Days of our Lives Recap July 16: Dying Lexie Spills the Beans on Kristen Kidnapping Plot

Here's your Days of our Lives recap for Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Need for Speed

Felicity, EJ, and Cat talked fast cars | Image: Peacock

EJ came upon Cat and Felicity having breakfast. Felicity asked EJ if he and her sister were dating. Felicity said it was just a vibe she got when EJ asked her way. Cat tried to get Felicity to go to work, but she said that she had time.

EJ sat down next to Felicity and congratulated her on getting her driver's license. Felicity said that she just needed to get a car. Cat said that EJ was once a race car driver (noting it was in his bio when EJ wondered how she knew). EJ offered to Felicity that they should take their Lamborghini out for a spin sometime.

Felicity was jazzed over taking a ride in EJ's car. Cat gave her keys to her car so that she could drive to her job as a gymnastics coach. Cat pointed out that bribery works. EJ said his car was overdue for a drive anyway. Why not let her drive it, EJ mused. Cat noted his car cost more than a house. EJ said he wasn't going to let her drive it across the country. EJ told Cat that anyone who underestimates Felicity is a damn fool.

EJ added that he would make sure that Felicity was safe when they took their ride. Cat told EJ that she texted Felicity to say don't text and drive.

Lexie's Loves

Abe, Lexie, and Theo in a happier time | Image: Peacock

A panicked Lexie called Kristen, telling her they needed to speak as it was a matter of life and death. She held her head in pain. Abe entered, asking where Theo was. Lexie said he was at Alex and Stephanie's because he needed space. Lexie added that she needed space, too.

Lexie told Abe that he's been wonderful, but she feels like she's under a microscope. She just needed to get away to visit Celeste, her mother. Lexie said that she was in no shape to travel. Abe suggested that they look into going first class. Lexie said that she needed to go away -- alone.

Lexie told Abe she had to go. She told him she loved him and then left. Abe said he loved Lexie, too.

The Brady Bunch

Brady and Marlena caught up at the Brady Pub | Image: Peacock

Marlena told Rachel and Tate were lucky to have him as a dad. Brady said they had no hard evidence as to how Holly was poisoned, but DiMera Pharmaceuticals may be involved. The arsenic got into Holly through the tap water, but Brady said the other alternative was that Holly took the drug herself.

Brady and Marlena celebrated at the Brad Pub that Rachel was coming home. Brady shared that Kristen didn't seem too excited over her daughter getting out of Bayview. Brady noted that EJ was somehow involved, but that it was up to Kristen to figure it out. Marlena agreed that Brady should stay out of it.

Marlena added that John would be so proud of his son by working at Black Patch. Brady shared his suspicion that EJ tampered with the water sample, which is why he went out and got another sample.

Brady wondered who had left the clue on Sarah's desk. Why weren't they seen on the security cameras? Brady said EJ checks all the boxes -- except one. Why would he risk getting caught? Marlena said that EJ has a heart, noting that both Sami and Belle were attracted to him. Also, Johnny's trying to find that EJ has a heart. Marlena shared that someone she knows may be able to help them. She said she'd get back to him on that.

EJ's Scheme Revealed

Kristen wants to help Lexie | Image: Peacock

Kristen took a break from jogging and listened to Lexie's message. Lexie joined Kristen, but then passed out. Kristen offered to call 911, but Lexie stopped her. She told her that she was dying again.

Lexie made Kristen promise not to tell Abe or Theo that she was dying. She couldn't stand to see them watch her die again. Lexie said that she was just going to go away. "Damn our brother for putting you through this all over again," Kristen said. Lexie said she had issues with EJ and also with Kristen for telling Theo about Stefano's role in her brain cancer and death. Lexie said perhaps it was good that Theo took Stefano off his pedestal.

Lexie added that there was another reason she wanted to see Kristen; it was something about EJ. Lexie shared her overhearing about the plot EJ has to kidnap Kristen and keep her on the family island for the rest of her life. A furious Kristen vowed to Lexie that their brother would not get away with this.

Good Golly, Miss Holly

Sarah is trying to support Holly | Image: Peacock

Holly flashed back to Sarah telling her that Mrs. Choi wanted to charge Holly with cyberbullying. Sarah explained that she was looking for someone to blame. Saarah added that words are weapons, and whatever she puts on the web stays there forever. Holly recalled telling Sarah that she had only taken her prescribed drugs. She threw a piece of paper on the floor, just as Sarah walked into her room.

Holly recounted to Sarah that she told her mom, Nicole, to go back to Paris. She lamented that now that her mom and grandmother are gone, all she has is someone who thinks she's a lying addict.

Sarah told Holly that she would support her. Holly professed her innocence when it came to taking drugs. Sarah noted that the Coriseal somehow got into her system. Holly asked Sarah to leave since she doesn't believe her. Sarah said that she was on Holly's side. She just wanted her to be happy. Sarah said that she would always be there for Holly, and then she left. Holly was teary-eyed.

The Coriseal Thickens

EJ has a lot on his mind and he drank alone | Image: Peacock

At the hospital, Marlena asked to speak to Cat so they could talk about their last session. Meanwhile, Sarah told Eric that she had another blowup with Holly. Brady said maybe they'll know more once they get the new sample back. Sarah said that she truly wanted to believe her niece. Brady embraced her. Sarah thanked Brady for supporting her. He told her he was there for her 100%. Brady got a text, which indicated that the lab result was ready.

Eric shared with Sarah that the new results showed no Coriseal or arsenic. Sarah was stymied. She said that there had to be something that Holly wasn't telling her. Sarah left to check on a patient. Brady called Julie.

Holly shooed away her visitor, not knowing it was EJ, bearing flowers. She asked him to stay. EJ told Holly that he had a plan to get the case against her dismissed. He told her that she had nothing to worry about. Holly thanked EJ for having her back. He asked her if anything was plaguing her. Holly said that the only family she has in town is Sarah. EJ told Holly that he was still family even though he was no longer her stepfather. EJ told Holly that he believed her.

Sarah had words with EJ in Holly's room. Holly defended her ex-stepdad. "Don't," Holly said. Sarah shot back: "Oh, I very much will." Holly reminded Sarah that she needed to go or else she'd crash out over stress.

Marlena told Cat that EJ could be responsible for the Coriseal. Marlena thought Cat would want to know -- even though there's no hard evidence.

Brady told Sarah that Julie had had the well decontaminated. Sarah lamented that there'd be no way to know for sure if Holly was telling the truth or not. Sarah pointed out that they won't be able to make a case against EJ. Meanwhile, EJ poured himself a drink.