Salem is on the brink of another emotional rollercoaster, and this time, it’s a twist of fate, lingering guilt, and secrets that threaten to destroy long-standing relationships. Days of Our Lives spoilers for Thursday, July 31, reveal a deeply emotional and transformative episode that’s sure to leave viewers breathless.

Chad & Cat: An Elevator, A Secret… And A Spark

Chad DiMera’s life has always been tied to drama, grief, and family loyalty—but nothing could prepare him for what unfolds when he finds himself trapped in an elevator with Cat Greene. After Cat’s mysterious meeting with Rafe Hernandez, she steps into the elevator unaware that fate has one more unexpected stop in store. Chad joins her, and what starts as an ordinary moment quickly spirals into something much more intense.

The elevator grinds to a halt. Tension rises. And amid the claustrophobic stillness, a different kind of pressure begins to build—emotional, romantic, and undeniable.

Cat, harboring her own secrets, finds herself vulnerable in a way she hasn’t been in years. And Chad, still grappling with the shadows of his past and the weight of the DiMera legacy, begins to see her in a new light. The shared moment between them becomes more than just proximity—it becomes a spark.

Could this unexpected situation be the start of something more? Or will this fleeting connection threaten to upend everything Chad has fought to hold together?

Xander’s Fight Within: Redemption or Relapse?

Elsewhere in Salem, Xander Kiriakis is walking a tightrope between redemption and relapse. Having finally agreed to a joint custody arrangement with Sarah Horton, he’s taken on the role of co-parent to their daughter, Victoria. On paper, it looks like Xander is turning over a new leaf—but inner battles don’t resolve as easily as custody agreements.

Sarah, seeing hope for the man she once loved, encourages him to attend anger management sessions. But Thursday’s episode shows Xander in crisis mode. A situation at the hospital, perhaps just a simple handoff of Victoria, brings up a storm of emotions. Will he lash out? Or will he take Sarah’s advice and choose the harder, but healthier path?

Xander’s struggle is real. His past haunts him, and the people around him aren’t quick to forget the damage he’s done. Yet beneath his bravado, there’s a man who wants to do right—for once. The question is: can he keep his promise?

Stephanie Johnson: A Secret Exposed?

While Chad’s world is tilting and Xander battles his demons, Stephanie Johnson is facing a personal storm of her own.

Stephanie, intelligent and driven, has always been careful with her choices—but her secret project, the anonymously published book One Stormy Night, is on the verge of spiraling out of her control. She’s nervous, visibly panicked, and her partner Alex Kiriakis can sense something is off.

Things take a sharp turn when Kate Roberts lets something slip to Alex—that Philip recognized details in Stephanie’s story and deduced she might be the writer. That casual comment has the potential to ruin everything.

What if Philip isn’t the only one? What if others from Stephanie’s past—like Jeremy Horton—put two and two together? Rumors are swirling that Michael Roark could return to DOOL as a Jeremy recast, which means Stephanie’s secrets may be closer to unraveling than ever.

The pressure is getting to her. Alex tries to comfort her, but the storm brewing around her may be bigger than either of them can handle. Is Stephanie about to lose everything she’s worked for?

Susan’s Ghostly Revelation: Stefano’s Spirit Lingers?

Back at the DiMera mansion, a supernatural twist stirs the pot. Susan Banks—quirky, eccentric, but never wrong when it comes to the paranormal—makes a startling claim: she senses Stefano DiMera’s presence stronger than ever.

To most, Susan’s spiritual ramblings might be brushed off, but there’s something different this time. Her conviction, her emotion—it’s enough to make even EJ and Chad pause.

Could Stefano still be alive in some form? Is there more to his legacy than anyone in Salem has dared to believe? Days of Our Lives has never shied away from the shocking and the surreal, and this revelation may be the beginning of a storyline that brings the DiMeras closer to their patriarch than ever before.

EJ and Chad are skeptical, but viewers know Salem’s past has a way of crawling back. What role will Susan play in the next chapter of the DiMera saga?

Family, Sacrifice, and the Chaos Ahead

Thursday’s episode is a reminder of the depth Days of Our Lives brings to its storytelling. Chad and Cat’s elevator moment isn’t just a romantic interlude—it’s a turning point. Xander’s temper isn’t just a character flaw—it’s a threat to the fragile peace he’s trying to maintain. Stephanie’s fear isn’t just about a book—it’s about identity, risk, and the fear of being truly seen.

Even Susan’s spiritual insights aren’t just comic relief—they’re breadcrumbs for the chaos to come.

As fans prepare for more twists, one thing is clear: Thursday’s DOOL episode explores what happens when characters are forced to face their inner demons, make sacrifices for the ones they love, and take risks that could either heal or destroy everything they’ve built.

What Lies Ahead?

Will Chad act on his feelings for Cat, or pull back before it’s too late? Will Xander stay on the path of redemption or fall into old habits that cost him everything? Can Stephanie hold onto her secret long enough to protect herself—and what happens if she can’t?

The elevator may have trapped Chad and Cat physically, but emotionally, everyone in Salem is caught in their own kind of pressure chamber—and something is about to burst.