Days Recap: Days of our Lives Recap July 20: EJ Sets Holly Up for a Big Fall

In today’s Days of our Lives recap for July 20, 2026, Sarah and Tate confronted Holly, Gabi experienced a reversal of fortune, Leo opened up to Marlena, and EJ maintained a precarious balancing act.

Bags to Riches

Gabi shared good and bad news with Rafe | Image: Peacock

At the Hernandez home, Rafe walked in on a wide-eyed Gabi admiring the new and sizeable addition to her bank account. She’d never seen so much money in her life, and she had Stefan to thank for it. When Rafe asked “Gabi Warbucks” what she planned to do with her new haul, Gabi got all practical and said she would invest, pay a debt, and set up a trust fund for Ari…even if the latter didn’t get her back in the good graces of her daughter.

Gabi turned the conversation to all the money she’d lost, courtesy of the unscrupulous counterfeiters. Rafe joked with his sister about enlisting notorious cons Gwen and Leo for help, and he cautioned that Leo might use his assistance as an opportunity to meddle with Javi and Gus. Gabi assured Rafe that that wouldn’t happen. She knew she couldn’t count on the FBI to track down the criminals, so she was determined to do it herself.

Rafe issued another word of caution – this time about the potential dangers of getting mixed up in an investigation that could lead to organized crime. Gabi promised she could handle herself, as whoever had started the spreading counterfeit operation had “messed with the wrong designer.” She pondered who could have had access to her just-unveiled handbag’s designs: company employees, manufacturers…. Suddenly, a lightbulb went off for Gabi. She knew who was behind it all.

All Roads Lead to Rome (Or At Least Italy)

Belle and Chad decided to take their detective act on the road. | Image: Peacock

At the Brady Pub, Leo chatted with Chad about his recovery from the concussion and the new story he wanted to pitch for the paper...a story involving intrigue, deception, danger, and a dash of high fashion. Chad readily warmed to the idea of covering the Gabi Chic counterfeits, and he felt sorry for whoever had messed with Gabi. The duo was soon joined by Belle, who wanted to provide Chad with an update on their own investigation. After getting the bare bones details of Chad and Belle’s investigation and musing about its similarities to a Clue murder mystery dinner he’d attended, Leo left for an appointment with Marlena. Belle extracted a promise from the reporter not to mention the chess set investigation to her mom.

Once they were alone, Belle giddily described another clue she’d found. Dots over the name Verde had been a code for the phrase “Long live Verde,” which had referenced an important Italian king from years past. Chad watched with admiration and amusement as Belle outlined her new find and made a joke about how attractive her enthusiastic explanation made her. Belle beamed, but she was less than enthusiastic because her search for information on the Celtic Trinity Knot they’d seen on the Italian money hadn’t turned up any useful information. She theorized on who could have left the clue.

Chad ruled out EJ, but Belle thought it might be Stefano’s most trusted and loyal henchman, Dr. Rolf. The mention of the doctor’s name made Chad have second thoughts about continuing with the investigation. Belle had to talk him out of his doubts again. In fact, she wanted to continue the investigation in Italy. She admitted that she could use a trip and getaway, as her current workload was light; Chad was on board, and he announced his intention to accompany Belle on the journey.

Onward and Upward

Days of our Lives' Leo contemplated the disaster that was his love life. | Image: Peacock

At the hospital, Marlena had a cordial but less-than-pleasant run-in with EJ. He was pleased that he’d finally received his share of Stefano’s inheritance. Marlena put a damper on her former son-in-law’s good mood by not-so-subtly reminding him that he’d need the money now since he’d lost control of the hospital. EJ advised Marlena not to count him out just yet. He had a feeling Gwen would become her own worst enemy once again.

Later, Marlena met with Leo in her office. He confided he wasn’t in great spirits and confessed that he’d faked a dizzy spell to get closer to Javi. His ex had called him out on the maneuver, though. Marlena didn’t approve of Leo’s actions but believed it showed growth that he’d recognized what he had done was wrong. Leo lamented that although he’d fantasized about all the ways he could get Gus to leave Javi (including a trip to outer space), he wouldn’t go through with any of them because he wanted Javi to be happy.

Leo found it sadly ironic that his decision demonstrated he was becoming the kind of man worthy of Javi. But he had to let go and move on, and he’d taken the first step by removing his wedding ring. Marlena commended Leo on his progress. He had decided to distract himself by focusing on his news story on Gabi Chic, and he filled Marlena in on the details, including his worry that Gwen was getting in over her head. Marlena inadvertently gave Leo a “scoop” by revealing that Gwen was on the verge of securing her purchase of the hospital.

Some Bee in the Honey Trap

Cat brightened EJ's day. | Image: Peacock

Before his encounter with Marlena, EJ witnessed Tate showing Sarah the pills he’d found in Holly’s bag. The sight prompted a flashback to EJ discreetly placing the same pills in Holly's bag. His dark mood took an upturn when Cat arrived. She’d just returned from her own awkward conversation with Belle, who had tried to warn her off EJ.

EJ took Cat to his office and told her the good news about his inheritance. Cat quickly surmised something else was weighing on EJ, though. She guessed it had to do with him being ousted from the hospital. EJ admitted the situation was less-than-ideal, but he still had confidence he could turn it around. Even if he ultimately left the hospital, he assured Cat that both she and Mark would have jobs waiting for them at DiMera Enterprises.

Cat expressed her gratitude. EJ affirmed that she had become important and irreplaceable to him. She encouraged him to talk to her if he ever wanted to unload all his troubles.

Used, Abused, and Falsely Accused

Tate shared a disturbing find with Sarah and Brady. | Image: Peacock

At the nurse’s station, Tate’s discovery confirmed Sarah’s worst fears. She had been expressing her reservations to Brady about her decision to release Holly, and the pills validated those reservations. She had wanted so badly to find another explanation. Brady comforted Sarah and Tate and stated his belief that in time, Holly would understand. As Sarah prepped herself to confront Holly, Tate requested to come along with her, and Sarah complied.

Meanwhile, in her room, Holly returned from freshening up and wondered where Tate had gone. When her boyfriend and aunt arrived, Tate explained to Holly that he’d gone to locate Sarah. Holly, believing Tate had only been expediting her release, smiled and asked if she was ready to go. Sarah stunned her niece by telling Holly the release was no longer happening. Holly’s astonishment grew after Sarah showed her the pills -- and Tate claimed they’d come from Holly’s bag.

Holly vehemently attested she had never seen the pills before. She frantically defended herself and said that Bonnie had packed the bag and Xander had brought it to her. Sarah asked if Holly was implying that one of them had planted the drugs. Holly knew they hadn’t, but she remained steadfast that she hadn’t acquired or ever taken the pills.

Your Lack of Faith Disturbs Me

Holly called out Tate's lack of faith in her. \Image: Peacock

When Sarah left the room briefly, Holly challenged Tate on whether or not he believed her. Tate said he had until he’d found the drugs. Holly implored him to think about how dumb it would have made her to ask him to get something from her bag if she had pills inside. Sarah returned with a sedative in hand. Holly refused to take it but eventually acquiesced, since Tate and Sarah urged her that the pill would help her relax.

Holly angrily ordered Tate and Sarah out of her room. Their assurances that they were only trying to help her, seemingly in vain, they honored the directive. Once alone, Holly looked at the sedative hidden away in her hand. Tearing up, she started packing her bag. She peered outside, saw the coast was clear, then left.

Meanwhile, Sarah, Tate, and Brady reconvened at the nurses’ station. Sarah was upset by Holly’s response. She had sent the pills to be tested and had hope they would give much-needed answers. In the meantime, Sarah – unaware her niece was gone – said she needed to give Holly time before engaging with her again.

Where is Holly going? Who's behind Gabi's misfortune? And will Chad and Belle find time for romance as well as mystery in Italy? Sound off in the comments.