Days of our Lives Recap, February 20, 2026: Ivan makes plans to deal with loose ends

Here is your Days of our Lives recap for Friday, February 20, 2026, when Dimitri and Leo investigated in Alamainia, EJ told Rita about his connection to Cat, and Cat made progress on determining the code for the hospital lab keypad.

What happened on Days of our Lives

Cat met up with Rafe at his house to discuss Dimitri’s escape with Leo. Rafe told Cat the details of the escape. “On a personal note, I hate that Leo used his relationship with my cousin to help that creep escape. Again,” Rafe said. Cat told Rafe about her run-in with Dimitri at the ISA. “When I found out he was a double agent, everything started to make sense,” Cat said. Cat added that she had been careful to avoid Dimitri since he had returned to town.

“Not to mention even my siblings didn’t recognize me after the plastic surgery, so why would Dimitri?” Cat said. Rafe asked about Cat’s dinner with EJ. Cat told Rafe that she had continued her effort to help EJ remember his time at the Italian clinic, and she believed that it was working. Cat told Rafe that EJ had asked her to read to him to jog his memory, but they had been interrupted.

“I was surprised by how intent EJ was on learning about that time of his life,” Cat said. “Maybe he wonders why you two have that connection?” Rafe suggested. Cat noted that although they were connected through Clyde, she did not want EJ to know that. “Your cover would be blown,” Rafe said.

Rafe asked Cat if she had any information on the electricity that the hospital had stolen. Cat said EJ had not told her anything. With a grin, Cat showed Rafe a device the ISA had sent her to break the code on the keypad to the lab. Cat offered to use the device that morning since she had an excuse to be at the lab, and Rafe did not.

At the DiMera mansion, Jada questioned EJ about Dimitri. “Since it’s been confirmed that he conspired with Vivian in the DiMera kidnapping plot, he is no longer welcome here,” EJ said. Jada told EJ that Leo had helped Dimitri escape custody and leave the country. EJ asked about Dimitri’s private jet’s flight plan, and Jada confirmed that the plane had landed in Alamainia.

Confused, EJ asked why Jada was at the mansion if she knew Dimitri was not there. Jada showed EJ a search warrant for Dimitri’s room and noted that a forensics team was on its way. Before Jada left, she showed EJ the sketch of the man who had hired Liam to help with the DiMera kidnapping. EJ said he did not recognize the man.

After Jada left the DiMera mansion, she ran into Gabi at the cafe in the square. Gabi told Jada about her trip to Miami. “Philip has been so amazing and supportive,” Gabi said. “Supportive? About what?” Jada asked. Gabi told Jada what she had learned about Stefan. “I thought that I was going to ruin the whole weekend, but it turned out really great. Philip is so kind and understanding,” Gabi said. “Good. You deserve that,” Jada said.

With a shrug, Gabi said she was worried that the relationship would fall apart. Jada asked why. Gabi reminded Jada of her dating record. Jada countered that just because Gabi had had bad luck in the past, it did not mean that things would never work out.

“Jada, you know, I’m still sad that you and Rafe didn’t work out,” Gabi said. “It wasn’t meant to be,” Jada said. With a grin, Jada told Gabi about her date with Theo. “He wants to see me again,” Jada said. Jada suggested that they have another double date for trivia night.

EJ poured a drink in his living room when Rita arrived to speak with him about their plan to punish Vivian. “But first, I need to know how the police got the sketch of Peter’s accomplice,” EJ said. EJ told Rita about Dimitri’s trip to Alamainia with Leo. “And that’s a problem because?” Rita asked. EJ explained that Dimitri’s trip could uncover evidence against both him and Gwen. Rita promised to deal with Dimitri.

EJ stressed that if Gwen were implicated in Dimitri’s kidnapping, they would lose access to her money, which could endanger Rolf’s work. “At least until father’s will is read,” EJ said. Rita asked if EJ intended to throw Gwen aside once the will was read. EJ said yes if there were no surprises in the will. “Are you concerned that the will reading might not go as expected?” Rita asked. EJ shook his head no and reminded Rita that he had drafted the will for Stefano.

“For the record, Rita, you will certainly get your due,” EJ said. EJ noted that any DiMera heir who had survived Stefano would receive an equal portion of the estate. “So that takes Peter, Jake, and of course Stefan, out of the running,” EJ said. Rita asked if EJ needed anything else. EJ told Rita that when he had woken from his coma, his feelings for Sami had changed, and he had not understood why.

“I’m thinking it might have been about Cat Greene,” EJ said. EJ told Rita that Cat had been at the same clinic in Italy while he had been recovering there. EJ explained that Cat had suffered a head injury in a car accident, so she could not remember her time at the clinic. “What we do remember is that she would often sit by my bedside, reading to me,” EJ said. EJ confessed that he felt a strong connection to Cat and wondered if something had happened that had made him fall out of love with Sami.

Meanwhile, at the hospital lab, Cat placed the ISA electronic device against the keypad. “Now we’re getting somewhere,” Cat whispered.

At the Hernandez home, Gabi greeted Rafe as she returned home. Gabi told Rafe that she had had a great time in Miami. “So you two are getting serious,” Rafe said. Gabi said yes. “Everything feels so easy and natural,” Gabi said. Gabi told Rafe that she and Philip brought out the best in one another.

“You’re happy, I’m happy,” Rafe said. Rafe’s phone beeped with a notification from forensics about the handwriting analysis on Gabi’s divorce papers. “They’re inconclusive,” Rafe said. Rafe explained that they needed more samples for comparison. With tears in her eyes, Gabi admitted that she was desperate to know if Stefan had wanted to end their marriage.

In Alamainia, Dimitri and Leo settled into their hotel room. Dimitri offered to take the floor. “I bet you thought I was going to try and talk you into sharing that bed with me, didn’t you?” Dimitri said. Dimitri explained that because Leo had helped him at the risk of his own freedom, Dimitri wanted to return the favor by respecting Leo’s boundaries. Leo thanked Dimitri.

While Dimitri prepared a bed on the floor, Leo turned his back to Dimitri and read a book. Dimitri asked what was wrong, and Leo admitted that he could not look at Dimitri while he was wearing Javi’s uniform. “It feels a little sacrilegious that I used his workwear to help you evade the law,” Leo said. Dimitri removed the uniform and put on another shirt. Dimitri told Leo about his research into where he had been held captive. Dimitri said he wanted to start at Vivian’s house.

“I was never there, and I intend to prove it,” Dimitri said. “Are you out of your mind?” Leo countered. Dimitri argued that the staff would give them information if he offered them money. “I have squared off against far more dangerous creatures than Vivian Alamain. And besides, I have a gun, and I know how to use it,” Dimitri said. Leo flinched when Dimitri brandished a handgun. “What have I gotten myself into?” Leo muttered.

At Vivian’s mansion, Ivan spoke to Vivian on the phone. “I will take care of everything,” Ivan said. Vivian’s henchman with the scar arrived. The man said he had to return to Salem to deal with an issue. “I’m sure Madame would be very happy to allow you access to the private jet, especially since you will be using it to eliminate anyone who could connect her to Peter Blake’s accomplice,” Ivan said. The man admitted that there was one person who could identify him, sp he needed to deal with the loose end.

“Well, as concerning as that is, I have my own fires to put out,” Ivan said. Ivan explained that Dimitri had returned to Alamainia to clear his name. “Do you want me to handle the matter before I go?” the man asked. Ivan said he would handle Dimitri.

When Dimitri and Leo arrived at Vivian’s estate, Ivan met with them. “I’m assuming that Madame is expecting me,” Dimitri said. Ivan said that Vivian refused to see Dimitri. Dimitri argued that Ivan and Vivian knew that he had not stayed at the mansion. “This little game you’re playing is about to come to an end,” Dimitri growled. When Ivan asked the two men why they hesitated to drink their tea, Leo explained that they did not want to be poisoned. Ivan sipped from his cup. Dimitri asked Ivan to sip from his cup, but Ivan refused.

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“Leo, you were right. It was a big mistake coming here,” Dimitri said. Dimitri told Ivan that he was pathetic because he had devoted his life to Vivian. Ivan said his life was full of joy and good fortune. “This isn’t over!” Dimitri yelled as he walked out with Leo.

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