As Lexie Grows Weaker, EJ Faces Accusations from All Sides — and Chad and Bell May Have Gotten a New Clue!

Chad shows up to gather Julie for a double Verdi date with him and Belle, but Foster had to cancel on account of a summer cold. Luckily, as he gets to Belle’s to pick her up, Julie calls and asks Marlena to take Foster’s ticket!

Did Julie Blow It With Foster?

They all get to the square for the big Verdi Concert. (So… where are they performing?) Julie’s still beside herself with the arsenic poisoning, while Marlena feels bad for Foster getting sick. Julie thinks that might just be an excuse. She’s afraid her depression and “confusion” after their date ruined things.

 The “concert” begins, with a handful of people sitting at the square tables, two folks standing and Belle and EJ taking the bench, while musicians play in what might be… in front of Small Bar? Then the concert wraps up and Marlena assures Julie that Foster will be up to join her next time. And that’s perfect timing for Foster to text and say he’ll make it up with another concert!

Paulina Offers Chanel Advice

Chanel’s still going over the arsenic gave her cancer theory when Paulina drops by. She shows off her new locks and Paulina breaks out the new stuffed bear she brought to spoil her grandbaby with. Johnny, though, can’t stick around — he’s got an errand to run! Paulina starts pulling out even more gifts, and it doesn’t take long for Chanel to notice the missing wedding ring and getting the latest Lexie lowdown.

Paulina and Abe’s marriage is no longer valid. Paulina shuffles the conversation back to Chanel, who admits she’s fighting from lashing out at Johnny. It’s like he’s afraid to touch her. Paulina makes a face at the mention of making love, but… “Maybe you should take the lead on this!” Answer the door naked! (Nope. Not advice we ever need from our mom.)

Will Theo Forgive Abe?

Theo asks Abe to stop by his office to give him Paulina’s ring back — and ask for some advice. He feels like Johnny’s hiding something from him. He may very well be, Abe confirms. In fact, that may be because of EJ. He never wanted Theo as CEO and Johnny acted without his father’s blessing.

And on that note… Abe comes clean about his deal with EJ, which he totally didn’t have to since Johnny’s secret is the arsenic.Theo handles it about as well as the other betrayals, accusations and lies he has lately. He walks out on Abe.

Did EJ Actually Poison Chanel?

EJ tells Rita to prepare the private island and prepare the staff, which is just when Lexie wakes up. “EJ…” She says she just came to (Judging by yesterday, she at least heard part of that island stuff. But can Lexie save Kristen?) and asks what happened, then takes in the news that Dr. Rolf is gone. As Lexie goes off on what EJ and Rolf did, her brother admits he got too caught up in the excitement of having her back. In any case, she needs to figure out her next move. EJ tells her she’s a DiMera. “Formidable. Strong. The finest among us.”

  Lexie leaves (Rita already scurried off somewhere) and Johnny shows up to rage at his dad for the arsenic. Chanel drank the water, lost their baby, then got cancer. Arsenic? Please! EJ blames it on a radioactive Paulina! (The arsenic may be rewriting history and be far-fetched… But we’ve gotta admit it’s less crazy than a glowing Paulina.)

EJ does point out the amount of people who’ve stayed at the cabin before and after Chanel, and no one else got cancer. That’s true enough… But it made Holly sick and now Johnny has to lie to everyone from Brady to Theo and — EJ finally snaps. “Stop being so melodramatic, Johnny!” This is what a CEO does, he yells, so suck it up and do it!

In the Show’s Final Moments

Abe joins Lexie at the Pub and shares the bad news about Theo. But he gets worried when Lexie looks like she’s about to pass out. Lexie just claims she’s a bit dehydrated. She’s more worried about Theo. (Today is a day of deflection for… everyone.)

Johnny gets home to Chanel in a trench coat and a new bob — complete with French accent! Sorry, not Chanel. Coco, international woman of mystery! It works like a charm. And even helps Johnny realize what’s going on and apologize for not making love lately. He hasn’t wanted to push her into anything. That settled, they get down to business and the coat drops.

EJ’s throwing back drinks when Rita returns. She’s back, but won’t say from doing what. But then… Some guy hands Belle a program in the square, claiming she dropped it. But she didn’t. After he disappears, Chad spots something on the program.