Days of our Lives Recap, July 30, 2025: Susan has an unsettling premonition

On Days of our Lives today, Wednesday, July 30, 2025, EJ and Belle take off the gloves, Sarah confronts Sophia, and Holly has big news for Tate.

What Happened on Days of our Lives

In Sophia’s room, a somber Sophia hugged her stuffed animal. She read a text from Tate and sighed. “Please let this go, Tate, for both our sakes,” she said to herself. Amy’s arrival did nothing to improve Sophia’s mood. As soon as she came into the room, Amy demanded that Sophia stop lying around and remarked how she’d been at church the next Sunday after giving birth to Sophia. The comment angered Sophia, and Amy redirected her ire at Sophia’s decision to go to Chicago and “give away” Amy's grandchild without telling anyone.

Amy said Tate was probably just as angry as she was. Sophia had had enough and blasted her mom for making the adoption about everyone but Sophia, who had been the one to carry the baby -- whom she nearly blurted out was a "he" before stopping herself -- for nine months. “This is my life, and I have a say in it,” she firmly added. Amy reined in her anger and sat beside Sophia on the bed. She apologized for seeming to discount Sophia’s feelings and explained that having a child was like “your heart living outside your body, unprotected.” Amy’s heart was “aching” for Sophia because all the feelings of love and protection Sophia felt for her child were the same feelings Amy had for Sophia.

Sophia broke down and cried in her mom’s arms. After she calmed, Sophia reassured Amy that she felt at peace knowing her “daughter” was with people who adored her and who could care for her. Amy was concerned about Sophia’s state of mind and her physical condition. She observed that Sophia felt feverish and decided they needed to go to the hospital to rule out an infection. When Amy tried to pull Sophia up, however, Sophia jerked her hand away.

Sophia dismissed her reaction as frustration at consistently being “poked and prodded.” She argued that she’d had an examination in Chicago. Amy was insistent, though, and instructed Sophia to get ready for a check-up.

At the Kiriakis mansion, Maggie updated Holly on the turn of events with Julie’s necklace. Holly was happy that Julie and Doug III had seemingly gotten to a better place. When Holly mentioned she was meeting Tate at the pub, Maggie asked how he was doing. As Holly relayed how disappointed Tate had been about not meeting his daughter, Sarah arrived and overheard. She wondered to Maggie and Holly why Sophia had gone to Chicago so close to her due date.

Holly told Sarah about Sophia’s supposed meeting with adoptive parents, which seemed to get Sarah’s gears turning. Sarah invited Holly to join Maggie and her for lunch, but Holly declined and left to see Tate. Sarah was sorry that Maggie cut her trip short because of Holly’s kidnapping. Both were relieved that Holly and Ari were okay, and Maggie turned the family talk to Victoria. Sarah revealed that Xander and she had agreed on shared custody, and the news pleased Maggie.

Maggie quickly noted Sarah’s dejected mood. Sarah then disclosed that custody wasn’t the only issue she’d settled with Xander. She opened up about their mutual decision to file for legal separation. While the choice had been hard for Sarah, she admitted that a part of her felt “free.”

Later, in a hospital examining room, Sarah evaluated Sophia and questioned why Sophia’s uterus had contracted so quickly following the baby's recent birth. While Sophia brushed off the question, she was caught off guard when Sarah broached the subject of the ultrasound, which had indicated Sophia was having a boy. Sarah asked Sophia to confide in her, but Sophia got defensive and told Sarah that doctor-patient confidentiality would prevent Sarah from conveying any suspicions.

Sarah explained the confidentiality had its “limits.” She needed to know that the baby – “he” – was safe. Sophia was horrified that Sarah was implying she might have harmed the baby. Sarah gently reiterated that Sophia’s story didn’t add up, and she needed firm confirmation that the baby wasn’t in danger – or else she would be obligated to contact the authorities. Sophia relented and promised Sarah the whole story.

After Sophia confessed the truth to Sarah, she asked if Sarah would say anything. Amy interrupted the conversation before Sarah could answer. After a beat, Sarah told her mother and daughter that Sophia was good to go and compelled Sophia to get in touch if she needed anything. Sophia cut her off with an “I’m fine” and left with Amy, while casting a worried glance back at Sarah.

In the courtroom, Johnny chastised EJ for going after Roman on the stand. EJ defended that he was only trying to create a reasonable doubt for the jury. Johnny left, since the trial had concluded for the day. Belle approached and complimented EJ on his opening statement. EJ angrily replied, “I wish I could say the same about yours.” He blasted her for making Johnny out to be a premeditated, cold-blooded killer.

Belle icily reminded EJ that he’d done the same to Roman. She had a job to do, just like EJ. He didn’t see the comparison because Belle was betraying her own family. She shot back that she hadn’t wanted to prosecute her nephew. EJ had been the one to get her put back on the case, under the guise of wanting a “fair” trial.

“This is what a fair trial looks like,” Belle affirmed. She was being “watched like a hawk,” and she was not on the case just to “put my thumb on the scale” in favor of EJ. Belle angrily told the "Counselor" she’d see him tomorrow and prepared to leave. EJ stopped her and apologized for questioning her loyalty to her family, since the family was “in mourning.” Belle acknowledged it had been a difficult time for everyone, especially Marlena.

In Horton Town Square, Chanel joined her mother outside the Bistro for a work break. Chanel worried about how the trial was going. Paulina was focused on EJ not using Chanel as a defense strategy. Chanel said she’d “take the hit” if it meant Johnny’s odds of being acquitted improved. Paulina reminded Chanel that if Jada had to make another arrest eventually, Chanel would likely be the top target.

Paulina didn’t want her daughter to be “railroaded.” Chanel put on a smile when she saw Johnny approaching. She greeted him and asked about the trial. Johnny cracked that it went well, aside from his father going after his grandfather and his aunt “eviscerating” him.

Paulina turned down a lunch invitation from Johnny and Chanel in order to give the couple time alone. Johnny said he’d see Paulina at the trial the next day, since she was up next to testify. With a pointed look at Chanel, Paulina expressed her hope that things would work out for all of them.

Later, a troubled Belle approached Paulina at her table. Paulina thought Belle wanted to go over the testimony, but Belle stunned the mayor by tendering her resignation instead. Belle couldn’t handle prosecuting Johnny and dealing with EJ at the same time. Paulina stopped her mid-rant and advised Belle to let her “handle” EJ. She couldn’t let Belle off the case, thanks to EJ.

Belle said she understood and claimed she was just “blowing off steam” by threatening to quit as DA. Paulina looked forward to the day when EJ’s schemes blew up in his “snide, condescending face.” She considered it “icing on the cake” if the trial ended Belle’s relationship with EJ. Belle sarcastically thanked Paulina for her “hot take” on the relationship and promised Paulina she’d stay the course with the trial.

At the Brady Pub, Tate sent Sophia another text inquiring about pictures of the baby. While he waited for a response, Holly arrived and brightened his mood. He hugged her and expressed how happy he was that she was okay. They talked briefly about Doug’s departure from Salem.

After they settled at the table, Tate told Holly about the cops temporarily keeping his money as evidence. When Holly expressed guilt, Tate assured her he would have emptied out his entire trust fund if it had meant saving her. Holly also felt guilty about being the reason Tate hadn’t gotten to see his baby. Tate didn’t blame Holly at all. He admitted sadness at not meeting the baby, but he had realized that it would have been difficult no matter the circumstances.

When he’d believed Johnny and Chanel would adopt the baby, at least Tate had been able to comfort himself with the idea of watching his child grow up. Enter Johnny and Chanel, who walked up to the table. Tate brought up the trial and expressed his belief in Johnny’s innocence. Johnny thanked him and hesitantly mentioned the baby’s birth, which he’d heard about from Marlena. Tate informed Chanel and Johnny about the adoption, and the couple offered an awkward congratulations.

After some small talk about Holly’s kidnapping, Johnny and Chanel departed, but not before Chanel told Tate how relieved she was that things had worked out for Tate, Sophia, and the baby. When the couple left, Holly asked if Tate was okay. He said he’d made peace with Johnny’s decision. Holly reasoned that the decision had probably been for the best, considering Johnny’s current predicament. And at least the baby wouldn’t be raised with the DiMeras, as Holly attested to how that could mess with anyone.

Tate looked at his phone again and pondered if Sophia might be avoiding him. While he understood Sophia was struggling, too, he still felt angry at her choice to leave him out of the adoption. Holly assured him he didn’t sound like a jerk and stated she understood both his and Sophia’s perspectives. She urged Tate to give Sophia time. Tate commended Holly on the grace she was extending to Sophia.

Holly said she wanted to be fair, but Tate called her “amazing.” While he was happy for Holly, it saddened him that she would be leaving right when they were getting back on track. Holly took the opening to announce she wasn’t attending the Sorbonne after all. Tate protested that Holly couldn’t give up her “dream school” because of him.

Holly pledged the decision was right for her because things seemed to be going better between her mom and Eric, Salem University had a great STEM program, and – best of all – she could be closer to Tate. Tate beamed at the news and declared his love for Holly. She happily returned the sentiment.

Over at Johnny and Chanel’s table, Johnny noted Tate’s sadness. He was surprised Tate could even look at him, given that he had taken away Tate’s chance to watch his child grow up. Chanel believed Tate had forgiven Johnny, just as she had. Johnny smiled and affirmed how lucky he was to have Chanel in his life. She vowed that she would not rest until he was exonerated.

Johnny joked about the extreme actions Chanel would take, including recruiting his “psychic grandma” for assistance. He stressed that only EJ had the answers, but EJ couldn’t remember. Chanel seductively suggested they return home so she could make Johnny forget all about court. “Check, please,” Johnny pronounced with a grin.

At the DiMera mansion, EJ made a beeline for a drink. Susan entered the room and put a kibosh on EJ's unwinding by announcing she had “a bone to pick” with her son. Susan had heard all about EJ’s supposed transformation, yet his turning over a new leaf quickly “flew the coop.” EJ vowed he had really changed, but he needed to project strength to defend his son. Susan insisted she could have told EJ all along that Johnny hadn’t shot him…and neither had Johnny’s “sweet little wife.”

EJ suggested Chanel was not as innocent as his mother believed. Susan persisted that Chanel didn’t “have it in her to step on a chirping cricket.” Susan wasn’t so sure that when the truth came out, it would set EJ free. EJ tried to get out of the conversation, but Susan scolded him for dismissing her words. “Sometimes you sound just like your –” she began, then recoiled and cried out.

Alarmed, EJ asked his mother what was wrong. Susan shuddered, looked to Stefano’s portrait, and declared that she strongly sensed his presence. “He’s here, Elvis,” Susan exclaimed. “He’s here!”

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