Stefano’s Will Reading Brings a String of Surprise Guests, Capping Off With You-Know-Who’s Big Return

The DiMera mansion became ground zero for chaos, secrets, and one jaw-dropping comeback as Days of Our Lives delivered a dramatic episode packed with family tension, hidden agendas, and a final scene that instantly sent shockwaves through Salem.

From Theo’s uneasy leadership at Stefano’s will reading to Cat and Leo uncovering dangerous secrets beneath the mansion, the hour steadily built toward a chilling reveal that may change everything for the DiMera family moving forward.

Theo Faces Pressure Ahead of Stefano’s Will Reading

As family members gathered at the DiMera mansion for the long-awaited reading of Stefano’s final will, Theo struggled under the pressure of leading the emotionally loaded event.

Anna wasted no time expressing irritation after arriving with Tony, while Chad attempted to keep the peace. Sensing tension brewing, Anna happily pulled Chad aside, giving Tony an opportunity to privately confront Theo about his shocking decision to step away from DiMera Enterprises.

Tony made it clear he still believed Theo should be running the company and demanded answers about what exactly EJ may have used against him. Theo, however, refused to crack under pressure — even as the atmosphere inside the mansion grew increasingly tense.

EJ Receives Alarming News From Rita

Meanwhile, deep beneath the mansion in the infamous DiMera tunnels, Rita informed EJ that only Dr. Rolf truly knew anything about the mysterious codicil tied to Stefano’s estate. Rolf, she explained, was currently watching over Lexie while the family gathered upstairs.

The situation immediately escalated when EJ received a phone call revealing that an Alamainian charter plane had just landed in Salem.

The mention of the Alamains instantly raised questions about Dimitri’s possible return — and whether another surprise guest might soon disrupt the proceedings.

Cat And Leo Stumble Into Another Dangerous Mystery

Outside in the garden, Cat attempted to gather flowers for the ceremony, only to discover Leo lurking nearby with binoculars in hand.

Claiming he was simply “bird watching,” Leo refused to leave, prompting Cat to warn him to stay out of trouble while she handled preparations. Moments later, Rita unknowingly handed Leo the perfect opportunity to investigate further when she emerged from the tunnels distracted and unaware she was being followed.

Back inside the mansion, Cat returned with flowers just as EJ dramatically emerged from the cellar carrying wine he proudly described as “Father’s favorites.”

But while everyone else focused on the ceremony upstairs, Cat quietly slipped away and headed straight into the tunnels herself.

Kristen And Marlena Clash Over EJ And Rachel

Elsewhere in Salem, Kristen and Marlena crossed paths in the town square — leading to another explosive confrontation centered around Rachel and the DiMera family legacy.

The two women traded bitter insults, with Kristen insisting Marlena hated EJ just as much as she did. Marlena responded with a brutal reminder of EJ’s complicated origins, pointing out that Stefano manipulated Susan into giving birth to Elvis and ultimately handed the child over to Kristen.

According to Marlena, many of EJ’s darkest traits can be traced directly back to the toxic DiMera family influence.

Furious, Kristen challenged Marlena to attend Stefano’s will reading herself — and Marlena ultimately accepted.

Stefano’s Will Leaves The Family Stunned

Once everyone assembled in the dining room, Theo officially began reading Stefano’s final wishes.

In classic Stefano fashion, the document opened by insisting this version of the will was the “real” and “final” one — a statement that immediately drew skepticism considering Stefano’s long history of elaborate manipulations.

The estate itself was divided equally among Stefano’s children, including ownership of the DiMera mansion, Maison Blanche, Melaswen, various islands, and extensive business holdings.

But the biggest emotional reactions came from Stefano’s deeply personal gifts.

Rita, Harold, and Dr. Rolf were each promised homes and retirement trusts in cities of their choosing. Rita excitedly chose Boca, while Harold sweetly declared Toledo as his dream destination — a nostalgic moment longtime viewers instantly appreciated.

Stefano also left John and Marlena a symbolic chess set featuring two special pieces representing his “Pawn” and “Queen.” Although Marlena rejected the gift and stormed out, the lingering camera focus strongly hinted the chess set may hold a deeper hidden meaning.

Gabi Arrives With Bombshell News About Stefan

Just as Stefano’s message urged the family to move forward and strengthen the DiMera legacy together, another unexpected arrival completely changed the mood inside the mansion.

Gabi burst through the doors with stunning news: the passenger on the Alamainian plane was not Dimitri after all — it was Philip.

Even more shocking, Philip had apparently secured confirmation from Ivan that Gabi is legally Stefan’s widow.

The revelation visibly rattled several members of the family, while Tony appeared almost amused by the latest DiMera complication.

Lexie’s Return Delivers The Episode’s Biggest Shock

While the family upstairs processed Gabi’s announcement, Cat and Leo continued sneaking through the underground tunnels.

Leo quickly realized Cat had been secretly investigating EJ all along and accused her of working for the ISA, echoing suspicions Dimitri had previously raised. Cat desperately tried explaining her concerns about EJ without fully admitting the truth, but Leo was far more interested in joining forces than exposing her.

Then everything changed.

Hearing movement nearby, the pair quickly hid as activity echoed through the tunnels.

Upstairs, the DiMeras gathered together for a toast honoring Stefano — a moment that felt both emotional and strangely cult-like, perfectly capturing the family’s complicated legacy.

And then, in the episode’s chilling final seconds, Lexie emerged from the secret tunnel entrance.

The room froze.

After weeks of buildup, Days of Our Lives finally delivered Lexie’s long-awaited return — and the stunned reactions across the mansion made it instantly clear that Stefano’s final game may only just be beginning.