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In his office, Xander shares his concern with Alex that someone is trying to overturn the Titan-DiMera merger and instructs him to find out who is behind it. Meanwhile, Gabi meets with Steve, who used the Freedom of Information Act to get the merger filings that raised the red flag with Xander. Steve’s not sure the answers are in there, but he’ll keep looking. So will Gabi, who later calls Xander to make dinner plans.

Alex comes to Steve for help finding the person who garnered information about the Titan-DiMera merger. The name they found was Daniel Lucas, which he assumes is an alias. Steve is oh so sorry, but says there’s not enough information to go on. Since Steve is the best detective he knows, that’s good enough for Alex.

Steve has questions of his own, though — namely about Alex’s grand theft and indecent exposure charges. Alex explains he was involved in a college prank involving stealing a fraternity’s 50-year-old parrot, worth $10,000, and the toga he wore for the party ripped off during the failed heist. Steve chuckles and apologizes for the interrogation. Alex respects that he was just looking out for his daughter. But he doesn’t have to worry because Stephanie is Alex’s favorite person in the whole world. He knows how lucky he is to be with her, and he’ll treat her like a queen.

At The Bistro, Gabi and Xander banter over drinks until Xander calls her out for wanting Titan-DiMera to fail. She assures him her future depends on Titan-DiMera’s success as much as his does. Once Xander is appeased, Gabi suggests they don’t go back to the office tonight. Instead, she’ll order them a bottle of wine.

Spirits Getting Into Spirits

At the DiMera mansion, Tony holds a crystal decanter and asks Anna if she snuck port wine last night. “I never sneak wine,” she says. “I only openly indulge and enjoy.” He swore there was more left of his special vintage. Anna jokes that a spirit got into the spirits, leading her to relay her conversation with Susan about Stefano being alive.

Anna reminds her skeptical husband that this is Salem… people have been raised from the dead by the multitudes. Tony doesn’t think it’s possible. Were he alive, Stefano would have never allowed Titan to take over DiMera Enterprises. Tony vows to get it back with Gabi’s help. Anna hopes this doesn’t mean he wants to stay in Salem. Tony assures her that Gabi will be CEO, and he can pull strings from anywhere in the world. Anna gets on board when she imagines designing clothes for Gabi Chic.

Chanel Stresses

Wearing a Sweet Bits apron, Chanel meets Johnny in the Square during court recess. She reminds him he doesn’t need to testify, but he wants the whole world to know he’s innocent. Besides, his father is putting up a strong defense by proving he is so universally hated that most of Salem wants him dead.

After Johnny heads back to court, Paulina sits with Chanel and consoles her about Johnny’s trial. Chanel grows even more emotional upon seeing a dad push a stroller through the Square. Paulina knows she and Johnny will focus on their family’s future after the trial.

EJ Goes For the Jugular

After some afternoon delight at the Salem Inn, where EJ and Belle declare their love, Belle meets Jonathan Reiner at the courthouse. He’s from the state AG’s office and will be observing, considering she is prosecuting her nephew. Belle promises she’s committed to serving with integrity and impartiality.

In the corridor, Johnny stresses over Belle questioning him on the stand about the reason he was so angry with EJ before his shooting. EJ instructs Johnny not to bring up Sami’s rape, only to say he thought EJ got in the way of him and Chanel adopting a baby.

EJ’s advice quickly goes south as Belle gets Johnny to admit on the stand that prior to EJ’s shooting, he learned EJ raped his mother, which led to his conception. He also admits he took Roman’s gun because he considered using it. Belle turns to Jonathan in the gallery, who nods in approval and leaves.

When it’s EJ’s turn, he point-blank asks if Johnny shot him. Johnny says he couldn’t go through with hurting him because he’s his dad and he loves him. EJ then gets Johnny to state that Belle is his aunt. EJ doubles down by implying Belle chose to expose information not yet introduced into evidence based on her personal knowledge. Belle objects, and the judge reprimands EJ for hurling accusations at the prosecution.

On redirect, Belle gets Johnny to admit he did, in fact, say EJ got what he deserved when he was shot and that he didn’t care if he lived or died. EJ recrosses and asks Johnny what EJ’s relationship is to Belle. Johnny appears confused and awkwardly says, “She’s your girlfriend.” EJ tells the judge that Belle has a major conflict of interest and should not be allowed to prosecute this case. “Which is why I call for an immediate mistrial.” Goodbye, afternoon delight?