Marlena refuses to sit back while John remains missing. Determined to take matters into her own hands, she embarks on a perilous mission to uncover the truth. Meanwhile, tensions rise elsewhere in Salem as secrets unravel and relationships are tested.

At the Kiriakis mansion, Tate arrives to pick up Holly for school, but their morning takes a tense turn. Holly jokes about her missing backpack, prompting Tate to make a remark about Doug’s recent misdeed. Holly immediately defends Doug, emphasizing that while he made a mistake, he is no thief. She explains that Doug had been desperate to pay off dangerous individuals, but he deeply regrets his actions and is working to make things right.

Tate struggles to understand Holly’s unwavering loyalty to Doug. She insists she’s not excusing his behavior, just trying to help him rectify his mistake. The conversation grows even more complicated when Holly inadvertently reveals that the stolen necklace belongs to Julie. Shocked, Tate questions how Julie could tolerate living with the man who took from her, but Holly clarifies that Julie remains in the dark about the theft. Doug is determined to return the necklace before coming clean.

Meanwhile, Doug seeks out Leo at the Salem Inn, eager for any leads on the necklace’s whereabouts. Leo informs him that the buyer resides in Salem but doesn’t know her identity. The conversation takes an unexpected turn when Leo questions Doug about his relationship with Holly. Doug insists they are just friends, but Leo isn’t convinced. He warns Doug not to get too attached to someone already committed. As Doug prepares to leave, Leo’s phone buzzes with a message: the buyer is willing to meet.

At the café, Doug encounters Holly, who is visibly upset. She admits she had an argument with Tate over the adoption situation, which remains uncertain. Doug, however, has some hopeful news. Just then, Melinda Trask appears, proudly displaying the very necklace Doug has been searching for.

Elsewhere, Marlena grows increasingly frustrated as she struggles to reach Shane for information on John’s disappearance. Steve arrives at the hospital, having just heard the news. Marlena expresses her concerns, fearing that the ISA’s silence signals danger. Steve tries to reassure her, arguing that John’s radio silence may be strategic, but Marlena refuses to accept that. If John were in her position, he would move heaven and earth to find her, and she intends to do the same.

Determined, Marlena declares that she will force Shane to help her uncover the truth. Steve, unwilling to let her face this battle alone, insists on joining her. Though Marlena initially hesitates, Steve reminds her that John is not just a friend—he is his partner. They always have each other’s backs, and he won’t abandon him now. With Steve at her side, Marlena prepares to take her search to Washington, D.C., convinced that she will bring John home.

Meanwhile, Brady reaches out to Paul, hoping for updates from the agency about John. Unfortunately, Paul has no new information. Before Brady can process the disappointment, Ava arrives, apologizing for abruptly ending their previous conversation. Their discussion shifts to Kristen and the potential consequences of exposing her role in Ava’s kidnapping. Brady admits that if the truth gets out, Child Protective Services might take Rachel away, which is a risk he isn’t willing to take.

Ava grapples with the unfairness of the situation but ultimately agrees to stay silent for Brady’s sake. While she understands his perspective, she hates that Kristen might escape justice. Brady confesses that if his daughter weren’t involved, he’d want Kristen locked up for good. Their conversation turns personal when Ava points out that Rachel is determined to keep her away from Brady. Brady, however, refuses to let his daughter dictate his romantic life.

As the drama unfolds, Marlena and Steve head to Washington in search of answers, unaware of the dangerous road ahead. Will they find John before it’s too late? And what will happen when the truth about the stolen necklace finally comes to light? Stay tuned for more Days of Our Lives!