Days of our Lives Recap September 18: Rita betrays EJ on Stefano's orders

On the Friday, September 18, 2026, episode of Days of our Lives, Sydney returned to Salem, EJ felt isolated, Chad called Cat a liar, Mason struggled with his emotions, and Belle updated Marlena on Dominic.

Who Do You Trust?

Sydney and her vape arrived in Salem | Image: Peacock

Sydney was vaping in the DiMera living room when Rita entered the room and greeted her. After some chitchat, EJ walked in and complained about the smell from the vape. EJ told Sydney that despite her new vice, he was glad to have her home. After Sydney left for the pub, Rita confirmed that the sale of the house had been finalized. EJ argued that Rita had allowed the sale to go through.

As Rita protested, EJ told her that he had learned that Dominic Marino had a connection to Stefano, and he did not believe that Rita had not known about it. EJ showed the photo of Stefano to Rita. Rita said she did not recognize the photo or the name. EJ argued that Rita was Stefano’s right hand and had to have known about Dominic. Rita countered that Stefano only let her know what he wanted her to know. EJ asked Rita about Rolf, and she confirmed she had not been able to reach him.

EJ said that he felt like he could no longer trust his closest allies. Rita asked EJ if he meant Cat. With a shrug, EJ said Paul had confirmed that Cat had worked at the ISA, and that Chad did not believe the ISA would have supported Cat’s impersonation of Abigail if she had still worked for the agency. EJ admitted he did not know who to trust any more.

Rita promised EJ that he had her loyalty and support. Rita told EJ about the FDA complaint. Furious, EJ stormed out. Rita looked at Stefano’s portrait and said, “It’s playing out as you planned, sir. Mr. DiMera, I trust I’ve done you proud.”

Old Friends

Ari and Holly caught up with Sydney | Image: Peacock

In the pub, Mason met with Marlena to talk about his work on the mental health helpline. Mason talked about how a caller had reminded him of a friend that had saved him in Afghanistan and worried that the caller might end his life like his friend Joaquin. Marlena complimented Mason on his work. Marlena noted that as the advisor to the hotline program, she worried as much about the volunteers as she did about the callers. Marlena reminded Mason that they could only control their actions and not the actions of others.

After Marlena left, Holly and Ari entered the pub. Ari said hello to Mason. Sydney entered the pub and she ran over to greet Roman. Ari and Sydney hugged, and Sydney accidentally mentioned she had seen Gabi the night before. Mason listened as Sydney talked to Ari about the luxury at the DiMera estate.

When Holly walked over, Mason turned his face away with disgust. Ari introduced Holly to Sydney. Holly asked Ari if they could leave for the bookstore. “Suddenly I’m not very hungry,” Holly said as she pointedly looked at Mason. Mason walked out. After Holly and Ari sat down, Holly complained about Mason. Holly showed Ari the anonymous text she had received. Ari pointed out that the phone number did not match Mason’s phone. Ari told Holly that Mason believed Holly was to blame for the death of someone he knew. Holly guessed that Mason had known Sophia.

Sydney sat down with Roman at another table, and he asked about Dante. Sydney noted that she liked working for Dante and that Sami seemed happy. Sydney asked about Roman’s separation from Kate, and he confirmed that they were working on their marriage. Roman admitted he was concerned about Marlena. Sydney talked about how much she missed John’s emails. After Sydney left the pub, she approached Mason in the square. Sydney made some small talk, and Mason walked away after he tossed off a snide remark.

Lies and Truths

Chad had it out with Cat | Image: Peacock

Chad and Belle walked through the square after landing in Salem. Belle said she was not anxious to update her mother. When Cat appeared in the square, Belle left so that Chad could meet privately with Cat. Chad said he knew that Cat had been in the ISA. Upset, Chad asked Cat why she had not used her contacts at the ISA to help her get out from under Clyde’s thumb rather than impersonate Abigail.

Chad said he had been close to forgiving Cat for all she had done to his family, but now that he knew that she had had a way to avoid Clyde’s blackmail, he could not forgive her. Cat told Chad that her work at the ISA was focused on Clyde, and it had caused the death of her father and the destruction of her family. Cat explained that she had cut ties with the agency, and she had been isolated when Clyde approached her after that. Cat said that she had assumed that there was a mole at the ISA and that she could not trust that her mother would be safe if she reached out to the ISA for help.

Cat said she had wanted to protect her family after Clyde had killed her father. Cat asked Chad if he could understand her point of view, but he said no. Chad argued that Cat had chosen to torture his family rather than use any of her connections or training to deal with Clyde. Chad added that he was also hurt that Cat had continued to lie to him

When Chad asked Cat why she had told EJ, Cat said she had not wanted any secrets between her and EJ. Chad called Cat delusional if she believed EJ could be honest with her. Chad noted that Thomas had seen the real Cat from the start. “You are not a good person,” Chad said. Chad told Cat that she and EJ deserved one another.

The Sea

Marlena stared at the photo of Dominic with Stefano | Image: Peacock

At the penthouse, Marlena warmly welcomed Belle home. Belle talked about how much she had loved Italy and how pleased she was to have seen all the same places as John and Marlena. As Marlena noted that she and John had planned to return to Italy for the anniversary, her voice caught in her throat with emotion. Belle told Marlena about the palazzo, and she showed Marlena the photo of Stefano with Dominic. Marlena was not familiar with the boy in the picture or the name Dominic Marino. Belle told Marlena about the atmosphere in the palazzo and how it felt like Stefano had been there.

Belle explained that her theory was that Dominic was the missing pawn. Marlena asked about EJ’s opinion, but Belle noted that EJ did not know. Belle told Marlena that Dominic was the new owner of the Kiriakis mansion. Marlena stared at the photo of Dominic with Stefano, and she noted that both Marino and DiMera meant “of the sea.”

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