Jennifer Turns to Kayla for Emotional Guidance

The week opens with Jennifer Horton Deveraux in desperate need of counsel. Since her return to Salem, Jennifer has found herself deeply troubled by the tangled web connecting her loved ones —

particularly the volatile relationship between Chad DiMera and Cat Green. Jennifer’s maternal instincts kick into overdrive as she watches Chad grow closer to a woman with

a troubling past and a reputation for deception. Seeking clarity, Jennifer turns to her longtime friend Dr. Kayla Johnson, who has seen her fair share of heartache in Salem.

Their emotional conversation is steeped in wisdom, friendship, and pain. Kayla urges Jennifer to consider stepping back — to accept that not every situation can be controlled or “fixed,” no matter how deeply she wants to protect those she loves.

For Jennifer, this advice is difficult to hear. Watching Chad walk into what she believes is emotional danger feels unbearable. But Kayla reminds her that growth often comes from pain — and that Chad must make his own choices, even if they lead to heartbreak.

The conversation also delves into themes of trust, forgiveness, and letting go, resonating deeply with both women. By the end of their talk, Jennifer may find a measure of peace… but her protective instincts toward Chad and his children remain stronger than ever.

Thomas Confronts Chad – A Son’s Heartbreak

Meanwhile, in one of the day’s most intense storylines, Thomas DiMera finally confronts his father about the lies surrounding Cat Green. His suspicions, sparked by Rachel Black’s meddling, reach a boiling point when he realizes Chad hasn’t been honest about his relationship.

Thomas feels betrayed — not only because his father lied, but because he did it so convincingly. Chad tries to defend himself, explaining that he was only trying to protect Thomas from confusion and pain until he sorted out his own feelings. But that excuse falls flat when Rachel’s gossip spreads further than anyone expected.

The true bombshell drops when Thomas learns that Cat once impersonated his late mother, Abigail DiMera. The revelation devastates him. To discover that someone pretended to be the woman he still grieves for feels like a cruel betrayal beyond comprehension. His pain transforms into fury as he demands answers from Chad: How could you possibly love someone who pretended to be Mom?

Chad is cornered, ashamed, and heartbroken. His attempt at shielding Thomas has backfired catastrophically. The confrontation between father and son is emotionally charged — a collision of love, anger, and raw truth that could permanently fracture their bond.

Cat and Rafe Join Forces Against EJ

Elsewhere in Salem, Cat Green finds herself in a surprising new alliance with Rafe Hernandez. The pair meet secretly to discuss troubling information surrounding a mysterious new hospital project — one that appears to be tied to EJ DiMera’s latest business venture.

Rafe reveals what he’s uncovered during his recent meeting with Gwen von Leuschner, and together, he and Cat begin to piece together a dangerous puzzle. Their investigation hints that EJ’s involvement in the hospital may be far more sinister than it appears — possibly a front for a larger criminal operation.

Determined to uncover the truth, Rafe and Cat form a covert partnership, agreeing to expose EJ’s corruption no matter the cost. Their alliance is risky — and they both know it. EJ is ruthless, powerful, and vengeful. One wrong move could make them his next targets.

Still, their shared sense of justice keeps them united. As they dig deeper, their chemistry begins to spark — though neither wants to admit it. The line between professional alliance and personal connection begins to blur, adding a tantalizing layer of tension to their mission.

Jeremy Horton’s Return Shatters Stephanie’s Peace

In another shocking twist, Jeremy Horton — Salem’s former bad boy and Stephanie Johnson’s ex — returns without warning. His sudden appearance stirs up painful memories and emotional turmoil for Stephanie, who has worked hard to rebuild her life since their toxic relationship ended.

Jeremy’s arrival is accompanied by flowers, apologies, and promises of change. He claims he’s back for redemption, that he’s a different man now. But Stephanie’s instincts tell her otherwise. She remembers the emotional manipulation, the lies, and the terrifying moments when Jeremy’s temper turned violent.

Longtime fans will recall Jeremy’s criminal past — from fraud and smuggling to a notorious scam involving fake charities. Most haunting of all is the incident where he nearly drowned Stephanie during a fight, a moment she has never truly recovered from.

Now, as he tries to charm his way back into her life, Stephanie is torn between fear and curiosity. Could he have genuinely changed, or is this just another con?

Stephanie’s struggle is palpable. The trauma resurfaces, the old wounds reopen, and the trust she once placed in him feels impossible to reclaim. Jeremy insists that therapy and time have transformed him, but Salem’s residents know better than to trust easily — especially when it comes to redemption stories.

A Town Divided: Hope, Betrayal, and Secrets

As Monday’s episode unfolds, Salem becomes a web of intersecting storylines — love battling deception, justice clashing with power, and redemption colliding with revenge.

Jennifer’s emotional turmoil, Thomas’s heartbreak, and Cat’s dangerous mission all intertwine to create a tapestry of tension and vulnerability. Every character is faced with a choice: to tell the truth or protect someone with a lie.

And then there’s EJ DiMera, whose shadow looms over every plot thread. His mysterious hospital project could hold the key to Salem’s next major scandal — and his ruthless nature ensures that anyone who crosses him will pay dearly.

Meanwhile, Stephanie’s storyline adds an emotional anchor to the chaos — a story of survival, self-worth, and the battle between past pain and future hope. Her potential reconnection with Jeremy is as dangerous as it is compelling, and fans are bracing for the fallout.

Looking Ahead: The Calm Before the Storm

As the episode closes, Salem feels like it’s holding its breath. Jennifer tries to take Kayla’s advice, but her instincts tell her more trouble is coming. Chad and Thomas’s relationship is fractured, perhaps beyond repair. Cat and Rafe edge closer to uncovering EJ’s dark secrets. And Stephanie stands at a crossroads between forgiveness and self-protection.

Monday’s episode sets the stage for a week of explosive developments — a storm of lies, love, and long-buried secrets ready to erupt.

From heartfelt family moments to chilling confrontations, Days of Our Lives proves once again why it remains television’s most enduring daytime drama. The stakes in Salem have never been higher — and as every character soon learns, in this town, the truth always finds a way to come out.