Days Recap: Days of our Lives Recap June 17: Gabi and Xander Strike a Deal

In today’s Days of our Lives recap for June 17, 2026, Belle unofficially joined the family detective business, Marlena cautioned Leo, and Gabi, Theo, and Cat stood firm in their plans.

Titan Turmoil With Xander and Philip

Xander urged Philip to get over his grievances | Image: Peacock

In Horton Town Square, Philip ran into Theo and commiserated with the DiMera about their mutual betrayal by Gabi. Theo apologized for keeping the truth about what Gabi had done from Philip, but insisted Gabi was the one who should be sorry.

Meanwhile, at the Titan offices, Xander offered his own mea culpa to Johnny. He confessed that Kate and he had been responsible for setting Johnny up with the lawsuit. Johnny was glad Xander had finally admitted the truth, but he wondered about the timing. Xander claimed the confession was part of his “self-work” and making amends. Johnny declared life was too short to hold grudges (and he had more important things on his mind) so he took his leave after accepting the apology.

Philip arrived as Johnny was leaving and asked Xander how the meeting had gone. Xander was relieved that Johnny had been so cordial…and suggested “others” should take a page from Johnny’s book. Philip got the hint that Xander was pushing him to forgive Gabi. When he accused Xander of ulterior motives, Xander conceded securing Gabi’s money would be a nice side benefit. But he really did care about his brother, and he could clearly see that Philip was “miserable.”

“Miserable” because of Gabi’s deception during their entire relationship, Philip corrected. Xander reminded Philip plenty of people had forgiven him for his misdeeds. In the midst of the brothers’ back-and-forth, Gabi strolled into the office. Philip got up to leave, but Gabi pronounced he needed to hear what she had to say, too. She was there to present the amendment she’d made to her proposal.

For her generous contribution in saving the company, Gabi in turn wanted a generous portion of Titan stock, as well as a seat on the board. Her investment would mean she had a stake in the company’s success, and the investment would no longer be seen as a hand-out or a plea for forgiveness. Xander bristled but ultimately agreed to the terms, as did Philip, although begrudgingly. Gabi and Xander shook on it.

The House of DiMera Divided

The brothers DiMera partook in a verbal sparring match | Image: Peacock

At the DiMera mansion, Chad and EJ had their first encounter since the kiss cam moment. EJ told his brother he had seen the buss and eagerly added that Cat had as well – since EJ and she had been in the throes of their own kiss. Chad was caught off guard and accused EJ of trying to bait him. EJ needled Chad about his connection with Cat…a connection that was deepening by the day. Chad scoffed that Cat didn’t know the real EJ like he did. He would leave EJ to play his twisted mix of Goodfellas and When Harry Met Sally.

After Chad’s testy departure, EJ received an equally confrontational visit from Johnny, who demanded to know why EJ had rejected a plea from Paulina that could have saved Chanel’s life. EJ essentially echoed Chanel’s reasons for not wanting the drug used on her: namely, the possible harm to the baby, the unproven nature of the drug, and the existence of other viable treatment options. Johnny settled down and said he understood, as Chanel had made many of the same points. Johnny did extract a pledge from EJ, though, that if all else failed, EJ would agree to give the drug to Chanel as a last resort.

Theo came by during the talk and backed up Johnny’s belief that Lexie was recovering at a miraculous rate, to EJ’s chagrin. The elder DiMera’s demeanor did not improve when Johnny extended an invitation to Theo to work as co-CEOs of DiMera for the long-term. Since he had Lexie’s blessing, Theo agreed. EJ put up a low-key protest and glared when the cousins shook hands, sealing the deal.

Once Johnny departed to buy flowers of support for Chanel, EJ and Theo convened for a game of chess. Theo brought up Gabi’s claims on part of the DiMera fortune and announced he had no intention of fighting it. EJ tried to persuade his nephew to think twice, but Theo remained insistent. Gabi had the proof and the resources to back it up. Although she wasn’t exactly his favorite person, he had given his word and he would honor it.

Since Theo was executor of the will, his word was final. EJ silently seethed as his best-laid plans were foiled once again.

Spy Games

At the Hernandez house, Rafe answered Cat’s summons for a meeting. She had a disappointing update for her partner: EJ had backtracked on offering her a dose of the drug for her mom. Rafe agreed that EJ’s sudden about-face – along with Mark’s strange reactions – was suspicious. But he most definitely did not agree with Cat’s pivot and stated intention to leverage her growing personal relationship with EJ. Rafe reiterated all the reasons it was a very bad idea, and Cat countered with all the reasons they were running out of options.

Cat argued EJ had already begun giving her information by revealing he had been in touch with Rolf. He was attracted to her and trusted her, and she would make the most of that connection whether Rafe liked it or not. She reminded him he wasn’t her boss but her partner. Rafe openly pondered what Cat’s boss, Andrew, would think of her plan. He suggested they find out.

Emotional Support Disaster

Leo laid his latest crisis at Marlena's doorstep | Image: Peacock

Prior to Rafe and Cat's meet-and-greet, Leo stopped by the house under the pretense of getting a quote from Rafe for a story. Gabi, who answered the door, immediately called him out on the real reason for his visit: Leo’s need to get a closer look at Javi’s new boyfriend. She let Leo know that Javi was ridiculously happy with his handsome paramour and completely over Leo before she sauntered off.

Later, Leo rushed to Marlena’s office in a state of distress. He wasn’t there for himself this time but rather because of his only friend and fellow “emotional support disaster,” Gwen. Leo remained cagey but affirmed Gwen had gotten herself into quite the dangerous predicament with EJ. He couldn’t bear it if anything happened to her. Marlena mused that helping Gwen had likely put Leo in danger as well, and she chastised him for routinely putting himself in harm’s way.

Leo stressed no one else would be there for Gwen and, if he did run afoul of EJ, Marlena had his permission to reveal the contents of their discussion and point the finger directly at EJ. When Leo said no one would miss him if he died, Marlena countered that Javi would…and she would be “devastated.” Leo was touched by his friend’s/therapist’s sincerity, but he doubted Javi gave him much thought anymore, especially since he had an amazing new guy “whose smile could sell ice to a snowman.” Javi deserved good things, Leo claimed.

Marlena reminded Leo he deserved good things, too, and she listed all his positive qualities, including his big heart and his loyalty. She wanted Leo to see himself the way that she saw him. Leo thanked Marlena for all her support.

The mystery of the missing pawn

Chad and Belle began their amateur sleuthing investigation | Image: Peacock

Before her session with Leo, Marlena talked with Belle at the penthouse. Mother and daughter shared laughs and smiles after Marlena revealed Julie and she had spotted Belle and Chad on the kiss cam. Belle considered Thomas catching the foul ball (with an indirect assist from John and his baseball expertise) as one of the best moments of the experience. The mood darkened, however, when Belle mentioned that Chad had agreed to help her investigate Stefano’s chess set. Marlena gave a reluctant go-ahead but emphatically stated she wanted no part of the resolution.

Later, Chad paid Belle a visit. They marveled again at how a good portion of Salem had seen their impromptu kiss. Then talk turned to the chess set. Chad believed they needed to start thinking like John and what the missing pawn might have meant to him. He presented a theory that perhaps the missing piece wasn’t referencing John but another, separate “pawn.”

Belle acknowledged that Stefano had brainwashed many people but, as far as she knew, none had ever been to the extent of her dad. Chad suggested the objective of Stefano’s chess set was to play the game and find the missing pawn. He wanted to take a closer look at the set, so Belle brought it out. She sheepishly admitted she’d had no luck in finding any secret compartments or other hidden clues. Chad decided to take the set back to his office for a closer inspection.

With the chess set mystery on the shelf for the time being, the budding couple returned to reminiscing about their third date. Belle flirtatiously suggested Chad could reenact her favorite part any time, so he enthusiastically took her up on the offer.

Coming up on Days of our Lives

During tomorrow’s DAYS, EJ’s overdue for some good news, and he just might get it from Rolf. Johnny, on the other hand, gets a stern warning from his would-be executioner Aunt Kristen, who should come with her own warning label.

And romance in Salem is on the rocks, as Abe and Paulina grapple with a bittersweet anniversary, while Tate and Holly get an unwelcome interruption at their love nest.