Ava "fainted" and Steve brought her in the house. Steve let Kayla know that he didn't believe Ava's story. Kayla wasn't sure what to believe anymore. Victor let Maggie know about Ciara's kidnapping. Victor also told Maggie that Hope told about Dr. Salinas to save Ciara. He was worried about Caroline and wanted her to move into the mansion. Kayla told Steve that Ava had to go to the hospital. Maggie said she was okay with Caroline moving in with them. Philip met Theresa and they argued until Brady showed up. Belle thought Chad was sick and she wanted to help him. Chad faked being sick so he could get her to represent him. Belle knew he was with Abby so she didn't believe his act. Abby overheard JJ and Jennifer talking about what Chad did to her. Abby blamed herself for what happened. Abby thought that her situation was too much for him and she understood why he left. Chad told Belle that he and Abby wanted different things. Chad also explained what his father was dealing with financially. Belle found that hard to believe. Brady and Philip talked about the drug and how to get it on the market. Brady didn't want to do it. Victor found Caroline and wanted her to move in with him. Caroline wanted to think about it. Ava was at the hospital. Kayla let her know that her blood work was going to be back soon. Steve didn't believe Ava, but Kayla was starting to believe her. Abby defended Chad to Jennifer and JJ. Brady wanted to help Philip, but not the way he wanted. Chad asked Belle to go out with him. JJ saw Chad with Belle and yelled at him. The test results proved that Ava is sick. Steve didn't want Kayla to believe that. Roman went to Victor to find out why he wanted Caroline to move in with him. Victor explained why he did it. Kayla told Ava that she had Leukemia. Kayla appreciated Ava's apology. Ava didn't want to die without making up for what she did. Abby thought she saw Chad and broke the window. Ava went back to the hotel and peeled off the skin on her arm. She had a blood pocket under the fake skin.
[Sentimental music] Jennifer: All right, here we are, Thomas. You're home. Oh, do you think it's warm enough in here, honey? Abigail: Yeah, it's fine. Way better than where he was born. Jennifer: Well, guess what? That is all behind you now, and you have this beautiful, healthy baby. And he is here for his first Christmas. You know, we can have Chad over if-- Abigail: No. No. Jennifer: Why not? Abigail: It's over. Chad: I'm just asking you to think about it. Belle: Listen, Chad, there are a lot of lawyers in this town. I'm sure one of them would be happy to represent you. Chad: But I don't want them. I want you. [Dramatic music] Belle: You don't even know me. Why the sudden interest, DiMera? Justin: Philip, welcome back. Philip: It's good to be back. Justin: Is it? Really? The last time you left, you seemed pretty determined to stay away. Philip: What can I say? Father made me an offer I couldn't refuse. Justin: Yes, seems like I was the last in the family to hear that Brady was out, and you had his job. Philip: Guess you're out of the loop now that you're the D.A. Justin: Right. Philip: Father's gotta love that. He's finally got a D.A. In his pocket. [Dramatic music] Victor: Brady? What are you doing here? Something wrong? Brady: No, nothing's wrong at all. I was just, uh, turning in my letter of resignation from the hospital board. Victor: You didn't have to do that. Brady: Oh, I'm not with titan anymore. It's not so easy to pull in those big donations like it once was. Victor: That was your choice. Brady: Mm-hmm. How's Philip doing? Victor: Fine, fine. Oh, you're here, good. I was afraid your meeting might drag on. Maggie: I'm--I'm sorry I missed you last night. Brady: I just wanted to say good-bye. Maggie: The house is so quiet without you and Tate. Brady: Well, I gotta go. Would you like to have some coffee with me? Maggie: Oh-- Victor: She can't. Maggie: Why not? Victor: Well, I have something I need to discuss with you. Maggie: Is it important? Victor: Very. Kayla: Steve, ugh. Steve: Come on. She's faking it. Don't you know that? Kayla: She told me she's dying. Steve: Ugh, of course she did. Kayla: She claims that she came back here to make up for the things that she did while she still can. Steve: Uh-huh. And if you believe that, she's got some swamp land in Florida. How the hell did she get in here anyway? And why'd you sit here and listen to her? Oh, don't tell me you believe her garbage. [Dramatic music] [Sentimental music] Jennifer: Hi, doll. Is Thomas asleep? Abigail: Yup. I fed him and he went right to sleep. Jennifer: Good. Here, come sit down. He is the sweetest, sweetest little guy. Abigail: Yeah. Jennifer: Do you want to tell me what happened between you and Chad? I-I know that he risked his life to save you and Thomas. Abigail: Yes, he did. And then, you know, he realized that he can't handle-- well-- the fact that my son is also the son of a murderer. Jennifer: Okay, but that's not Thomas's fault. Abigail: No, Ben set him up for all this, you know. Ben set Chad up for all these murders, and he wanted to destroy him. Chad just said that, you know, he realized he couldn't trust himself to help me raise Ben's son. And he said that Stefano needs him now, but I don't really think that it was about that. I think that it was just about me. Jennifer: Are you sure about that? Abigail: I should have seen this coming. He's done this to me before. Just thought that-- when he came to the mountains, I thought everything was different. Chad: My only interest in you is as a lawyer. Belle: Well, you could afford a lawyer with years of experience. I just got out of law school. Chad: Anyone could make this case. Ben Weston set me up for those murders, and Justin Kiriakis went after it because my name is DiMera. He had nothing but circumstantial evidence and he still held me without bail. He tried to make me speak without my lawyer present, and the only reason he let me go was because he had to. You can do this. Belle: I don't want to. Chad: What if I don't take no for an answer? Belle: What if you don't have a choice? [Dramatic music] Whoa, DiMera, is something wrong? Justin: I'm not in anyone's pocket, Philip. And from what I've been told, the family business is now totally on the up-and-up, which means victor won't have to own public servants anymore. Right? Philip: But if--if times get tough, it's good to have a friend in court. Justin: Won't be me. Philip: Too bad you took a government job. I was looking forward to working with you. Justin: You start turning titan into what it once was, then you'll see me all the time. Philip: The only thing I want to change about titan is the profit margin, but I will admit, I'll do whatever it takes to pull that off. Kayla: I don't know what to think. Steve: You don't know what to think? I'll tell you. She's faking it. Ava: What happened? Kayla: You fainted. Ava: Oh, my gosh. I feel so weak. Oh, I'm dizzy. Steve: Well, you know what? That's too bad. You were strong enough to talk your way in here. You're strong enough to get the hell out. Let's go. Kayla: You know, her pulse is weak and thready. Steve: Really? How do you do that, Ava? The pulse thing? Did you learn that in mafia princess school or something? Ava: Look, I know you hate me, and I deserve it. But I swear to you I'm here because I don't want to die knowing that I didn't try to make amends for what I did to the two of you. Steve: Oh, come on. Can't you do better than that? Ava: All I want is for you two to be together and happy. Steve: Baloney. Ava: Well, maybe one day you'll believe that I'm sincere. Steve: Never, come on. Kayla: Oh. Ava: Okay. [Dramatic music] Justin: I don't know what victor promised you, but if you think he won't still be calling all the shots, you're incredibly naive. Philip: How does he seem to you? Justin: Just as sharp as he ever was. Why? Philip: Good. I want to be aggressive with the company, and I need to make sure he has the stamina to keep up with all the changes I plan to make. [Dramatic music] Maggie: You were very abrupt with Brady just now. This had better be for real. Victor: It is. I'm afraid of what I may have brought down on people that I care about. Maggie: What does that mean? Victor: Well, I came down here to get you, and to get the results of Caroline's latest tests. Maggie: Because she's had another vision about something bad happening to you? Victor: No, this is not something that she foresaw. Maggie: Well, then what is it? Victor: I talked to hope. Now, everything is fine, but Ciara was kidnapped last night. Maggie: Oh, my god. Victor: Hope took care of it. Ciara's safe. Maggie: What did she do? Victor: She gave the kidnappers what they wanted. Maggie: And that was? Victor: Information on Salinas. Maggie: Well, who were these--these people who had Ciara? Victor: I'm still working on that. But what I'm worried about now is that Caroline is the only person who's been tested on this drug. They may come after her now. Maggie: But how will Caroline get the drug from this dr. Salinas? Victor: He's safe. I took care of that immediately. Now I have to take care of Caroline. Maggie: How? Victor: Well, that's what I wanted to talk to you about. I want to move her into our house. [Dramatic music] Brady: Caroline. Caroline: Huh? Brady: Hi. Caroline: Oh, hi. Oh, merry Christmas. Brady: Merry Christmas to you too. I know this year is-- it's gotta be a rough one for you. Caroline: Well, it is, but we have to get on with it. Brady: Yes, we do. Can I help you with your bags? Caroline: Oh, no, no. Brady: Take them to the car for you? Caroline: No, they're very light, thank you. But you can do me a favor. Brady: Name it. Caroline: Well, how is victor doing today? Brady: I saw him today. He's doing fine. Caroline: Oh, good. Well that's good. Brady: You seem relieved. Caroline: Oh-- [Phone ringing] Brady: Oh, sorry, excuse me. Uh, it's Theresa. Hey, is everything okay? Theresa: We're good here. I mean, it's chaos, but Tate's down for his nap. I was just wondering if you thought any more about what we talked about. Brady: What? Theresa: Belle, your sister, remember her? You said she came into some money, and I asked you if you would talk to her about maybe investing in basic black. Brady: Theresa, listen, I can't talk about this right now, but I will see you later. Caroline, are you worried about my grandfather? Caroline: Oh, no, no. It's just, you know, we're both grieving about Bo, and all he ever thinks about is how I am. So I'm really happy to know that he seemed fine to you. Brady: Okay. Kayla: Your blood pressure is very low, and you're running a temperature. Ava: What does that mean? Kayla: You could have an infection. Steve: Can she still make it to the door? Kayla: She needs to go to the hospital, Steve. [Dramatic music] Maggie: How, um, how soon do you want Caroline to move in? Victor: You'll go along with that? Maggie: Of course I will. It's the right thing to do. Victor: I know we didn't always see eye to eye about Brady, but I don't want that or anything else to drive us apart. Maggie: Me neither. It might take, um, a while for you to talk Caroline into this idea. So you better get started now. Victor: You know, marrying you was one of the best things I ever did. Maggie: Hmm, ditto. Theresa: Hi. Philip: I'm here to see Brady. Theresa: Um, who are you? Philip: Philip Kiriakis. Theresa: Oh, Brady's not here, and I'm busy working, okay? Philip: You must be Theresa. Theresa: Yeah, right. Philip: Look, if you're blaming me for the fact that Brady's no longer at titan-- Theresa: Oh, I don't blame you for that. I blame you for telling Brady that he mucked up running the company. Philip: I didn't use those words. Theresa: But Brady being out at titan, no, I blame that on your lovely father. Philip: Brady made his own decision. Theresa: Yeah, after victor forced him to choose between me and the job. Philip: Look, I really don't want to get into this with you. Theresa: I'm sorry, then why are you still here? Philip: I guess because I'd like to understand how Brady could leave his family and a great job to hook up with a ray of sunshine like you. Theresa: Ugh, okay. First of all, we didn't hook up, okay? Brady and I love each other. Philip: Oh, come on. Before you met Brady, you had a crap apartment, a dead- end job, and a lot of enemies. All you love is his bank balance. Theresa: Well, are you calling me a gold digger? Wow, that--that's amazing because, you know, before you sucked up to your daddy dearest, weren't you running the copier at a titan in Siberia? Philip: I'm getting the real Theresa now, right? Not that reformed version you sold Brady. You can't keep that act up, not for long. I've known Brady a lot longer than you have. No way he'll ever love a woman like you. Theresa: You know what? You have a hell of a nerve. Brady: What's going on? Belle: I think you better sit down here. I'm gonna go get you some water. [Suspenseful music] Belle: Here. Chad: I'm fine. Belle: You don't look so fine. Chad: I kept you from leaving, didn't I? Belle: Are you kidding me? You just faked that? Chad: I told you. I'm a guy who knows what he wants. And what I want is to make the D.A. Pay damages for making me out to be a serial killer. Now the best way for me to do that is to be represented by a daughter of one of Salem's first families. Belle: The thing is, I don't have to agree to do it. Chad: Then I'm gonna have to find a way to make you want to do it. Belle: Are you hitting on me? I know you're with Abigail Deveraux. What's she gonna think about that? JJ: He really said that? He doesn't want to be saddled with the kid? Jennifer: Well, according to Abigail, it's because Thomas is Ben's baby. JJ: Chad DiMera is a bastard, mom. He always has been. Jennifer: No, it doesn't make sense. I talked to Chad when he was trying to find Abigail. He--he wouldn't quit looking for her. He risked his life to save her. Why would he turn on her? JJ: Well, it's probably part of the fun for a jerk like him. [Dramatic music] Abigail: It wasn't his fault. JJ: Then whose was it, abs? Abigail: Mine. Jennifer: Honey, how can what Chad did possibly be your fault? JJ: Exactly. Abigail: I was a mess when Chad found me. Jennifer: Anybody would be in your situation. Abigail: Mom, the point is I'm still a mess. I am, and I'm gonna be one for a while probably. And I have a newborn to take care of, a son whose father was a murderer, and Chad must have realized that that's just not something he wanted to take on. I mean, can you blame him? No. JJ: We sure as hell can. Chad: Explain to me how my relationship with Abigail is any of your business. Belle: An attorney has a right to full disclosure from any potential client. Chad: You think I have potential? Belle: Answer the question. Chad: It just didn't work out. Belle: After you rescued her from her crazy fiancé? Chad: I thought we had a future together. I was wrong. Belle: Why? Chad: We wanted different things. Belle: What does that mean? Chad: Okay, I'll put it another way. Abigail has a son to raise. I have a father who was wiped out financially by Sami. I know you know about that. My father is also still recovering from a heart attack. Belle: So you broke it off because you both have too many responsibilities. Chad: I need to focus on my father. Belle: On getting money back. Chad: Actually, no. Belle: So you're just gonna let it go? Chad: There's an upside to letting it go... it's a golden opportunity for my father to rethink who he is, and what he wants to do with whatever time he has left. Belle: Come on. You don't think that's really gonna happen. Chad: With my help, yeah, I do. Brady: I'm waiting. [Baby crying] Theresa: Ask him. I'm gonna go check on Tate. Brady: Are you hassling her? Philip: I showed up unannounced, maybe that was a bad idea. Theresa found out who I was, and, uh, well, let's just say she didn't react well. Brady: She's very loyal to me. What did you want? Philip: You were in the middle of a lot of business deals when you walked out with no notice. Brady: Are you trying to guilt me into helping you take over my job? Philip: There has to be some kind of transition, don't you think? Brady: Philip, Philip, come on. I know the only investment that you are interested in is that drug that was used to help Caroline. We both know that. So if you're over here to try to wear me down, to get my help to push that drug onto the market prematurely, Philip, think again. [Dramatic music] Victor: Hello, Caroline. Caroline: Huh? Victor: You all right? Caroline: Oh, well shopping makes my feet hurt, but that's all. Victor: Been looking all over for you. I want you to move into my house. Caroline: I already have a place to live. Victor: Humor me, please. You have so much to live for. I just want to make sure that you're properly taken care of. Caroline: Well, you sound like my kids, you know? Victor: Just think about it. Maggie and I would love to have you. Caroline: She said that? Well, all right, I'll think about it. Victor: Don't take too long. I want to make sure you're safe. [Festive music] Kayla: The nurse will be in to draw your blood, and I ordered some more tests. Steve: Oh, I bet this isn't what you bargained for, huh? Those tests are gonna prove that you're faking. [Dramatic music] Kayla: You know, I am starting to think that maybe she's telling the truth. Steve: Kayla, why would you think that? Kayla: Well, she is perspiring a lot. She is very weak. She has bone pain, tenderness. Those are all symptoms of leukemia. Steve: You don't think she looked that stuff up online? She's faking. Kayla: Well, we are gonna know one way or the other. Because blood tests don't lie. Ava: So, um, this is a good vein here. I've had a lot of blood drawn. You mind if I, um, turn my head and not look, 'cause needles still give me the creeps. Nurse: Whatever, make a fist. [Dramatic music] Jennifer: No, JJ's right. I don't care what Chad's reasoning is. The fact that he broke things off with you right now and didn't even give you a chance to work through all of this? Abigail: Oh, come on. Jennifer: That's criminal. Abigail: Mom, and what was he supposed to do? What was he supposed to do? Lie to me? JJ: You're sticking up for him? Abigail: I know that Chad loved me. I know he did. JJ: The guy--the guy doesn't know what love is, Abigail. Abigail: He loved me, JJ. And I loved him. I still love him. And until Thomas, I didn't know I could love anybody that much. JJ: And there's something wrong with that? Abigail: He just wasn't ready, okay? JJ: Ah, the poor guy. The woman he loves has a newborn baby. She can't be all about him 24 hours a day. My heart breaks for the son of a b-- Abigail: You need to stay out of this, JJ. Jennifer: JJ! [Dramatic music] [Door slams] Philip: Brady, will you calm down? There's no reason to get mad. Brady: I'm not mad, listen. You want my help marketing the drug? Here's what I'll do for you, okay? I will take you through every single procedure that needs to be followed, so you can. Philip: Thank you. I appreciate that, really. Brady: I gave up running the company my way. That's on me. I want your leadership to succeed. I help you any way I can, Philip, but things have to be done correctly. Philip: How can I make you believe you don't have to worry? Brady: You can't. I'm gonna worry, because I care about the company. And whether you believe it or not, I care about victor too. Philip: I know you do, but, Brady, this business isn't yours to run anymore. Like you said, you're the one who walked away. [Dramatic music] Theresa: You're right about that guy. He's trouble. Brady: Why would you say that? What did he do? Roman: Okay, so victor thinks you should come live with him. Caroline: As soon as possible. Roman: Hmm, did he say why? Caroline: Well, I think he feels responsible for me since he found the drug that I'm on. Roman: Hmm, okay. Either that or he wants to use these visions of yours to make a killing on the stock market. Caroline: Oh, please. Don't be so hard on victor. He saved my life. Roman: Well, that is true. It's true. Okay, I guess he has mellowed a little. Caroline: He worries about me. Roman: I know he does. I do too, but there are lots of people, including me, who would be very happy for you to stay with them. You do not have to go live with victor. Caroline: I know, but I am thinking about it. Belle: You really think losing all that money is a good thing for your father? Chad: Maybe. If he can't buy anything or anyone, he'll have to think about what really matters in life. Belle: And that is? Chad: Friends, family, people you love. Belle: Well, what do you know? You may have unsuspected depth, DiMera. Chad: Does that mean you might reconsider having dinner with me? Belle: You're impossible. Chad: No, I promise to keep it professional. You have to agree to be my lawyer first, though. Belle: I'll look into it. See if I think actually you have a case. Chad: That's my girl. Belle: No, I am not your girl. I am your lawyer...maybe. Chad: That's a start. JJ: Hey, I've been looking all over for you. Chad: What's your problem? JJ: What do you think? You broke my sister's heart, you bastard. Now if that's your idea of a Christmas present, it sucks. And so do you. Nurse: I got the results of Ava Vitale's white cell differential. Kayla: Uh, that was quick. Thank you. Nurse: No problem. Steve: What's it say? She's fine, right? Kayla: No, the test results are consistent with the diagnosis of leukemia. Steve: I hope that doesn't mean you buy her pile of crap story about wanting to earn our forgiveness while she still has time. Kayla: Whether she's sick or not, that doesn't change her basic nature. Steve: You're right. It doesn't. She's still psychotic. She still wants to hurt us, and if we give her the smallest opportunity, that's exactly what she's gonna try to do. [Dramatic music] Roman: Victor! Victor: Roman. What a surprise. Roman: What are you up to with ma? Victor: I assume she told you about my asking her to move in here. Roman: Yeah, I want to ask you why. The real reason. Victor: You make it sound like I have an ulterior motive. Roman: Well, those visions of hers, uh, a guy like you could put those to good use. Victor: Those visions are an unexpected side effect of the drugs that I've been supplying her with, and that's my only interest in them. I think that she should be closely monitored. Roman: By you? Victor: By the doctor who developed the drug, and I'm the only one who knows where he is. Roman: Why is that? Victor: 'Cause I moved him to a safe place. Roman: Because? Victor: Because I'm concerned that the people that took Bo might be after him next. Roman: How would they know his name? Bo didn't give him up. Victor: They found out about it another way. Roman: Do they know ma's getting the drug? Victor: That's why I want her here. Roman: I think I can take better care of her than you. Victor: Caroline's free to do whatever she thinks is best. Roman: And I'm sure you let her know what that is. [Dramatic music] Theresa: It's probably my fault. I just--as soon as I heard he was Philip Kiriakis, I got mad. Brady: Why? Theresa: Because of all that stuff that he said to you, Brady, about how he can run the company better than you can. Brady: All right. What happened here? Theresa: We got into an argument and he's been listening to what victor says about me and he said that you could never love anybody like me. Brady: Well, I'm not listening to Philip, and I'm not listening to my grandfather, so my suggestion is that you don't either. Theresa: Really? Brady: I'm still here, aren't I? Theresa: Yeah, I just-- you seemed really annoyed when I called you earlier, so-- Brady: Oh, no, no, no. That was, uh--I was with your grandmother, and I couldn't talk. Theresa: Oh, you know, listen, if you don't want to talk to belle about investing in basic black, it's fine. Brady: I-I've actually thought about that a lot, and I don't think I should. Theresa: Okay. Can I ask why? Brady: Sure, I-I just don't want to get involved in her financial situation, and you shouldn't either. It's safer that way. Theresa: Safer? Is belle in some sort of trouble? Chad: All right, JJ. Why don't you just calm down? JJ: No, I don't want to calm down. My sister is a wreck, and you did it. Chad: And I'm really sorry things ended this way. JJ: [Laughs sarcastically] Isn't that something? You've never been sorry for anything in your whole rotten life. Chad: But I'm telling you that Abigail will be better off. She deserves a guy much better than me. JJ: Now that is the first true thing you've said since I've been here. Be careful around this guy. DiMera through and through. Don't believe a word he says about anything. [Dramatic music] [Sentimental music] Jennifer: You're so good with him. Abigail: Could you watch him for a second actually? Jennifer: Oh, yes, I can. Abigail: Thank you. Jennifer: You okay? Abigail: Mm-hmm. Yeah, just need to get out in some fresh air. Jennifer: Okay. I love you. Abigail: Love you too. [Machines beeping] Kayla: I've got your test results back. Ava: And? Kayla: You have leukemia. Ava: I know. Kayla: Have you gotten any treatment? Ava: Induction therapy. My oncologist was hoping that it would put me back into remission, but it didn't. So according to which doctor I talk to, I either have a year or as little as a month. Kayla: Well, if that's your prognosis, maybe you shouldn't be wasting your time here. Ava: I have to have your forgiveness. Kayla: What happened was a long time ago, and if you were truly sorry-- Ava: I am. Kayla: Well, we appreciate that. Ava: You don't forgive me. You're just saying what you think I want to hear. I didn't expect for it to be easy. Redemption never is. But I told you, Kayla, I can't die without atoning for what I did. And for truly, truly earning your forgiveness. [Dramatic music] Brady: No, no. All I meant was belle is in the middle of a divorce, Theresa. She's trying to start a law practice. It's not the right time to lean on her about investing in basic black. Theresa: Okay, how is that safer for me? Brady: "Safe" was the wrong word to use. I just--I don't want you and my sister to get off on the wrong foot. Theresa: Brady, this investment's gonna make her a ton of money. How is that getting off-- Brady: Theresa--Theresa! Theresa: On the wrong foot. Brady: I don't want to argue about this, okay? Theresa: Okay. Yeah, I shouldn't have made you the middle man. Like, I'll just-- I'll talk to her myself. Brady: No, you're not gonna talk to her. Leave it alone. Theresa: But, Brady-- Brady: No, there's no buts. Leave it alone. Theresa: No, if I don't find another investor, then Kate's-- Brady: Theresa, find another way to get along with Kate or walk away. On or the other-- I'm gonna go check on our son. [Dramatic music] Chad: Black knight takes white queen. The truth is, I am in love with you, Abigail Deveraux. [Romantic music] Abby, from now on, I'm gonna do whatever it takes for us to live happily ever after. [Tense music] Abigail: [Screams] Kayla: Steve, Ava just told me that she's staying in Salem, and she made me write an order so that she could leave the hospital. Steve: Oh, I don't like this. Kayla: I don't either. Steve: If she really is dying, that means she doesn't have anything to lose. And I don't believe for a second she wants our forgiveness. Kayla: What are we gonna do? Steve: We keep our eyes open, wait for her next move. 'Cause I'll bet you money there's gonna be one. [Menacing music] Ava: Worked like a charm.