At the Dimera mansion, JJ and Gabi talk about their evening. JJ expresses how happy he is to start fresh with her.
Belle and Philip discuss her divorce briefly, agreeing that this year will be better.
Meanwhile, Stephanie and Alex talk, noting how their respective dates are absent. Belle is with Philip, while Joy, Chanel, and
Johnny are missing. Philip later kisses Stephanie, prompting Alex to suggest they “get a room.” Philip retorts by asking where Alex’s date is. Joy eventually appears, clearly upset, snapping at Philip before heading off to get another drink. Alex follows her.
Philip admits he ended things with Chloe as JJ and Gabi join the group. Philip and Gabi exchange jabs until JJ suggests they leave. Stephanie and Philip notice Joy and Alex leaving together and decide to leave as well.
Later, Joy confesses to Alex that she had been with Chanel and Johnny earlier. Alex tries to find out what happened, but Joy instead asks him to take her home.
Elsewhere, EJ and Belle exchange New Year’s greetings, with EJ awkwardly flirting with her. EJ interrupts Jada and “Rafe,” inventing an excuse to pull him aside. Belle joins Jada, and the two women discuss Jada potentially replacing EJ. They also admit they’re both ready to head home.
EJ sternly warns “Rafe” against pursuing Jada, threatening consequences if he defies him. Gabi overhears their conversation and questions them, but they cover it up by referencing work. JJ and Gabi then exit. Belle, EJ, and Jada regroup in the foyer, where Jada expresses disappointment that “Rafe” won’t spend New Year’s Eve with her due to a big case EJ claims he has to handle. EJ reassures her that “Rafe” will return in time for their wedding. Before leaving, Belle announces she’s the new DA.
Meanwhile, Johnny confronts Joy about why she’s at the party. She admits Chanel insisted she come, despite the tension between them. When Chanel arrives and questions what’s going on, Johnny asks for privacy to speak with his wife. He confesses that he knew Joy before their arranged meeting—he had met her at a bar. Johnny reveals that, during a rough patch with Chanel when he thought she had cheated, he turned to Joy. They kissed and nearly slept together but stopped.
Chanel demands every detail, and though Johnny complies, she struggles to believe him. Chanel slaps Johnny, accusing him of betrayal and making her look foolish by keeping it from her. She asks if Alex was involved, and Johnny explains Alex was pulled in by accident when Joy confided in him. He insists they didn’t want to hurt her, but Chanel, deeply upset, refuses to forgive him and walks out.
At Joy’s place, she informs Alex that Chanel knows the truth. Alex regrets Chanel being hurt but believes the truth was necessary. Joy worries about the fallout for her career and fears Chanel’s grudge. Alex reassures her, highlighting her best qualities. They share a kiss, and despite Alex apologizing for taking advantage of the situation, Joy invites him to stay. They end up sleeping together.
At Stephanie’s, Philip senses something is on her mind. He questions if it’s about Alex, noting how she seemed upset when she learned Alex was attending the party with Joy. Stephanie admits she still cares for Alex but believes they aren’t right for each other. Philip draws parallels to his own relationship with Chloe, and they agree to take their relationship to the next level.
At Gabi’s home, JJ and Gabi also decide to take their relationship to the next level.
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