Days of our Lives Recap, October 22, 2025: EJ recruits a familiar face for his secret project

On Days of our Lives today, Wednesday, October 22, 2025, Cat has another family reunion, Leo does some digging, and Alex and Stephanie confront Jeremy.

What Happened on Days of our Lives

At the Horton house, Thomas observed Jeremy mulling over his phone. Jeremy revealed he was working on a dating profile, and Thomas lightly chided him about it and watched as Jeremy finished the questionnaire. After Jeremy promised to show Thomas how to play one of Jeremy’s stated hobbies, bocce, Thomas said he was glad Jeremy would be his teacher…even if Jeremy had busted him on Thomas’ failure to do his homework. Jeremy apologized and affirmed that he just wanted Thomas to succeed. He offered to be a listening ear if Thomas wanted to open up about his recent struggles.

Thomas did give Jeremy the brief version of his dilemma – namely, that his dad had dated a lady who had lied about being his mom, and that his dad had then lied about the relationship to Thomas. Jeremy compelled Thomas to hear his dad out. Chad had forgiven the woman, so she must have been truly sorry for what she had done. Thomas asked Jeremy if he would help Chad make a dating profile so his dad could find a nicer person. Jeremy pinky-promised Thomas that he would talk to Chad about the idea.

At the Titan offices, Alex and Stephanie prepped for the book launch. Julie arrived to discuss her bookstore’s plans for the launch. When Stephanie offered an in-person book signing at the bookstore, Julie was excited but confused. She wondered if “Anastasia” would wear a disguise. Stephanie floored Julie by disclosing that Stephanie herself was the secretive author. Julie gushed that One Stormy Night was “very graphic” but also “beautifully written.”

Alex was certain that Stephanie’s newest novel, Write Out, would be an even bigger hit. Julie questioned why Stephanie had chosen to reveal her identity, since it would take away some of the mystique from “Anastasia.” Stephanie said she had no choice because a certain “nosy reporter” was on the verge of outing her. Julie immediately pegged the reporter as Leo, who had a special knack for “ruining everything.” Stephanie admitted that she had decided the best course of action would be to “collaborate” with Leo on the reveal.

Although Julie was happy to help, she realized she might be forced to work with “that insufferable –” Cue a dancing Leo’s grand entrance into the office. Leo took off his earbuds and pledged to Stephanie that he would not reveal her secret. Stephanie was skeptical, but Leo claimed he wanted to be better and to be a trusted friend to his former Body and Soul colleague. He did encourage Stephanie to proceed with her plan to reveal herself, however.

Stephanie announced she did want to go forward with the plan…and she wanted Leo’s help. Leo agreed on the condition that he would get first dibs on an interview and on the condition that he could attend the book signing. Julie balked at the latter idea until Leo pointed out the free publicity for the bookstore, at which point she begrudgingly acquiesced. Stephanie believed the arrangement could be beneficial for everyone involved. Leo and she shook on it.

While Alex escorted Julie outside, Leo attempted to pump Stephanie for information about EJ and the blackout. Stephanie let him know that a statement had already been released, and that was her final word on the subject. Leo sarcastically thanked the “vixen of vulgarity, queen of quips and quivers” for her help and took his leave. Alex returned to the office and closed the door for a more private celebration.

Later, in Horton Town Square, Alex and Stephanie imagined the glitz and glamour of her newfound celebrity. Stephanie grew reticent and worried aloud about how her life might change once she lost her anonymity and privacy. Alex said it was okay if Stephanie had second thoughts about revealing herself. Stephanie remained determined to bite the bullet, especially since Jeremy had forced her hand. The man himself soon made an appearance, and Stephanie glared at him.

Jeremy said he should leave and began to walk away, but Alex called him out about his “bitch move.” A confused Jeremy questioned if Alex had taken his meds, and Stephanie restrained Alex from attacking his adversary. Alex got in Jeremy’s face about ratting Stephanie out to Leo Stark, and Jeremy responded, “Who the hell is Leo Stark?” Alex raged some more before Stephanie pulled him away. As the couple left, Stephanie cautioned Jeremy to “stay away.”

At the Brady Pub, Leo harangued EJ for an “in-depth” tour of the free clinic construction site. EJ essentially told the reporter to buzz off. Later, Chad joined EJ at a table, and the brothers discussed Theo’s appointment as CEO of DiMera Enterprises. While EJ conceded that Theo was “a very bright young man,” he harbored some resentment toward Tony for choosing Theo over Johnny as the “next generation” of the family business. Chad reminded EJ that the company was back under DiMera control, which was the most important development.

The talk soon turned to Chad and EJ’s personal lives. Chad updated EJ on what Rachel had said to Thomas. EJ disapproved of the girl hurting Thomas out of spite, but Chad wanted to move on and fix his relationship with his son. When EJ mentioned Cat’s “heartbroken” state, Chad pointed a finger at his brother and warned him not to try and “pick up the pieces” for Cat.

EJ strongly insisted he only had a professional interest in Cat, so Chad backed off. EJ then apologized for Chad’s problems with his son and ruminated about the pain that a parent would feel because of estrangement from their child.

In Horton Town Square, Cat strolled through the area with the newly released Mark. She informed him that Felicity was planning a big welcome-home family dinner, and the siblings stressed how much they had missed each other. Just as Cat had mentioned a "fresh start," someone caught Mark’s eye in the distance. Cat turned to see Chad staring back at them. The trio shared uncomfortable glances before Chad walked off without a word.

Mark chastised himself for freezing and for not "manning up" and apologizing to Chad. Cat assured Mark he had plenty of time and urged him – and herself – to forget the past and look to the future. Mark wondered what had happened to Chad and Cat’s developing friendship, and Cat admitted it had turned into much more. She got emotional as she confided her feelings for Chad and his family’s reaction, so Mark hugged her.

Cat composed herself and redirected the conversation to Mark’s search for a job. Even though his medical license had been suspended, Mark admitted he would still love to work at the hospital in some capacity. He didn’t think Kayla would give him the chance, though. Cat prodded her brother to plead his case with her boss – and the hospital’s new owner – EJ.

Later, in the park, Chad saw Cat reading a book. After an uncertain pause, he walked up and got her attention. She awkwardly greeted him, and he apologized for leaving abruptly in the square. Cat reassured him that Mark was the one who had felt guilty for the encounter; she stressed to him how grateful her brother had been for Chad not fighting the release.

Chad was happy for Cat’s family, which prompted Cat to ask about Chad’s family. Chad confessed that things hadn’t been going well with Thomas, to the point that Thomas had asked to move to Boston with his grandparents. Cat felt horrible and urged Chad to be patient with Thomas, as the boy would probably come around once he realized that Chad and Cat were truly over. Cat sadly suggested Chad leave before someone saw them together, and the two shared a painful parting.

At the hospital, Leo stepped over the yellow caution tape and snooped around the lab's construction site. Someone suddenly appeared behind him and drew Leo’s attention. It was Rita, who was wearing a hard hat. She declared that Leo was trespassing. When Rita threatened to have him thrown off the premises, Leo made up a story about searching for an earbud he had lost during his rescue of Gwen. Rita ordered him to leave, lest something happen to his “symmetrical face.” Leo tried to make nice but realized Rita meant business and beat a quick retreat.

Meanwhile, Mark hesitantly entered EJ’s hospital office. He tried to make small talk with EJ about the book EJ was reading, which happened to be Cat's reading selection as well: Wuthering Heights. EJ ignored him until Mark introduced himself. Then, EJ put the book down and demanded to know why Mark was there. Mark began by saying his sister had encouraged him to talk with EJ because EJ was “an understanding man” who would do anything for his family.

Mark expressed his deep regret for what he had done to Chad, but stressed he would have never gone through with Clyde’s order. He handed his resume to EJ and pitched his experience, including his research work that had helped put him through med school. EJ studied the resume with interest as Mark made his case.

When Mark expressed his hope that EJ would keep him in mind for any hospital opening and started to leave, EJ stopped him and said he had an idea. EJ proposed that Mark work for him on a “private research project,” on the condition that Mark sign a non-disclosure agreement. Despite a brief hesitation, Mark accepted the deal.

Later, Rita made her way into EJ’s office. EJ gave his assistant her new marching orders: do a thorough background check on Mark Greene and ensure the man would follow EJ’s every command. Rita put a damper on EJ’s mood by telling him about the monkey wrench that was Leo Stark. EJ slammed the desk and angrily stated that they needed to take care of “the little weasel…sooner rather than later.”

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