On Days of our Lives today, Wednesday, January 28, 2026, Kate is the subject of two business proposals, Abe feels betrayed, and Steve’s plan to catch a stalker could spell disaster.
What Happened on Days of our Lives

At the Brady Pub, Kayla was in the midst of ranting about a town council meeting when Johnny approached with news of his own. After Johnny informed the group about the discovery of Stefano’s bones, the revelation was met with celebration – especially by Roman – and a touch of disbelief that “the Phoenix” was at long last truly dead. Kate overheard the news and rushed off, seemingly upset, so Roman followed her.
Johnny joined Marlena and Kayla at the table and admitted his mixed feelings about the confirmation of his nonno’s death. While Stefano had always been loving to him, Johnny recognized how much he had hurt so many people in Johnny’s family, including Marlena and Kayla (who again mentioned the time when Stefano’s memories had been implanted in Steve). Marlena, to Johnny and Kayla’s surprise, acknowledged that she felt a degree of sadness as well. If not for Stefano, she likely neither would have met nor fallen in love with John. All three agreed that having John in their lives had been the one blessing in disguise from Stefano.
Turning to happier news, Johnny confided in his grandmother and great-aunt about Chanel’s pregnancy. Smiles and congratulations were exchanged all around. Johnny requested that Marlena and Kayla not tell anyone else, as Chanel and he wanted to keep the news to close friends and family until the pregnancy had progressed further. When Johnny departed to fill Roman in on the pregnancy and the ultrasound, Marlena expressed her wish that John could be there to witness his namesake’s growing family. Kayla firmly believed John was with them, in spirit.
After some talk about Stephanie and Alex’s engagement and the situation with the stalker, Marlena told Kayla about Belle’s suggestion that Marlena herself oversee Basic Black. Marlena was warming to the idea as a way to honor John’s legacy, but she felt she needed someone with more business acumen as a hands-on partner. Marlena assured Kayla that she did not have Kayla herself in mind, but she cited Kate as a woman with immense experience. In fact, Kate had helped John develop Basic Black. Kayla supported the idea and said John would approve of his wife and his close friend shepherding the company.
Roman counsels Kate, while Johnny seeks counsel

Across the pub, Roman caught up to Kate and apologized for his reaction to Stefano. Kate offered her own apology and berated herself for acting upset after everything that Stefano had done to Roman and others. Roman understood Kate’s feelings and conceded that his wife had loved Stefano. The conversation took a more upbeat tone when Johnny came over and told Roman about the pregnancy. Grandfather and grandson spoke warmly and jokingly about Sami’s reaction, and Johnny said he wanted to be the one to tell his sisters.
Roman stepped away momentarily, which gave Johnny the chance to talk business with Kate. He brought up the possibility of DiMera publishing Bonnie’s romance novel. Johnny reasoned that Bonnie’s prior book had sold well and that romance was a hot market, as proven by the success of Stephanie’s debut novel. Johnny was just worried about stepping on any toes at Titan. Kate reassured him that Titan couldn’t take on another book, so Johnny’s move wouldn’t be seen as a betrayal.
Kate empathized with Johnny about divided loyalties between Titan and DiMera. She fully respected Johnny’s need to make a big business move as CEO, and she gave her support for the publication. After Roman returned, he griped about Johnny’s tenure at DiMera and warned his grandson that if Johnny stayed too long, he could wind up in big trouble. Johnny pledged to Roman that that would not happen, but he admitted he was unexpectedly enjoying his tenure with the company. Kate claimed she cared for Johnny and wanted to see him succeed.
Roman, Kate, and Johnny rejoined Marlena and Kayla. Johnny updated the gathering about plans for an impromptu memorial for Stefano. He invited them to the event, only if they wanted to come. Once Johnny departed, Roman signaled his intention to accept the invitation. With a grin, Roman declared he had been waiting for years “to dance on” Stefano’s grave.
Rafe is the bearer of bad news

At Abe and Paulina’s place, Rafe visited Abe and told his friend about Stefano’s official demise. Abe was relieved but also concerned about how Theo would take the news, since Stefano had been one of Theo’s last links to his mom, Lexie. On the topic of Theo, Rafe suggested the FBI had a lead on the DiMeras’ kidnappings. He showed Abe a photo of Liam, Abe’s mentee, and informed Abe that the young man may have been Peter’s henchman in carrying out the crimes. Abe couldn’t believe it and reminded Rafe that Liam was a “petty criminal.”
Rafe argued Liam’s rap sheet involved several instances of grand theft auto, which was a serious crime. Rafe also detailed how money transfers from Peter had been sent to Liam’s bank account right around the time of the kidnappings. Abe recalled seeing cuts on Liam’s hand and began to doubt his mentee’s claims that the cuts had been acquired via food preparation. He angrily affirmed that if Liam had anything to do with Theo’s kidnapping, he never wanted to see or hear from “that son of a bitch" again. Moreover, he wanted Liam to pay. Rafe promised to keep Abe apprised of developments in the case.
Steve and Jada unveil Phase Two

At Alex and Stephanie’s apartment, Stephanie tried in vain to get work done. She couldn’t stop thinking about the threat that Jeremy posed. While Alex tried to comfort her, Steve and Jada announced they had devised a new plan. Steve wanted Stephanie to create a website devoted to the couple's engagement.
Within the website, Alex and Stephanie would let it slip that they planned to elope at Salem's City Hall. The declaration would ideally draw the stalker’s attention and force him out into the open to make a move. At the time of the “elopement,” Stephanie would be far away from the scene. Stephanie protested that the plan put Alex in too much danger, but he agreed with Steve and Jada’s assertion that it was the best option for them to regain their lives.
Stephanie reluctantly acquiesced and scolded herself for ever falling for Jeremy. Jada, in turn, shouldered the blame for her failure to realize that Jeremy was still a threat. Stephanie reined in the mutual chastising and affirmed that Jeremy was ultimately to blame. She called Jada and Steve her “heroes.”
Steve, who had been busy on the computer, declared that he had found another troubling message from SandsFan69. The message, to the group’s alarm, indicated that the stalker had already attempted to take Alex’s life. Alex took the computer and read the message, which referred to Alex as a “stuck-up little bitch,” to his chagrin. The message went on to say that SandsFan69 had almost “gutted” Alex, until fate had intervened in the form of a “flying pumpkin.” Stephanie gasped as she recalled Alex’s torn shirt on Halloween night…and Jeremy’s presence.
The remainder of the message did nothing to relieve Stephanie’s worries. SandsFan69 had also apparently tried to poison Alex. Both Alex and Stephanie narrowed the incident down to the time Alex had gotten “food poisoning” from takeout food that had been left outside their door. While the message made Stephanie question their plan all over again, it cemented Alex’s determination to proceed. Before taking their leave, Jada and Steve promised that they would catch Jeremy before he could strike again.
Alex hugged Stephanie, and she made an impassioned speech about her love for and devotion to him. “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me,” Stephanie affirmed. Alex returned the sentiment. Meanwhile, the stalker – who had heard every word spoken by the group via the listening device – slammed his fist in a rage.
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