In Jada’s office, she discusses replacing EJ DiMera with Paulina and suggests that Belle Black would be an ideal replacement. Jada tries to convince Paulina by pointing out EJ’s frequent missteps and underperformance. She also expresses suspicion that EJ might have ulterior motives due to his family’s connections to organized crime. Jada mentions noticing a pattern: EJ is declining cases that have ties to his family. Paulina is hesitant, citing the fact that Johnny and Chanel are married, but Jada argues that keeping the community safe should take precedence. Ultimately, Paulina agrees to let EJ go and says that if Belle is ready, they can extend the offer. Later, in Jada’s office, Paulina informs EJ that he is being replaced.
At the Salem PD, Belle and Shawn run into each other, and Belle tells him about Jada’s offer to replace EJ. Shawn is stunned but not entirely surprised, given Belle’s consistent wins against EJ in court. Belle admits that Jada convinced her, and she’s committed to the role if everything goes well with Paulina. Shawn congratulates her but inadvertently makes a comment that Belle interprets as a reference to her past affair with EJ. Shawn clarifies that he’s worried about how vengeful EJ might be once she takes the job. Belle explains her reasons for accepting the position, and Shawn eventually understands, expressing confidence in her abilities. Belle thanks him, and they agree to work together professionally. Shawn reassures her that she’ll make a great district attorney. Shortly after, EJ enters and heads to Jada’s office.
At the DiMera mansion, EJ and Arnold are talking when a knock at the door interrupts them—it’s Rafe, there to discuss Ava. EJ tries to dismiss Rafe, but Rafe reveals that the harassing texts Ava has been receiving appear to be coming from the mansion. Rafe mentions they’re investigating Kristen but also has additional questions. Despite EJ’s protests, Rafe insists on talking now to avoid returning later. When Rafe brings up Lady Whistleblower, EJ laughs it off. However, Rafe notices a noise when Arnold drops something nearby. He questions EJ about the source of the sound, but EJ brushes it off and demands that Rafe leave. After Rafe exits, EJ scolds Arnold and orders him to hide. They discuss Rafe’s visit, and EJ insists Arnold leave Salem soon. Before heading to the station to meet Paulina, EJ instructs Arnold to clean up and stay hidden. Once EJ departs, Rafe sneaks back into the mansion and discovers Arnold— Rafe’s doppelgänger.
At Horton Town Square, Ava examines her harassing text messages when someone approaches her from behind. Assuming it’s Kristen, Ava apologizes, but the person identifies herself as Amy, Sophia’s mother. Amy explains that she came to drop something off for Sophia. Surprised, Ava covers for Sophia but grows uneasy when Amy starts asking questions about her daughter’s behavior. Amy mentions Sophia acting differently and recalls incidents involving Holly and Tate. As the conversation progresses, Amy suspects recent issues rather than past ones. Sophia unexpectedly arrives and, upon seeing her mother, tries to downplay the situation, claiming they only kissed. Amy isn’t convinced, and when she presses further, Sophia snaps, admitting they did more than kiss. Shocked, Amy scolds Sophia, warning her about boys her age. Suddenly, Sophia becomes ill, and Amy and Ava realize that Sophia is pregnant.
At the Black household, Tate and Sophia prepare to leave for an abortion when Holly shows up unexpectedly. Holly confronts Tate, upset that he lied to her and is still involved with Sophia. Frustrated, Sophia blurts out that she’s pregnant and that she and Tate were planning to terminate the pregnancy. Stunned, Tate asks for a moment alone with Holly. He explains the situation, including the need to travel out of state for the procedure. Holly is hurt but eventually processes the information. Tate apologizes and assures her that he didn’t intend for this to happen. Holly begins to understand and listens as Tate explains how Sophia’s plans for her future don’t include having a baby. Tate insists he needs to support Sophia and asks Holly if she’s okay with that. Holly reluctantly agrees but suggests they reconsider their relationship. Tate disagrees, reaffirming his love for her, and they reconcile. Sophia returns and announces they can’t go through with the abortion just as her mother, Amy, walks in.
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