be.

Javi tells Gus that he doesn’t know why Dimitri lured Leo to Alamainia, but he knows Dimitri is trouble which is why he’s worried. Gus reminds Javi that Rafe said he’s going to make sure Leo is okay and nothing bad happens to him. Javi then declares that he knows, but he wants to go with Rafe.

Leo arrives and embraces Gwen, saying he’s there to rescue her. Dimitri guesses Leo found the place with no problem. Gwen questions what is going on and how Leo knew she was here. Dimitri responds that he sent out the call and Leo answered.

Xander tells Marlena that he’s done everything she’s asked for months, including getting in touch with his feelings and the roots of his anger, so he believes he can be right for Sarah again. Xander feels Marlena has to admit that he’s made a lot of progress. Marlena admits she is very proud of how far he’s come, but he has to also look at it from Sarah’s perspective.

Sarah tells Brady that nothing is wrong, but they are getting in to a new phase in their relationship where Rachel is home and needs to be his first priority, adding that there’s also Kristen. Brady acknowledges that Kristen will always be in his life because she’s Rachel’s mother, just like Sarah shares a daughter with an ex. Brady calls those just complications but he always assumed they could work through them, unless she’s saying she doesn’t want to.

Gus questions Javi wanting to go to Alamainia. Javi knows it sounds crazy, but he’s not good at being thousands of miles away and pacing as he feels like he has to do something. Gus says as paramedics, it’s in their nature to take action and not let other people do the job. Gus calls that one of the reasons he dropped his life in Texas and moved here to be with him. Gus tells Javi that he understands and cares about him a lot as they kiss. Gus states that Javi means a lot to him and admits he doesn’t like the idea of them being apart, so he’d be the one pacing the floors if he left.

Leo makes sure Gwen is not hurt then says he knows she can’t be okay. Dimitri assures he’s been the most gracious host. Gwen complains that he kidnapped her in broad daylight and held her against her will. Dimitri tells her that she should be thrilled that Leo is here to rescue her. Leo talks about still recovering from a concussion, but says he’s so relieved to see Gwen. Gwen questions what Leo was thinking coming here with the flight risk of his concussion. Leo calls Gwen his best friend in the entire world and someone who really gets him. Leo says he was worried about her, so he needed to see for himself that she was okay. Dimitri asks if Leo needed to see if he was okay too and if he missed him.

Sarah tells Brady that he knows how she feels about him. Brady then gets a text from Kristen, saying she’s not coming home as she needs to go away and it’s something very important she needs to do. Sarah questions where Kristen is going and what could be more important than her daughter. Brady says that’s exactly what he’d like to know.

Xander questions what Marlena means by he needs to see things from Sarah’s perspective. Marlena brings up that when Sarah lied about Philip’s forged letter, Xander couldn’t forgive her and they can’t just sweep that under the rug. Xander says he’s not angry about that anymore. Marlena says anger doesn’t work like that and he has to confront and deal with it. Marlena then brings up Sarah’s anger as she was very upset when he assaulted Philip. Marlena adds that they went to counseling and decided they couldn’t reconcile. Xander repeats that Sarah almost kissed him and believes she would’ve if Philip didn’t interrupt. Marlena points out that he thinks that, but he doesn’t know. Marlena knows Xander wants to reconcile with Sarah and that there’s a physical attraction between them, but argues that it’s not enough to build a life on. Marlena then gets a text from Brady that he needs to see her now at the Pub as it’s an emergency. Marlena tells Xander that she has to cut their session a little bit short and quickly exits her office.

Marlena joins Brady and Sarah at the Pub. Brady thanks her for coming so quickly. Marlena asks if it’s Rachel. Brady says she’s fine. Sarah says she will leave them to it and to let her know if she can help in any way as she exits. Marlena asks Brady what has happened. Brady informs her that it’s Kristen and shows him the text where Kristen said she had to go away. Brady hoped maybe she could figure out what’s going on.

Gus reminds Javi how he felt when Leo ran off to Alamainia with Dimitri and how that was the final straw. Gus points out that Javi still worries about Leo so much that he’s willing to travel thousands of miles to make sure he’s okay and questions why that is. Javi responds that maybe it’s because he feels so lucky to have Gus and his family, but Leo has nobody. Gus says he gets that Javi loved Leo and went all the way to the altar, so just because the relationship didn’t work out doesn’t mean he stops caring. Javi calls Leo a good person and he doesn’t want to see him get hurt. Gus calls Javi a good person and says he trusts him. Gus adds that if something happened to Leo, he knows Javi would never forgive himself and it would come between them, so he’s okay with Javi going to Alamainia.

Marlena agrees that Kristen’s text is puzzling as she doesn’t understand why Kristen would leave Rachel now. Marlena asks how she can help. Brady needs her to help figure a way to tell Rachel that her mother is gone, that they don’t know why, or when she’s coming home. Marlena agrees to do so, but thinks they should wait a little longer until they have a better idea of what’s going on. Marlena then asks if Brady is thinking what she’s thinking.

Sarah runs in to Xander in the town square. Xander asks if everything is alright. Sarah feels they should probably talk about what happened between them last night. Xander claims he’s not sure what she means. Sarah reminds him of when they were locked in the wine cellar and she was so scared of the mouse. Xander says he was just glad he was there to protect her. Sarah starts to say she didn’t want him thinking, but then says nevermind. Xander asks if there’s anything else. Sarah says no and that they are good, so Xander says he has to get to work and walks off, leaving Sarah frustrated.

Brady tells Marlena that he has been thinking that Kristen’s disappearance is tied in to the fact that she’s been frightened of EJ. Marlena recalls Kristen telling her at Bayview that if anything happened to her, she’d like her to keep an eye on Rachel. Brady knows interrogating EJ would just put him on high alert, so he thinks he should loop Steve in on this and hopes they find some answers.

Gus tells Javi to go help Leo. Javi calls him the most understanding boyfriend ever and promises to be back as soon as he knows that Leo is okay. Gus tells him to be safe as Javi gets up to pack his bag.

Leo tells Dimitri that he came to help Gwen. Dimitri says he understands and that he loves him so much because of his big heart. Dimitri says he’s sorry he had to go to such extremes to get Leo here but he didn’t see any other way. Leo questions how long Dimitri plans on keeping them there. Dimitri says however long it takes for Leo to realize they belong together.

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Days Update Monday, August 3, 2026

Days of Our Lives Update

 

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Update written by Joseph

Philip goes to the Kiriakis Mansion to share the good news with Xander that Gabi is giving them the money for their loan payment. Xander comments on the irony of paying EJ back with his own inheritance money. Philip jokes that alone is worth celebrating and they decide to pop open some champagne. Xander asks if they should toast to Gabi, themselves, or Stefano since his fortune saved the day. Sarah then walks in. Philip tells her that she’s just in time to join the celebration. Philip declares that the storm has passed so Titan, endures, thrives, and survives along with their family.

Chad joins Belle at Small Bar and says he’s been looking forward to this all day. Chad mentions running in to Rafe and having a chat about what he just did for Leo.

Cat goes to see Rafe and asks about him saying he had an update on the case. Rafe reveals that it turns out EJ did not kidnap Gwen, it was her ex-husband Dimitri.

EJ has a drink at home as he thinks back to Rita telling him that they successfully took Kristen without incident and EJ admitting that he didn’t expect to feel so sad. Rita then returns to the room and reveals to EJ that she just heard from his associate and they have a big problem with the family jet. EJ says it should have taken off by now. Rita reveals that it has, but Kristen is still here, which shocks EJ.

Cat questions EJ not kidnapping Gwen and how Rafe ruled him out. Rafe says he spoke with Chad and that apparently Leo reached out to Dimitri, who all but admitted to taking Gwen. Rafe says that Leo took the bait and is now on the DiMera jet on his way to Alamainia.

Chad tells Belle that Leo should be landing in Alamainia any minute now. Belle questions if Leo will be okay alone like that. Chad doesn’t think there was any talking him out of it as he seemed to think he was the only one who could find Gwen or get through to Dimitri, so he was determined to rescue her. Belle jokes that Leo has a conscience. Chad says Leo certainly cares about Gwen. Chad then reveals to Belle that he can no longer make their planned trip to Italy.

Sarah calls it fantastic that Titan has been saved and says Maggie will be so relieved. Philip says he’ll be out of the doghouse and invites Sarah to join the celebration. Sarah says she had a long day and was just going to bed, but Philip insists that she has to toast with them in Maggie’s place, so Sarah agrees to have a bottle. Philip brings up a fancy champagne in the wine cellar that Victor saved for special occasions and he’s sure Victor would want them to open one. Xander calls that a great idea and says he’ll go get one. Philip suggests Sarah help Xander look while he goes to get the glasses from the kitchen. Sarah and Xander head to the wine cellar, while Philip sneaks back out behind them. Sarah guesses no one has been down there in awhile and bets Xander that she can find the champagne before him. Xander jokes about previous times when Sarah couldn’t find her keys or missing files in her office. They search for the champagne and end up both finding it at the same time. Their hands meet as they both reach for it but Sarah pulls the bottle out and says she won. Xander argues that he saw it too while Sarah asks what she wins. Xander decides she gets first sip. As they go to leave, they discover they are locked inside. Unbeknownst to them, Philip had locked them in the wine cellar together.

Belle questions why Chad can’t go to Italy. Chad says that something’s come up that’s really important to him and he knows she will understand. Chad reveals that there’s a father-daughter dance right in the middle of their trip. Belle understands he has to be there for Charlotte, but thought the kids were in Boston. Chad says Jack and Jennifer are bringing them back early now. Belle says that’s good as she knows he’s missed them so much. Chad was hoping they could push back their trip to Italy but Belle says with her case load, she doesn’t know when she’d be able to get away again.

Cat asks Rafe about Leo going to Alamainia alone and if they’re sure that’s a good idea. Rafe calls it a terrible idea and reveals that’s why he is going there tomorrow. Cat asks what the plan is. Rafe says thanks to Cat, they have a signed confession from Gwen that she and EJ conspired to kidnap Dimitri and hold him hostage, so hopefully they can get Gwen to flip to save her own skin. Cat says all he has to do is confirm that Dimitri has Gwen. Rafe says he also has to free Gwen and then hopes they will have all the ammunition to take EJ down for good.

EJ tells Rita that he doesn’t understand and asks if Kristen escaped. Rita clarifies that Kristen is still in the cargo container but the DiMera jet has taken off without it which EJ questions. Rita reveals that it was Chad who loaned the jet to Leo Stark which shocks EJ. Rita explains that it was something about Dimitri kidnapping Gwen. EJ remarks that at least it takes the heat off him for a crime he didn’t commit. Rita tells EJ that she’s sorry this is happening, but he can’t leave Kristen in that box until the jet returns because it would be cruel and inhumane.

Xander and Sarah realize they have no service on their phones so they are off the grid. Xander remarks that they are worse places they could’ve been stuck than in a wine cellar and there are worse people he could’ve been stuck with. Sarah thanks him and points out that Philip knows where they are and will eventually come find them so they won’t be stuck forever.

Philip sets up the wine glasses in the living room as he thinks back to Xander talking to him about wanting to win Sarah back someday. Kate comes in and says she got his message, so she hopes she didn’t miss all the fun. Philip informs her that she’s just in time for the toast as thanks to Gabi, Titan lives to fight another day. Kate says that’s great and remarks that it’s about time Gabi did the right thing. Philip tells her to be nice. Kate thought Xander and Sarah were joining them. Philip responds that they will be, but they’ve just been delayed. Philip then admits that he locked them in the wine cellar together.

Belle tells Chad that she moved a lot of things around to get this weekend off for their trip, so her docket is full for the next several months. Chad blames himself for screwing it all up. Belle says he had a very good reason. Belle adds that Marlena will be thrilled and wonders if it’s the universe’s way of telling them to back off and let Paul handle it when he’s done with his case, but Chad declares there’s no way they are doing that.

Cat tells Rafe that she wishes she could tag along for the adventure in Alamainia. Rafe reminds her that she has to work here in the background. Cat agrees that it’s not worth the risk. Rafe promises that as soon as this is all over, he will put in a good word for her with Shane because she’s certainly earned it. Rafe adds that she’s also earned an apology from him.

EJ and Rita go to the airfield. EJ notes that as soon as they open the door to the cargo container, Kristen will know that he was behind it. Rita says she would know that anyway. EJ says they will have to get creative with keeping her there until the jet is back. Rita repeats that they can’t leave her in there as it’s not climate controlled or hygienic. EJ says to brace themselves as he has no doubt that Kristen will charge them. Rita prepares her taser as EJ then unlocks the container and opens the doors, only to find Lexie inside instead.

Kate questions Philip locking Xander and Sarah in the wine cellar, reminding him that he’s not in high school. Philip knows it was a bit juvenile because he feels a bit responsible for breaking them up with all of his lies and secrets. Kate argues that Xander beating him up caused that and she knows he’s been covering for him. Philip says he’s just trying to make things right for them. Kate brings up Brady. Philip feels Brady set himself up for failure because anyone with eyes can see that Sarah and Xander are meant to be together.

Sarah and Xander drink from bottles of wine in the cellar while talking about being patient. Xander brings up the club doing a father-daughter dance and says he would love to take Victoria, even though it’s on one of Sarah’s nights with her. Sarah tells him not to worry about that and assures that Victoria would love that. They then toast to co-parenting.

Belle questions Chad being in to the thrill of the hunt and the puzzle of it all now. Chad says he wants to know the deeper connection to his family’s history and adds that what he has loved the most about the mystery is spending time with her as they kiss.

Rafe apologizes to Cat for giving her a hard time about her methods and her motives as he now knows he was wrong to do that. Rafe tells Cat that she’s been doing a great job going after EJ. Cat admits she was wrong about EJ kidnapping Gwen, so she guesses he’s off the hook for that one at least. Rafe declares that EJ is sure as hell not off the hook for kidnapping Dimitri, so he’s going down for that.

EJ questions what Lexie is doing here. Lexie reveals that she overheard EJ and Rita talking about sending Kristen to the island and she thought that she deserved to be warned. Lexie adds that since they didn’t tell the island staff which sister would be in there, she agreed to switch places with Kristen. EJ questions why. Lexie explains that she made peace with dying alone while Kristen wanted to disappear without his interference. EJ asks where in God’s name Kristen is. Lexie admits she doesn’t know as she just let her out and imagines she is long gone by now. Lexie explains that she passed out behind the container and almost missed the window to let Kristen out, but when EJ’s guard went to go look for the jet, she recovered enough to let Kristen out. EJ can’t believe this. Lexie asks how he could do this to Kristen while EJ questions how Lexie could do this to him. Lexie argues that Kristen is family, so she wasn’t going to let EJ hurt her. Lexie declares that what’s done is done, so there’s no need to change course now. EJ asks what that is supposed to mean. Lexie pleads with EJ to send her to the island because she made peace with her fate and said her goodbyes to Abe and Theo because she doesn’t want them to watch her die.

Belle and Chad walk through the town square. Belle tells Chad that the night is still young and she’s in the mood for ice cream. They talk about being a good match as they kiss until Cat approaches and greets them. Cat says she hopes they are enjoying their evening. Chad confirms they are. Cat says she is still on the clock and has errands to run, so she tells them to have a good night. Chad and Belle walk off together as Cat looks back at them.

Philip argues to Kate that this was always going to end in heartbreak for Brady while the sparks between Sarah and Xander could light up all of Salem because they belong together. Kate says that’s not his call to make. Philip complains that she’s no fun. Kate reminds Philip of his track record when meddling with Brady’s love life and says he can’t interfere. Kate orders him to go let Sarah and Xander out of the wine cellar now.

Sarah doesn’t feel she thanked Xander enough for what he did for Holly. Xander says she has and that Holly is family to him, so he’d do anything for her. Sarah feels he went above and beyond in finding the missing DiMera files and figuring out that somebody planted the drugs in her bag. Sarah states that Xander fought for Holly when no one else believed her. Xander is just glad he could help and says it meant a lot to him that Sarah came to him for help. Sarah is glad she did. Xander points out that it’s not over yet since if EJ did plant the pills, Holly deserves to know that so she’s not deluded about EJ’s devotion to her. Xander adds that he’ll be damned if he lets EJ get away with what he did. Sarah assures that she knows they are right.

EJ tells Lexie that he’s sorry but he cannot do that. Lexie questions if EJ would really deny her dying wish and pleads with him, saying she can’t put Abe and Theo through this again. EJ asks Lexie to come home with him then as he won’t let anyone know she’s there and he will take care of her, himself, so she won’t have to be alone. EJ offers his hand and says they will get Lexie home, which she accepts, so they walk out of the airstrip together.

Chad and Belle have ice cream in the town square and talk about having a really good time tonight. They recall initially matching on the dating app. Belle can’t believe it took an app for them to match with how long they’ve known each other as they kiss.

EJ and Rita bring Lexie home to the DiMera Mansion. EJ orders Rita to have their people have Kristen found. Rita says she’s already on it and tells EJ to focus on Lexie. EJ tells Lexie that he will have her settled where no one will find her and promises no one will know Lexie is staying there. Cat then comes in to the mansion, calling out that the door was open and asks if anyone’s home.

Xander and Sarah talk about how long they’ve been in the wine cellar and wonder why Philip hasn’t come to get them. Sarah gets freaked out by seeing a mouse and jumps in to Xander’s arms. They almost kiss until Philip comes in and says he wondered what was taking them so long.

Cat enters the living room of the DiMera Mansion and only finds Rita inside. Rita asks what brings her by at this hour. Cat responds that she was hoping to speak to EJ. Rita says she’s sorry but EJ isn’t available right now as he’s otherwise engaged. Cat says that’s too bad as she eyes the passage to the tunnels.

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Days Short Recap Wednesday, August 19, 2026

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Dimitri told Leo about his plans for them. Leo told him that he wasn’t the same man he was. He said he wanted a real life with real love. Dimitri said Javi moved on and wondered why Leo would pine after someone who didn’t want him. Leo wanted him to tell him. He told Dimitri to let him go if he really loved him. Dimitri said Leo chose to stay. Leo told him he stayed so he could let Gwen go. Dimitri finally understood what Leo was telling him. He told Leo that he was free to go and would drop the vendetta against Gwen. Leo told him that he had more to offer than money. He told Dimitri that he would find true love if he searched for the good in himself. Roman saw Kate outside of the pub and wondered why she didn’t tell him what was going on with Titan. He said he cared about her welfare. Kate thought he would enjoy being right since her actions pushed EJ to retaliate against Titan. Roman said he wanted some good to come out of it. He wanted her to move into the guest room. Kate said it wasn’t what she was hoping for, but she would take it as a first step.

Sarah went home and talked to Xander about Lexie. Xander told her that Maggie agreed to sell the estate to an Italian billionaire. He asked Sarah if she had somewhere to stay. Xander said he had his apartment and invited her to stay with him for Victoria’s sake. Sarah said she may consider it. Later on, Brady met up with Sarah. She told him that Xander got a buyer for the house. Brady asked her to move in with him. Sarah said she had to talk to her mother before she made a decision. Gabi told Philip that she wasn’t giving him the money. Philip said it was the only way to save her investment. Gabi said she looked into his poker past and found out he had a gambling addiction. Philip said he beat the addiction. Xander showed up and told them that the house was sold. Philip was upset about the news. Later on, Xander made a call and accepted the offer. He was upset about it. Kate went to the mansion and saw Philip looking at Victor’s portrait. She accepted the blame for what happened. Kate apologized to Victor’s portrait before she left. Gabi showed up and agreed to give Philip the money.

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Days Short Recap Monday, August 17, 2026

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Chanel went into labor. She was rushed to the hospital. At the police station, Gwen was worried about Leo. Jada came in the room and found out what happened in Alamainia. Gwen said she didn’t want to say anything about EJ unless she got a guarantee that she was protected from him and the courts. Jada said she would talk to Belle. She said she wanted to take EJ down. If what Gwen said was useful, she would get immunity. Gwen demanded her immunity first while Jada and Rafe wanted her to talk. She told Jada and Rafe that she didn’t trust the police to protect her or to take EJ down. Rafe threatened Gwen by telling her that she would go down for Dimitri’s kidnapping if EJ didn’t. Gwen said she knew there wasn’t any evidence to keep her or they wouldn’t need her. Rafe ended up leaving. Jada told Gwen she was free to leave.

Abe saw an unconscious Lexie in the bed. He rushed to her side. Lexie’s heart was beating, but she didn’t wake up. Theo called for help. When they got to the hospital, they told Kayla what happened. Kayla said she wasn’t giving up. While they were waiting, Chanel, Johnny, Lani, and Paulina showed up. Lexie was unresponsive when Kayla went to her room. Later on, Lexie woke up and was upset about being in the hospital. Kayla went to check on Chanel. Paulina was upset so Lani took her out of the room. When Chanel and Johnny were alone, she told him she was worried about the baby coming early and how they weren’t ready for it. Johnny assured her that they would be fine. They talked about baby names to distract her from the pain. Lani and Paulina saw Theo and was shocked about what was going on with Lexie. Kayla showed up to get Theo and Abe. They went to see Lexie. Kayla told them about the blood work. She said Lexie’s body was shutting down. Kayla said they could buy her some time but it wouldn’t do any good. Theo wanted to buy Lexie some time, but Abe wanted to respect whatever decision Lexie wanted. Lexie decided she wanted more time with her family. Kayla went to Chanel’s room and told her that her blood count was low so she had to get a transfusion.

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Days Short Recap Tuesday, August 18, 2026

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Holly and Tate talked about everything that happened to her. She swore him to secrecy when she told him that EJ was behind her getting drugged. Tate felt like EJ needed to pay. Gwen called Chad to thank him for letting Leo use the jet to rescue her. She let him know that Leo needed to be rescued. Gwen was leaving the message for Chad when JJ arrived. He welcomed her home and told her that the family tried reaching out to her. She found that hard to believe. JJ realized that something could have happened to her, and he would lose another sister. He wanted to fix things with her before it was too late. Gwen thought the Hortons were trying to butter her up because she was buying the hospital. JJ was shocked to find out that she was doing that. Theo was giving blood at the hospital when Johnny arrived to do the same thing. Johnny thought Theo was donating for Chanel, but he was doing it for his mother. He was surprised that Lexie was at the hospital. Theo was upset with EJ because he believed he was hiding her to avoid admitting his miracle drug was a failure. He thought EJ was denying his mother medical treatment. Johnny defended EJ and that made Theo believe that he knew about it. He told Theo that Lexie wanted it that way. Theo didn’t want to be around him.

Paulina ended up donating blood as well. She noticed that Johnny seemed distracted. He told her what happened with Theo. Paulina called him out for trusting something that EJ said. She couldn’t believe he was keeping secrets because he wanted him to do it. Paulina warned Johnny that he was on a slippery slope. Johnny promised her that Chanel didn’t have anything to worry about. He saw Theo at the nurses’ station and tried to apologize to him. As far as Theo was concerned, it was too little too late. JJ arrived at the hospital and ran into Theo. He wanted to know what he could do to help. Theo let him know there was nothing he could do, but he appreciated it.

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Days Update Friday, July 31, 2026

Days of Our Lives Update

 

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Update written by Joseph

Leo is on the phone in his room at the Salem Inn, complaining about being put on hold for 49 minutes as he’s trying to book a flight to Alamainia. Leo declares that he needs to get to Alamainia tonight and that it can’t wait as someone’s life depends on it.

Abe and Lexie sit together at home, enjoying their Christmas in July. Lexie is surprised Theo took off before dessert and asks what they were whispering about before he left. Abe claims not to know what she’s talking about. Theo then returns with a Christmas gift for Lexie and says it only seemed right. Lexie opens it to see a necklace with their three birthstones which she calls gorgeous. Theo then helps Lexie put the necklace on.

Javi and Gus walk through the town square with Trey where they run in to Paulina. They tell her about Trey being fussy with his cold. Paulina thanks Javi for babysitting. Javi says he is Trey’s Godfather, so it’s his job to look out for him and he also loves him a lot. Javi offers for he and Gus to keep Trey another night since Paulina is staying at the Salem Inn. Paulina says she appreciates it but it’s been a long week, so an evening with her grandson will do her good.

Kristen joins EJ in the living room of the DiMera Mansion where EJ invites her to have a drink to celebrate Rachel’s return home from Bayview. EJ notes he’s surprised that she’s not with her. Kristen informs him that she just got home from visiting her mother in Aremid and she will see Rachel soon. EJ calls it an odd time to leave. Kristen responds that her mother is sick and she’s her only living child. Kristen adds that Rachel is now home, so she’ll have all the time in the world to be with her.

Javi and Gus go to Small Bar together for drinks. Gus says it feels so good to be off baby duty while Javi says taking care of Trey is one of his favorite things ever. Gus praises Javi being so good with him. Javi says he’s just always loved taking care of kids. Gus asks if Javi could see himself as a parent again one day. Javi says he could and that when he and Leo were fostering Trey, it was some of the best times of his life and that made him think that he could want a family someday. Javi asks about Gus. Gus says he doesn’t know as he doesn’t have the magic touch with kids like Javi does. Javi thinks babies just sense how nervous Gus is and encourages the more time he spends around them, the more relaxed he will be. Gus says he’ll just take Javi’s word for it. Javi questions Gus saying no kids ever. Gus responds that he’s no ruling it out as it would depend on who he’s with.

Leo remains on the phone, arguing with customer service until Chad shows up at his door. Chad questions Leo as he missed the editorial meeting where he was going to pitch the counterfeit bag story, noting that he called him 5 times and thought something was wrong. Leo explains that he was on hold with the airline for 49 minutes. Chad questions where he’s going. Leo asks if he hasn’t heard that Gwen has vanished without a trace. Chad asks if something happened to her. Leo informs him that Rafe said a construction worker found her broken phone on the airstrip which means she’s been kidnapped and taken to parts unknown. Chad asks if he has any idea who took her. Leo responds that at first he was certain it was EJ, but now he knows it was Dimitri, so he has to get to Alamainia tonight.

EJ tells Kristen that he heard she was planning a trip to France. Kristen guesses he spoke with Sydney which EJ confirms. EJ remarks that he hopes she treats his daughter better than his son and suggests she leave the blowtorch at home this time. Kristen tells him not to point fingers and brings up what he put Rachel through. EJ argues that Rachel tried to kill him, while Kristen tried to have his son murdered. Kristen asks if he doesn’t think he deserved that. Kristen then asks how they got here and how things got so bad between them to the point that they are going after each others’ children, using them as pawns and weapons. EJ responds that he wishes he knew. Kristen looks up at the portrait of Stefano and wonders what he would think of them now. She doesn’t think he’d be proud of either one of them.

Lexie says the necklace really is beautiful and thoughtful as she thanks Abe and Theo. Theo points out that it matches Lexie’s new bracelet. Abe says he noticed that and questions where she got it. Lexie thinks back to Kristen giving her the geolocator. Lexie then tells them that it was a gift from Kristen. Theo notes that she has good taste. Abe asks when they leave for the airport but Theo reveals that Lexie doesn’t want them to drive her. Lexie says she already ordered a car. Abe argues that it’s bad enough she’s taking the trip alone and declares that she’s not riding to the airport alone, so he is taking her and that’s final, but Lexie angrily tells him that he can’t.

Javi asks if Gus sees anyone he’d start a family with. Gus jokes with him as he praises Javi’s qualities and they kiss.

Chad asks Leo if he’s called the police since Gwen’s been missing 48 hours. Leo questions what the police are going to do and declares that this started with him, Dimitri, and Gwen, so it needs to end with the three of them as well. Chad asks what makes him so sure it’s Dimitri. Leo shows Chad the text he got back from Dimitri and says that means he’s planning to do to Gwen what she did to him. Leo declares that if anything happened to Gwen, he would not be able to live with himself which is why he can’t wait 24 hours to get to Alamainia. Chad stops him and says he thinks he has an idea.

Abe asks Lexie what’s going on. Lexie apologizes for snapping and says she’s just feeling overwhelmed. Lexie says celebrating Christmas in July made her happy but it also reminded her of how much time she missed with them. Lexie knows he wants to drive her to the airport, but she’d rather say their goodbyes here in their home. Abe says he just wants to make things easy for her. Lexie asks Abe to grab her bag from the bed so he goes to get it. Theo asks Lexie if she’s okay. Lexie claims that she is and hugs him as she cries that she’s going to miss him so much. Lexie tells Theo that her love stays with him always. Theo says he knows that and she’s going to come back really soon. Theo gets a work call that he says might take awhile. Lexie says she’s so proud of him. Theo hugs her and says to call him as soon as she lands. Theo then heads to his room to take the call. Lexie breaks down crying. Abe comes back with her bag and questions what’s going on and why she’s crying.

Kristen tells EJ that it’s ironic because he wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for her. EJ goes over Kristen pretending to be his mother to give John a baby that wasn’t even his. Kristen remarks that it wasn’t her finest moment but she wishes EJ had been her and John’s. EJ never thought he’d hear that from her. Kristen thinks things would’ve been different between them. Kristen always felt DNA gets too much credit for making them who they are. Kristen remarks that she’s not Stefano’s child by blood, but he made sure she was as much a DiMera as EJ is. EJ adds that she may in fact be the most DiMera of them all. Kristen doesn’t know how to take that, but EJ thinks she does. Kristen calls it a shame and says she better go as she has things to take care of. EJ says he does too. Kristen says goodbye to EJ and walks out of the mansion.

Chad finishes a call and tells Leo that the DiMera Jet is fueled and ready to go for him. Leo excitedly hugs Chad as he thanks him. Chad tells him to be at the air strip in an hour and not be late. Leo tells Chad this is truly the kindest thing anyone’s ever done for him. Chad tells him to just be careful as he hurries him out of the room and they exit.

Lexie tells Abe that she feels silly for getting so emotional, but it’s hard to leave. Abe says it’s hard for him too to be apart from her, so he’s counting the days until she comes home and then they will have so much time together as this is just the beginning. Lexie thanks Abe for accepting her back in to his life as she knows he was happy before and it was complicated for him. Abe assures that nothing could compare to the happiness he felt when he saw her face again. Lexie calls it the most beautiful dream that she never wants to wake up from. Abe says he loves her so much. Lexie says she loves him always and forever as they hug.

EJ looks to the portrait of Stefano as he thinks back to confronting Kristen over trying to murder Johnny. EJ then picks up his phone and makes a call, saying to do it now.

Kristen walks to the park where she is grabbed from behind by a man, so she activates her geolocator bracelet.

Abe tells Lexie to let him know when she’s coming back so he can pick her up from the airport as he will not take his eyes off her for a very long time. Lexie gets the alert on her phone and tells Abe that she has to go. They hug and say they love each other again as Lexie then exits in tears.

Leo goes to the town square where he runs in to Javi and Gus. Javi brings up that Gus said Leo was going somewhere to look for Gwen. Leo responds that Dimitri has her, so he’s on his way to Alamainia. Javi questions Leo going by himself and tells him he can’t do that because it’s not safe for him to go alone, which surprises Leo but concerns Gus. Theo and Abe walk in to the town square where they see Paulina seated with Trey. Theo says they should talk to her, but Abe tells him to go ahead as he needs to text Lexie to make sure she got through security okay. Theo heads on and greets Paulina. Theo asks about Trey as he heard he wasn’t feeling well. Paulina is sure it’s just a cold, so she’s hoping he will fall asleep. Theo offers any help he can and says he’s sure Abe would help too. Paulina thanks him and says they are fine but that’s very kind of him. Paulina then looks back and sees Abe.

Rita emerges from the tunnels and startles EJ in the living room of the DiMera Mansion. She says she just came to tell him that part one of the plan was successful as they took Kristen without incident. EJ thanks her for letting him know. Rita asks if everything is alright or if he’s having second thoughts. EJ assures that he’s not having second thoughts, but he just didn’t expect to feel so sad.

Kristen is brought to a boiler room where the man tells her it won’t be the most comfortable flight, but once she arrives at the island, she’ll be right at home, just without her family. He then shoves Kristen in to a shipping container and locks her inside. Kristen screams for help and then pleads for Lexie, hoping this works.

Abe comes over and greets Paulina and Trey. Theo asks how Chanel is feeling. Paulina says the last round of chemo knocked her out good but she’s a trooper. Paulina adds that it’s the last treatment before the baby is due. Abe asks how she’s holding up emotionally. Paulina says that she’s tough and asks about Lexie. Theo informs Paulina that Lexie is on her way to South Africa to see her mother. Paulina is shocked that Lexie went by herself and calls that strange since she’s been glued to Abe since coming back. Paulina questions why she wouldn’t want Abe with her. Abe says he’s been wondering that himself but it was her decision so he had to respect it.

Chad goes to the Pub to retrieve a bag he left and runs in to Rafe. Chad says he’s glad he ran in to him because he just put Leo on a plane to Alamainia. Rafe questions why. Chad explains that he seems convinced that Dimitri has Gwen. Rafe is surprised as Leo was convinced it was EJ and asks if he has any proof. Chad says he just showed him some texts. Rafe mentions having a message from Leo that he hasn’t listened to yet because he figured it was just another voicemail asking about Gwen. Rafe asks how he’s getting to Alamainia. Chad admits he gave him the DiMera private jet. Chad knows Leo has given them countless reasons not to trust him but he thinks they need to take him seriously now.

Javi argues that it’s not safe for Leo to go to Alamainia to take on Dimitri alone. Leo remarks that it’s not like Javi is going to escort him. Javi tries to argue but Gus says it looks like Leo knows what he’s doing. Leo adds that it’s not like he has a choice. Javi disagrees and says he could just not go.

EJ tells Rita that he doesn’t know why he’s letting it get to him like this. Rita points out that Kristen is his sister while EJ complains that she plotted to kill his son, so sending her to the island is merciful. Rita says he doesn’t have to explain himself to her. EJ remarks that perhaps he is, as always, explaining himself to Stefano.

Lexie finds her way to the boiler room on the air strip and sneaks around to avoid being seen. Lexie hears Kristen calling for help and locates the shipping container. Kristen calls for Lexie to get her out. Lexie says it’s locked so it will take a few minutes to get it open. Kristen suggests looking underneath for the key but Lexie says there’s nothing. Lexie asks if she’s okay in there. Kristen says she’s alive but it almost killed her to miss Rachel’s welcome home party and now she has to leave her. Lexie cries that she’s so sorry and asks if she got to say goodbye at Bayview. Kristen says she did kind of and asks if Lexie was able to say goodbye to Abe and Theo. Lexie confirms she was and says they were both so sweet and unsuspecting. Lexie calls it the hardest thing she’s ever had to do and hopes that someday they can forgive her.

Leo waits for his ride as Javi says he’s worried. Leo says he’s worried about Gwen since Dimitri can be dangerous and unpredictable. Javi points out that Leo is going in to this with no backup or protection. Leo says that Gwen needs her and he owes her. Leo then gets an alert that his ride has arrived. Javi wishes Leo luck and tells him to take care of himself as Leo then exits. Javi complains to Gus that it was bad enough last time Leo went to Alamainia but at least then he had someone looking out for him. Gus argues that Leo knows the risks and made his choice. Javi argues that Leo does things without thinking and he is all impulse. Gus says that’s why Javi is lucky that Leo is not his problem anymore. Javi decides he’s right, so Gus suggests they head home with no babies or exes, just them. Javi says that sounds good so they walk off together. Paulina continues saying she doesn’t get why Lexie would go off by herself like that and says if it were her, it would take an army to pull her away from Abe and Theo. Theo states that Lexie has been through a lot and hasn’t seen her mom in 15 years. Paulina continues questioning going to South Africa, if Lexie is up for that, and how long she’s going to be away. Theo admits they don’t know since she hasn’t booked her return flight home yet. Paulina remarks that she’s sure Lexie has her reasons. Paulina sees that Trey has fallen asleep, so she’s going to try to get him to her room and in to his crib. Theo and Abe say to send Chanel their love. Paulina agrees to do so and says she hopes Lexie has a good trip. Paulina then heads to the Salem Inn with Trey.

Rita tells EJ that Stefano was not one to second guess himself as once he made up his mind, he never looked back. EJ agrees but says it just never should’ve ended this way. Rita says with the path Stefano sent them on, it was inevitable that it would.

Rafe admits to Chad that he was hoping EJ was behind Gwen’s disappearance so they could finally nail him for something. Chad says he doesn’t blame him and won’t defend him, but he’s not responsible for every bad thing that happens in Salem. Rafe says it’s just most of them.

Kristen tells Lexie that even EJ’s henchman thought what he was doing was messed up, but guesses EJ pays well. Lexie works on trying to pick the lock as Kristen urges her to keep going so they can make the switch before the pilot arrives. Kristen adds that by the time EJ finds out Lexie is on the island, she will be long gone and her trail will have gone cold. Kristen asks how Lexie is feeling about all of this. Lexie responds that she’s feeling like it’s what has to be done. Kristen says she’s sorry for all of it, especially being stuck in this container. Lexie is sure it’s more spacious than the pod she was in all those years. Lexie declares that if it will spare Abe and Theo from watching her die again, it will be all worth it. Kristen wishes there was more she could do for her. Lexie says she’s done enough and she’s come to terms with her fate as her time came 15 years ago. Lexie adds that the chance to see Abe again and see Theo all grown up can only be looked at as a blessing. Kristen calls Lexie an amazing person and says she’s so proud to call Lexie her sister. Lexie cries that she just wishes she was better at picking locks. Lexie decides to go look for a crowbar and says she’ll be right back. Kristen repeatedly calls out to Lexie, asking if she’s alright, as Lexie staggers behind the container and collapses to the ground.

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Days Update Thursday, July 30, 2026

Days of Our Lives Update

 

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Update written by Joseph

Philip is at the Titan office, on the phone with an investor, trying to convince him to give Titan a loan. Philip ends up hanging up and throwing his phone in frustration. Gabi then arrives and picks up his phone, saying she thinks he dropped something.

Alex goes home and tells Stephanie that the custody meeting did not go well because Joy decided to add a condition that she refused to budge from. Alex reveals that Joy wants it stipulated in the contract that if he is going to have any visitation with Kelsey, Stephanie can not be present for the next 18 years of her life.

Joy and Kelsey are outside the Brady Pub. Joy looks over the custody papers and declares that Alex is making things difficult by not signing the papers, but she knows he will come around because he loves Kelsey as much as she does.

Brady, Marlena, Tate, and Rachel sit together at the Brady Pub. Belle and Chad arrive to welcome Rachel home and give her a present. Rachel asks about Thomas. Chad says he and Charlotte are in Boston with their grandparents, so he’s representing the DiMera side of the family. Rachel responds that she’s glad Chad is there, but questions where her mom is and asks if she’s coming. Brady and Marlena assures she must just be stuck in traffic. Rachel questions Belle and Chad getting her a gift together. Belle then informs her that they are kind of dating. Rachel jokes about that making them her double aunt and uncle while Brady jokes that he’ll have to acquaint her with their complicated and crooked family tree.

Philip questions what Gabi is doing there as he thought they said everything they had to say. Gabi thinks she said too much, so Philip asks her to elaborate. Gabi brings up accusing him of knocking off her Gabi Chic handbag and admits she may have jumped to conclusions. Philip questions why she now thinks that. Gabi responds that she spoke to Arianna. Philip asks if Ari convinced her that it wasn’t him. Gabi explains that Ari was her DiMera internship with a bag that she had given her before it was released and when she left it alone, it was gone, then she found it later in a room that she doesn’t even remember being in. Philip asks if she thinks someone at DiMera was responsible for the counterfeit bags then. Gabi says maybe, but she doesn’t have any proof. Philip points out that didn’t stop her from accusing him.

Stephanie questions Joy not wanting her allowed around Kelsey until she’s an adult. Alex calls it absolutely crazy and assures that he’s not going to sign anything as he would never go along with anything that would cut her out of his daughter’s life. Stephanie argues that he has to sign something or else Joy could take Kelsey and leave town. Alex assures that won’t happen and says they just need to let Joy cool down. Stephanie thought they were already doing that as she’s been keeping her distance, trying to prove she’s not a threat. Stephanie questions what if Joy never changes her mind.

Joy enters the Pub with Kelsey and waves to Belle as she walks by their table, so Belle goes to talk with her. Joy then tells Belle that she was going to call her because she needs her help with a legal matter.

Philip argues that Gabi accused him of stealing from her without any evidence, even though he told her repeatedly that he didn’t do it and promised he never would. Philip adds that even after she betrayed him, he cared about her too much to disrespect her work and creativity. Philip complains that he was open and vulnerable which has never been their strong suit. Philip asks if Gabi believes him now that Titan had nothing to do with this. Gabi confirms that she does. Philip asks what that means.

Rachel says she’s texting Kristen but she’s not answering. Tate takes Rachel to refill her milkshake. Belle sits with Joy and asks what’s going on that she needs legal advice. Joy responds that she just had a meeting with Justin and Alex about Kelsey’s custody. Rachel and Tate come over, so Rachel meets her baby cousin Kelsey. Rachel brings up how Tate thought he had a baby but it turned out not to be his. Joy says she’s sorry to hear that as Tate then takes Rachel back to their table. Belle asks Joy further about the custody meeting. Joy explains that she and Alex had the birth certificate amended to add him as the father and they were supposed to sign an agreement on his visitation rights, but he refused to sign it because she doesn’t want Stephanie around her daughter which Belle questions. Joy declares that as long as Alex has Kelsey, Stephanie can’t be present. Tate overhears that and says she can’t do that. Tate argues that she can’t ask Alex to pick between his wife and his kid. Tate warns that when you start using a kid to manipulate somebody, it doesn’t work out for anyone.

Stephanie asks Alex what happens if he doesn’t sign the custody agreement and if Joy will let him see Kelsey at all. Alex says they didn’t really get in to all of that, but he assumes not. Stephanie tells him that she’s so sorry. Alex says it isn’t her fault. Stephanie argues that it’s all because of her that he can’t be with his daughter.

Joy tells Belle that she’s taking Kelsey to the park and she appreciates her time. Belle asks to go talk about this outside, so Joy agrees and they exit together. Marlena and Brady step aside to the counter. Brady asks if she’s heard anything from Kristen. Marlena says she hasn’t, but she assumes she’s on her way because she can’t imagine Kristen would miss her daughter’s homecoming. Brady says that’s why he’s really worried that something’s wrong. Marlena asks if he thinks something happened with Kristen. Brady explains that after Marlena left Bayview, Kristen showed up and she was sad and emotional. Brady says that Kristen said it was just over the time she lost with Rachel, but then she started apologizing to him and thanking him for being a great dad while adding that Rachel would be relying on him more than ever. Marlena calls that very unlike Kristen. Brady notes Kristen hugging Rachel like she didn’t want to let go and that it kind of felt she was saying goodbye to both of them. Brady states that even if Kristen was moving on from him, nothing would tear her away from Rachel.

Alex repeats to Stephanie that this is not her fault. Stephanie disagrees, complaining that Joy is punishing him because of what she did. Alex says it’s just messy right now and that custody arrangements are never easy. Alex insists they will figure it out and that in time, Joy will see that having Stephanie in Kelsey’s life is only going to make it better, just like she made his life better. Stephanie thanks him for saying that. Alex tells Stephanie that he loves her and that Kelsey will too. Alex is sorry for interrupting her work and says he’ll let her get back to it as he has to check in at the office anyway. Alex says he will call her in a little while and he wants them to do something tonight to get their minds off this. Stephanie says that sounds good as they kiss and Alex then exits. Stephanie then grabs her phone and calls Roman to ask if Joy is around. Stephanie says she will head to the Pub soon then as she hangs up and exits.

Belle tells Joy that Stephanie made a terrible mistake that she deeply regrets, but she would never let that happen again. Joy argues that she doesn’t know that. Belle talks about Stephanie being through something deeply traumatic and thought Joy was breaking in to her home. Joy argues that it demonstrated poor judgment for Stephanie to pull out her gun and shoot at her. Belle repeats that Stephanie went through a horrible ordeal and was traumatized. Belle argues that Joy worked with Stephanie at Body and Soul, so she knows what kind of person she is. Belle has no doubt that Kelsey would be perfectly safe in Stephanie’s care. Belle thanks Joy for hearing her out as she heads back in to the Pub.

Gabi informs Philip that she will release the funds that she promised him, confirming the amount they agreed on from Stefan’s inheritance will be hitting his bank account by tomorrow morning, so he’ll have plenty of time to make the loan payment. Philip admits he’s relieved as he thought they were going have to start selling the furniture to pay the electric bill. Gabi jokes that it wouldn’t be the worst idea as they could start over with some Gabi Chic decor. Philip admits he can’t thank her enough for this as she saved Titan and his family, so he then hugs her and they end up kissing until Alex walks in. Alex jokes about Philip getting some work done while Gabi says they had some business to discuss. Philip informs Alex that Gabi rethought her decision and is giving them the money from her inheritance. Alex asks if they’re serious. Gabi explains that she realized she jumped to the wrong conclusion about Philip and the company, so she wants to make up for what she did. Alex can’t believe it as Gabi confirms they can make the loan payment. Alex excitedly thanks Gabi and hugs her.

Joy sits outside with Kelsey and asks if she’s being unreasonable. She decides maybe she is as she pulls up Alex on her phone. Stephanie then approaches and asks if they can talk.

Rachel gets a text from Kristen, saying her mother isn’t feeling well so she went to take care of her in Aremid, but that she’s happy she’s home and she can’t wait to see her. Brady says that’s great and that they will check in with her later. Rachel asks for some fries, so Tate takes her to the kitchen. Marlena comments to Brady about the good news about Kristen, but Brady doesn’t buy the story as it’s the first he’s heard about her mother being sick and Rachel Blake has a caregiver, so there’s no reason Kristen should’ve gone to see her mother when she could’ve made her daughter’s homecoming. Marlena suggests giving her a call, so Brady steps away as Belle and Chad return to the table. Belle asks if everything is okay. Marlena says Brady is just checking on something and asks about their trip to Italy. Belle says they will be going to Rome and Milan. Marlena knows Belle always has an exact plan. Belle says they’ve decided to relax about this trip and see where things lead. Marlena then questions what is going on here and what they are keeping from her. Chad tells Belle that she’s on her own, so Belle admits to Marlena that it’s about Stefano’s chess board.

Gabi says she should get going and that the money should be in their account by tomorrow morning. Philip repeats that he doesn’t know how to thank her for this as she knows what it means to him and his whole family. Gabi responds that she’s really glad she could help. Alex thanks her again as Gabi then exits the office. Philip dances in celebration as Alex questions what just happened here. Philip tells him that Gabi agreed to save the company. Alex asks if that was before or after he started kissing her. Philip says it was after, so Alex asks if it was a thank you. Philip says it just happened as he impulsively hugged her, they got caught up in the excitement, and that’s all.

Joy assumes Alex told Stephanie about the custody agreement. Stephanie says that’s why she wanted to come talk to her as she hoped they could come to an agreement between them, so Alex won’t be forced to choose between her and his daughter. Joy says she’s not asking him to choose, she’s just saying that she doesn’t want Stephanie around her daughter which hasn’t been a problem so far. Stephanie argues that it’s only been a short time while they are talking 18 years. Stephanie tells Joy that she and Alex are married, so they are a package deal. Stephanie says she either wants Alex in Kelsey’s life or she doesn’t and asks which one it is.

Marlena thought Belle was going to let Paul handle the investigation. Belle argues that it’s not really an ISA case while Marlena worries that with Stefano involved, everything is dangerous. Marlena warns that Stefano and every one in his family are a threat to them, excluding Chad. Belle knows Marlena doesn’t want to be involved but says that she and Chad have made some real progress which Marlena questions. Belle explains the missing pawn and the Italian Lire inside a hidden department in the chess board which may be a clue. Marlena guesses that’s why they are heading to Italy which Belle confirms. Marlena declares that she cannot condone this as they have no idea what they will find and it’s far too dangerous.

Joy argues that Stephanie pulled a gun on her and could’ve killed her. Stephanie knows that’s her rationale for her decision even though she has told her that she deeply regrets everything that night and made it clear it will never happen again. Joy believes that she means that, but says she can only go with her gut and she would spend all of her time wondering that something else might set Stephanie off and she can’t live her life like that. Stephanie is starting to think this has nothing to do with what happened that night and nothing to do with Kelsey at all. Stephanie thinks this is Joy’s way of trying to come between her and Alex, because she wants Alex to herself.

Rachel wants to start taking karate lessons at Tate’s gym which Brady says is a great idea. Tate jokes they can be in the same class. Brady says it’s so good to have his kids together again. Rachel asks if he thinks Kristen will be back from Aremid tomorrow. Brady says he hopes so. Belle promises Marlena that they will be safe while Marlena argues that they can’t make that promise on the trail of Stefano DiMera. Belle promises to call Paul if anything sketchy happens while Chad says they would call DiMera Security if they face any trouble. Marlena knows she can’t forbid them from going while Belle doesn’t want to make her unhappy. Marlena says she has to remind herself that they are adults, able to make their own decisions. Belle thanks her, so Marlena asks her to promise to keep her in the loop on every single moment which she agrees to do.

Gabi walks through the town square and stops to think back to kissing Philip. Gabi smiles and pulls out her phone. She makes a call and says to make the transfer.

Alex asks if Philip has told Xander about this. Philip says he’s the first person he’s seen since Gabi broke the news. Alex excitedly tells him to get Xander on the phone and call Kate and Maggie. Philip wonders if they should wait until the money hits the account tomorrow. Alex asks if he thinks there’s a chance it might not. Philip assures that he does believe Gabi. Alex jokes that she sealed it with a kiss, so it seems legit. Alex tells Philip to relax as this is a good thing and hugs him. Philip agrees they can finally sleep tonight as things are definitely looking up.

Joy tells Stephanie that she’s not trying to come between her and Alex nor does she want him to herself. Joy adds that the way Stephanie is acting is not projecting stability. Stephanie accuses Joy of acting neurotic since coming back to Salem and using her mistake to her advantage to freeze her out, so it’s her, Alex, and Kelsey with 18 years. Stephanie brings up Joy calling Alex at the hospital and telling him that she had an emergency when it was just her insurance and then calling with a flat tire. Stephanie argues that Alex went running every time while she said nothing as they are doing everything they can to keep Joy happy in hopes that she will let Alex be a good father, but instead she just doubles down on her insane demands. Stephanie argues that Joy knows what she’s doing is wrong and selfish. Joy responds that before Stephanie showed up, she had actually changed her mind as Belle convinced her that maybe she had gone too far and that Stephanie was just a good person who made one bad mistake, but now having her attack her like this and calling her a homewrecker, liar, and neurotic, it’s clear that Stephanie is as mean and unhinged as she thought. Joy then declares that she is never letting Stephanie near her baby.

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Days Update Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Days of Our Lives Update

 

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Update written by Joseph

Leo is in the town square with his bag packed, on the phone talking about booking a flight. Leo admits he hadn’t thought about where he’s going. Leo talks about recovering a concussion and acknowledges that maybe he shouldn’t be flying, but his dear friend is in deep trouble. They tell Leo to call back when he’s got his head on straight. Leo asks what if that never happens as they hang up on him.

At the DiMera Mansion, EJ calls Johnny and tells him that it appears the Titan loan buyout is working exactly as planned. Johnny guesses that serves them right. EJ says that’s spoken like a true DiMera. Johnny thanks him for the update and says they’ll talk later as he hangs up. Chanel calls Johnny over, worrying that Trey feels warm and could be sick. Johnny takes Trey away and reminds Chanel that she had chemo this morning, so the last thing she needs to be around is a sick baby while her immune system is compromised. Chanel says it’s fine and argues that she’s not just a cancer patient, but a mom too. Johnny encourages Chanel to focus on staying healthy and says they have a village of people willing to help them, so he thinks it’s time to call in reinforcements. Johnny then calls Leo and asks if he’s free to babysit Trey since he’s come down with a cold and Chanel can’t get sick right now. Leo says normally he’d say yes in a heartbeat but he has something important to take care of. Leo recommends his friend Denise but Johnny says it’s okay and not to worry about it as he’s sure they will find someone. Leo asks Johnny to tell Trey that he says hi and he hopes he feels better and that he loves him very much, which Johnny agrees to do as they hang up.

Lexie is at home on the phone with Kristen, confirming she is wearing the geolocator now and when the time comes, she will drop everything. Lexie then hangs up as Theo enters and questions what’s going on and what she means by dropping everything when the time comes.

EJ is surprised at home by his mother Susan Banks, who says she’s here on a mission to stop him from making a baker’s dozen of mistakes.

Johnny tells Chanel that Paulina is in a meeting, Lani is holding it down at the Bakery, and he left a message for Javi. Johnny says if all else fails, he can take Trey to the office with him. Chanel argues that he can’t take their sick baby to work while Johnny argues that he can’t stay there with her. Javi then shows up at their door and says he’s sorry he missed the call as he just finished his shift, but he’d be more than happy to watch Trey if they still need a babysitter.

Rafe is on the phone with Cat at home, saying that’s not good news for Gwen but it does give them something to jump off and a reason to question EJ which he will enjoy doing personally. Rafe hangs up and goes to leave, right as Leo arrives. Rafe tells Leo that Javi isn’t home and he has something urgent to attend to. Leo asks if it’s more urgent than life and death, so Rafe asks what it is. Leo informs Rafe that he believes Gwen was kidnapped by EJ and asks him to show concern for his friend. Rafe responds that he didn’t realize they were still friends after Gwen blew up Leo’s marriage to Javi. Leo admits that hurt like hell, but he hurt Gwen deeply too, and says they are all capable of mistakes. Rafe tells him to get to the point. Leo points out that Gwen has only been missing for one day and he was going to start looking for her himself, but he realized he doesn’t have the slightest clue where to start, so he pleads with Rafe to help him.

Susan tells EJ that there is some very bad energy surrounding him and questions what has gotten in to him. Susan argues that she told him the wickedness of Stefano is inside him, but she didn’t know he could be more cruel.

Rafe doesn’t think it’s a good idea for Leo to go out looking for Gwen. Leo argues that somebody has to and asks if Rafe is going to look for her. Rafe reveals that a case has been opened. Leo questions this being a case and says he’s not letting this go until Gwen is home safe. Rafe responds that they are not out looking for Gwen, but that could change soon. Rafe agrees to tell Leo what he knows but it has to remain strictly off the record. Leo promises not to breathe a word of this as he just wants to find his friend. Rafe tells Leo to start by telling him what he knows. Leo asks Rafe if he’s familiar with the concept of a dead man’s switch.

Lexie claims to Theo that she was speaking to a customer service rep at a new rideshare service to take her to the airport. Theo says she could’ve just asked him as he’d be happy to give her a ride. Lexie says she’s sure the airport traffic is crazy and she already ordered the car. Abe then comes home and greets them. Lexie says she’s glad he’s home as she was hoping they could have some family time tonight before she goes on her trip to visit her mother. Abe then reveals that he just got off the phone with Celeste, who said she had no idea Lexie was coming. Lexie is shocked that Abe talked to her mother. Abe says he wanted to say hello to her and remind her not to let Lexie overdo it. Lexie then claims that she wanted to surprise her and that’s why she didn’t know she was coming. Abe apologizes for ruining the surprise. Lexie says it’s okay as he didn’t know. Abe asks if she can forgive him. Lexie assures that she does and appreciates that he cares so much. Lexie tells Abe and Theo that she loves them with her whole heart and that they mean everything to her. Theo asks if she’s okay. Lexie talks about getting this time back with them and seeing the man Theo has become. Lexie says it’s been truly a gift. Lexie tearfully tells Abe that she will miss him.

Javi checks on Trey and says he’ll do everything he can to make sure he’s feeling better. Johnny says they can’t thank him enough for doing this. Javi says he couldn’t be happier to do it, adding that they can video chat every hour if they want and advises Chanel to call her doctor if she starts to feel sick. Javi then exits with Trey.

Susan grabs EJ’s hand and removes Stefano’s ring from his finger, saying that’s where the wicked energy is coming from.

Abe tells Lexie that he will miss her too but she won’t be gone long. Lexie suggests they have a goodbye dinner. Theo offers to cook but Lexie reveals that she already ordered takeout from the Bistro which should be ready, so she asks them to go get it. Theo says it doesn’t sound like a two man job but Lexie insists that she ordered a lot, so Abe and Theo exit together. Lexie then goes back to her phone and makes a call, saying the coast is clear.

Leo tells Rafe about Melinda going to open the file that Gwen left for him, only to find it blank which means EJ must have hacked in to it or had it deleted. Rafe calls that an interesting theory as Leo asks what he has. Rafe informs him that the police did a wellness check and found that Gwen’s hotel key hasn’t been swiped in 48 hours and there’s been no activity on her credit cards. Rafe then reveals that a construction worker just turned Gwen’s phone in and it was found smashed at the air strip.

Lexie brings out a box and staggers, saying not yet as she pleads for just a few more days.

Theo and Abe walk through the town square as Theo questions what’s going on because Abe hasn’t said a word. Abe responds that he feels awful for ruining Lexie’s surprise for her mother. Theo encourages him to stop beating himself up because Lexie forgave him. Theo asks if something else is bothering him. Abe admits that he doesn’t understand why Lexie took this trip without him. Theo points out that it’s been 15 years, so he’s sure Lexie wants to spend some alone time with her mother. Abe says that has to be the reason, but it’s been an overwhelming time for Lexie so maybe spending time alone with her mom might be what she needs right now.

Leo questions Gwen’s phone being found on the air strip. Rafe notes the DiMera private jet has been stationary but he knows EJ isn’t stupid enough to use his own plane. Rafe adds that he did some digging and found that only cargo planes have been through there in the time since. Javi then comes home with Trey. Rafe guesses Javi is doing some babysitting which he confirms. Javi explains that Trey has a cold and Johnny and Chanel didn’t want to risk Chanel catching it, so Trey’s going to hang out with them until Paulina can take him. Rafe says he’d love to stick around but he has to go as duty calls, so he tells Leo not to do anything stupid as he exits. Leo comments on Johnny and Chanel asking him to babysit and he wanted to say yes but he had to talk to Rafe about a big story. Javi then questions if Leo was there to talk about something crime related with Rafe or if he was just hanging around, hoping he would show up.

EJ asks Susan to give back the ring as it means a great deal to him. Susan responds that she will give it back when it’s safe. Susan warns EJ that he’s going down a very bad path and reminds him that he is not Stefano. Susan declares that she will not let him be that monster. EJ says that he hears her as Susan then exits with the ring.

Leo tells Javi that he didn’t come hoping that he would show up as he’s not that stalker-ish anymore. Leo adds that he’ll prove it by getting out of his hair and says he’ll see him around. Gus then comes out of the bedroom and questions what’s going on here.

Johnny tells Chanel that Trey’s blankets are all in the wash and he’s wiped down every surface in the apartment. Chanel thanks him and says she understands why they have to be cautious, but feels it’s silly to do all this over their son having a cold. Johnny says it’s better to be safe than sorry. Johnny adds that not only do they have a squeaky clean apartment, but they have it all to themselves. They start to kiss until Chanel apologizes and says she’s just not feeling it.

Rafe goes to the DiMera Mansion and asks EJ if Gwen is there. EJ responds that she’s at the Salem Inn. Rafe informs him that she’s not and that she hasn’t used her key card in over 48 hours. Rafe guesses EJ already knew that.

Abe and Theo return home with food from the Bistro and can’t believe what they come home to.

Rafe goes over how Gwen proposed buying the hospital out from under EJ, giving the board an opportunity to oust him and then she suddenly disappears. EJ calls it circumstantial and claims he had nothing to do with Gwen’s disappearance. EJ tells Rafe to get the hell off of his property but Susan comes over and asks what’s going on. EJ tells Susan that it’s nothing to worry about. Susan informs EJ that she performed a cleaning ritual on his ring. Susan asks if Rafe was there on business and what seems to be the trouble.

Leo tells Gus that he was just leaving, so he exits. Gus questions Javi as to what that was all about. Javi explains that he just got home and Leo was there to get some sort of quote from Rafe about a big news story and only stuck around to say hi to Trey. Gus hopes that news story can get Leo a job at the Chicago Tribune and he can leave them be. Gus then says he didn’t know they had a play date today. Javi says it was a last minute thing to help out Johnny and Chanel. Gus tries to play with Trey but he starts to cry, so Gus apologizes and says babies aren’t really his thing. Javi tells him not to worry about it and sings to Trey.

Chanel apologizes to Johnny as she was just complaining the other day about wanting him to make love to her more often. Johnny says it’s okay as Chanel mentions feeling a little nauseous with a little bit of lower back pain. Chanel adds that she’s missing Trey already and questions why he had to get sick today of all days. Chanel says Trey would distract her from how awful she’s feeling as she can already tell this time the side effects will be worse. Chanel decides she’ll just have to focus on how lucky she is to have great doctors, a loving family, Trey, a baby on the way, and most importantly Johnny.

Abe and Trey enter their home to find it decorated for Christmas as Lexie comes in with a Santa hat, calling it Christmas in July. Abe questions when she did all of this as they weren’t gone that long. Lexie reveals that she had some help from the DiMera Mansion staff. Lexie says she has missed so many Christmases and asked why wait all those months when they could just have it now. Theo agrees that she deserves two Christmases as they hug and wish each other a Merry Christmas. Abe calls it the first of many more that they will share together.

Rafe informs Susan that EJ is involved in some very shady stuff. EJ reminds Rafe that he asked him to leave. Susan tells EJ not to be rude and agrees with Rafe that EJ is involved in very shady stuff. Susan says she knows because of EJ’s ring, which she says has a dark, mystifying energy. Rafe wonders if that ring would confirm that EJ kidnapped Gwen. Susan argues that he must have it all backwards because EJ would do no such thing and she would feel it if that were true. EJ says they’ve taken up enough of Rafe’s time as he was just leaving. Rafe warns EJ that this isn’t over. EJ calls that an empty threat. Rafe insists it’s a very real threat and that he’s taking it all the way until EJ finally gets what’s coming to him. Rafe then exits.

Johnny decides he will take the rest of the day off and not go to work, but Chanel insists that she’s fine. Johnny says he will at least get her set up on the couch with snacks and a romantic comedy. Chanel decides she wants to video chat with Trey first. Chanel is sure Javi is doing great, but she wants to reassure him. Johnny assures that Trey sees and feels her love. Johnny promises someday, all of this will just be a distant memory and says they have a lot to look forward to. They hug and end up feeling the baby kick.

Lexie suggests they take turns saying what they are thankful for. Lexie starts by saying she’s so grateful to have this day, this meal, and this precious moment with her loves. Lexie talks about being blessed to have so many years with Abe and says she couldn’t be prouder of Theo. Lexie emotionally declares that she’s beyond grateful to be alive in this moment with her family.

Leo goes to his room at the Salem Inn and makes a call, trying to get flight records from the air strip. Leo thanks them and hangs up as he gets the records. Leo goes over the flights and finds one flight to Alamainia.

Gus tells Javi that he’s surprised Leo is still in town since he ran in to him earlier and he said he was leaving Salem to go look for Gwen as she’s apparently missing. Javi says he had no idea. Gus figured Leo would have filled him in. Gus adds that Leo also told him to tell Javi goodbye in case anything happens. Javi wonders if that’s what he was talking to Rafe about and why he didn’t just tell him directly. Gus asks if he wanted Leo to write him a love letter or something. Javi says no and that it’s all just really strange. Javi declares he’s done trying to figure out what’s going on in Leo’s mind which Gus says he’s glad to hear.

Leo texts Dimitri, asking if he happens to know where Gwen is. Dimitri texts back “Turnabout is fair play”

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Days Short Recap Friday, August 14, 2026

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Theo burst into the DiMera mansion and caught Chad up with what happened to Lexie. Rita tried to intervene, but Theo didn’t want to hear from her. He let her know that he and Chad didn’t believe that she would tell the truth. Rita tried to stop them from leaving, but they pushed past her to get to the tunnels. She saw Devlin and realized that the memory eraser she gave him worked because he didn’t remember her. Devlin overheard people talking about a woman being hidden in the tunnels because a miracle drug didn’t work. Rita offered to take him home since he didn’t seem well. Devlin didn’t know about that since he didn’t recognize her. Rita tased him, and he went down. Johnny and Chanel waited for Paulina to show up to babysit Trey. Chanel insulted Lexie for leaving on Abe’s birthday. Johnny tried to defend his aunt, but it didn’t do any good. Paulina arrived with a gift for Abe. She explained that Marlena talked her into getting it, but she was being funny about it. Chanel wondered if Johnny knew what his grandmother was trying to say. They were about to leave when Chanel had Braxton’s Hicks. She said she was fine so they left. Lani arrived for Abe’s party. Abe didn’t feel like celebrating after finding out that Lexie was missing. Lani felt like the party would be good for him. She and Theo believed that Lexie went somewhere to get treatment. Abe wished Lexie had be honest with him in the first place.

Theo found Lexie in the tunnels and rushed to her side. He asked Chad to get Abe. Theo got Lexie some water and promised to get her help. He didn’t give Lexie a chance to speak because he ran upstairs to get his father. Chad arrived at Abe’s party to get him so he could see Lexie. Abe rushed to see Lexie. Chad explained to everyone what happened. He saw Cat at the square and yelled at her because he believed she knew Lexie was dying. Chad didn’t want to hear what she had to say. He said that she sounded like EJ and called her a liar. Rita took Devlin to a room with a pod. Devlin woke up and wanted to know where he was. EJ showed up in the room. He was upset to see Devlin, but he was excited to see him. EJ wanted Devlin gone permanently. Rita assured him that she would take care of it. She wanted to give him the flu medication first. Rita gave EJ a memory erasing pill without him knowing. She sent him upstairs so she could take care of Devlin. Johnny and Chanel went home with pizza for Paulina. They told her what happened at the party. Paulina thought it had something to do with Lexie. Chanel went into labor. Theo ran into Abe and took him to see Lexie, but she was unconscious.

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Days Short Recap Thursday, August 13, 2026

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Gwen wanted Rafe to rescue Leo since he helped her. Rafe didn’t seem that interested in helping Leo. He said that Leo was free and could go if he wanted. Rafe had a signed confession so he wanted her to worry about herself. He wasn’t interested in putting her in jail. Rafe wanted her to help him get EJ, and she would be free. Gwen wanted to go after EJ, but she wasn’t leaving Leo. Rafe informed her that it was her once chance to get away from Dimitri and take EJ down. Dimitri tried to get Leo to be with him, but he didn’t think he should be with someone he’s forcing to stay with him. Stephanie went to the hospital to give Joy flowers from Kelsey. She wanted Kayla to give them to her. Kayla thought it was a good thing that she wanted to try to work things out with Joy. Stephanie didn’t know what she would do if Joy never let her be part of Kelsey’s life. She was afraid her marriage wouldn’t survive it. Kayla let her know that there wasn’t anything she could do about it now. She let her know that Joy was in the middle of a medical crisis. Stephanie left to go to Jada’s place. Alex met with Steve at the pub to plan a surprise party for Stephanie. Steve was blunt with him and told him that Joy was taking advantage of him so she could spend time with him. He said that Joy needed boundaries. Alex said he didn’t have any interest in Joy other than co-parenting.

Paulina and Marlena caught up with each other at the pub. She talked to Marlena about it being Abe’s birthday. Paulina knew she shouldn’t care about Abe’s birthday, but Marlena thought she didn’t have to try so hard to stop caring. Marlena gave her advice about Abe. Paulina left after their conversation. Abe wasn’t enjoying his birthday after the news Theo gave him about Lexie. He thought Lexie went to see Dr. Rolf. Abe assured Theo that Lexie would come back to them. Later Theo ran into Marlena so she took him to her office. Marlena thought he should look at the DiMera mansion for his mother. She told him that his mother wasn’t just sick. Lexie is dying. Marlena told him that Lexie didn’t want her family to watch her die. Theo rushed to the DiMera mansion to find his mother in the tunnels.

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Days Update Tuesday, July 28, 2026

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Update written by Joseph

Brady runs in to Marlena in the town square. Brady informs her that his former assistant Amira is leaving Basic Black as she got another offer from a top fashion company in New York. Marlena says that’s good for her but bad for them. Brady says he doesn’t blame her since Titan is on the verge of collapse so there’s not a lot of job security there. Marlena asks if they have anyone else to use to fill her position. Brady says he’s hoping but he has to go. Brady says they’ll talk soon as he walks away. Marlena then pulls out her phone.

Tate is at his gym, calling Gwen and leaving a message that their session is almost up so he wanted to see where she was at.

EJ visits Holly in the hospital. Holly says she’s physically much better but mentally not so much. EJ informs her that he has good news that he hopes will lift her spirits.

Xander catches Sarah at the hospital and asks if she has a minute. Sarah says she doesn’t, but Xander says it’s about Holly. Xander tells Sarah that he thinks he knows how the pills ended up in Holly’s bag and that Holly had nothing to do with it. Sarah questions who put the pills in her bag if Holly didn’t. Xander tells her that it was EJ to cover his own ass.

Marlena goes to the Kiriakis Mansion and thanks Kate for seeing her on such short notice. Kate says it sounded urgent and asks if everything is okay. Marlena brings up Amira turning her resignation in at Basic Black. Kate says she did remarkable work and it will be hard to replace her. Marlena asks what if they replace her, since that was the plan in the beginning until she backed out. Marlena says with the Johnny business behind them, she thinks they’d have a very good chance of working well together. Kate responds that she’s sorry but it’s going to have to be a no.

Brady joins Tate for a workout at the gym and they talk about Rachel coming home and Holly getting released from the hospital today. Tate says he hasn’t heard a thing from Holly since she kicked him out of the hospital and he’s tried calling and texting. Brady encourages him to just give her some time.

Holly asks EJ what the good news is. EJ informs her that he spoke to Melinda Trask and he’s confident that Amy Choi will be dropping the lawsuit. Holly gets excited and calls that amazing as she thanks EJ. Holly acknowledges that EJ promised to come through for her and she didn’t doubt him. Holly tells EJ that it means the world to her to have him on her side.

Sarah tells Xander that she would love nothing more than to find out someone planted the pills in Holly’s bag but questions why EJ would when he loves Holly. Xander suggests he did it to stay out of prison and protect his company since DiMera Pharmaceuticals poisoned so many people with tainted drugs on EJ’s watch, so he’d do whatever it takes to stop that from coming out. Xander says they weren’t able to prove Coriseal was in the well water, which Sarah says was most likely because EJ switched the lab results. Xander says EJ knew they would keep digging and that Holly was a loose end, so his thought process was to convince them that Holly was lying so all the questions about contaminated pills would go away.

Marlena brings up that when she asked Kate to come on board, she said it would be an honor. Kate responds that perhaps it’s an honor she doesn’t deserve. Kate states that when she set up Johnny with the lawsuit, she was doing it to save Titan and then it backfired so they dropped the lawsuit, but EJ is not letting go and created a shell company to buy out Titan’s loans. Marlena knows EJ amended the terms making it almost impossible to pay back. Kate adds that Philip made a last ditch effort to get funding to save the company and the estate, but that failed, so most likely Titan is going under, followed by Basic Black. Kate says that’s why she can’t work with her, because all of this is her fault. Marlena disagrees that Titan going under would be Kate’s fault. Kate points out that it was her idea to set up Johnny. Marlena points out that she didn’t have to twist Xander’s arm to go along with it. Marlena knows Kate didn’t force Philip to go along with the forgery scheme as that was all on Vivian and so little of that was her fault. Kate questions why she’s being so kind to her. Marlena knows that she’s been upset with her lately, but the fact is that they’ve been longtime friends and she knows this could cost her much more than money or her position. Kate agrees, noting that it already cost her the man she loves.

Tate complains that he doesn’t want to give Holly time, he wants to fix this. Brady calls it a delicate situation. Tate says if she wants him to leave, he will, but he has to try. Brady decides if he’s going to the hospital, he’s going with him to check on Sarah anyway. Tate stops to check if Gwen is still coming in and mentions that she didn’t show up for her scheduled session and she hasn’t responded to his texts which is weird since she usually gets back to him right away. Brady mentions Steve saying he was concerned about Gwen earlier because she hasn’t been seen or heard from in 24 hours. Tate asks if he thinks something happened to her.

Holly excitedly tells EJ that she can’t believe this as she thought Amy Choi would never back off. Holly tells EJ that she’s so grateful that he stood by her when no one else did. EJ responds that sometimes the people who love you the most, hurt you the most. EJ wants Holly to call him if he ever needs anything at all as he’ll always be there for her.

Xander tells Sarah that he’s aware it sounds a little outlandish. Sarah says it actually doesn’t and mentions that Steve told them he talked to other pharmacies and about two years ago, their supply of Coriseal was just cut off. Xander says that DiMera knew they made a bad batch. Sarah calls it a deadly batch. Xander says instead of reporting it, they just tried to bury the problem which explain the missing records. Xander adds that when it started coming up again, EJ used Holly to cover it back up. Sarah says if he did that, that is so truly despicable. Sarah complains that she fell for it and thought the worst of her niece. Sarah remarks on someone that’s supposed to love you completely losing faith in you which Xander calls the worst feeling in the world.

Kate tells Marlena that she’s been doing a lot of self reflection on the last time she felt totally and completely alone. Kate says this whole debacle hurt her relationships with everyone in her life and she’s feeling like she hates herself. Marlena argues that the Kate she’s always known wouldn’t beat herself up, she’d get back up and get back in the fight. Kate responds that she doesn’t know how this time. Marlena encourages that she does. Marlena hopes Kate and Roman find their way back together. Marlena knows Roman feels lucky to be feeling this kind of love in his life and she’s pretty sure he’ll be coming back and that Kate will want him to. Kate thanks her and calls her a good friend. Kate adds that she’s grateful for Marlena’s forgiveness, kindness, and for her offer. Marlena says the offer will stay on the table as she hopes they can make it happen.

Xander tells Sarah that she can’t blame herself as she had every reason to believe the evidence in front of her. Sarah argues that she should’ve believed Holly and should’ve known she would never have gone back to drugs, but she went straight to it because EJ wanted her to think that and she fell for it. Sarah asks how they nail that bastard. Xander asks about the security footage. Sarah says it won’t show anything just like the book on her desk. Xander says until they have solid proof, they can’t say anything to anyone outside of their little investigative circle. Sarah decides she will go talk to Holly to see if she will forgive her. Xander assures that she will eventually as Holly knows Sarah loves her and never meant to hurt her. Sarah says that’s the last thing she meant to do. Sarah thanks Xander for loving Holly too. Xander tells Sarah that he’s there for whatever she needs. Sarah admits she’s grateful for that and then heads to Holly’s room.

Brady tells Tate that he doesn’t know what’s going on with Gwen since Steve had Shane run her phone and it hadn’t been active in 24 hours and no one can locate it. Tate worries that something must have happened to her. Brady thinks they definitely need to let Shawn know. Tate states that nothing about this sounds good to him.

Sarah goes to Holly’s room and reminds EJ that she told him to stay away from Holly. EJ responds that he is Holly’s attorney while Holly points out that EJ thinks he can get Amy Choi to drop the lawsuit. Sarah comments on EJ going above and beyond for Holly. EJ responds that he cares a lot about her. Sarah wants EJ out and threatens to call security, so EJ agrees to go. Holly argues that he shouldn’t have to. Holly tells EJ to keep her posted and thanks him again for everything as EJ then exits. Holly can’t believe Sarah as she thought she told her she didn’t want to see her, but she still comes in barking orders. Holly asks if Sarah is going to try send her to rehab, Bayview, or prison next. Sarah tells Holly that what comes next is an apology and tells her that she’s so sorry.

Kate goes to the Brady Pub and asks Roman if they can talk, insisting it’s important.

Holly questions Sarah saying she’s sorry. Sarah tells Holly that when they found Coriseal in her system, she was just praying there was an explanation. Holly says she told her a thousand times that she wasn’t using. Sarah adds that when Tate found pills in her bag, she had blinders on and thought her worst fear was coming true. Holly questions if she thinks something different now. Sarah responds that she’s come to realize that the pills could’ve been planted in her bag to make it look like they belonged to her. Holly asks if she finally believes her which Sarah confirms that she does. Sarah says they don’t know who could’ve planted the pills but promises they are going to figure it out. Sarah says in the meantime, she needs Holly to know how sorry she is for jumping to conclusions that the Coriseal belonged to her. Sarah knows she hurt her so bad and she will have a really hard time forgiving herself for that. Holly tells Sarah that it’s okay and she understands why she didn’t believe her, so she forgives her. Holly just wants to move past all of this. Sarah cries that she does too as they hug.

Xander finishes a call as Brady and Tate arrive at the hospital. Brady tells Tate not to worry about Gwen as he’s sure the police will get to the bottom of it. Tate decides to go to the gift shop to get something for Holly and says he hopes she lets him give it to her. Xander goes over to Brady and said he couldn’t help but overhear something about Gwen and the police, so he asks if everything is alright. Brady informs him that Gwen missed an appointment with Tate this morning and no one has heard from her, so he and Steve think that she might have been kidnapped by EJ because she was given the green light to buy the hospital, but not if she’s missing. Xander tells Brady that isn’t all that EJ has been up to.

Marlena goes to see EJ at the DiMera Mansion and says she thought it was important to have this conversation in person. EJ asks what he can do for her. Marlena responds that she’s had several non-confidential conversations where his name has come up and it seems some people are afraid of him and some people think he’s going to destroy their lives. EJ laughs that off as rather dramatic and asks who these people are. Marlena tells him that Gwen is one along with Kristen and Lexie and all of the personnel at Titan. EJ calls Kristen and Lexie warriors and guesses Titan has quite the list of grievances. Marlena asks EJ if it’s ever going to end.

Xander informs Brady that EJ planted the pills in Holly’s bag. Brady wants to kill him but Xander reminds him they can’t prove it yet and they don’t want to tip EJ off, so he needs to calm down. Brady calls it ironic that Xander is telling him to calm down. Tate comes back, so Brady tells him that he’s got an update for him but it has to stay in this small circle. Tate asks what he found out. Brady informs Tate that the pills he found in Holly’s bag were probably not her pills at all. Xander says he remembered leaving the bag unattended so someone could’ve planted the pills then. Tate worries that if that’s true, that means he’s been wrong all this time and questions how to fix this and what he’s going to say to Holly. Xander steps away to let them talk. Tate brings up that he is the one who brought the pills to Brady and Sarah. Brady encourages that he did the right thing, but Tate says that Holly begged him to believe her and he didn’t, so he questions what he’s going to do to fix this. Brady instructs Tate to look Holly in the eye and say he’s sorry. Brady adds that he’s sorry too since he jumped to the conclusion that this was all about addiction. Brady is sorry if he made everyone believe that so he owes apologies too. Tate tells him it’s not his fault as they all went there. Tate says he has to go talk to Holly, so Brady wishes him luck.

Roman tells Kate that it’s not a good time as he’s setting up for the lunch rush. Kate offers to put on an apron and help, but Roman refuses to allow her. Roman tells Kate that she never fit in at the Brady Pub and that he should’ve known as soon as she went back to Titan, that she would turn back in to the woman who married Victor and Stefano. Kate responds that she’s always been that woman and always will be, but she’s also the woman who worked at Hudson Street Diner with Faye and Hattie as a waitress, waiting on Roman and Abe. Roman calls that a long time ago. Kate says she even had feelings for him back then. Kate admits she’s been with a lot of men, but says Roman was different and brought out things in her that were different. Kate says she didn’t feel like she had to compete for his attention or impress him as she could just be herself and she really liked that. Kate brings up Roman also being the father of their two children. Roman repeats that he doesn’t have time to walk down memory lane. Kate says that she is Roman’s wife, not Victor’s or Stefano’s. Kate adds that it’s been a long and winding road, but fate finally brought them here and she thinks that’s because they are soulmates, so she’s not going to give that up without a fight. Kate tells Roman that he’s not going to freeze her out. Kate admits she made a terrible mistake. Roman points out that mistake hurt his family. Kate cries that she’s so sorry, but she doesn’t want him to think that she took that action because she didn’t love him. Kate insists that she loves him so much. Roman questions if she loves him more than money and power. Kate says she does more than anything and she would give it all up in a heartbeat for him. Roman remarks that it seems like now, she won’t have a choice.

EJ questions Marlena when what ends, wanting to protect his family. Marlena argues that he’s actually hurting his family, pointing out what’s happened to Lexie. EJ asks what she means. Marlena reveals that she knows Lexie is dying and that she’s keeping that from Abe and Theo to save them from going through the pain of losing her again. EJ argues that his intention was to give Lexie her life back and says the last thing he needs is to be berated by her, so she can just leave. Marlena argues that she’s not trying to berate him, but to ask him to stop what he’s doing at Titan and to stop asking Johnny to do his dirty work. EJ quickly questions what Johnny said to her. Marlena says he said nothing, but that his answer told her everything.

Sarah thanks Holly for being so forgiving and tells her how important she is to her. Sarah adds that she is glad that Holly was telling the truth. Tate then enters the room, so Sarah goes to talk to the doctor about getting Holly discharged. Tate sits at Holly’s side and tells her that he’s so sorry for thinking the pills were hers and he feels awful. Holly says not as awful as she feels since someone did this to her and made the people she loves doubt her, most importantly Tate.

Roman tells Kate that as angry as he is with her, he doesn’t want Titan to fail as it would hurt too many people they care about. Kate appreciates that. Roman admits that he would hate if she lost everything. Kate cries that she feels like she already has. Roman says that’s not true as he still loves her, but he just needs to work on liking her again. Kate responds that she is going to work on reminding him what he liked about her in the first place.

Tate tells Holly that she has every right to be angry with him. Tate says he loves her so much and hopes she can find it in her heart to forgive him. Tate doesn’t want to think about who did this to her, he just wants to think about Holly getting out of the hospital and them doing the fun things they talked about. Tate tells her that she will be okay as they kiss. Holly tells Tate that she has more good news as EJ thinks he can get Amy Choi to drop the lawsuit. Tate says that’s great. Holly feels like a huge weight has been lifted. Tate says they can celebrate that, but in the meantime, he has something to make her smile as he gives her a stuffed animal from the gift shop. Tate tells Holly they are going to get her out of here for real this time.

Marlena asks EJ not to drag Johnny in to this. Marlena knows Johnny does not want to follow in Stefano’s footsteps and she doesn’t think EJ does either. EJ responds that he has a legacy to uphold. Marlena points out that he also has a choice. Marlena notes that she’s seen his darkside and knows he can be vengeful and ruthless, but she’s also seen the side of him that both of her daughters fell in love with, the man who adores his children and would do anything to embrace and protect his mother. Marlena hopes they get to end up with that side of EJ. EJ thanks Marlena for sharing her thoughts, but assures that he’s only protecting his family. Marlena would like to believe that’s true.

Sarah rejoins Brady and Xander to tell them that Holly forgave her and she thinks she’s going to forgive Tate too. Brady says that’s so good to hear. Sarah adds that she found EJ in Holly’s room again and it took everything in her to hold back from going off on him. Sarah doesn’t want EJ to know that they are onto him and says it’s going to crush Holly to know that EJ betrayed her that way. Xander says there’s no reason to tell her until they know for sure. Brady says he will fill Steve in as he’s going to keep digging until they find proof that EJ was responsible. Xander says he can’t wait to see EJ brought to his knees. Sarah points out that she didn’t see them working as a team coming. Xander declares that it’s like Victor said, never underestimate the power of a common enemy.

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Days Update Monday, July 27, 2026

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Update written by Joseph

Gabi answers the door at home to see Philip and tries to close the door on him.

Alex and Joy bring Kelsey to the Brady Pub. Joy thanks Alex for coming to the hospital with her. Alex is glad she’s on the mend. Joy is glad to be out of her neck brace so she can enjoy sleeping in her own bed again. Arianna comes over and greets them. Ari says she’s glad to have Joy and Kelsey back as her next door neighbors and asks how Joy is doing. Joy says she’s much better and credits Alex for being such a great help.

Leo runs in to Marlena in the town square and says he was just about to call her for an emergency last minute session. Marlena asks what’s going on. Leo informs her that he’s certain a terrible fate has befallen Gwen and he’s the only one who can save her.

Cat goes to Rafe’s office. Rafe notes that she sounded really fired up over the phone. Cat then delivers Rafe a handwritten confession from Gwen, confessing to teaming up with EJ for a whole host of crimes. Rafe questions where she got it. Cat admits she hacked Gwen’s attorney’s computer and stole it.

Philip tells Gabi that he has something to say and she’s going to listen. Philip repeats that he and Xander had nothing to do with her counterfeit bags. Philip asks how stupid they would have to be to antagonize her when their entire fate rested in her rich hands. Gabi argues that it wouldn’t be stupid while they were profiting off of it. Philip states again that they had nothing to do with it and calls it outrageous and insulting that Gabi would think that. Gabi mocks Philip being hurt and insulted while asking how hurtful and insulting it is for her to see her creations ripped off. Philip repeats that he and Xander had nothing to do with it. Gabi questions taking his word for it. Philip states that he’s being dead honest. Philip admits he’s done despicable things in the past, but that’s not who he is anymore, and he would never do that to someone he cares about.

Joy talks about Alex being such a great help for her and their daughter. Alex is just glad they are okay. Joy repeats that it’s thanks to him. Arianna says to call her anytime if she needs anything. Joy thanks her as Ari heads back to her table. Alex calls Ari a good friend. Alex brings up Philip. Joy says everyone has made it very clear that they should call them instead of Alex, unless it has to do with Kelsey. Alex assures that she can still call him anytime. Joy says it’s okay and that she’s got it from here, so he doesn’t need to hang around. Alex says he will see Kelsey again soon then as he then exits the Pub. Arianna then starts clapping and mocks Joy for her performance, accusing her of still having a thing for Alex which Joy denies. Arianna asks if Joy came back to Salem so that Alex could fall in love with his daughter and back in love with her too. Joy denies that, pointing out they were never in love and just hooked up, adding that Alex is married now. Ari points out that Joy has a kid with him while Joy argues that she’s not going to use her child to get a man. Joy then admits that it would be nice for her daughter to have two caring parents in her life, without a psycho stepmom in the picture.

Alex runs in to Stephanie in the town square. She asks about Joy’s doctor’s appointment. Alex says it went okay and she’s back home to start physical therapy soon. Alex asks about Stephanie’s day. Stephanie calls it stressful as the hospital’s future depends on Gwen buying it but she’s gone missing and no one knows what’s going on, so Steve and the police are looking into it. Alex asks if she thinks something happened to Gwen. Stephanie says you’d think if she was going off the grid, she would’ve at least left a note or told someone.

Leo tells Marlena how it makes no sense for Gwen to disappear right before she was going to buy the hospital from EJ. Leo says he had to do something about it, so he went to Melinda Trask to open the document from Gwen’s lawyer but the document was blank. Marlena asks what he thinks happened to it. Leo thinks EJ found out about it and got rid of it before he could see it. Leo adds that the next thing EJ is going to get rid of is him.

Cat explains to Rafe that Leo told her about the file and that he’s convinced EJ disappeared Gwen. Rafe looks up on his computer and sees that Steve checked in with the police to do a wellness check on Gwen but there’s no result yet. Rafe asks if Cat thinks something happened. Cat points out that with Gwen not around, it delays her purchase of the hospital which is certainly to EJ’s advantage. Rafe mentions seeing the state board gave EJ 90 days to sell the hospital or they will take it. Cat states that Gwen disappearing gives EJ the chance to keep the hospital after those 90 days are over. Rafe asks how that’s possible after the state board agreed his activity was illegal. Cat says if anyone can skate by, it’s EJ which Rafe agrees with. Cat adds that she called Andrew to track Gwen’s phone and he confirmed it hasn’t been turned on since yesterday morning. Rafe calls it unlike Gwen to be off the grid. Rafe then asks if Cat now wants to tell him why she committed a crime and stole the letter.

Gabi questions Philip saying he cares about her when she was under the impression that he hated her. Philip clarifies that he hates what she did in bugging Xander’s office. Philip reminds her that he said when they were together that she made him happier than he’d been in a long time and woke him up to what his life could be. Philip says he thought they were in it for the long haul and going to get married. Gabi points out they wouldn’t have had kids which Philip says he was fine with. Philip says his point is that he thought they had something special and asks if Gabi did too.

Arianna informs Joy that Stephanie is her cousin, so she warns her to be careful what she says about her. Joy admits she didn’t know that. Arianna asks why she called Stephanie psycho. Joy responds that things have been complicated between them and Stephanie has kind of lost it a couple of times around her. Ari feels that’s understandable, especially if Joy was trying to break up Stephanie and Alex which would be shady and low. Joy insists that’s not what she’s doing because she’s not that type of person. Ari asks if she’s sure about that. Joy declares that she’s not trying to cause problems for Alex and Stephanie, she’s just trying to make sure her daughter has two loving parents in her and Alex and trying to do right back by her daughter.

Alex can’t believe EJ would do this after all the damage he’s caused Titan. Alex says he won’t do anything to provoke him further, but wishes EJ would get his. Stephanie thinks everybody wishes that. Nearby, Marlena tells Leo that if EJ got rid of the letter, he must believe he never saw it. Leo worries that EJ would think of him a loose end and would want to get rid of him for that. Leo adds that EJ could’ve had a hacker get rid of or maybe Melinda did, but he has to figure out his next move.

Cat tells Rafe that she had to act fast and get rid of the letter before Leo published it and tipped EJ off, giving him time to cover his tracks, and she wanted to keep Leo out of EJ’s crosshairs. Rafe reads that Gwen wrote that if Leo is reading this, she’s probably dead and EJ is to blame. Rafe notes that the list doesn’t give them a lot to go off of. Rafe says they already know they were doing experiments on Lexie and were going to put Dr. Rolf’s drug on the black market which they seemed to have abandoned, so he doesn’t see anything here, but Cat says she does.

Gabi tells Philip that she did think they had something special and real, but guesses it wasn’t meant to be. Gabi tells him that he should go, but Philip says not before he finishes saying what he came to say. Philip brings up Gabi accusing Theo of ratting her out and refusing to believe his denials, Theo was devastated, and now she’s doing the same thing with him and it hurts like Hell. Philip then exits as Arianna comes home.

Alex tells Stephanie that it’s driving him up the wall, having to sit and wait while Philip is trying to get some of Gabi’s inheritance money which he feels is a waste of time. Stephanie asks if he doesn’t think Philip will be successful. Alex responds that when Gabi makes up her mind on something, there’s no changing it. Alex then gets a call and says he’ll be right there. Stephanie guesses it was Joy but Alex informs her that it was his dad, who has the amended birth certificate and wants he and Joy to come over to sign some documents including the custody arrangements. Stephanie comments that Justin works fast. Alex says they will get this whole co-parenting thing settled and thinks getting the legal stuff behind them is a step in the right direction. Alex tells Stephanie that he will see her at home soon as he exits.

Joy tells Kelsey that it’s just them and she is her favorite person in the whole world. Joy adds that she thinks Kelsey is becoming Alex’s favorite too. Joy remarks that the good news is things aren’t looking so good for Alex and his nutso wife right now, so if they do split up. Joy then gets a call from Alex and says she can be there soon. Joy hangs up and tells Kelsey that she’s about to get a new name of great distinction.

Leo tells Marlena that he’s through being paranoid and letting fear control him. Leo admits EJ scares him but he won’t let him get away with this. Leo declares that he’s going to find Gwen and if it is too late, he will avenge her. Marlena argues that it’s not his responsibility and he’s not trained for this. Leo argues that he tried to get the pros involved and brings up believing Cat was ISA. Leo says he confided in Cat, but she denied being ISA and told him that law enforcement wouldn’t take him seriously, so it’s up to him. Leo declares he is going to summon his courage and if something happens to him, he will exit the cruel cold world in a blaze of glory. Marlena tries to stop him but Leo says he must go carry out his noble mission and walks away.

Leo goes to his room at the Salem Inn and begins packing, saying he’s coming for Gwen.

Cat shows Rafe where Gwen admits to conspiring with EJ to kidnap Dimitri and that Dimitri said he was grabbed the moment he was let out of prison which means it happened on US soil and not Alamainia. Cat adds that Gwen laid it all out how they used Dimitri’s money to partially fund EJ’s purchase of the hospital and get the patent for Versavix to develop Dr. Rolf’s miracle drug. Rafe acknowledges that would’ve made them billionaires. Rafe declares this is the piece of the puzzle they have been looking for. Cat says that Gwen is the identity of EJ’s silent partner, so they’ve got it. They congratulate each other. Cat says she has let Andrew know and that their next step is finding Dimitri because he left town, vowing to find evidence that Gwen was behind his kidnapping, so they need to see if he found it and if any of it points to EJ as well. Rafe agrees and says he will continue digging for information on Gwen. Cat says she will head to the hospital to look around. Rafe compliments Cat on her good work as she exits.

Philip comes across Stephanie in the town square. She invites him to join her table and thanks him for agreeing to help with Joy. Philip says no problem and that she hasn’t asked for any help yet. Stephanie hopes she will so she doesn’t rely on Alex so much, but warns that Joy can be high maintenance so she hopes that doesn’t burden him too much. Philip assures it will be fine and he will welcome a distraction from the trainwreck of his life. Stephanie asks if he wants to talk about it. Philip hopes she brought tissues since it’s a real tearjerker. Stephanie assumes it’s about Titan’s latest financial disaster and EJ buying it to make it impossible to pay off. Philip confirms that made Titan’s chances nearly nil.

Gabi tells Arianna how happy she is to see her but Ari clarifies that she thought Gabi would be at work and only came to grab a few more things from her room. Arianna asks what Philip was doing there. Gabi explains that he was defending himself because she accused he and Xander of stealing her designs to sell counterfeit Gabi Chic purses online. Arianna admits she didn’t know that was happening and asks if she has proof they are behind it. Gabi complains that she never had problems like this until Titan started shipping for her and that no one else had access to her designs. Arianna points out that she did. Gabi says that has no bearing because she always got whatever items she wanted, like the purse she gave her a few weeks ago that she loved. Arianna says she got a lot of compliments on that, but then reveals that she misplaced it the first day she had it which shocks Gabi.

At the Kiriakis Mansion, Alex thanks Justin for taking care of the paper work so quickly. Justin says anything for his granddaughter. Joy then arrives with Kelsey. Justin greets them and presents the amended birth certificate, officially listing Alex as the father of Kelsey Adrienne Kiriakis. Joy calls it officially Kelsey’s new name. Justin adds that he also has the custody papers with the terms they agreed to, including Alex’s open visitation and child support continuing as is which they both agree on. Justin adds that he amended Alex’s will along with the family trust, so Kelsey will be fully provided for. Justin brings up needing to nail down an advance directive along with a will and trust in Joy’s name. Joy says she doesn’t really have anything to leave anybody. Justin says the important thing is that they need to designate who will have custody of Kelsey if one of them dies or is incapacitated. Justin says standard language is that Kelsey would remain with the surviving parent which Joy declares that she is not okay with, because she doesn’t want Stephanie raising her child under any circumstances.

Philip tells Stephanie that no matter how hard he plead his case, Gabi refused to believe that he had nothing to do with stealing her designs while Xander swore on his daughter’s life that he had nothing to do with it either. Philip talks about regretting the forged letter for the rest of his life and says he understands why Gabi would be suspicious of him. Philip says he needs to make this right, but he has no idea how he will do that. Philip asks Stephanie for PR on how to convince Gabi that he is honest and the definition of integrity. Stephanie responds that she can’t work miracles.

Marlena finds Cat at the hospital and asks if she has a minute. Cat asks what’s going on. Marlena says it’s about Gwen as she got permission from Leo to discuss this with her. Marlena informs Cat that Leo seems to think Gwen has gone missing and he’s been very concerned, but she apparently denied that she’s ISA and said she couldn’t help him. Marlena points out that both of those things are a lie. Cat calls it hazards of the job and says she should’ve known Leo wouldn’t let it go. Cat assures that she’s on the case. Marlena brings up Gwen’s letter that incriminated EJ which somehow went missing after Cat learned about it. Marlena then asks if Cat is the person who disappeared it.

Leo runs in to Gus in the town square and says he has no time to chat. Gus asks where he’s going. Leo responds that he’s going to find Gwen, who he may lay down his life for.

Alex questions why Joy would even say that, insisting that Stephanie is not a danger to Kelsey. Joy brings up Stephanie shooting at her, so she does believe her to be a danger to her daughter. Joy wants it added to the custody agreement that Alex’s visitation is contingent on Stephanie not being around. Alex refuses to sign that and says he will not agree to separating Stephanie and Kelsey for the next 18 years. Justin suggests coming up with a compromise but they say they won’t. Joy declares that she’s not signing anything unless that condition is written in to the agreement while Alex says he’s not signing if it is.

Stephanie tells Philip that she can’t work miracles but can offer a little guidance. Stephanie tells him the most important thing is to be honest and transparent with Gabi and not at all defensive. Philip assures that he was honest and transparent, but maybe a little defensive since he was being falsely accused. Stephanie asks if his defending was done angrily or kindly and calmly. Philip responds that he was vulnerable, kind, and calm some of the time but Gabi still looked at him like a liar. Stephanie says she can relate since she recently offered some apologizes that have fallen on deaf ears, so she knows what he’s going through and that it’s tough. Philip argues that she has time to fix things with Joy while he doesn’t have that with Gabi because the clock is ticking on the loan payment due date and the window is closing.

Gabi questions why Arianna didn’t tell her that she misplaced her purse. Ari explains that she thought she left at her desk but it wasn’t there and then she found it in the break room and everything was still in it. Gabi argues that she’s not supposed to let those prototypes out of sight. Arianna says she usually locks it away and thought she’d only be gone a couple minutes. Gabi doesn’t know what to think and realizes maybe it wasn’t Xander or Philip who stole her designs.

Cat tells Marlena that she can’t discuss an ongoing investigation with her. Marlena suspects Cat is developing deep feelings for EJ and warns that if those feelings are going to jeopardize the investigation, she will have to talk to Andrew. Cat says she understands but reveals that she already turned the letter over to Rafe and Andrew, so she can assure that this is not a matter where they should involve Leo Stark. Marlena tells her that ship has sailed.

Gus questions Gwen missing. Leo declares that he’s going to find her and tells Gus to tell Javi that he says goodbye and if he never sees him again, that he will always love him. Leo then walks away.

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Days Update Friday, July 24, 2026

Days of Our Lives Update

 

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Update written by Joseph

At the Kiriakis Mansion, Xander and Sarah talk about Victoria growing up and eventually getting older until Sarah gets a text from Maggie, telling her that her daughter Melissa had a setback after surgery so she has to stay there with her longer. Xander says he’s sorry Maggie isn’t there for her and he knows he’s no substitute, but he’s there for her if she will let him be.

Leo tries knocking on Gwen’s door again at the Salem Inn, while leaving her another voicemail. Leo wonders if something happened with the sale of the hospital or with EJ. Leo says he knows he’s supposed to wait to hear from her attorney before flipping the switch if something happened to her and then wonders how to know if something happened or if he would then move to the top of EJ’s hit list. Leo then tells himself to do it for Gwen.

Cat gets a call from Andrew and asks if there’s any news on Gwen. Andrew responds that he checked her phone and there’s no activity since yesterday morning.

Steve and Kayla have breakfast at the Brady Pub where Steve asks Kayla what’s bothering her. Kayla tells him that Gwen hasn’t gotten back to her, so she’s worried that she doesn’t want to buy the hospital after all which means EJ has 90 days to find a new buyer or the state will take control of it and it would be terrible. Kayla says finding a new buyer would be challenging. Steve says that if Gwen is missing, the odds are pretty damn good that EJ is behind it.

Johnny goes to the DiMera Mansion and confronts EJ, questioning how he could sink this low.

Housekeeping enters Gwen’s room at the Salem Inn which allows Leo to come in after and see that Gwen is not inside. Leo tells the maid that Gwen said he could use her hair gel. Leo comments on Gwen’s bed being unused and guesses that means she didn’t come home last night. Leo tells the maid that he will just grab the hair gel and be on his way, so she exits. Leo then finds the card to Gwen’s lawyer CJ Richardson.

Kayla tells Steve that Gwen was so excited about buying the hospital so it doesn’t make sense for her to ghost her like this. Steve tells her that if she doesn’t hear from Gwen today, he’ll have Shane track her phone. Brady arrives and greets them. Kayla says she has to get to the hospital and exits. Brady tells Steve that he got his message and asks what’s going on. Steve thinks he got something to link the Coriseal deaths directly to EJ DiMera.

EJ guesses this has to do with Holly. Johnny confirms that he just saw Holly at the hospital and she’s a wreck, going over how they found pills in her bag and now everyone’s going to think she relapsed. EJ questions what Johnny is accusing him of. Johnny asks if EJ planted the drugs in Holly’s bag.

Sarah tells Xander that she is really thankful for all of his support, especially with her mom not being there. Sarah mentions that she hates keeping secrets but she hasn’t told Maggie that they could lose Titan and the whole estate since she’s dealing with Melissa and the whole Holly crisis. Xander assures that he and Philip will handle the mess at Titan. Sarah says she promised Maggie that she would get Holly to a meeting but questions how to do that if Holly won’t even let her in her room.

Leo runs in to Cat in the town square and says it must be fate because she’s just the person he needs to talk to. Leo explains to Cat that Gwen set up a dead man’s switch with a letter that will take down EJ if something happened to her. Leo adds that it’s only been 24 hours and he’s supposed to wait for the lawyer to give him the letter but he’s wondering if he should pull the switch now and storm in to the lawyer’s office for the letter, unless Cat might be willing to help him. Cat asks why she would be able to help. Leo says if she is ISA, maybe she could look in to this for him.

Xander knows how hard it must be on Sarah for Holly to be swearing she never took pills and being angry at her for not believing her. Sarah says she wants to believe Holly but questions how the pills got in her bag. Xander says he’s not going to let this go as it feels like something bigger is at play. Xander believes EJ dumped the tainted Coriseal on Smith Island but it doesn’t add up with the pills in Holly’s bag. Xander declares it has to all be connected and he’s going to get to the bottom of it.

Steve talks to Brady about looking at this from another angle since all of their leads went cold. Steve explains that he visited local pharmacists who do business with DiMera and they all told him that DiMera cut off their supply of Coriseal about two years ago right around the time of those deaths. Steve declares that it’s likely that DiMera Pharmaceuticals cranked out a bad batch, got rid of them, and buried the evidence as deep as they could.

Johnny demands EJ tell him the truth. EJ confirms that he planted the pills in Holly’s bag to throw Sarah and the others off the trail as it was the only way he could protect DiMera. Johnny says he can’t believe him as he thought he cared about Holly. EJ responds that he does, but sometimes tough decisions have to be made. EJ states that he did what he had to do for the company and for the family. Johnny remarks that DiMera survives while Holly’s life is ruined. EJ disagrees that it’s ruined as she can go to rehab. Johnny complains that she doesn’t need rehab. EJ asks if Johnny would’ve preferred their family lose everything which includes Chanel and their children. Johnny says he gets that and the last thing they need is another DiMera-Kiriakis war. Johnny clarifies that he doesn’t have a problem with EJ’s goals, but his methods that he despises and make him ashamed. EJ says he’s sorry to hear that, but since they do share goals, he hopes he’s still with him. Johnny asks what choice he has and walks out.

Cat claims to Leo that she’s not ISA. Leo understands she can’t admit it but he has to do anything he can to help Gwen and maybe stop EJ from killing him in the process. Cat tells Leo that she won’t say a word to EJ. Leo wonders if he should just take this to the police, but doubts they’ll do anything when it hasn’t been a day. Leo thanks Cat for letting him rant and says she’s good people. Cat tells him to take care and she hopes Gwen shows up soon as Leo walks away.

Brady and Steve talk about DiMera Pharmaceuticals find arsenic in Coriseal and instead of alerting anyone, they just bury it and restart production like nothing ever happened. Steve bets they thought they got away with it until Brady and Sarah started looking into it.

Sarah tells Xander to be careful about getting to the bottom of it since they are talking about EJ DiMera. Xander assures that he can handle EJ. Sarah points out that EJ just came after their entire family because of Xander going after Johnny, so escalating it could make things worse. Xander feels it can’t get any worse while Sarah points out that something could happen to him and she couldn’t stand that, for Victoria’s sake and her sake.

EJ goes to Melinda Trask’s office and says he’s there on behalf of Holly Jonas since Melinda is representing Amy Choi. EJ orders Melinda to drop the case or he will file a countersuit. EJ argues that Sophia tried to murder Johnny and he can prove it, adding that he can also prove Amy was responsible for Sophia’s death, not Holly. EJ argues that Sophia was mentally ill and her mother didn’t get her the help she needed. EJ warns that neither of them want to fight him on this. Melinda agrees to relay her message to her client. EJ warns her to convince Amy to back off or there will be hell to pay. Leo arrives and tells EJ it’s good to see him. EJ walks out as Leo complains about him being rude. Melinda asks what Leo wants. Leo informs her that Gwen is missing. Melinda asks why she should care. Leo explains that her lawyer is CJ Richardson, who works for Melinda. Melinda informs Leo that CJ is on vacation on a secluded resort in Fiji. Leo tells Melinda that she needs to help him then. Melinda argues that she’s not Gwen’s lawyer. Leo brings up their past working together and asks Melinda to help him bring down EJ before anyone else gets hurt.

Sarah goes to the hospital and tells Kayla that Holly wants another doctor because she doesn’t want her around anymore. Kayla says she’s sorry. Sarah is sure they’ll get through it at some point when Holly realizes she loves her and is on her side. Sarah comments on Holly’s labs looking great and gaining strength, so she should be discharged in the next couple of days. Brady and Steve then arrive. Steve announces they think they have something as Brady reveals Steve found something that proves their theory that Coriseal was contaminated.

At the DiMera Enterprises office, Johnny kicks a chair in frustration as Xander enters and asks if everything is alright. Johnny questions why he cares. Xander feels EJ has put him in a very difficult position, so he’s here to help.

EJ runs in to Cat in the town square. Cat says she was just thinking about him and asks about the sale of the hospital. EJ responds that Gwen has apparently vanished off the face of the earth. Cat asks if that’s just unbelievable good fortune or convenient timing. EJ questions if she would be accusing him of something.

Xander understands it might be difficult for Johnny to trust him after the lawsuit. Johnny calls it impossible. Xander points out that Johnny accepted his apology. Johnny says that doesn’t mean he trusts him and if he’s hear for help on his loan that EJ bought, he can forget about it. Xander says it’s not that and brings up Brady and Steve coming to see him about the missing Coriseal. Xander reveals he knows Johnny was lying when he told him there was none missing.

Brady tells Sarah and Kayla that it all adds up that DiMera produced a bad batch of drugs, ignored that it was out there, and got rid of the rest. Steve says is lines up with the timing and missing records while Sarah says they don’t have any evidence since the well was decontaminated, Destiny was cremated, and they can’t prove that Holly could’ve accidentally ingested the drug. Kayla questions the chances the Coriseal would’ve been the same one from a years ago. Steve says that brings them back to the well and EJ.

Cat tells EJ that she never meant to imply that he had something to do with Gwen’s disappearance and apologizes if it came out that way. EJ apologizes for jumping to that conclusion and says he shouldn’t have lashed out at her, especially because he doesn’t know what he would do if he lost her and she wasn’t by his side. Cat tells EJ that he has her.

Melinda tells Leo that she has tangled with EJ a few times and he is formidable, but he did just threaten her, so for old time sake, she will look. Melinda mentions covering CJ’s cases while he’s gone and pulls up Gwen’s file. Melinda sees there’s a folder called “For Leo Stark”. Leo explains that he promised Gwen that he would go after EJ with whatever is in it if anything happened to her. Leo declares that he cannot be a coward and he has to do it for Gwen, so he needs that letter.

Brady asks Sarah how she’s doing. Sarah admits she’s not great as she doesn’t know what to believe. Brady realizes now he was quick to assume Holly had relapsed, but he knows how easily addicts can lie. Brady says if Holly is using again, she will need their help while Sarah states that if Holly is telling the truth, she made a major mistake.

Johnny tells Xander that he wasn’t lying. Xander says he’s not here to give him a hard time, but he knows Johnny cares about Holly and they all need the truth. Xander says if Holly is using again, she needs to be in treatment, but if she’s not, they need an explanation for the pills. Johnny tells Xander to get out. Xander says if EJ is forcing him to do something, he can help him. Xander gives his word that Johnny can trust that it stays between them and guesses he knows something. Johnny denies it. Xander brings up that Holly swears that the pills are not hers and he believes her. Xander asks if Johnny believes her. Xander thinks back to watching Kayla arguing with EJ at the hospital and then to bringing Holly’s bag to the hospital. Xander then remembers setting the bag aside on the hospital counter while showing Sarah a video and walking away, leaving the bag behind. Xander comes to the realization about the bag and tells Johnny he has to go as he runs out of the office.

Steve gets a text from Shane, informing him that Gwen’s phone hasn’t been active in over 24 hours and can’t be located so he’ll get right on it. Steve notes that Shawn can get the police to run a wellness check, so they will start with that.

Melinda opens Gwen’s document for Leo, but is shocked to find that it is blank.

Cat sits in her room on her laptop, where she has downloaded and deleted Gwen’s “For Leo Stark” folder. Cat wonders EJ had done now.

EJ looks up at the portrait of Stefano and says that he taught him to survive, not to feel. EJ thinks back to Johnny arguing with him about arsenic and then to Xander and Sarah confronting him at the hospital and then to Kayla informing him that the state board was revoking his ownership of the hospital. EJ states that Lexie is dying and brings up Kristen. EJ then calls Rita and says he has enough to deal with without having to worry that Kristen is a threat to his children, so he wants her gone. EJ hangs up and stares up at the portrait of Stefano.

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Days Update Thursday, July 23, 2026

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Update written by Joseph

Marlena and Brady surprise Rachel at Bayview to announce that she’s coming home as they all excitedly hug.

Kristen goes to Abe and Lexie’s where she finds Lexie asleep on the couch.

Belle goes to Small Bar where she finds Stephanie seated at the bar. Belle guesses Stephanie is meeting Alex there while she is meeting Chad. Belle asks Stephanie how things are going. Stephanie responds that Alex spent the night at the Salem Inn with Joy, playing nurse maid, and now he’s late meeting her because he went back there to check on her, so they can revisit that question if and when he finally shows up.

Alex walks through the town square on the phone with Philip, who informs him that Gabi’s not delivering with her money. Alex says he doesn’t trust Philip to handle this and advises him to sell the house to save the company or else they will lose it all. Alex hangs up as Chad approaches and asks if everything’s alright. Alex asks what he thinks.

Kristen is relieved as she wakes up Lexie. Lexie explains that she was just taking a nap and having a nice dream of having a picnic with Abe and Theo. Kristen asks if anyone else is home. Lexie says everyone is out, so Kristen says that’s good because they have an emergency on their hands. Lexie questions what kind of emergency they are talking about. Kristen informs her that she got in touch with one of her contacts on the island that EJ planned to exile her to and found out that EJ intends to ship her there tomorrow night. Kristen tells Lexie that they have to be ready.

Chad assumes Alex’s call was about EJ buying out Titan’s loan and putting unfavorable terms on it. Chad says he’s not surprised after the way Xander and Kate messed with Johnny, so they had to expect retaliation. Alex assures that he told them what a mistake that was. Alex tells Chad that if they don’t find a way to stop this whole family feud soon, it’s going to take them all down.

Stephanie tells Belle that she’s not saying the car accident wasn’t traumatic, but Joy and Kelsey are okay yet Joy hasn’t stopped Alex every five minutes with one problem after another. Belle relates to what happened with Shawn and Jan Spears, so she understands when someone you hate is the mother of your husband’s baby. Belle adds that Joy is no Jan Spears, but Alex and Shawn are both really nice guys who didn’t set out to hurt or mislead them. Belle says she and Shawn ended up divorced, but it didn’t happen the way Jan wanted, but because she pushed Shawn away by being jealous and paranoid. Stephanie brings up that this morning, Alex told her that Joy doesn’t have the power to pull him away from her and that the biggest threat they face is her pushing him away. Belle wishes someone told her that before it was too late.

Shawn and Jada go to the Brady Pub. Jada encourages Shawn for working his ass off to get stronger than he was before the shooting. Shawn wants Jada to put him back on active duty.

Rachel can’t believe she finally gets to go home. Brady says he has a little bit of paperwork to fill out while Marlena informs Rachel that if all goes well, she will be home by tomorrow. Rachel realizes she needs to start packing. Brady says the staff will help her and adds that Kristen will be there soon. Rachel exclaims that she can’t wait to be back in her own room as she hugs Brady.

Alex tells Chad that the Kiriakis-DiMera feud is why Owen Kent came back in to Stephanie’s life and was obsessed with her. Alex adds that Stephanie may have said she wouldn’t be a victim anymore but those feelings don’t go away and it didn’t help that they found out he had a kid. Alex says he’s trying to ensure that Stephanie is his priority, but he’s not sure that will be enough. Chad talks about seeing how Alex stood by and supported Stephanie. Chad thinks they are good together and that they will survive this. Alex says he appreciates that. Chad asks how fatherhood is treating him. Alex responds that Kelsey is pretty amazing. Chad welcomes Alex to being a girl dad and says that Stephanie was good with his kids, so he’s sure she will be with his. Alex notes that she’s trying to be while Chad calls it an adjustment and knows it has to be tough for Stephanie. Chad encourages Alex to give her time and she’ll get there.

Belle tells Stephanie that she’s not saying this to worry her and that what happened with her and Shawn was over a lot more than a baby. Belle believes Alex and Stephanie can make it through this. Belle declares that she’s not looking back anymore and for the first time in a long time, she and Shawn are both hopeful about the future.

Jada reminds Shawn that he has not been medically cleared by his doctor to return to active duty. Shawn is hopeful of his upcoming appointment, which Jada says they will revisit this topic after that. Shawn asks if there’s any other reason she wouldn’t want him returning to active duty. Jada admits that it’s silly, but that him getting a clean bill of health means he wouldn’t have an excuse to stay with her anymore.

Kristen reiterates to Lexie that the island staff was told to expect a delivery of a DiMera sister tomorrow morning, but EJ won’t be getting the sister he was expecting. Lexie thought they had more time. Kristen says if Lexie isn’t ready to leave, they can come up with an other plan as she won’t take away any more time than she’s willing to give.

Chad and Alex join Belle and Stephanie at Small Bar. Stephanie asks Chad about his kids. He says they are enjoying their summer with Jack and Jennifer, adding that he does miss them but he’s glad to have more free time. Chad and Belle then go to their table where Chad surprises Belle with two first class tickets to Milan, Italy. Belle thanks him but says she thought they were going to Rome.

Marlena says she has to go but tells Rachel how proud she is of her hard work to get better. Marlena tells Rachel that she will visit her at home as soon as she’s settled in as she then exits. Rachel talks to Brady about being excited to see her snake. Brady talks about Tate’s excitement and says that Tate is living at home, so it will be the three of them together again. Brady tells Rachel that Tate has missed her but no one has missed her more than him as he’s so excited to have his little girl home. Brady hugs Rachel and says he’s proud of her.

Shawn tells Jada that she’s right that now that he’s recovered and doesn’t need help, he doesn’t have an excuse to stay with her but he’s a grown man who makes his own choices, so he doesn’t need an excuse other than that he very much wants to stay with her, assuming she’s okay with that. Jada responds that she’s more than okay with that.

Lexie appreciates Kristen giving her an out, but she told her that she would stand in for her on the island so she’s not backing out now. Kristen calls her really brave while Lexie suggests she’s cowardly for not wanting Abe and Theo to suffer over her death again. Lexie asks if Kristen has figured out how they are going to switch places after she’s kidnapped. Kristen says she’s working on it, but there’s not much she can do until she is grabbed and EJ has his people watching her every move. Kristen gives Lexie a geo locator bracelet and says once she’s grabbed, she will activate it, so that Lexie will know where to find her. Lexie declares that it will then be time to say goodbye to this life again. Kristen can’t imagine how difficult this is for her and asks if there’s anything she can do before they part ways. Lexie says she just has to figure out how to say her goodbyes in her own way. Kristen understands as she has some difficult goodbyes ahead herself.

Shawn asks Jada if she’s given any thought to giving him a partner. Jada says they haven’t replaced JJ yet, but she’s working on it. Jada talks about holding any applicants to a very high standard.

Abe goes home to Lexie and asks if she’s writing a letter. Lexie claims it’s just some thank you notes for the treatment she’s been given and asks where he went off to. Abe informs her that he has a surprise for her.

Chad tells Belle that the Lire clue had the opera house that is located in Milan, so he booked them a tour of it. Belle explains that her research of the Verdi clue led to Rome, so Chad guesses they’ll just have to do both. Chad says they’ll start in Milan and end up in Rome as no matter where they go or what they find, they will have an amazing Italian adventure. Alex and Stephanie sit at their table as Stephanie asks about Joy and Kelsey. Alex says Joy is better and hopefully will able to get back to the Pub tomorrow while Kelsey is great. Stephanie knows she hasn’t always shown it, but she wants him to know that she’s so proud of him for how he’s stepped up as a father. Alex says he’s doing the best he can. Stephanie encourages that he’s doing great and is totally committed to being there for Kelsey which proves he’s a good man and that she’s very lucky to be married to him.

Brady and Rachel talk about Rachel’s first meal when she gets home as Kristen arrives and hugs Rachel, saying she’s so sorry she’s late. Rachel exclaims that she’s going home which Kristen calls the best news ever. Rachel then questions why Kristen is sad.

Abe surprises Lexie with their wedding rings, revealing that he had them in the safety deposit box at the bank and hoped one day Theo would use them. Lexie can’t believe he kept them all this time. Abe assures that his love for her would never change, no matter who else was in his life. Abe puts her ring on her finger. Lexie says this is too much while Abe wondered if it was enough because he could never fully tell her how much she means to him. Abe calls Lexie a miracle and his angel on Earth. Abe adds that now that her death certificate has been rescinded and they are married again, he figured they should renew their vows, so he recites them.

Alex tells Stephanie how much it means for him to know that she’s in his corner with everything going on. Stephanie asks if there’s any developments with Titan. Alex says the clock is still running on the loan and Philip has refused to consider selling the mansion. Alex complains that they have poured everything in to the company but it never occurred to him that it might not work. Stephanie says it’s okay but Alex disagrees, questioning how he can be the father he needs to be if he can’t support Kelsey. Alex worries that with the way things are going, they could lose everything.

Chad and Belle walk through the town square. Chad asks if Belle has heard anything from Paul to help their investigation. Belle says Paul is off the grid on an assignment so they will be on their own. Chad says it will just be them then and says he’s not spreading the word about their trip since whoever is dropping clues is still out there. Belle adds that she won’t be telling Marlena so she doesn’t worry her as they then see Marlena walking by.

Kristen tells Rachel that she’s not sad and that she’s happy that Rachel finally gets to come home. Kristen talks about all the time they spent apart and time that was lost thanks to EJ but they don’t need to talk about that. Kristen tells Rachel that she’s missed her so much while Rachel encourages that they have forever now.

Lexie recites her vows to Abe but starts crying that she’s just so emotional. Abe points out that even death couldn’t keep them apart or stop their love. Abe says here’s to them and all the years they had, all the years they lost, and all the years to come as they hug.

Rachel goes to collect some of her artwork. Kristen suggests framing some of it. Brady wants to make sure there’s no reason to be worried about Rachel’s safety around EJ. Kristen assures that she’s safe and that everything is taken care of. Kristen thanks Brady for being an amazing father and says that Rachel will now be relying on him more than ever. Brady assures he’ll always be there for her. Kristen knows she has spent years making things difficult between them and that they’ve hurt each other and over and over. Kristen cries that she just wants him to know that she’s really sorry. Brady points out that they are here now and working together for Rachel’s sake. Kristen says in spite of those difficult times, she’s always known he’s a good man and a great father. Kristen thanks Brady and cries that their little girl is the best thing to ever happen to her and without Brady, there would be no her.

Stephanie thanks Alex for sharing all of that with her. Alex complains that the timing could not be worse. Stephanie talks about Alex being so worried about her and when she was spinning out after the kidnapping, he never stopped fighting for them. Stephanie says with everything going on with Kelsey and Joy, she sees how hard he’s working to make it okay for her too, so now is the time to let her help him. Stephanie brings up still having her company and the royalties from her book. Alex feels he shouldn’t be relying on her. Stephanie reminds him that they are a team. Alex asks about Kelsey. Stephanie says she’s her family too, so they won’t let her down and promises they will be okay.

Shawn asks Jada how Stephanie is doing. Jada says that she said she’s okay but she always says that. Jada feels she should be more present for Stephanie. Shawn points out that Stephanie has a lot of people to lean on. Jada says she’s Stephanie’s best friend and feels she should be there. Jada worries that she’s been a bit distracted while Shawn’s been staying with her. Shawn says he’s grateful for Jada’s help and that he wouldn’t have recovered as quick as he did without her, but he’s good now, so if she needs to be with Stephanie, she should do that because he’s not going anywhere.

Marlena greets Chad and Belle, who ask where she’s headed. Marlena says the more important question is where she’s been and she’s just been to Bayview. Marlena announces Rachel is being released tomorrow morning. Belle lets it slip that they will get to see her before they leave. Marlena questions where they are going. Belle informs her that she and Chad are planning some time away. Marlena asks where they are heading. Chad informs her they are going to Italy. Marlena thought they meant just like a weekend away and asks why Italy. Belle praises Italy as a magical country and asks why not Italy.

Abe suggests to Lexie that they should take a second honeymoon in New York. Lexie wishes she could but says she made a reservation to visit her mother and she leaves tomorrow night. Abe asks if she’s sure he can’t talk her in to going with her as he would love to see Celeste. Lexie reminds him that they talked about this. Abe says after so many years apart, he hates not having her near me and he will miss her every second she’s gone. Lexie cries that she will miss him even more as they hug.

Brady tells Kristen that he doesn’t know what to say. Rachel comes back in with her things packed. Kristen says she has to take care of some things and tells Rachel to get as much sleep as she can tonight so she is rested for her homecoming tomorrow. Rachel says she will see her tomorrow then as Kristen hugs her. Kristen tells Rachel that she will see her soon and to never forget that nothing is more precious than her as Brady looks on concerned. Kristen wants Rachel’s life to be bright, beautiful, and full of love as she holds her.

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Days Short Recap Tuesday, August 11, 2026

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Devlin St. John arrived into Paulina’s office and informed her that he was the chief water inspector. He let her know about the complaints he was getting about the water on Smith Island. Paulina thought the problem was solved. She didn’t have any more worries about it, but Devlin wasn’t so sure about that. After his meeting with Paulina, he saw Julie. He went to the house to call her out for the Horton well at Smith Island. Devlin felt like she interfered with their investigation so they couldn’t figure out what happened to the water on the island. Julie told him that she wanted to make sure that no one died. He questioned her and asked if she noticed any suspicious behavior in the area. She didn’t notice anything. He thanked her for her time. Cat was working when Chad arrived at the DiMera mansion. Chad wanted to see EJ because Kristen was missing. Brady and Marlena felt like EJ had something to do with it. Chad wanted a mask so he could talk to EJ. He warned her to be careful around EJ. EJ was asleep so Chad didn’t get to talk to him. Devlin arrived at the DiMera mansion and wanted to see EJ whether he was asleep or not. Rita took him upstairs to see EJ. Devlin had questions for EJ.

Belle and Marlena met at the pub. They talked about Kristen being gone. Marlena wasn’t sure if something was wrong, but they wanted to focus on Rachel. Belle told her that Chad couldn’t go to Italy. She thought about going by herself. Marlena would rather Paul handle it. Belle thought she could handle it. She asked Marlena to go with her if she didn’t think she could go alone. Marlena wanted her to wait for Chad, and she agreed. Dimitri thought he had Leo and Gwen locked away safely when Rafe arrived with one of Dimitri’s goons with a gun on him. Rafe wasn’t there to rescue anyone. He wanted a statement from Dimitri since he found Gwen’s letter and knew that she and EJ kidnapped him. Dimitri didn’t care about the letter. He wasn’t going back to Salem or giving a statement. Rafe gave him another alternative. He could keep Gwen kidnapped forever or send her and EJ to jail forever. Celeste called Theo and let him know that Lexie didn’t visit her. Theo lied when Abe walked in the room. He said Lani wished him a happy birthday. Later Theo wanted to talk to Kayla, but she was in surgery so he spoke to Marlena. He told her everything that was going on. Theo explained that his mother was sick again. He wanted to know if Marlena knew anything about it. Marlena froze as Cat walked in behind her. She told Leo that she didn’t know where Lexie was.

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Days Short Recap Wednesday, August 12, 2026

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Brady wanted to take Rachel school shopping, but she wasn’t up to it since her mother was gone. He tried to tell her that Kristen left for her, but it didn’t do any good. Rachel said she loved her mother but it didn’t mean she trusted her or wanted to be like her. She said something bad always happened when her mother was around. Rachel thought her life would be better without her. Brady said she wasn’t a bad person for saying that. He thought some time apart might have been a good thing. Devlin talked to EJ about the coriseal cover up. EJ said he didn’t know anything about it. Devlin said he went to Smith Island and found an excavation that confirmed what he was told. While they were talking, Devlin said he wasn’t interested in the legalities. He said he was cleaning up EJ’s mess before someone else died. Devlin said the arsenic could have seeped into the water and all it would take would be one storm that could put it in the Salem River. He said everyone in Salem drank from it. Devlin said the situation was serious. He was excited to be the hero which was why he hadn’t said anything. Devlin said the coriseal mess would cost millions. He told EJ to pay to have it fix or he would expose him to the world. Devlin gave him a list of things he had to pay for.

Sarah walked in on Xander planning to see the estate. Xander said they were in the mess because of EJ. He said he told Maggie about it already. Xander was upset about what was happening. When Sarah tried to comfort him, he pulled away from her. He said he didn’t deserve comfort. Sarah said there was enough blame to go around. She said if she told him what Philip did sooner, Tony wouldn’t have had the leverage to get DiMera back. While they were talking, Sarah said she couldn’t imagine anyone else living in the mansion. Xander said he hadn’t told Brady yet. He thought it would be better coming from her. Sarah left to tell him. Philip texted Gabi to come to the office because he found a way to save Titan. His solution was a poker game. He told her he was good at it and had a game for next week. Gabi didn’t think it was a good idea. Philip said there was a multi-million dollar buy-in to get the top prize. He needed her to give him the money. Gabi said that would be her entire inheritance. Philip tried to convince her that he was a good poker player. EJ sent Rita a message to meet him and Devlin. Before Devlin left, EJ grabbed him from behind. Rita stabbed him with a syringe.

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Days Short Recap Monday, August 10, 2026

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Stephanie told Alex that he wasn’t moving in Joy’s room while Joy was in the hospital. She told him she would move out since it was his apartment. Alex agreed to it for Kelsey’s sake. Chanel and Alex ran into each other while they were pushing their kids through the town square. Alex told her what was going on with Joy. Chanel sarcastically told him she was sorry to hear what Joy was going through. She offered to help him take care of Kelsey. While they were talking, she warned him not to let Joy mess up his marriage the way she did hers. Lani went to see Jada at the police station to tell her about Lexie. Jada didn’t think it was a police matter, but she thought it was enough for her to check on Lexie. Later on, Jada went home. Stephanie came over to talk to her about what was going on. Jada told Stephanie to move in with her. Stephanie agreed to stay with her and thought it would help her save her marriage.

At DiMera Enterprises, Theo left a voicemail for Lexie when Johnny came in. He told Johnny that he didn’t think Lexie was in South Africa because there wasn’t an international dial tone when he called. When Theo called Celeste, there was an international dial tone. Lani showed up to tell Theo that there was no record of Lexie boarding a commercial flight. They talked about Leo, Gwen, and Kristen being missing. Johnny wanted to talk to EJ about it. Lani thought there was a problem with the drug and that Lexie’s health was failing. She wanted Theo to focus on getting Lexie home. EJ had a coughing attack when Cat showed up with paperwork on the state’s case against him. He said he didn’t have any energy since he had a cold. Cat asked him what was going on because she saw the panel closing last night. EJ tried to dodge her question with a coughing attack, but she kept pressing the issue. Johnny showed up and asked Cat if he could be alone with his father. He asked EJ about Lexie’s disappearance. EJ told him that Lexie was dying and was in the tunnels. Stephanie talked to Jada about Alex choosing Kelsey if he had to choose between them. EJ said Lexie couldn’t tell anyone what she knew. Johnny was furious with him for saying that and was about to leave. EJ stopped him from leaving and said he made a promise to Lexie. When Johnny left, Cat came back and noticed that EJ had a fever. She helped him get into bed. Johnny went back to Theo and Lani, but he didn’t tell them what EJ told him.

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Days Update Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Days of Our Lives Update

 

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Update written by Joseph

Sarah finds Brady at the hospital and tells him how bad she needs a hug as Brady asks what’s wrong. Sarah complains that she hated having to confront Holly about the pills that Tate found in her bag. Brady encourages that she might have prevented Holly from having a full on relapse. Sarah hopes that with some rest, Holly will be more open to her help.

Holly escaped from the hospital and staggers to the town square where she runs in to Gabi. Gabi thought she was still in the hospital. Holly claims she was just discharged and thanks her for the flowers. Gabi asks if she’s sure she is alright. Holly says that she is and that it was nice to see her as she rushes off past her.

Sarah goes to Holly’s hospital room but finds she is gone.

Leo goes to Gwen’s room at the Salem Inn and knocks on the door until Holly comes by and then collapses in Leo’s arms.

Kayla goes to EJ’s office at the hospital and tells Cat that she came to talk to her.

EJ is frustrated at the DiMera Mansion as Rita comes in and asks what’s wrong. EJ complains that he’s going to lose the hospital to Gwen if he doesn’t do something to stop her. Rita then asks if he’s sure he didn’t already do something to stop her.

Leo sits Holly down in the hall of the Salem Inn and asks her what’s going on. Holly responds that she’s fine and just needs a second. Leo notices her hospital ID bracelet and questions if she was officially released. Holly asks Leo to just help her to her room. Leo suggests getting her back to the hospital but Holly says no. Leo asks if there’s anyone he can call for her, like Sarah. Holly pleads with him not to call Sarah and says she just needs a second to rest and she’ll be fine. Leo tells her to stay put and he’ll go get her some water and a cold compress. Leo then walks away while making a call on his phone.

Sarah runs back to Brady in a panic, telling him that Holly is gone and that she took her clothes and left the hospital. Sarah worries about how mad Holly was at her and Tate that she could’ve gone looking to score. Brady tells her not to go there and sends Sarah back to Holly’s room to look for clues to where she could’ve gone while he will begin a search.

Gabi runs in to Xander in the town square. Gabi says she has nothing more to say to him. Xander tells her the truth is that he had nothing to do with what happened at Gabi Chic. Gabi doesn’t believe him and points out that he also denied involvement in setting up Johnny for the lawsuit. Xander tells Gabi this conversation isn’t over as he gets a call from Sarah. Sarah tells Xander that Holly skipped the hospital without being discharged when she wasn’t well enough to go. Xander asks what he can do to help and mentions that he’s in the town square, so Sarah tells him to check the stores and ask if anyone has seen her. Sarah then asks Xander to go back to the Kiriakis Mansion as well. Xander says he will check in with the staff and assures that they will find Holly as he hangs up. Gabi then informs Xander that she just saw Holly a few minutes ago heading in to the Salem Inn, so Xander heads that way.

Rita tells EJ that word on the street is that Gwen is missing and asks if he had a hand in that. EJ responds that he did not touch Gwen. Rita says she has no doubt that he didn’t do it, but that things in his orbit have a way of vanishing with no touch required.

Kayla tells Cat that she’s sure she has heard that the board has voted to remove EJ and accept Gwen’s offer to buy the hospital. Cat says she understands the deal isn’t finalized. Kayla confirms it isn’t but she wants to get a jump on things and talk to her about her job. Kayla brings up that Marlena speaks very highly of Cat and she trusts her instincts, so when EJ leaves, she would like Cat to stay on in her current position as assistant to the owner of the hospital. Kayla says that Gwen will need someone by her side who knows how things operate. Cat responds that she’s flattered but she already has a job lined up.

Sarah returns to Brady and tells him that Holly took all of her belongings and she has Xander searching the town square while she’s going to head home. Brady tells her that he has Tate, Steve, and Shawn all on the lookout. Brady assures Sarah that they will find Holly as she couldn’t have gotten far.

Leo returns to Holly with a bottle of water but she says water is the last thing she needs. Gus then arrives as the EMT to check on Holly. Holly complains that Leo promised he wouldn’t call anyone. Leo says he promised not to call Sarah, so he called 911 and just his luck, here’s Gus. Gus asks Holly what’s wrong. Holly claims nothing and that she’s just tired. Leo explains that she could barely stand up and he couldn’t in good conscience just leave her in the hallway. Gus checks Holly’s pulse and confirms it’s weak. Leo adds that she left the hospital without being discharged. Holly calls him a traitor. Gus thinks it’s best to take her back to the hospital but Holly says she doesn’t want to go back. Leo doesn’t know what’s going on with her but asks her to let them take her back so Sarah can check her out. Xander arrives and finds Holly. Holly is relieved, saying he’s finally someone who will listen to her. Holly tells Xander that Sarah thinks she’s on drugs but she swears she’s not using again. Xander tells her that he believes her and just wants her to be safe. Gus says it’s time to go with the ambulance. Holly repeats that she doesn’t want to go back to the hospital but Xander tells her to trust him and promises she will be okay, so she reluctantly gives in. Gus and Leo help Holly up while Xander agrees to ride in the ambulance with her, so Gus exits with Xander and Holly while Leo remains in the hall.

Sarah complains to Brady that she can’t stand here and do nothing, feeling she has to be out there looking for Holly. Brady promises that she will be best here since she will need to check on Holly if she comes back. Sarah then gets a text from Xander that he found Holly and they are on their way in the ambulance, leaving her and Brady relieved.

Kayla questions Cat already having another job lined up. Cat reveals that if EJ goes, she’s going with him because he offered to keep her on as his personal assistant and she accepted. Kayla calls that a choice. Cat says she knows how most people feel about EJ, but she’s gained a lot of experience and learned a lot working for him. Kayla argues that Cat thinks she knows EJ, but she hasn’t been around him or his family very long while she knows from experience what the DiMeras are capable of. Kayla hopes that Cat and the people she cares about don’t get caught in the crossfire. Cat appreciates her concern and assures that she’s walking in to this with her eyes wide open.

Rita shows EJ the numbers in the worst case scenario of losing the hospital. EJ says he knows losing the hospital means he’ll lose everything. Rita points out that EJ won’t be broke since he’ll have the money from selling the hospital as well as his inheritance, but admits that times are tough. EJ brings up that Stefano taught him the hardest challenges bring forth the sweetest triumph.

Leo comes out of the Salem Inn and runs in to Gabi in the town square. Leo tells her that he has news about the counterfeit purses, but Gabi stops him to ask if he has seen Holly. Leo confirms he just did in the Salem Inn and that she was in terrible shape. Gabi mentions that she saw her too and she looked like she was about to pass out. Gabi asks if Leo helped her. Leo responds that he doesn’t like to throw the word “hero” around, but says Holly is lucky she ran in to him.

Sarah informs Brady that the ambulance arrived and Holly is in stable condition as Brady hugs her. Xander comes over so Sarah says she’s so glad he found Holly and asks how he knew where she was. Xander calls it just right place, right time. Sarah says she will keep them both posted as she goes to the exam room. Xander then tells Brady that Holly told him that Sarah accused her of being on drugs again and asks what that’s about. Brady brings up Xander bringing Holly her bag. Xander confirms that she asked him to and asks what that has to do with anything. Brady then reveals that Tate found pills in her bag. Xander argues that can’t be and questions if Holly would use again.

Sarah joins Gus in Holly’s hospital room. Holly argues that she didn’t overdose and isn’t on drugs. Sarah questions why she left the hospital then. Holly complains that she was tired of being treated like a junkie and she’s not going to stay here and be called a liar, especially by someone who claims to love her.

Rita points out to EJ that at least it seems they have contained the issues with the tainted Coriseal. Rita adds that it couldn’t have been easy using his former stepdaughter for a scapegoat. EJ says he takes no pleasure in making it look like Holly relapsed on drugs, but he had no choice. Rita says she understands and that Julie already had the well decontaminated. EJ says that worked out, so they will have to believe that Holly chose to have the drugs in her system. EJ adds that while they are helping her, he’ll be helping Holly with her Amy Choi lawsuit and the unfortunate fallout from her drug habit. Rita notes that it seems to have worked in throwing focus away from DiMera Pharmaceuticals and Coriseal. EJ says they should be grateful for that because if the truth ever came out, he’d go to prison and it would be the end of DiMera.

Kayla wishes Cat luck. Cat reminds her there’s still no guarantee the sale of the hospital will go through. Kayla goes over the board finding EJ’s actions unethical and leading them to have him removed. Cat asks if EJ can appeal their decision. Kayla says the hospital assured he wouldn’t have a leg to stand on, so it would be about EJ and Gwen’s negotiating price. Cat notes that she doesn’t have any meetings on EJ’s calendar. Kayla says she and the board need to meet with Gwen first and hopefully soon, but they haven’t been able to reach her. Kayla adds that Gwen didn’t show up to their meeting and is not returning her calls now which she finds a bit surprising.

Leo sits with Gabi and tells her that Holly was in rough shape but he was able to convince her to back to the hospital. Gabi is glad that Holly is getting the help she needs. Leo tells Gabi that he did a deep dive on the counterfeit bags and set up a meeting with a contact. Gabi says she appreciates that, but she already figured out that Xander is behind it.

Xander questions Brady thinking that Holly wanted him to bring her bag because there were pills in it. Brady says it’s hard not to think that. Xander asks about the belief that she ingested the Coriseal from the well water on Smith Island. Brady says he wanted to believe that too, but the well sample came back showing only arsenic which means Holly probably took those opioids willingly. Xander questions all their theories about EJ just being wishful thinking because they can’t prove it. Brady says it seems that way.

Sarah tells Holly that she loves her but she can’t help her unless she tells the truth. Gus informs Sarah of the tests he took and how Holly showed no signs of drug use. Gus declares that he believes Holly was just dehydrated. Holly then remarks that at least someone believes her.

EJ tells Rita that once the Coriseal investigation ends, there will be nothing tying him or DiMera to the contamination. Rita adds that if he gets from Gwen what he paid for the hospital, they’ll be back in business. EJ responds that if he’s forced to negotiate with Gwen, he will make it a living Hell for her and profitable for him. EJ tells Rita that Cat will be there soon, so it’s time to make herself scarce. Rita guesses EJ must be sad to be losing Cat. EJ reveals that he’s offered Cat a job as his personal assistant if the hospital goes south. Rita question where that leaves her. EJ assures Rita that she is irreplaceable. Rita then asks EJ if he plans on making Cat his personal assistant, how personal does he intend on it getting?

Cat asks Kayla why Gwen would suddenly drop off the radar right when it’s time to finish purchasing the hospital. Kayla wonders if EJ may have done something to dissuade Gwen. Cat doesn’t think she has to worry about that since it’s a business deal. Kayla remarks that business can become very personal, especially when the DiMeras are involved. Cat decides she will reach out to Gwen and check on her. Kayla tells Cat that if she changes her mind about the job, her door is open as she exits the office. Cat then calls Andrew Donovan and asks him to put a trace on Gwen’s phone ASAP.

Leo asks Gabi how she figured that Xander was the counterfeiter. Gabi explains that the only thing new in Gabi Chic was the shipping contract with Titan, so she connected the dots to Xander. Leo thinks that’s circumstantial and that Xander would be smarter than that. Gabi remarks that Titan is hanging on by a thread so Xander is desperate and maybe got sloppy. Leo calls it possible but thinks she needs definitive proof. Gabi asks if Leo can get that for her. Leo agrees to investigate and declares that if it does lead back to Xander, this could be the end of him as CEO. Gabi remarks that she will enjoy every second of his downfall.

Xander tells Brady that he wishes they got the second sample of the well water before Julie had it decontaminated. Brady points out that it still wouldn’t explain the pills in Holly’s bag. Brady says he’s looked at every possible explanation and every road leads back to that bag and the pills.

Sarah tells Holly that they are just waiting on the latest round of blood work and that she will stay overnight. Holly argues that she wants to go home. Sarah questions why she was so desperate to get out and what was so important to go to the Salem Inn. Holly responds that it wasn’t to meet with her dealer if that’s what she’s thinking. Holly says that she needed to go somewhere to be alone and not be judged. She declares that she needed to get away from Tate, Brady, and mostly from Sarah. Sarah asks Holly who she will talk to if not her because she has to talk to someone. Holly asks for Xander or EJ since they don’t think she’s some lying druggie.

EJ tells Rita that there’s no need to concern herself with he and Cat. Rita suggests he exercise caution because they both know there are some parts of his business that are very sensitive right now. EJ assures that Cat won’t find out.

Cat asks Andrew to let her know if he gets any hits on Gwen. Cat adds that she’s looking at a different angle on the EJ investigation because it’s possible that EJ has done something to get Gwen out of the way. Cat calls it another item on the list of things they’re trying to nail EJ for. Cat adds that the closer she gets to EJ, the closer they get to being able to do that. Cat declares that if she finds what she’s looking for, they may just be able to shut down EJ DiMera once and for all.

Sarah pleads with Holly that she’s not ready to be on her own and says it’s dangerous for her to leave until she’s stronger. Holly wants another doctor because she doesn’t want to see her anymore. Sarah agrees to find someone else if it means Holly stays at the hospital, so Sarah exits the room.

Xander tells Brady that there must be more they can do to help Holly. Sarah comes over and says there is because Holly is refusing to talk to her or Tate, but she did say she would talk to Xander or EJ because they are the only ones who haven’t accused her of lying. Xander agrees to go talk to her now. Brady tells him that it’s important that he gets her to come clean as it’s the only way they can help her and they know addicts can be convincing. Xander heads to Holly’s room. Brady hugs Sarah as she laments that she wishes she could save Holly but she won’t even talk to her. Brady encourages that Holly is just angry but she will realize that Sarah loves her and is just trying to help her.

Holly cries in her hospital room, asking why won’t anyone believe her.

Gabi tells Leo that she knows they’ve had their differences in the past because she didn’t trust him as she was worried he would hurt Javi which he did, but she knows he regrets it and now she’s glad to have Leo by her side. Leo hates that Gwen was scammed and wants to make sure nobody else suffers at the hands of this criminal. Gabi appreciates that and says she hoped to break the news to Gwen about Xander, but she hasn’t been able to get ahold of her. Gabi says that Gwen hasn’t answered her texts or voicemails. Leo adds that Gwen hasn’t even read his texts and that’s not like her.

Cat goes to the DiMera Mansion and joins EJ in the living room. Cat informs EJ that Kayla came to see her to tell her that she would still have her job at the hospital once EJ was gone, but she told Kayla that she is loyal to EJ. EJ says he’s very pleased to hear that and adds that he hasn’t given up on the hospital just yet. Cat notes that Kayla mentioned trying to schedule a meeting with Gwen, but they haven’t been able to reach her. Cat asks when EJ last heard from Gwen. EJ says it was a couple days ago. Cat wonders why Gwen would suddenly go off the radar like that which EJ calls a good question.

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Days Short Recap Friday, August 7, 2026

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Xander told Philip that EJ called in their loan, and they had to pay everything by the end of the month. Alex walked so they told him what happened. He felt like they gloated to EJ too much. Gabi felt like she made things worse for them by playing around with EJ. Alex called them all out for not keeping their mouths shut. Dimitri let Leo know that he was the only one who would care if something happened to him. Gwen reminded him that he would care if Leo didn’t come back. She was glad that Leo ruined their marriage since he was a horrible person. Dimitri told her that she was bait for Leo. He planned to make love to Leo, but he was going to hide them somewhere that no one would find them in case someone actually looked for them. Javi talked to Rafe and told him that he was going to Alamania. He started to tell Rafe about it when Joy walked in the pub clutching her arm and doubling over in pain. Javi rushed to her side. Rafe called 9-1-1 when she got numbness in her arm.

Stephanie was at the hospital and talked to Kayla about her situation with Joy when Javi and Rafe showed up. Joy was brought to the hospital. Kayla rushed to help her. Joy wanted Kayla to call Philip. Philip was getting called out by Alex. Alex decided to take over and rushed to the hospital. He was by Joy’s side. Alex wouldn’t let Stephanie watch Kelsey so he took her to Joy’s room. Kayla left them alone. Joy was afraid that she wouldn’t be able to take care of Kelsey. Alex assured her that she wouldn’t be alone. Joy was happy that he came to see her instead of Philip. Kayla told Stephanie about what happened to Joy. She warned her that things could be bad for her. Leo and Gwen discussed ways to escape until they came up with an idea. He was going to fake being hurt to get out of the house. Leo pretended to have an appendicitis, and Dimitri became worried about him. Dimitri was trained so he would take out his appendix. Leo panicked so the plan didn’t work. Javi continued to talk to Rafe about going to Alamania. Rafe wondered what Gus would think about it. Javi told him that Gus was understanding about it. Rafe said that might not be true. Kayla told Joy that she had spinal stenosis. She assured Joy that she could live with it with a lot of treatments. Joy wasn’t sure about that. Alex told Stephanie about what happened. He’s going to watch Kelsey while Joy was in the hospital. Alex wanted to move into Joy’s room, but Stephanie said he wasn’t doing that.

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Days Short Recap Thursday, August 6, 2026

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Philip and Xander were celebrating saving Titan when the ran into EJ. He was ready to end the celebration for them. Philip ended EJ’s gloating when he told him that they had the money to make the loan payment. EJ was upset and stormed off. Philip admitted to Xander that he was the one who locked him and Sarah in the basement. Kate ended up ruining everything by interrupting them. Xander was grateful because they weren’t ready to be together yet. EJ called Rita to find out where the Kiriakis family got the money from to save their company. He rushed to Gabi’s office to yell at her for giving Titan the money to save the company. Gabi laughed and admitted what she did. She wanted to know if he was going to kill her. EJ started sneezing out of the blue. After he stopped, Gabi asked him if he stole her designs. He denied stealing her designs and warned her that Titan would still go down. Holly felt like Sarah was being nice to her because she felt guilty. She wondered if Sarah actually believed her his time. Holly wondered if she was just playing her to get to the truth. Sarah assured her that she believed her. She told her about the Coriseal, and EJ’s involvement in it. Sarah didn’t want Holly to say anything to EJ about it. Holly was horrified that he did that. Sarah assured her that EJ cared about her.

Brady and Steve talked about Kristen’s disappearance at the pub. They felt like she was kidnapped or hiding from EJ. Steve felt like EJ had a lot going on and would eventually get caught. Brady showed Steve the text Kristen sent to him. Steve noticed the hidden message behind the text. He wasn’t sure when she would come back. He thought Rachel would be okay until Kristen came back. Susan showed up to surprise Rachel. She had a message from Kristen. Susan told her that Kristen would do anything to be with her. Everyone would be there for her until Kristen came back. Susan started crying while she was talking to Rachel. Rachel started asking her questions about her mother until Susan slipped up but didn’t break character. She got mad until Susan hugged her. Brady walked in on Susan and Rachel. He wanted to speak to Susan alone. Brady called Kristen out, and she finally dropped the act. He wanted to know what was going on. Kristen told him that she was in danger because of EJ and had to disappear. She didn’t want Brady to get involved. Kristen would be back when she wasn’t in danger anymore. Amy arrived at the Kiriakis mansion to see if Holly got the sunflowers she sent her. She told her they were a reminder of what she did to Sophia. Amy wanted her to think about what she did to Sophia for the rest of her life. She told her that EJ bullied her into dropping the lawsuit, but she would face God’s judgement. Amy warned her that she would never get rid of her because she would be everywhere.

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Days Update Tuesday, July 21, 2026

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Update written by Joseph

Lani goes to make a delivery from the Bakery at the Salem Inn but is surprised when it’s Eli answering the door as they kiss.

Foster goes to the book store to see Julie and tells her that he’s feeling better and that he’s sorry about missing the concert last night. Foster then asks how he can make it up to her.

Kristen meets Lexie in the park and asks how she’s feeling. Lexie admits she feels worse by the hour, but she’s concerned about Kristen because of EJ’s plan to punish her by sending her to the DiMera private island. Lexie asks if she figured out what she’s going to do. Kristen responds that she does have an idea, so Lexie asks if she trusts her enough to share.

Xander startles Philip at Titan and excitedly tells him that Kristen told him that Stefano’s inheritance has come in. Xander adds that their next loan payment isn’t until next week so they have plenty of time to get the money from Gabi. Xander mentions it being a little odd they haven’t heard from Gabi, but says she’s probably out celebrating which is what they should be doing. Xander goes to pour some scotch when Gabi arrives. Gabi tells Xander not to get too excited as she announces she is rescinding her offer to bail out Titan and she’s decided to keep every cent of Stefan’s inheritance to herself.

Eli wishes Lani a happy anniversary as Lani questions him being in Salem early. Eli confirms that his boss let him off early and confirms he got someone to cover her shift at the Bakery so they could be together. Lani says she should’ve known when she was told to make a special delivery at the end of her shift. Eli says he was working on this undercover operation. Lani says it’s mission accomplished as they kiss.

Julie tells Foster that it worked out perfectly as she invited Marlena and they had a wonderful time. Foster reveals that if she’s free next week, he got them tickets for the next concert in the square series which is the music of Irving Berlin. Julie responds that she’s sorry but she’s going to have to miss that one.

Philip questions Gabi practically begging him to take her money and now just changing her mind. Gabi says she has good reason. Philip doesn’t care and argues that she can’t renege because they had a written contract. Gabi responds that she learned her lesson before and had a morality clause included. Xander says they’ve given her no reason to invoke that while Gabi argues that she is certain they stole her Gabi Chic designs to create shoddy knockoffs which is highly amoral and reprehensible. Gabi tells them it’s game over.

Kristen assures Lexie that she trusts her and thinks they can help each other. Kristen says Lexie wants to spare her family the trauma of watching her die again and to find somewhere where they won’t find her. Kristen asks if Lexie has figured out where that is. Lexie admits she hasn’t yet. Kristen tells her that she has an idea. Kristen doesn’t want Lexie to be alone and frightened when the end is near, while she needs to find a way to escape unnoticed. Lexie asks what one thing has to do with the other. Kristen says it’s everything and she thinks it could benefit them if they switch places. Lexie questions how this could even work since no one would confuse Kristen for her. Kristen says they won’t have to and explains that she gathered intel from a staff member on the island. Kristen states that EJ believes everyone working there is loyal to him, but he forgets that she resided there for quite some time. Kristen adds that a staff member told her that everyone working on the island is supposed to expect a shipping container with EJ’s sister in it, but he didn’t specify which sister.

Philip questions what Gabi is talking about. Xander says has no idea. Gabi argues that they abused their shipping contract to get her designs first and went through Basic Black to make counterfeits being sold all over the world. Gabi says it was their perfect plan to take revenge on her while making a gigantic profit from her work. Philip turns to Xander and asks if Titan really needed another scandal. Xander says to slow down and tells Gabi that he’s terribly sorry that someone stole her work. Xander adds that he can’t speak for Philip but swears he had nothing to do with it.

Lexie tells Kristen that whoever is responsible for putting her in the shipping container must know which sister he’s targeting. Kristen argues that EJ will have one of his minions who will be under strict orders from EJ alone and won’t be in touch with the island staff, so they just need to find the right time to switch places after she’s kidnapped and thrown in the container and before the container arrives on the island. Lexie calls it a clever plan but thinks the truth will get out at some point. Kristen says by then, it won’t matter as she just has to buy enough time to get far enough away to live another day. Kristen declares that EJ will think she’s neutralized and will be unaware that she’s on the move, so he will be the one who won’t see it coming.

Eli and Lani joke about Eli pulling off his plan. Eli then surprises Lani with an amethyst necklace for their sixth anniversary. Lani says her gift for him is at home, but she does have a little surprise for him, so she has him close his eyes.

Foster asks Julie what’s wrong. Julie reminds him that Doug was a singer and he particularly loved the tunes of Irving Berlin and would sing them to her. Foster completely understands why she wouldn’t want to go to that concert. Foster says he’d react the same if she asked him to go to the tulip festival as he used to go every year with his late wife. Julie suggests Foster could ask Marlena to the concert, since she enjoyed the Verdi concert so much. Foster questions if Julie is trying to set him up with Marlena.

Lexie asks Kristen why go through all this trouble instead of just taking off and disappearing before EJ disappears her. Kristen responds that EJ is probably having her watched and he would just hunt her down if she escaped. Kristen encourages that if they switch places, Lexie will get to live out her final days in a peaceful paradise island while she will get to vanish from EJ. Lexie admits she’s tempted as she told Abe she was going to visit her mother, but she was really just going to find some place to die alone and then tell Abe and Theo after she’s gone. Kristen assures her that Stefano’s staff will treat her like royalty. Lexie asks about Kristen and if she plans to be on the run from EJ, her life, and Rachel forever. Kristen insists it won’t be forever as she just needs time to figure out a way to outmaneuver EJ and then she’ll be back. Lexie questions how it got to this and what she did to EJ to make him go this far.

Philip questions Xander saying he can’t speak for him. Xander says he doesn’t know what he’s been up to. Gabi argues that Philip is obviously very angry with her so that would be his motive. Philip guesses Gabi thinks he’s so obsessed with her that all he thinks about is how to get back at her. Philip tells Gabi that he doesn’t think about her at all anymore and declares he’s sick of the topic of Gabi Hernandez. Gabi asks if his little self help book did the trick then. Philip insists he wasn’t reading that because of her but he is totally over her. Philip says that Gabi is accusing him of something so ridiculous so she’s not over him and is projecting. Gabi complains that she doesn’t give a damn which one of them did this and that all she knows is neither of them will see a penny of her late husband’s inheritance. Philip tells Gabi to keep her inheritance because he never wanted her money anyway.

Julie tells Foster that no one sets up Marlena and it was just a suggestion if he had no one to take to the concert, but she’s sure he does. Foster tells Julie that if she’s no longer interested in going out with him, she can just say so. Julie calls Foster a charming man and completely different from her husband, but it’s all so new to her so she doesn’t know how to behave or what to expect. Foster relates to being alone after a long and happy marriage, but he enjoys her company and they have to live life to the fullest. Foster suggests they find a new way of being happy together.

Eli opens his eyes to see Lani wearing only her bakery apron. Eli offers to take it off himself as they kiss and move in to the bed.

Kristen tells Lexie that she did something out of anger that she regrets. Lexie is sure she had her reasons to be angry with EJ. Lexie admits she’s not EJ’s biggest fan either, but he is her brother and she still loves him. Kristen doesn’t expect her to stop loving their brother as long as she’s on her team this go round. Lexie says definitely, but asks if she really thinks her plan will work. Kristen says she wouldn’t have suggested it if she didn’t. Kristen warns that the clock is ticking for both of them, so they have to commit quickly. Kristen asks if Lexie is in.

Xander tells Gabi not to be hasty as there’s clearly a misunderstanding they need to get to the bottom of. Gabi argues that there is no misunderstanding and that only someone who had access to her designs could pull this off. Xander remarks that it’s just a handbag while Gabi complains that her designs are one of a kind, iconic, and timeless. Xander encourages that whoever did this must be a huge fan of her work. Gabi responds that she’s not flattered but horrified as she put her heart and soul in to those designs. Gabi calls that kind of betrayal unforgivable. Philip then chimes in that now she knows how he feels.

Julie asks if Foster thinks they should have happy moments together. Foster suggests maybe it’s too soon. Julie agrees and says she just needs time. Foster tells Julie that if she wants to go on another date, she can give him a call. Julie says she will and walks away. Julie then gives Foster that call.

Lani tells Eli that she would love to lay with him all day, but she does have to get back to the bakery to drop off an order at the Bistro. Eli tells Lani that marrying her was the best decision he’s made in his life.

Lexie tells Kristen that she doesn’t have much to lose, so she’s in. Kristen tearfully thanks her for giving her a second chance as they hug. Kristen wishes they had more time together. Lexie declares that DiMeras never die while Kristen jokes that they just change their hiding places. Lexie asks what’s next. Kristen says she needs to figure out the where and when of EJ’s plan. Kristen asks if there’s anything she can do to help Lexie. Lexie says she will let her know. Kristen advises Lexie to be ready at a moment’s notice.

Gabi asks if Philip is admitting to stealing her designs. Philip says all he said was that he knows how betrayal feels. Gabi guesses this is how he got back at her, but Philip says he has better things to do and doesn’t give a damn about her anymore. Xander understands Gabi has hurt feelings but she can’t throw around baseless accusations and suggests maybe one of her employees made the counterfeits. Gabi says definitely not as she’s had the same employees and manufacturers for years. Xander remarks that there’s a first time for everything. Gabi points out it’s the first time shipping with Titan, so it would be easy for them to crack things open and help themselves to her designs which is what she is convinced happened. Gabi declares that she’s invoking the morality clause and as far as she’s concerned, her debt to Titan has been paid. Xander reminds Gabi that she very recently committed corporate espionage against their company which Gabi calls baseless accusations and denies admitting to it. Philip points out that Theo remembers and Anna heard it from Tony. Gabi calls that hearsay and warns them to lawyer up. Xander questions her wanting to go to court while Gabi argues that they had the means, motive, and opportunity that no one else on the planet had. Gabi warns that they don’t have the resources to fight her so they will lose Titan, the mansion, and everything else they hold dear.

Eli and Lani walk through the town square where they run in to Kristen. Lani and Kristen hug as Kristen asks where they are off to. Lani says she’s helping Chanel at the Bakery and that she and Eli were just celebrating their anniversary. Kristen wishes them a happy anniversary. Eli says he’ll let them catch up as he steps away on a work call. Kristen wishes she would’ve spent more time with Lani the past few years and kept in better touch. Lani says it’s okay as she’s here now and they will have so much time to catch up. Lani asks if Kristen is good. Kristen claims that she is, but says she realized she doesn’t tell her enough how much her friendship means to her and says she’s truly grateful to have her in her life, so she always wants her to remember that as they hug.

Lexie goes to the book store and sits down with a book titled “When I’m Gone”. Julie approaches and says when Doug passed away, that book gave her a lot to think about. Lexie responds that she was just looking at romance novels but this one caught her eye. Julie recommends the book and mentions that the writer says in the book that in Heaven, she’ll be reunited with her husband. Julie says she is a woman of faith, but on that issue she has so many questions. Julie brings up Lexie returning from the other side and asks if she saw something that she would call Heaven and if she will find Doug there.

Xander asks Gabi what about Arianna, reminding her that she’s a Kiriakis. Gabi argues that she runs a highly lucrative fashion brand and just came in to a windfall, so she’s more than capable of taking care of her daughter. Xander points out how much this would hurt Sonny and asks if she thinks Arianna would just turn a blind eye to that. Xander guesses Gabi didn’t think about Sonny at all because she only ever thinks about herself and remarks that it’s no wonder her daughter isn’t talking to her. Gabi argues that she has a good relationship with her daughter’s father. Philip says not after he hears this. Gabi says he can badmouth her to Sonny all he wants and calls Philip a bitter lovesick fool as she storms out of the office. Xander questions what Philip was thinking. Philip tells him it wasn’t him. Xander responds that it wasn’t him either.

Kristen tells Lani that she will let her get back to her husband and tells her to take care of herself as she hurries off. Eli comes back to Lani and asks what’s wrong. Lani says she just had the strangest conversation with Kristen where she was being really sweet to her. Eli notes they are good friends. Lani says this was different and not like her. Lani has a gut feeling that Kristen was trying to say goodbye.

Lexie wishes she could tell Julie that she saw Heaven with her own eyes, but she never fully left this life that she can remember. Julie guesses she will just have to lean on her faith again. Lexie has no doubt that Julie and Doug will be reunited someday as they hug.

Philip tells Xander that he better not be messing with his head. Xander says they are in this together and if the ship sinks, they both go down. Philip asks if Xander would tell him if he tapped in to Titan’s shadier connections. Xander swears he did not steal Gabi’s designs and had nothing to do with this.

Gabi goes to the town square and complains that she was a fool to trust them. Gabi pulls out her phone and calls Gwen but it goes to voicemail. Gabi leaves a message that she has exciting news as she figured out who stole her designs and those bastards are going to regret ever messing with Gabi Chic.

Philip and Xander agree to believe each other. Philip points out that Gabi and the money are gone. Xander says they are not giving up when there’s an easy solution to all of this. Philip says he can’t wait to hear it. Xander says they’ve established being honest with each other, so it’s Philip’s job to convince Gabi of the same. Xander says it’s obvious that Philip and Gabi still have feelings for each other, so he instructs Philip to use that. Philip refuses to demean himself to using their past relationship. Xander argues they are in the middle of a crisis but Philip says he’s not lowering himself to that, so he can forget it. Xander tells Philip to find another way to save the company then, bringing up that this is all because of Philip’s fraud letter. Philip thought they were over that. Xander says they were until his girlfriend came to put the nail in their coffin. Xander warns Philip that unless he wants to drag Maggie back to town to start packing, he better find a way to fix it.

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Days Update Monday, July 20, 2026

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Update written by Joseph

Belle runs in to Cat in the town square and asks if she has a minute. Belle says she knows they aren’t close but it’s about EJ and brings up that Marlena and Chad care about her. Cat guesses Chad is worried about her getting close to his brother which Belle confirms. Cat appreciates the concern but says they don’t need to be worried about her as she’s good. Cat tells Belle to have a wonderful day and walks away.

Chad and Leo sit together at the Brady Pub. Chad is glad Leo is recovered from his concussion. Leo talks to Chad about wanting to do a story on a scandal with fake purses at Gabi Chic. Leo says they can talk about how this is affecting Gabi and her business. Leo says Gabi wants to fight back and talks about everything the story includes. Chad says it sounds intriguing and dangerous, telling Leo to go for it. Chad says God help anyone who tries to rip off Gabi Hernandez.

Rafe goes home where Gabi is on her laptop and asks if she’s okay as she looks like she’s seen a ghost. Gabi informs him that she just got her rather sizable inheritance from Stefan and declares that she’s never seen this much money in her life.

Brady greets Sarah at the hospital and says that Tate texted him that Holly is getting released today which is great news, but Sarah says she’s not so sure. Sarah says that Holly’s wanted to get out and been so upset with her that she decided not to fight it. Sarah adds that she can keep an eye on her at home. Brady is sure things will be less tense there. Sarah goes to check on a patient. EJ comes around the corner as Tate approaches Brady. Tate then reveals that he found pills tucked away in Holly’s bag. EJ looks on and thinks back to planting the pills which Rita delivered to him, in Holly’s bag. Marlena approaches EJ and tells him that she heard the news. EJ guesses she means that it’s International Chess Day which is good because Stefano left her a chess set and he just received his inheritance. Marlena says that must be a great relief to him since he had to sell the hospital at a loss. Sarah returns to Brady and Tate, so Tate reveals the pills to her. Brady says she’s sorry and Sarah says she is too.

Gabi knew she would be inheriting a lot of money but seeing it in her account is different. Gabi thanks Rafe for helping her prove that she deserved it. Rafe says that Stefan would want her to have it. Gabi wishes he was there to enjoy it with her.

Belle joins Chad at the Brady Pub and informs him that she found another clue in the concert program insert. Leo comes back and asks what kind of mystery they are solving. Chad informs him that it’s about the chess set that Stefano left Marlena and John. Leo says he’d love to hear more but he has an appointment with Marlena. Belle informs him that Marlena doesn’t know they are still investigating this, so she asks him not to say anything. Leo assures that his lips are sealed as he exits. Chad then asks Belle what she found out.

EJ tells Marlena not to celebrate just yet as he still owns the hospital and is appealing the board’s decision, so they’ll see if Gwen’s purchase actually goes through. EJ argues that Gwen doesn’t have the attention span and it wouldn’t surprise him if some skeletons in her closet make her a highly unsuitable choice. Cat arrives, so EJ says they are done here and goes to join Cat.

Holly returns to her room and says she’s ready, but wonders where Tate went.

Tate tells Sarah that Holly was in the bathroom changing, so he didn’t say anything to her. Sarah says the pills look like Coriseal but she’ll have them tested to be sure while Tate has to talk to Holly.

Leo meets Marlena in her office and says he’s still drowning in a sea of bad decisions. Marlena assumes Javi is the center of all his pain which Leo confirms.

Rafe asks what Gabi is going to spend all this money on. Gabi responds that she’s going to pay back a debt, invest a portion of it, and create a trust fund for Arianna. Gabi doesn’t think that will make Ari hate her any less, but it will be able to provide a life for her that they never had. They toast to Gabi and Stefan.

Tate tells Sarah and Brady that he told Holly that he believed her and now she’s going to hate him. Brady says in short term, she will be angry with all of them but in time, she will realize they all wanted to help her. Sarah can’t believe this is how drugs got in to Holly’s system as she was hoping for any other way.

Cat and EJ go to his office where Cat confirms she heard the news that the hospital board is on the verge of ousting him. EJ responds that they haven’t gotten rid of him yet.

Belle shows Chad that she used a magnifying glass on the concert program and shows how the two dots in between Verdi translate to Long Live King Victor Emmanuel III of Italy which was an important phrase during the unification of Italy and also an acronym for Viva Verdi. Belle tells Chad to lock in because they are just getting started.

Gabi tells Rafe that now that she got her inheritance money, it’s time to focus on the money she lost from the counterfeit Gabi Chic bags. Rafe tells her that the intellectual property unit is on it. Gabi says she hasn’t heard from them yet, so she’s going to do this herself with a little help from Leo and Gwen because they are familiar with the other side of the counterfeit business. Gabi realizes she probably shouldn’t have said that to a federal agent as Rafe questions if she’s telling him that Leo and Gwen were once engaged in illegal activity and says he’s not shocked.

Leo tells Marlena about using his concussion to get attention from Javi, thinking he would spend more time with him but faking being dizzy backfired because Javi busted him. Leo knows Javi is with someone else now and isn’t interested in him anymore. Leo adds that Javi even urged him to take off his wedding ring which Marlena notes that she noticed when he came in and asks how that makes him feel. Leo responds that it’s like his heart is in freefall without a parachute.

Belle and Chad continue going over the clues as Belle says that Stefano must have wanted John and Marlena to work hard to figure it out, so that’s what they are going to do. Chad points out that they don’t even know what they are looking for. Belle brings up the person leaving them clues and then declares that she thinks she knows who it is.

Brady offers to go search Holly’s room at the Kiriakis Mansion. Sarah says that’d be great while she will go talk to Holly. Brady hugs Tate and tells him to hang in there as he then exits the hospital. Tate wants to go with Sarah to talk to Holly so she doesn’t have to do it alone. Sarah agrees they can do it together.

EJ tells Cat that the sale of the hospital to Gwen is far from a done deal. EJ adds that Cat doesn’t need to worry since he knows she and Mark have a lot of financial responsibilities, so if things go south, he will find Mark a research position at DiMera Pharmaceuticals and hire Cat as his personal assistant. Cat is surprised that he would keep them both on even if he loses the hospital. EJ responds that they have both proven to be valuable and loyal employees. EJ adds that Cat has become indispensable to him, so he couldn’t possibly let her go.

Chad tells Belle that if she thinks EJ is behind all of this, she should think again since he has his hands full. Belle says not EJ, but asks about Dr. Rolf since he was with Stefano when he died. Chad agrees that he’d have to know about the chess set while Belle says there’s no one better to carry out Stefano’s will. Belle says she knows Dr. Rolf is in hiding now but maybe they can lure him out. Chad says no, feeling Dr. Rolf is dangerous and he doesn’t trust him. Belle argues that they said they would move forward with this. Chad says that was until it started to get uncomfortable. Chad worries about what if this isn’t a game, but Stefano’s ultimate trap. Chad reminds her that he said he could not live with himself if something happened to Belle.

EJ asks if Cat will stay on as his assistant regardless of the fallout. Cat responds that she would be honored to. EJ adds that he will inform the medical board that he intends to put up a fight to remain owner of the hospital. Cat guesses he has something up his sleeve. EJ confirms he always does. Cat notes his confidence and asks if he has a plan, adding that he also seems a bit rattled.

Gabi talks to Rafe about how angry Gwen was to learn that she spent a fortune on a fake Gabi Chic bag, so she offered her services to get to the bottom of it while Leo was hot to investigate. Rafe argues that Leo wants Javi back, so he could see him using this as an opportunity to hang out here and get involved in their cousin’s relationship. Gabi assures that she warned Leo and believes that he’s accepted Javi and Gus are happy together. Gabi declares that Leo just needs to get over Javi and move on. Rafe doesn’t see Leo moving on from anything, much less the best thing that ever happened to him.

Marlena asks Leo why he thinks he kept his wedding ring on for so long. Leo thinks it was a security blanket that gave him hope, but now that hope is gone unless Gus goes back to Texas. Marlena asks if he’s still holding out hope that Gus will go away. Leo assures that he is, but he’s not going to make his dreams come true. Leo acknowledges that Javi loves Gus. Marlena tells Leo that she’s so proud of him and calls it a sign of growth and maturity. Leo says that’s ironically proof that he’s finally becoming the man that Javi deserves, but he has to be mature and let him go both physically and in his heart.

Tate returns to Holly with Sarah. Holly asks where he was. Tate says he went to talk to Brady and Sarah. Holly asks if she can go home now, but Sarah says she can’t so Holly asks why not. Sarah then reveals the pills. Holly asks what they are. Tate thinks she knows and reveals that he looked for hair ties but found the pills in her bag and Sarah said they look like Coriseal. Holly doesn’t care and swears that she’s never seen those pills in her life. Sarah says they love her and want to get her help, but she needs to admit there’s a problem.

Gabi tells Rafe that Leo’s love life is not her business, but this counterfeit business is. Rafe agrees that she has to fight this. Gabi says she’s trying, but notes that Leo said 20 more websites popped up. Gabi questions how this keeps happening so quickly. Rafe says he understands the knockoff market is big business, so these people work fast and it funds a lot of other activities including organized crime and even terrorism. Rafe calls it easy cash flow that’s hard to stop. Gabi says they’ll see about that because this time they messed with the wrong designer.

Belle tells Chad that she appreciates his concern and understands if he wants to back out, but she can’t because she needs answers. Chad asks why they can’t hand it over to Paul. Belle says he’s out of the country on a case and she doesn’t want to wait until he’s available. Belle thinks it’s time she flies off and do some real detective work of her own. Chad questions her going to Italy. Belle says all the clues seem to be pointing in that direction. Chad asks if she’s joking while Belle asks if that’s crazy.

Marlena asks if Leo has thought about how he’s going to move forward. Leo guesses he’ll start by hitting dating apps and gay bars and throwing himself more in to work. Leo brings up having a great lead on counterfeit purses, explaining that people are selling knockoff Gabi Chic purses, so he and Gwen have offered their services to find out who is behind this. Marlena tells Leo that she doesn’t think Gwen will have much time for that when she becomes owner of the hospital. Leo questions if she’s scooping him and if the sale went through. Marlena clarifies that it’s not official but she thinks she can say that EJ’s reign at the hospital is coming to an end.

EJ admits to Cat that he is rattled as there is so much happening at once that it’s a bit overwhelming. Cat responds that she knows the feeling and thinks back to Marlena telling her that EJ could have saved Holly’s life while also being responsible for people getting sick with Coriseal. Cat then asks EJ if he cares to talk about what’s got him all rattled.

Holly swears the pills are not hers and she doesn’t know how they got in there, adding that the bag has been empty for months while Bonnie packed it for her and Xander brought it. Sarah asks if she’s saying they put the pills in there. Holly says no but she isn’t using and she’s sick and tired of being accused of something she didn’t do. Sarah goes to get her something to calm her down. Holly thought Tate believed her. Tate responds that he did until he found the pills. Holly asks if her word means nothing then and if he’s siding with them over her. Holly asks how stupid she would be to tell Tate to go through her bag if she knew the pills were in there. Sarah returns with medicine but Holly says she doesn’t want to be drugged. Sarah argues that it will help her rest since she’s still recovering and getting upset like this is not good for her. Holly responds that she can’t believe her and reluctantly takes the medicine. Tate asks Holly if they can talk about this for a minute but Holly says no and she wants them both to leave now. Holly threatens to scream if they don’t get out. Sarah says they’ll give her a few minutes to calm down and then they will come back as she and Tate exit. Holly stands in frustration, holding the pill that Sarah had given her.

Rafe talks to Gabi about how the counterfeit companies work. Gabi questions how they are getting her designs since there are knockoffs all over the place. Rafe says he doesn’t know but whoever it is are one step ahead of her. Gabi says the only people who have her designs work at Gabi Chic and then there are manufacturers. Gabi then declares that she thinks she knows who is behind this.

Chad tells Belle that they are talking about Stefano so nothing is too crazy but feels they have nothing to go off of. Belle argues that somebody obviously wants them to figure this out or they wouldn’t be giving them all these clues. Belle admits she’s desperate for a vacation and her case load is light while Italy is one of her favorite places on the planet, so she thinks she needs to go to see what she can figure out. Chad decides that he’s going with her then because he’s not going to let her do this alone. Belle asks when they leave.

Leo tells Marlena that EJ cannot be happy about losing the hospital to Gwen. Marlena says he only has himself to blame. Leo says EJ won’t see it that way and worries about EJ going after Gwen like he threatened to.

EJ thanks Cat but says dealing with his headaches is not in her job description. Cat points out that she’s also his friend that cares about him. EJ says he appreciates that but he has it all under control. Cat says if he ever doesn’t and needs an ear or a shoulder, she’s there. EJ says he’s grateful for that and he may take her up on it sometime.

Brady returns to Tate and Sarah at the hospital and says he didn’t find anything in Holly’s room, so those pills must have been the only ones she had. Sarah says she sent them to the lab to be tested so they will know for sure if they are Coriseal. Brady asks how thing went here. Tate says not good as Holly denied everything, got really upset, and kicked them out. Sarah adds that she gave her a sedative to calm her down and then they will go back to try again.

Holly packs her bag and sneaks out of her hospital room.

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Y&R Short Recap Friday, July 31, 2026

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Recap written by Eva

Noah and Sienna argue because she thinks Matt has changed and Noah thinks Matt is still dangerous.

Matt asks Sienna to talk to the Newmans and try and persuade them to let him live his life in peace.

Matt tells Phyllis he is staying in town for her.

Noah is determined to find a way to get Matt out of town.

Victor and Nikki reconcile when Victor tells Nikki that his love for her is stronger then his hatred for Jack. Nikki forgives Victor for what he did to Jack.

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Y&R Short Recap Thursday, July 30, 2026

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Recap written by Eva

Devon talks to Lily and tells her that he is angry and lashing out at everyone and he doesn’t know why that is happening. Devon says that he is questioning everything about his life.

Abby talks to Daniel about Devon. Daniel thinks Abby needs a distraction from her problems.

Phyllis takes off Matt’s ankle monitor and he tells her he wants to stay in town so he can get to know her. Phyllis and Matt have sex in her hotel room.

Noah is determined to find a way to get Matt out of town.

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