Stefano’s Will Reading Brings a String of Surprise Guests, Capping Off With You-Know-Who’s Big Return

Chad and Cat arrive at the DiMera mansion for the Big Day, while inside, Theo nervously prepares to lead the will reading. Anna and Tony get in, much to her annoyance, so she’s all too happy to step out with Chad and give Tony a chance to find out what the hell Theo is thinking.

Rita Slips Up

Down in the tunnels, Rita tells EJ that Rolf is the only one who knows anything about the codicil. He’ll be watching Lexie while they do the reading. Then EJ gets a call that an Alamainian charter plane just landed at the airport.

Cat heads out into the garden to pick some flowers (why not just buy them from the mysterious flower cart?) and spots Leo, binoculars in hand. He’s “bird watching” from a respectful distance, and has no interest in leaving. So she just tells him to stay out of trouble, because she’s busy. Once she walks off, Rita walks by, distracted, giving Leo the perfect chance to follow her! (OK, but she didn’t hear them just talking??)

Cat Gets Her Chance

Back inside, Tony insists he wanted Theo running the company. “What did my brother hold over your head to make you quit?” But Theo won’t crack, and when Abe walks in, they join the family in the dining room. Cat gets back in with the flowers for the ceremony as EJ comes up from the cellar with “Father’s favorites!” (Wine, of course.)

 Out in the front hall, Chad lets Rita in, acting all like she just got there and EJ leaves Cat to “finish a few things” for the reception. Which means sneaking into the tunnels.

Kristen and Marlena Go At It

Meanwhile, Kristen and Marlena bump into each other in the square, which is the perfect place to fight over Rachel. They spar over whose family is worse (yours, Kristen) and Kristen points out that Marlena hates EJ as much as she does. Marlena has the perfect comeback, reminding us that EJ wouldn’t exist if not for Kristen. Stefano tricked Susan into having his baby and gave little Elvis to his adopted daughter. All EJ’s done stems from Kristen. (I mean… Not no.)

A ticked off Kristen taunts Marlena into coming to the will reading, then goes there herself. Everyone’s finally in place: the DiMeras, Rita… and Harold! We have Harold! He is still around!

What’s In Stefano’s Will?

Theo gets started with Stefano claiming this will is real and final. As opposed to all the others. (How many are we at?) Everything is being equally divided amongst his offspring — Maison Blanche, Melaswen, the mansion, the islands, commercial holdings. The doorbell rings and Harold goes to get it. For real! (Why is this so exciting?)

It’s Marlena, of course, so Abe offers her seat. Continuing on: Rita, Harold and Rolf all have homes in the city of their choice and trusts to care for them if they retire: (“Boca!” Rita gasps. “Toledo!” Harold sighs. For real.) John and Marlena — Stefano’s Pawn and Queen — receive a chess set with two special pieces. (Two guesses as to which.)

They’re all a bit underwhelmed, and Marlena declines it and walks out. But the way the camera lingers on it, it’s clear there’s more than meets the eye. (Come on people, you all should know this!)

A Surprise Widow

Stefano’s will ends telling his family to forgive, move on and learn to work together and hold their heads high as DiMeras. “Increase our prominence in Salem and the world!” It’s all quite epic. The doorbell rings again and Harold gets it again. (I could seriously cry.)

Gabi sweeps right in to say the Alamainian plane was not Dimitri, but Philip. She is, indeed, Stefan’s widow. Philip got the confirmation from Ivan and Tony’s about the only one who looks vaguely tickled.

In the Show’s Final Moments

Cat, meanwhile, sneaks around the tunnels until she runs into Leo, doing the same. He found the entrance Rita emerged from — and catches on that Cat’s down there spying on EJ, too. He realizes that Dimitri was right about Cat being ISA. She’s been investigating him all this time!

She rambles on all the reasons why she’s worried about EJ that aren’t her being ISA, but all he cares about is working together. They hear something and sneak into a room.

The DiMeras and DiMera adjacent all grab a glass and raise a toast to Father. (It’s kinda cultish, and it kinda works.) And just as they do… Lexie walks out of the secret tunnel. (Not gonna lie, despite feeling this has taken too long: Chills! Pure chills!)