Days Of Our Lives Recap for April 23, 2026 packed Salem with secrets and surprises. Stephanie got her hands on a gun and wasted no time breaking every rule Steve laid out. Over at the DiMera mansion, EJ received a bombshell call about Stefano’s will that threw his celebration off track. And around Salem, Chad played friendly with Gwen while Leo tried and failed to charm his way back into Javi’s life.
Stephanie Breaks the Rules and Loads the Gun Anyway
Steve and Kayla showed up at Stephanie’s apartment with an apple pie and a firearm. Only one of those things had Stephanie’s full attention. Steve walked her through every rule carefully. He covered loading, cleaning and safe storage. The gun went into a biometric safe that only responded to their fingerprints. Kayla also checked in on how Stephanie was doing with Alex, and got an earful. The visit ended on a calm note. Steve promised to take her to the shooting range the next day with Brady.
The moment her parents left, Stephanie ignored every word Steve had said. She pulled the gun from the safe, loaded it and tucked it into a zippered bag inside a drawer. Then she moved the safe to a shelf and stacked magazines on top to hide it. “Sorry, Papa,” she said quietly. “But that is the only way I’m going to feel safe.” The hair on the back of every viewer’s neck stood up right then.
Days Of Our Lives Recap: EJ’s WILL Shock and the Pod Secrets That Won’t Stay Buried
At the DiMera mansion, Gwen stopped by to collect her things and ended up staying for a drink. EJ told her that Lexie had intentionally moved her arm. It was progress. But Chad had already accused EJ of keeping Abigail in a pod and Gwen went straight for the same question. EJ refused to confirm names but admitted there were others in pods. He made it clear that Rolf still needed Lexie to fully wake before any of it mattered.
Right after that, Cat arrived to finalise the will reading guest list. Tony, Anna, Chad, Kristen and Rita had all confirmed. Megan remained unreachable and Rolf was not a concern. Then probate court called. A codicil had been filed against Stefano’s will. EJ’s expression shifted instantly. Just as everything seemed to be falling into place, the ground moved under him again.
Chad Plays Nice With Gwen and Leo Gets Shut Down by Javi
Back at the Horton house, Julie told Chad that Jack and Jennifer were coming to town to see the kids. Chad then sought out Jeremy and offered a genuine apology for doubting him. The two men had a real conversation. Chad also mentioned being surprised that Stephanie and Alex were still together after everything that had happened. Jeremy listened closely and said he was putting his own feelings aside to stay strong for Stephanie. That moment landed quietly but felt significant.
Later, Chad ran into Gwen in the square and literally knocked her coffee out of her hands. He congratulated her on the divorce and they ended up being surprisingly civil with each other. Chad even tried to fish for information about EJ’s research project, though Gwen insisted she knew nothing. Elsewhere, Leo tried to wrangle a will reading invitation out of Cat at the hospital and got nowhere. He then ran into Javi and pushed for a dinner as friends. Javi turned him down flat and said he needed a clean break. Leo had no choice but to let it go.
The Days Of Our Lives Recap for April 23, 2026 leaves Salem teetering on the edge. Stephanie has a loaded gun and nobody knows it. EJ has a codicil threatening his inheritance and no answers yet. And the will reading is coming fast. Stay with Soap Opera Daily for all the latest recaps and updates straight from Salem.