7 Daily Soaps characters who were double-crossed right before they were about to win

Soap operas are all about drama, but double-crossing someone when they think they've already won is somehow particularly stomach-twisting. That's what hooks viewers to the TV, screaming at the television, and on the edge of their seats until the next installment. Betrayal in the universe of American daily soaps isn't simply anticipated; it's a work of art. Whether it is a relative turning against his own kin or a lover with ulterior motives, these are typically the betrayals that hit at the peak of a narrative, turning everything around.

Some of TV's most legendary characters have been backstabbed just before they reached everything they struggled for. These are more than mere shock value; they underscore the emotional complexity, ambition, and vulnerability of soap opera characters who are often larger than life.

From boardroom coups to custody wars, they all do it and hurt all the time. Here are seven unforgettable U.S. soap characters cruelly double-crossed just before their ultimate victory. Each of their tales exemplifies the grandeur of soap narrative: complicated, emotional, and completely addictive. So let's take a dive into the betrayals that shocked fans.

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Daily Soaps characters who were double-crossed right before they were about to win

1) Adam Newman – The Young and the Restless

Adam Newman, one of the main players on The Young and the Restless, has experienced his own share of double-crosses. After working day and night to reclaim Newman Enterprises, Adam was double-crossed by his father Victor, who tricked him into believing that he was going to inherit the company. In a stunning reversal, Victor again stole the company away from Adam's fingers. This heartbreaking scene left Adam wondering where he belonged in the family. In 2024, Adam was presented with a fresh challenge as he still wrestled with his trust issues while attempting to earn his father's approval.

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2) Sami Brady – Days of Our Lives

Sami Brady has had plenty of backstabbing done to her on Days of Our Lives, but one of her most significant betrayals took place during her custody battle for her twin children. Just when it looked like Sami was about to win custody, the ultimate betrayal occurred; her mother, Marlena, sided against her with their own daughter, Allie. With all impartiality gone, nothing could be worse than that betrayal. In 2025, Sami returned to Salem to defend her family's honor but was hit again by the second betrayal from Eric, her brother, who had plotted against her and brought on further discomfort to her chances of reconciliation.

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3) J.R. Ewing – Dallas

J.R. Ewing, the Dallas villain, was not unfamiliar with double-crossing, but he himself was double-crossed at a critical juncture. During the 1980s, when J.R. was on the verge of closing a big deal to expand his family's oil business, his loyal partner, Sly, double-crossed him. This double-cross resulted in J.R. losing millions and losing control of Ewing Oil. The surprise unveiled Sly's actual loyalty, crippling J.R.'s business dealings. Even during the 2010 revival of Dallas, J.R. endured additional betrayals, as his own family schemed against him in a desperate bid to bring down the Ewing dynasty.

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4) Brooke Logan – The Bold and the Beautiful

Brooke Logan, The Bold and the Beautiful's most beloved character, has been betrayed time and again, but none of those hurt so much as when her daughter, Hope, turned against her at a critical juncture. Brooke was poised to take Forrester Creations' CEO role, but Hope's betrayal – aligning with her former stepfather, Ridge – destroyed Brooke's aspirations. The aftermath of this family split gave Brooke's story additional depth. In 2025, things became thicker when Brooke was once more betrayed by her own sister, Katie, who exposed clandestine business arrangements that endangered her position in the Forrester family.

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5) Victor Kiriakis – Days of Our Lives

Victor Kiriakis built an empire of power and manipulation, but even he was not immune to being betrayed. One of the biggest surprises in the history of Days of Our Lives was when his nephew, Xander, betrayed him by secretly collaborating with the DiMera family to bring down his business empire. Just as Victor had thought he had solidified his power, Xander's betrayal cost him millions and put his long-time dominance in Salem at risk. Flash forward to 2025, and Victor was again betrayed, this time by his own daughter, Maggie, who had secretly partnered with a competitor to pilfer his most valued business properties.

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6) Erica Kane – All My Children

All My Children's on-again, off-again diva Erica Kane has had more than her fair share of brushes with betrayal over the course of her illustrious career. But perhaps one of the most memorable examples of double-crossing occurred during her contentious custody fight for daughter Bianca. Just as Erica was about to emerge victorious in the battle and gain full custody, Jackson Montgomery, her loyal boyfriend, betrayed her by taking the stand against her in court, assisting Bianca's father in gaining custody. This poignant moment was a turning point for Erica's character. In 2025, viewers saw her return to Pine Valley, only to discover her enemies once again plotting behind her back.

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7) Stefano DiMera – Days of Our Lives

Stefano DiMera, the infamous master manipulator, has been betrayed countless times on Days of Our Lives, but perhaps one of the biggest shocks was when his own son, EJ, betrayed him. After years of helping Stefano build his empire, Stefano was caught off guard by EJ, who schemed to steal the DiMera family business for himself. Just when Stefano believed that victory was in sight, his plans were foiled by EJ's betrayal. Stefano's response was explosive, demonstrating the limits of his ability. In 2024, when DiMera family intrigue was at an all-time high, Stefano was again betrayed by his best friends in his last efforts to hold onto his empire.