Philip Finally Finds Out What Gabi Did — and Paulina Gives In to All of Lexie’s Demands
Xander and Gwen wake after a night of no sex. He knocked out on her from his pain pill for his elbow that he hurt during an, um, “overzealous workout.” Xander suggests they talk, instead of make sweet sweet love, which gets Gwen all excited.
Gwen suggests teaming up to buy the hospital. It would be a great investment — plus get revenge on EJ! Xander doesn’t have the money, but she still gets all hot and bothered and pounces, ignoring Xander smelling burnt toast. Thankfully, it’s not a stroke, but a fire! The sprinklers go off.
Theo Has Tough Conversations
Theo and EJ spot each other outside of the Pub and Theo mentions Tony wanting to replace Johnny at DiMera… with Gabi. EJ doesn’t take it well, so Theo rushes into lunch with Abe.
He forces another tough conversation there about Abe making a decision sooner, rather than later. And to help that along, Theo tells Abe about how long Paulina’s known about mom. She’s the reason Lexie’s alive.
Kristen and EJ Fight It Out
Kristen ponders the chess set, then texts Xander for some fun. But first, EJ barges in, ready to put a stop to Tony’s scheming. Even Kristen’s furious to learn about Tony’s offer to make Gabi CEO. She’d be a better choice!
EJ laughs in her face, brings up her shooting conviction and they have it out over Rachel, Johnny and who’s the worst human. In the end, Kristen’s backing whomever Tony wants, so long as it’s not Johnny and storms out.
Is This It for Gabi and Philip?
Tony catches Anna up about Gabi, and she’s ticked to learn that Tony’s staying in Salem until he finds someone else to run DiMera. So she wastes no time in rushing over to Titan for a talk with Philip — who was just about to go tell Gabi great news!
It doesn’t take long for Anna to blurt out Gabi’s betrayal. (Despite trying to backtrack when she realized Philip didn’t know about it.) Philip learns everything. Gabi planted the bug. She gave it to Tony. She’s the reason the Kiriakises have lost almost everything!
Is Paulina Really Giving Up?
Paulina slips cautiously into Lexie’s room, trying her best to be friendly and upbeat. But Lexie’s looking for a fight. (Seriously. She says it.) She thanks Paulina for looking after Abe while she was gone, but she’s no longer needed. “I’m back now, and I’m not going anywhere.” (Hmmm. Are you really?)
She lays into Paulina for her mistakes when she came to town and not supporting Abe enough. If she does support him, she’ll step back and buzz off. Paulina’s got a great response: “The old saying is true. We do deify the dead!”
But she tamps down her instincts and agrees to step back. Lexie seems genuinely touched, even after Paulina leaves with a warning not to make her regret this decision. (Which, we’re pretty sure she will very soon!)
Kristen and Xander Go for Round Two
Kristen and a soaked Gwen bump into each other, and Kristen takes great delight in dropping veiled hints about Xander. But Gwen just thinks Kristen’s there for a shag with a random mystery man. Cocktails in the square later for the details!
As soon as Gwen’s gone, Xander pops up to get down and dirty, and Kristen’s just all the more turned on by almost getting busted.
Philip Throws Gabi Out
Gabi stops Julie to beg for a favor for Ari’s sake since she’s half Horton and all. Would Julie agree to tutor Liam virtually? If the DA signs off on it, Julie will. But she’s doing this for Ari, not Gabi. Just to be clear.
Philip hurries through the square in a daze until Gabi spots her beau and walks over for a kiss. He gives her the news that she’s officially a DiMera heir. In fact, she’s a DiMera through and through. He knows what she did. He knows everything. Everything!
If she’d told him herself, he might have forgiven him, but this? Pack her things and get out!
Tony’s Plans Blow Up
Tony gets home and EJ informs his brother he’ll take the reins of the company. He’s interested. But it’s too little, too late. Tony needs someone steady and reliable to run DiMera, and that’s not EJ.
Then Anna shows up and stammers out how she told Philip about Gabi. But that’s fine, right? Now she can be CEO? Tony’s furious. Gabi’s going to assume he did this and she’ll never work for him now!
In the Show’s Final Moments
Theo visits his mom to get the good news: Paulina’s stepping aside! Theo’s reaction is… not overjoyed. He’s heartbroken for Paulina (Lexie’s sure she’ll be fine) and himself. Paulina’s like family to him. Lexie’s all sweet and understanding, but makes an angry face behind his back as they hug.
Paulina’s bags are already packed when Abe gets home. He begs her to talk about it, but she loves him too much to keep his family apart. He tries talking her into staying, but Paulina says goodbye and walks out.
