Tension soared in Salem as hospital politics, family drama, and secret alliances took center stage. In today’s Days of Our Lives Recap (July 16, 2025), Stephanie tried juggling professional stress and romantic sparks, while Xander leaned on an unlikely ally. Meanwhile, Rafe uncovered more on EJ’s shady dealings.
Stephanie Caught Between PR Chaos and Steamy Distractions
Stephanie poured her focus into preparing for a crucial pitch with EJ, hoping to land the hospital’s PR contract. But Alex had something steamier in mind — her book, One Stormy Night. As he proudly showed off the cover, their professional talk quickly turned into passionate kisses.
Their moment was cut short when Kayla arrived with a blueberry pie and some heavy warnings. She urged Stephanie not to work under EJ, calling him a walking disaster for PR. Kayla made it clear— helping the hospital was noble, but EJ would drag her down with nonstop damage control.
Before leaving, Kayla spotted the steamy book cover. When she awkwardly admitted reading it, Stephanie nearly had a meltdown. Her worst fear? Her mom getting a peek at that book. Alex, meanwhile, found the entire moment amusing.
Days of Our Lives Recap: Gabi Steps Up as Xander Struggles
Over at the Hernandez house, Rafe received a cryptic FBI message just as Gabi returned home. He brushed off questions and mentioned he had an important meeting. Gabi, meanwhile, grew slightly worried about Ari not checking in — but reassured herself that her daughter was just having fun.
Elsewhere, Xander wrestled with fatherhood. He tried everything to soothe a crying Victoria, but nothing worked. That’s when Gabi walked in and took charge. She calmed the baby with ease, telling Xander that sometimes, kids just need to cry it out.
The two shared a rare, peaceful moment. Gabi reflected on her journey with Ari and reminded Xander to appreciate these early days with Victoria. The pair then shifted focus to work, where Gabi advised Xander to go easy on Johnny. The bonding moment was unexpected, but surprisingly comforting for them both.
Rafe and Cat Plan EJ’s Fall
In the park, Chad ran into Cat Greene during a game of catch with Thomas. Though she claimed to be out for a stroll, she soon slipped away — straight to Rafe’s office. There, she handed over a flash drive filled with EJ’s financial secrets.
The duo reviewed the data and determined EJ had to be working with a secret investor. Rafe warned Cat that EJ was dangerous and that buying the hospital was part of a larger scheme. Though Cat didn’t plan to get involved, her emotional tie to the hospital and her sister’s survival pushed her forward. Rafe even offered self-defense lessons to prepare her. Cat wasn’t sure if she was field-ready, but the mission suddenly felt deeply personal.
Days of Our Lives Recap: Gwen Rattles the Mansion with Her Necklace Drama
At the DiMera mansion, Gwen showed up ready to move in — but EJ refused. The East Wing was under renovation, and she’d have to wait. Their conversation turned to her flashy necklace, which turned out to be Julie Horton’s. EJ assumed she’d return it. Gwen smugly refused.
When Chad and Thomas walked in, Thomas asked Gwen directly why she had Aunt Julie’s necklace. Caught off guard, Gwen claimed there was a “disagreement.” Once Thomas ran off, Chad made it clear — she needed to return the necklace and leave town. Gwen refused to budge, proudly declaring herself both a Horton and DiMera. EJ, enjoying the family tension, said nothing while Chad glared with frustration.
In the final scenes, Stephanie was still spiraling from Kayla’s book confession, while Alex leaned into the humor. He encouraged her to let go and focus on their chemistry. Meanwhile, Xander confided that he still missed Sarah — the one thing he didn’t have. As Cat and Rafe examined EJ’s financial trail, they agreed there was no way he did this alone. The hunt for his mysterious partner just became Salem’s newest high-stakes mission.
Secrets were exposed, alliances shifted, and tension bubbled in today’s Days of Our Lives Recap. With EJ’s schemes unraveling and unexpected bonds forming, things are getting intense in Salem. Keep following the drama on Soap Opera Daily.
