DAYS #150: Anjelica wants to move in, and Sami gives Nicole carte-blanche (09/15/14)

EPISODE 150

Written by A. Washington-Beeby
Story Consultants: C. Nathaniel Richardson & Nick Monarco

Abby and Laura emerge from the kitchen of the Horton house, laughing as they talk to each other about their day. As they enter the living room, a moment of awkward silence hits them.

ABBY: You know, I know I don't say this very often, Grandma, but...it's good to have you back in Salem.

Laura takes Abby into a warm embrace, feeling grateful for her granddaughter's love.

LAURA: Oh, Sweetheart. It's so lovely to be back. And to see you so grown, and...happy again. I know, it's been hard with Chad gone.

Abby looks down, wistfully. She shrugs, trying not to think too much on it.

ABBY: Yeah, I mean...it hasn't been easy but...you know...Chad and I...things didn't work out.

Abby sits down on the sofa, and Laura quickly follows suit. The pair lean against the back cushion, looking at each other as they converse.

LAURA: Well, maybe not for now, but...I mean...Chad's recovering from being shot, it's not like he's never coming back to Salem. Honey, anything can happen.

Abby looks back, somewhat uncomfortably, as she thinks over what her grandmother has suggested.

---


At the Kiriakis Mansion, the family gathers around the long dining table to share a dinner. The tension thick in the air. Anjelica tries in vain to break the stone silence.

ANJELICA: So...I have to thank everyone for allowing me to come tonight.

Justin raises his head from his plate, swallowing hard as he interjects.

JUSTIN: It's not like we had much of a choice, Anjelica.
ANJELICA: Well, now, that's not very hospitable of you, Justin. I simply wanted to spend some time with my son. After all, we have been living apart for awhile now, since he's living with his lovely wife.

Noelle smiles awkwardly through chewing her food. She looks to Alex, who is also trying to eat (and hopefully stay out of the conversation).

ANJELICA: Alex, how do you like living here with your father's family?

Alex nearly chokes on his lamb souvlaki, attempting to answer Anjelica quickly. He finally swallows, and coughs before answering.

ALEX: Ah...great. It's been very...eventful.
ANJELICA: I'm pleased to hear. I know we haven't had much chance to talk since I've launched the campaign and all, but...I'm so proud of you.
ALEX: Thanks...Anjelica.

Maggie interjects, hoping to quell the tension in the room by addressing the elephant in the room.

MAGGIE: Ah...Anjelica? You're staying at the Salem Inn, I heard.
ANJELICA: Yes, I have! I've taken a suite there for the time being.
MAGGIE: Mm! Ahh...how long do you plan on staying?

Adrienne looks knowingly at Justin, she mutters under her breath.

ADRIENNE: Here it comes.

Anjelica smiles at Maggie as she responds to her question.

ANJELICA: Well, funny you should ask. As it turns out, I'm going to be doing a lot more campaigning in the Salem area than I previously thought. Since I'm all about cutting back on fiscal waste and finding inefficiencies in government, it somewhat behooves me to practice what I preach. So...I was hoping to ask a small favour of you all...

Justin shouts out across the dining table, firmly and clearly.

JUSTIN: NO, ANJELICA! You may NOT stay here!

All eyes immediately begin to dart back and forth between Justin and Anjelica, as Anjelica gives a curious, and almost-amused look Justin's way.

---


Eric sits on his stool at the Brady Pub's bar, a look of total incredulity on his face, as he faces his mother, who stands before him.

Marlena looks down, almost ashamed of what she's said.

ERIC: I'm sorry, did I hear you right?

Marlena nods, reluctantly.

MARLENA: Yes. I asked you to help me run a DNA test on your father.

Eric looks baffled by Marlena's suggestion.

ERIC: For what reason, Mom?
MARLENA: Look, just...hear me out. Valerie and I were discussing your father's treatment, and...well...we can't locate any medical records on him from before the time Kristen brought him back to Salem.
ERIC: Mom, that was over 20 years ago!
MARLENA: Yes. I know.
ERIC: So you only noticed this now?

Marlena looks to the ground, half-shrugging as she's confused by the development herself.

MARLENA: Well...we never had to dig into his file that way, and...quite honestly, I was just thankful to have him home again, after we thought he'd died.
ERIC: Okay...so where does the DNA test come in?
MARLENA: (sigh) When your father came home, his face was bandaged up, and at first, I didn't recognize him. And when Valerie told me the files were missing, I...my mind went back to that day. I knew something was wrong, and...I followed my wish to see your father again instead of following my gut.

Eric's tone softens as he guides Marlena to the stool beside his. 

ERIC: What did your gut tell you, though?
MARLENA: That Kristen and Stefano were up to something. As usual. Eric, neither of them would think anything of taking some stranger off the street, and brainwashing them into thinking they were Roman. They've done it before.

Eric breathes in deeply, nodding quietly as Marlena tells her story, then sighs.

ERIC: I know you're right. But we've been so sure for so long about Dad...Mom, he's so ill. Do you really think now is the time to be...going down this path? We should focus on trying to make sure his time left with us are as comfortable as possible.
MARLENA: I agree, if we know that it's just dementia. Quite frankly, Eric, I couldn't live with myself if I knew there was more to it than that. That Stefano had implanted these memories in him, and caused this terrible illness in him, and I didn't find out the truth in time? When I could possibly find out it's something else, and potentially save his life? 
ERIC: I understand.

Marlena leans over, putting her hand over Eric's on the bar. She looks her son dead in the eye.

MARLENA: Eric, you know I wouldn't ask unless it was extremely important. Will you do this for me?

Eric furrows his brow, in deep thought over whether he should help Marlena or not.

---

---


Nicole sits at her desk, focused on her computer, scouring the documents Nick sent her regarding the EnerNext deal. She hears a knock on her office door, which she responds to without looking up.

NICOLE: Come in!


Sami enters Nicole's office, a determined look on her face. Nicole turns quickly to see who it is, and immediately sighs, rolling her eyes as she realizes it's Sami.

NICOLE: (sigh) What do you want? I'm busy.

Sami closes the door behind her, and folds her arms as she stands across the room from Nicole.

SAMI: Where's Abby?

Nicole looks over at Sami, giving an icy glare, as she responds cooly.

NICOLE: She went home. I figured I could handle this by myself. 

Sami doesn't budge, as Nicole takes a moment to look over a paper on her desk. Moments later, Nicole looks back up at Sami, then the door.

NICOLE: That was a hint.
SAMI: Yeah, well, I'm not going anywhere. I have something important to talk with you about.

Nicole looks up, giving Sami a fake smile and a sarcastic reply, as she tries to focus on her work.

NICOLE: Oh. Great. 

Sami begins to saunter over to Nicole's desk, beginning to talk to her as she heads from Nicole's desk. Nicole carries on working as she half-listens to Sami, never looking up at Sami.

SAMI: I just had a kind of a meeting with Kate...and...we learned something more about the situation with Titan that I think you'd wanna know about.
NICOLE: Oh?

Sami leans against Nicole's desk. The intrusion into Nicole's personal space causes Nicole to look up at Sami, suddenly engaged in what she has to say.

SAMI: Nick now has controlling interest in Titan, and that makes him powerful, and dangerous. So I am going to follow EJ's promise, and give you total freedom for your special about the EnerNext project.
NICOLE: Even if Will gets caught in the crossfire?
SAMI: I'll make sure Will lands on his feet. You take that son-of-a-bitch Nick Fallon down before he destroys any more lives.

Nicole and Sami look intensely at each other, Sami's simmering rage in her eyes.

---

Abby smiles half-heartedly at Laura, as they sit across from each other on the couch in the Horton living room. Abby shrugs as she thinks over what her grandmother's said.

ABBY: I mean...I guess, but...Grandma, a lot's gone down since Chad left town. I mean (laughs) I just went on this...great date with this guy I met at Salem U.

Laura perks up, excited to hear about Abby's date.

LAURA: Ooo! Tell me more! Who's this handsome stranger?

Abby laughs, starting to blush at Laura's teasing.

ABBY: (laughs) Grandma, stop! His name's Jerome Grant, and he's a grad student. I really enjoyed myself.
LAURA: Oh! Grant! Is his mother Valerie Grant?
ABBY: Grandmother. And yeah, he lives with her, she just moved back to town.
LAURA: YES! I remember her! She worked with me when she was nursing student years and years ago. She's a fantastic woman. I remember your cousin David was madly in love with her. They were so beautiful together.

Laura looks at Abby, who looks on, fascinated by Laura's story. She stops, and pinches her granddaughter's cheek.

LAURA: And I know that you and Jerome will be just as beautiful. Especially if he's anything like his grandmother.

Abby and Laura share a laugh, and Abby smiles warmly at her grandmother.

ABBY: From what I hear, Jerome thinks the world of his grandma. Honestly, Grandma, I think losing Chad was the best thing that ever happened to me.

---

Eric sits next to Marlena on the barstools at the Brady Pub. Eric takes a moment to mull over what his mother's just suggested to him before responding.

ERIC: I dunno, Mom. I don't know if I can go along with a DNA test on Dad.
MARLENA: And I understand. But you need to understand why I have to ask.
ERIC: I think I do. You got burned once before with John. Stefano took years away from you with Dad, and...he made you second guess yourself. Now there's a chance that this man we've spent so many years thinking is Roman may not be...but...Mom, I don't see what value there is in that. 

Marlena looks at Eric, pensively.

MARLENA: There is, though. We need to know his medical history if we want to be able to treat him properly.
ERIC: Yeah, But....Mom. Think about it. Sami's going through therapy to overcome her repressed trauma over her relationship with EJ. I'm just trying to get my life back together after Kristen turned it upside down. Carrie's in Europe, trying to juggle her career, raising Noah, and feeling helpless because she can't help Dad...Caroline's struggling to make it through every day now. She may not have much time left. And then there's Kim...


Kim's voice calls out from behind them, causing both Marlena and Eric to turn around suddenly.

KIM: What about me?

Kim stands before Marlena and Eric, an awkward smile on her face as she anticipates being filled in on their conversation.

---

Anjelica feigns being stunned, as the rest of the family look on silently, some awkwardly trying to continue their meal, as Anjelica responds to Justin's outburst.

ANJELICA: Well, Justin! I'm suprised at you! I didn't realize you were still holding onto such hostility toward me after all these years--

Justin stands up abruptly from his seat at the table, his voice raising over Anjelica's as he vents.

JUSTIN: Oh, come off it, Anjelica! We all knew this was coming. We knew why you wanted so desperately to come have dinner with us. You can drop the charade now.
ANJELICA: Well, I don't know what you're talking about, Justin, because I have been nothing but forthright with my intentions tonight.
JUSTIN: Oh, have you?
ANJELICA: Yes, I have. I came here to see my son, and his lovely wife, and his family. I came here to do business with them, and help further my campaign. I hardly see the issue in that.

Noelle sits back, attentively listening to the back-and-forth between the ex-lovers.

JUSTIN: Of course you don't! You never do! Sometimes I think you're completely oblivious to any and all social cues!
ANJELICA: Oh, believe me, Justin, I am aware of them. 

Anjelica slowly rises from her seat, leaning on the edge of the dinner table as she zeroes in on Justin.

ANJELICA: I know the resentment you hold toward me. I even understand it. I did some things that were incredibly cruel to both you and Adrienne. And for that, I am tremendously sorry. But I refuse to stand back and allow hostility and pettiness continue to keep a wedge between my son's family and myself. All I ask is to stay here. To spend time with my son, his wife, and his family. All I want is an opportunity to allow us all to heal from the damage that I fully admit...that I caused.

The family look on, stone silent, as Anjelica stares down a defiant Justin. She then turns her gaze over to Alex.

ANJELICA: Are you willing to give me the opportunity, or not?

Alex looks back at his mom, awkwardly. He looks over and notices all eyes are now on him. He struggles to find an answer to his mother's question.

---

DAYS #149: Dr. Rolf & Stefano discuss The Patient, Adrienne puts Will on notice (09/12/14)

EPISODE 149

Written by A. Washington-Beeby
Story Consultants: C. Nathaniel Richardson & Nick Monarco

In the Kiriakis dining room, Anjelica stands alone with Noelle in the corner. Looking around to make sure they're alone, Noelle approaches Anjelica.

NOELLE: So...?
ANJELICA: I think Alex will be on our side on this.
NOELLE: Perfect.

Noelle looks around, highly suspicious of anyone entering the dining room, so much so, despite being alone, Noelle continues to whisper to Anjelica.

NOELLE: (whispering) Look, I have news.
ANJELICA: Well, spit it out!
NOELLE: (whispering) It's Victor!
ANJELICA: What???

Noelle gestures emphatically to get Anjelica to quiet down, as she whispers to Anjelica.

NOELLE: He's awake, we have to tell Nick.
ANJELICA: Wh--

  

As Anjelica begins to respond, Justin, Maggie, and Sonny enter the dining room, all sharing a laugh as they sit down at the table. Noelle and Anjelica awkwardly halt their conversation and join them.

Sitting down, the room falls quiet, as they all look at each other, unsure how to start the conversation.

NOELLE: It's....so nice to have family together for once.

All five of them look around at each other, unsure what to do, before Noelle grabs her drink from in front of her and awkwardly raises a toast. 

NOELLE: To...family!

The others reluctantly join in, most looking awkwardly at each other, wondering what brought on Noelle's toast.

ALL: Cheers!

As they clink their glasses, they immediately take sips so long, most finish their drinks in one go.


---


Alex and Will stand alone together in the Kiriakis living room. They look awkwardly at each other, as Will asks a serious question.

WILL: Ahhh....so, I haven't had a chance to ask anybody yet but...I know there's been a huge upheaval at work today. What does that mean for us?

Alex is taken aback by Will's question, leaving him momentarily speechless.

ALEX: Ahh...you mean at the office?

Will laughs, his heart aflutter, as he, without thinking, blurts out a response.

WILL: Yeah, I mean...what did you think I meant? I mean, you're cute and all but...

Alex and Will laugh, as Will realizes what he's just said and begins to blush.

WILL: I mean...oh God. What did I just say?
ALEX: No...(laughs) God, Will, don't be embarrassed. I know what you meant. Don't worry.


Will looks to the ceiling, closing his eyes in embarrassment, as Adrienne steps into the doorway from the dining room. She looks on, troubled by what she observes.

WILL: Ugh, sorry. I didn't mean to imply that I was...attracted to you at all. You're my boss, and MARRIED. I'm marrying your BROTHER. I just...I tend to put my foot in my mouth a lot. I'm sorry.
ALEX: Don't worry. Seriously. It's okay. Just as long as you don't have this problem with words on the page, we're good.

Will laughs, as Adrienne steps into the room.

ADRIENNE: Ah, boys? Are you gonna join us for dinner at all?

Adrienne looks directly into Will's eyes, an almost accusatory look in them, despite her sweet tone. It immediately discomforts Will.

---


Outside club TBD, Kate and Sami stand, having confronted Nick and Gabi on their date, pestering Gabi about her modelling contract offers. Now, Sami's expression becomes more one of worry.

SAMI: You seem worried. You weren't before.
KATE: I had no reason to be before. Nick worming his way into the CEO position at Titan was nothing. He could be out of there within hours if he so much as breathed the wrong way. But if he has controlling interest? All bets are off, and we need to tread carefully.
SAMI: Oh, to Hell with that. He's going to put us all in jail, Kate.

Kate tries to quiet Sami down, but Sami continues, increasingly panicked.

KATE: Sami, C--
SAMI: ...Oh don't try to shut me up. You know I'm right. What is he gonna do when he finds out we're trying to set him up? Dammit, Kate, we need to do something about him, and fast.

---


Inside Club TBD, Nick and Gabi sit, Gabi deep in thought about what just transpired. Nick notices Gabi's contemplative look, and crooks his head slightly to get her attention.

NICK: Hello?? Earth to Gabi.

Gabi snaps out of her trance, shaking her head suddenly, looking Nick's way.

GABI: Ugh, sorry. Just...in case you didn't notice, I have....a decision to make.
NICK: Nah, I get it. But I think you know what you're doing. I trust you.

Gabi smiles, as Nick reaches across the table to take Gabi's hand gently in his. Gabi wants to pull away, but manages to stop herself.

NICK: I know I haven't been....exactly the most trustworthy person, myself. But I do want you to know, I'm gonna do everything I can from now on, to give you exactly the life you deserve. 

Gabi looks down momentarily at Nick's hand holding hers. 

NICK: I love you, Gabi.

Gabi hesitates to answer Nick, the words caught in her throat.

---

---

Kate walks in closer to Sami in front of Club TBD, and attempts to calm Sami down.

KATE: Sami, you need to think of the long game here. Nick has the power to destroy all of us. That includes Will. So let's stay the course for now, and keep our eyes peeled for any opening.
SAMI: We don't have time for that, Kate. It's time we make an opening.

Sami, determined, storms off, leaving Kate behind, more worried than ever.

KATE: Sami! Sami! (sigh)

---


Inside Club TBD, Gabi struggles to respond to Nick, as Nick waits for a response. T arrives with their tapas, which he starts putting down on the table, breaking the tension.

T: Alright! I've got some grilled calamari...lamb proscuitto dumplings, and a mango salad.
NICK: Thank you.
GABI: Thanks, T.

T stands by them, ever the professional.

T: Anything I can get you guys? Refill on your drinks? 

Nick holds up a finger, never taking his eyes off Gabi.

NICK: Yeah...give me a bottle of your best champagne.
T: You got it!

T walks off, leaving Nick and Gabi alone, as she hastily reaches for her fork, trying to eat before she has to respond to Nick.

NICK: I know we've got a lot of baggage, Gabi. And...I know you're probably not ready to tell me you love me, but...I just wanted you to know that I do. And I will always look out for your best interests.

Gabi smiles, as she swallows her calamari. 

GABI: I know. Thank you. Thank you for being so patient.

Nick smiles back at Gabi, looking intensely at her for a moment before asking another question.

NICK: Gabi.

Gabi looks back, inquisitively, if a little tense.

NICK: I...I don't wanna put any pressure on you at all, but...well...now that I've got this job, and...the company assets...I'm planning to finally move out of the room upstairs at the pub.
GABI: That's great! I'm glad you're finally able to do that.
NICK: Yeah, so...now, once I have a home to call my own, and...don't feel like you have to say 'yes' or anything...but...would you like to move in with me?

Gabi's eyes widen, stunned by Nick's suggestion, and unsure how to react, or respond.

---

Will and Adrienne stare off at each other, clearly communicating unspoken thoughts with each other, as Alex looks on, trying to cut the tension.

ALEX: Ah...Adrienne. Sorry, we were...catching up on work stuff. 

Adrienne continues to focus her eyes on Will, though breaking her gaze eventually as she responds to her stepson.

ADRIENNE: Of course. Ah, well...dinner's about to be served, so...come on.
ALEX: Sure thing.

As Alex leaves the room, Will is held back by Adrienne, who speaks quietly to Will, as she grabs his arm, not forcefully, but firmly.

ADRIENNE: A little advice, Will? If you expect me to play my part, you'd better do a lot better job of yours.

Will looks down at Adrienne, and nearly bursts out laughing. He shakes his head dismissively.

WILL: Adrienne, you're looking for something that isn't even there.
ADRIENNE: Am I? Because those eyes you were giving each other just now tell me otherwise.
WILL: What looks? The only looks I was giving were directed at you when you once again inserted yourself in a conversation that was none of your business.

Adrienne folds her arms, giving Will a squinted glare.

ADRIENNE: Despite what you think, I didn't just fall off the turnip truck. I can tell you're attracted to Alex.
WILL: I love Sonny--

Adrienne snaps back at Will, cutting him off from continuing his thought.

ADRIENNE: And Justin loved me. But he still had that affair with Anjelica and still had her child. 

Will stops himself, momentarily looking down, as he soaks in what Adrienne is saying to him. Adrienne steps in closer to Will, speaking a bit more earnestly, and less bitingly.

ADRIENNE: You have two very impulsive parents, who lead with their hearts and not their heads. Don't be like them. Alex may not be my son by blood but I love him just as much as I love Sonny, and I don't want either of them hurt. If you do, I will make sure you regret it.

Adrienne backs away, releasing the tension in her body with a sigh as she turns toward the dining room. As Adrienne walks away, Will looks down, shaking his head as he sighs, his head full from Adrienne's warning. He makes his way to the dining room as well.

---


Eric sits at the bar of the Brady Pub, a pint of beer before him, as he makes a call on his cell phone to Nicole. Waiting to hear her pick up, he is unsuccessful, and the call goes to voice mail.

ERIC: Hey, Nicole. It's Eric. I ah...I know you've had a big break in your story for tomorrow but...I'm just wondering when you'll be back. I mean...it is our...our wedding night, and I'd...just call me back when you get this. I love you.


Hanging up, Eric takes a drink, as Marlena walks into the pub. 

MARLENA: Ah! Eric!

Eric turns around to see his mother, and gives her a hug.

ERIC: Mom! Hey. How'd your meeting go at the hospital?
MARLENA: Oh well...Valerie and I had...a lot to talk about. It's actually why I'm here. I'm glad I ran into you. I...I have something to ask of you, and I don't think you're going to like it very much.

Eric looks at Marlena, concerned.

ERIC: Why? What is it?

Marlena hesitates for a moment, before reluctantly responding, unable to look Eric in the eyes as she does.

MARLENA: I need your help to run a DNA test on your father.

Eric looks back in amazement, stunned by his mother's request.

---


Dr. Rolf sits opposite Stefano in a dimly lit room in Stefano's Italian island villa. The two longtime partners-in-crime discuss their plans as the sun sets.

STEFANO: So! When can we expect the patient will be ready?
DR. ROLF: Stefano, I cannot give you a firm timeline on this. You know what happened the last time.
STEFANO: Yes, unfortunately, I do. 

Stefano looks off in a distance momentarily, as Dr. Rolf continues.

DR. ROLF: We cannot have a repeat of what happened before. As you know, the second Pawn project was effective but ultimately we couldn't utilize him because we caused too much brain damage. He would never be able to take proper direction from us.
STEFANO: Hmmm, yes. And now he appears to be in terminal decline.

Dr. Rolf nods sadly.

DR. ROLF: Yes, indeed. It is a real shame. And, of course, our attempt to reprogram John Black failed miserably as well. 

Dr. Rolf thinks aloud, becoming more and more agitated as he contemplates his strategy.

DR. ROLF: There has got to be a way to find the balance. My work on the second pawn was too potent, and on John Black, not enough.
Stefano looks Rolf sternly in the eyes, as he points at him to make his point.
STEFANO: And THAT is why THIS Pawn MUST work for us to get us what we need, or else everything we have worked so hard for will be destroyed!

Rolf looks back at Stefano, nodding with a sombre expression on his face.

---

In a dark, windowless room, a man is tied to a chair in an otherwise empty room. His hands and feet are bound.

On a screen in front of him, a flurry of images appear on a projector screen. Many disturbing images flash by, changing almost as soon as they appear.

Crawling insects. 

Scenes from bloody warfare. 

A gun being fired.

John Black's face then appears, before disappearing, replaced by more violent images.

The man writhes about, his mouth gagged, keeping him from shouting out. He struggles, trying to resist the intense images presented before him, but enraged far more by John than any other.

---

DAYS #148: Stefano arrives at the compound, Valerie presses Marlena to get Roman DNA tested (09/10/14)

EPISODE 148

Written by A. Washington-Beeby
Story Consultants: C. Nathaniel Richardson & Nick Monarco

Marlena sits in Valerie's office at University Hospital, as they go over Roman's case. Valerie shakes her head as she goes over his file.

VALERIE: You know, Marlena, I've gotta say...I know that there's a lot of missing pieces here, but...this man has been in your life for so many years. I...I mean, wouldn't you have known sooner that he isn't who he claims he is?

Marlena looks down, contemplatively.

MARLENA: I've thought about that. But he felt so....familiar to me. That day that Kristen wheeled him into my room...I wasn't sure but...something felt so...I knew that I knew this man.
VALERIE: But you didn't believe Kristen when she told you he was Roman.

Marlena looks at Valerie, remembering that day with Kristen, the anger coming through in her voice as she thinks of Kristen.

MARLENA: I wasn't really willing to believe anything that...that woman told me. She'd told so many lies already, it was...it just looked like another scheme to keep John and I apart.
VALERIE: Understandable, but what made you realize she was right?
MARLENA: I just...I heard him speak. I heard his voice and...what he had to say. We knew...I knew I knew and cared for this man. We knew he was Roman. Nobody....questioned it once we'd spoken with him.
VALERIE: Marlena. From what you've told me, that's the same thing everyone said when John arrived in town. We need to be absolutely certain that this man IS Roman Brady.

Marlena looks up, deeply troubled by Valerie's suggestion.

---





Stefano's limo pulls up to a grand castle on the remote Italian island. His driver parks and hustles to open the door for him. Stefano steps out of the car, and pulls off his sunglasses, gazing upon the beauty of his grand home.

---


In the Kiriakis living room, Alex and Justin stand, discussing Justin's animosity toward Anjelica. Justin steps over to the bar, hoping to grab a drink, as Alex looks on.

ALEX: Dad?
JUSTIN: Yeah.

Justin looks at the mostly empty caraffe, stunned by how much Anjelica's taken already. He pours himself what's left. The awkward silence holds in the air a moment, before Alex sighs and begins to tell his father what's on his mind.

ALEX: Look, I don't mean to downplay what Anjelica did to you, or to Adrienne.

Justin puts his drink down on the bar with a bit of a slam. He speaks harshly to his son.

JUSTIN: Then don't.

Justin turns around, another awkward moment of silence between them, as the doorbell rings.

JUSTIN: And don't make excuses for her either. Your mother rigged a construction site to blow Adrienne up. Then she kidnapped you. This isn't stealing a few hair ties from a store at the mall, Alex. I'm not entirely prepared to forgive and forget.
ALEX: But she did bring me back. And you and Adrienne were wonderful parents to me. You did a great job.


Justin sighs, smiling at his son. As Anjelica steps back into the room from the foyer, escorting Will into the room with her. Upon seeing Alex, he stops, smiling awkwardly as Justin and Alex look back.

ANJELICA: Well, look who I found at the door. Does this fine young man belong to anyone in the house?

Alex smiles back at Will, as they both stare without a word shared. Justin ignores this, as he fixates on Anjelica.

---


Gabi and Kate sit across from each other at the table at Club TBD, having an intense conversation about the state of affairs at Titan. Knowing Nick will be back from the bathroom any second, they remain tense and vigilant, each checking over their shoulder every few moments to ensure he isn't on his way back.

GABI: Honestly, Kate, I don't know that I like the odds of that 4% stakeholder remaining loyal to Titan. I mean, I've heard how rocky things are, and with Nick coming on...he's completely inexperienced running a company like this, they're bound to sell before the shares become completely worthless.
KATE: Leave that to me. Nick may in for a fall sooner than you think, and at least at my end of things, I'm going to make sure we make Titan a lot of money so that we can get out of this rut.


Nick approaches from behind Kate, causing both she and Gabi to look up with a start.

NICK: That's the spirit I wanna hear from my staff, Kate.
KATE: You know, Nick. Relish calling us staff members for now, because it won't be long before the board sees through you, and your incompetence will earn you a nice fat pink slip.
NICK: I guess I should've anticipated a little resistance. But I still wouldn't push my luck if I were you, Kate.

Kate chuckles momentarily to herself, unthreatened by Nick's confidence. She looks back at Gabi, a bit amused, as she rolls her eyes, and looks back at Nick and responds sarcastically.

KATE: I'm quaking in my boots.
NICK: You should be. Because I just found out some good news.
KATE: I'm waiting with baited breath to hear it.

Nick smiles, as he leans in closely at their table.

NICK: I just got the controlling interest of the Titan stock. So not only am I running the show, I own it, too!

Nick laughs, almost maniacally, as Gabi and Kate's faces turn sheet-white.

---

---

Justin gives Anjelica sideeye, as he grabs his drink from the bar table and shakes Will's hand firmly.

JUSTIN: Will! Good to see you! Ah, Sonny's already at the table, they're serving dinner about now. We should probably join them.
WILL: Oh...yeah.
ANJELICA: Well, am I going to be introduced or not?

Alex interjects to spare everyone Justin's cutting remarks at Anjelica's expense.

ALEX: Ah...Anjelica Deveraux, this is...Will Horton. Will is...Sonny's fiancé. Will...meet my mother.

Anjelica gives a surprised smile, turning to shake Will's hand, which he accepts, though still unsure what to make of the situation.

ANJELICA: Ahh! Will!
WILL: Pleased to meet you.
ANJELICA: And I, you. You know, I have always really admired the Horton family. Such a pillar of our community. Tom and Alice were such lovely people.

Justin rolling his eyes at Anjelica's phoney interest in Will, turns to head for the dining room.

JUSTIN: (sigh) Talk about laying it on thick.

Justin turns back to motion the others into the dining room.

JUSTIN: Come on, guys. Let's get this over with before we lose what's left of our appetites.

Will smiles awkwardly, not sure whether to laugh at Justin's joke or not, as Anjelica nods to Will and touches her son's forearm on her way into the next room.

ANJELICA: I'll see you in there.

Leaving Alex and Will alone in the living room, the tension between them remains. Will looks up at Alex, unsure what to say.

WILL: Ah...so I didn't...I didn't know your mom was in town.
ALEX: Yeah...we're...not exactly close. I mean...
WILL: It's okay. I understand. My mom and I have...a similar relationship.

Alex and Will share a laugh. As things grow quiet again, Will's eyes squint a bit, looking at Alex with concern.

WILL: Ahhh....so, I haven't had a chance to ask anybody yet but...I know there's been a huge upheaval at work today. What does that mean for us?

Alex is taken aback by Will's question, leaving him momentarily speechless.

---

Kate gets up from her seat across from Gabi at Club TBD, looking disgusted. She gives Nick a murderous glare.

KATE: Well, I don't know how you managed this, but don't expect me to cowtow to your every demand. I expect to be able to continue to run my business the way I see fit.

Nick plays it cool, as usual. Shaking his head as he gently responds to Kate, hands in his pockets.

NICK: Not to worry. Just make sure that you stay out of my way, and you'll have all the autonomy you need.


All three turn abruptly upon hearing Sami's voice from behind them. She's revved up to play her part in the ruse, and takes on a snide tone straight away.

SAMI: GABI! Don't sign anything. I have news.

Nick turns to face Sami, smiling even wider now that the games have really begun.

NICK: Sami! Glad you could join us!

Sami reaches into her bag, handing Gabi a document of her own.

SAMI: Gabi, I need you to reconsider Kate's offer. You don't wanna be working under Nick. He's been named CEO of Titan.
GABI: Sami, I know, he...

Sami doesn't wait for Gabi to answer, instead carrying on in her fake tirade.

SAMI: He told you, okay. GREAT. But he didn't tell you that he's completely ineffective as CEO without also holding controlling stock interest. So he won't be able to do for your career what I can, seeing as he'll be working in a hostile environment.

Nick immediately interjects, cutting Sami off before she can continue making her "case".

NICK: Aaactually, Sami. That part's not quite true. As I was just telling Kate and Gabi...I just got the stock I needed to take controlling interest.
SAMI: You what?
NICK: Yeah! Isn't that fantastic?
SAMI: That's impossible. You don't have the resources to buy up 1,000 shares, let alone the amount it would take to take 51%...

Kate, and Sami both realize at the same moment, with Gabi putting the pieces together moments after.

SAMI: ...You have a benefactor.
NICK: Not quite.
SAMI: Bull.
NICK: No! Honestly. Titan shares are worth next to nothing at this point. It was actually pretty easy for me to buy up shares from the public supply at cut rate prices bit by bit over the last few months. Thanks to a rather...generous infusion of cash from Julie, some good timing with a good broker, plus my big bonus for my hard work on the latest foundation line for MadWorld, my package for taking over as CEO...I ah...well, I managed to secure the last bits I needed to take advantage when a major shareholder gave up her piece of the pie.

Nick shrugs, convinced he's thrown Sami and Kate off the trail, but Sami's not so convinced. She bites her tongue, instead looking at an equally unconvinced Kate.

KATE: That's still millions of dollars in shares, Nick.

Nick nods, casually.

NICK: Mmhmm. See, when you start investing and you make a couple good deals...it all snowballs.

Sami stops herself, looking over at Kate, who looks on cautiously.

SAMI: Gabi. Choose wisely. Your future depends on it. Call me when you decide.

Sami nods to Kate, then Nick.

SAMI: Kate. Nick.

As Sami takes off, Nick chuckles to himself, sitting himself down at the table with Gabi. Kate, putting on her purse, preparing to leave, looks to Gabi.

KATE: Gabi, Sami's right. You need to choose wisely. Go with the team that has your back.

Kate's eyes widen, almost in disbelief of what's coming out of her mouth. Gabi looks down at the papers on the table, as Kate turns to Nick.

KATE: Nick, thank you for filling me in.
NICK: Oh, are you kidding? It was my pleasure.
KATE: I'm sure it was. Have a great evening.

Kate turns away, rolling her eyes at Nick as she follows Sami out of the building.


Just outside the door, both women breathe a sigh of relief.

SAMI: Do you think we got him fooled?
KATE: I don't know, but I think we need to find out who's bankrolling this, and fast.

Sami's expression morphs into one of worry.

---

Marlena paces Valerie's office, deeply troubled by her earlier suggestion.

MARLENA: Valerie, I can't just go around asking everyone Roman's related to for DNA samples. I know I'm gonna run into...well, more than just some resistance.
VALERIE: It doesn't hurt to ask. This is extremely important, particularly if we're going to attempt to properly treat his symptoms.
MARLENA: I know that, Valerie, but...these people have over twenty years invested in this man. My children...to them, this is their father.
VALERIE: Then don't ask them right away. Maybe Roman's sister can do it.

Marlena sighs, turning her back to Valerie, as she shakes her head.

MARLENA: I couldn't do that to Kim. I mean...she has it hard enough right now dealing with Theresa being in a coma, Caroline's health is in decline, Shane is off doing God knows what with the ISA. She's worried about her brother, she's not going to want the rug pulled out from under her again.

Valerie gets up from  her desk, putting a hand on Marlena's shoulder in comfort.

VALERIE: Marlena, your life isn't exactly a cakewalk right now, either. And the more you wait, and the more you agonize over whether or not this man you've thought was Roman all these years is actually the real deal?

Marlena turns to face Valerie, tears in her eyes. Valerie puts both hands on Marlena's shoulders, looking worriedly into Marlena's eyes.

VALERIE: Honey, I'm afraid of what carrying this burden entirely on your own shoulders could do to you.

---

The door of the large, remote Italian villa open to the living area, as a staff member ushers Stefano inside.

Once inside, Stefano removes his jacket, casually laying it down on the back of the armchair, as he looks on inside the dimly lit room. A chair is turned to face the large window, facing a picturesque view of the sea.

Stefano chuckles in his inimitable fashion, as he claps his hands together a single time, excited to have finally arrived. He calls out to the person in the chair.

STEFANO: Ahh! Tell me the good news. Is our patient finally ready?

The chair turns, as Dr. Rolf looks Stefano's way, giving him a half-hearted smile.

DR. ROLF: Not quite. But, I feel we should be ready any day.
STEFANO: Good. We have waited long enough. The time will soon come to put our plan into action.

Dr. Rolf nods, as Stefano looks off, determination in his eyes.

---