As Lexie Catches Up With Her Family, Paulina Grapples With Losing Abe and EJ’s Diabolical Plan Rolls Forward

Theo and Abe sit vigil by Lexie’s bedside (which has been moved to the center of the room for reasons unknown) as she’s out cold again. Kayla shows up with the news that between dental records and DNA, it’s Lexie!

Theo Breaks the News to Lexie

The fellas, of course, both knew it. They’ve got a connection. As for the sleeping so much, Kayla points out that her body’s exhausted. Coming back from the dead takes a lot of energy! But vitals, reflexes, brain activity, no more tumors — it’s all copasetic. Lexie is back. Once Kayla’s gone, Theo offers to sit with his mom so Abe can talk to Paulina.

Lexie wakes up pretty much as soon as Abe leaves, horrified when Theo claims to be her son. He gently explains she “passed on” and it’s 2026! (Oof. Imagine waking up NOW. Maybe keep current events/technology to yourself, Theo.) He convinces her by talking about the train stamp she got him and they embrace in joyful tears.

Will Paulina Lose Abe?

Paulina’s sitting alone out in the reception area, when Marlena notices something’s off and gets an earful about Lexie. Paulina’s already sure Abe’s going to leave her. (And there’s definitely a good chance!) Despite Marlena’s assurance and support, Paulina knows that Abe’s love for her is different from his for Lexie. “I already know. I’ve lost him.”

It looks like that’s Marlena’s cue to give up, because she’s gone by the time Chanel arrives to pick up Johnny and get her biopsy. As soon as Chanel finds out what’s happening, she realizes Lexie was the dilemma eating at her mom. Chanel assures Paulina that Abe loves her — and that’s when Abe steps out and asks for a word.

Kayla chats it up with Marlena in her office to talk over the Lexie drama and the chess set that Marlena turned down, uninterested in what it does or what it means. (Which is totally something, so don’t think it’s just going away.) Marlena’s thrilled Lexie’s back, but they’re both feeling sad for Paulina. She knows how it felt when Roman came back (you know, after thinking John was Roman).

Who’s Next for EJ?

EJ’s called Gwen over to the mansion to let her know about their “patient.” She’s awake! But in the hospital, thanks to Leo. Gwen’s furious, but since Lexie’s all well and good, EJ’s ready to “proceed to the next step of the plan.” (Step One: Make drug. Step Two: Make money?)

Yup! Make money. They’re selling the drug on the black market. Lovely. So this is pretty much for supervillains and the ultra wealthy? (Sorry, that’s redundant.) EJ’s already gotten offers from prospective buyers up to ten figures — which is billions, as Gwen helpfully points out.

That’s when EJ strikes. Since he’s the only one attached to this, he’s taking most of the risk and he should take most of the earnings. Her anger doesn’t budge him. She doesn’t have a legal leg to stand on and it’s take what he gives her or nothing. Gwen’s furious, but EJ doesn’t budge. The next thing they need to do is prove “Our success can be repeated.” Ooh, who’s next?!

In the Show’s Final Moments

Steve drops by Alex and Stephanie’s to talk with his son-in-law and, shockingly, says he’s doing the right thing. Alex assures his father-in-law that he’ll always make sure Stephanie knows she’s his priority. Steve believes him, but it won’t be easy. He went through this too. (Except his kid tried to kill his wife at first. Good ol’ Tripp.) He promises it’ll all work out. (Sorry, we’re just gonna go laugh for a bit.)

Once Abe updates Paulina, he admits he’s struggling. He doesn’t know what to do. “You need to support your wife,” Paulina tells him. “You need to help her recover.” Abe insists Paulina’s his wife, too, but she brings up the technicality. “Am I??” Abe tells Paulina he loves her. She says it back, then pushes him back to Lexie. “I want you to go. Leave!”

Chanel comes back to comfort her mom who says Abe just needed her permission to go back to Lexie and she gave it to him. (Really? Is that what happened, Paulina?)

Theo and Lexie are catching up when Abe returns. It’s a happy reunion, then Lexie notices he’s still got the same ring on. Awkwardness… “Or is that not the same ring?” Abe stammers out that it took time, but he did move on after almost 15 years. Lexie’s face freezes and she starts to cry.