In the darkest corners of Salem, a deal is made that changes everything—not just for Xander and Philip, but for Titan Industries and the entire Kiriakis legacy. What begins as an attempted murder quickly transforms into a power play so cunning, it threatens to upend everything Xander has built—and everything Philip is determined to reclaim.

It all begins in Salem University Hospital. The quiet hum of machines, the sterile air, the tense hush—it’s the perfect setting for secrets. Xander Kiriakis stands over Philip, pillow in hand, ready to eliminate the only witness to his darkest act. But fate intervenes. Philip awakens, locking eyes with the cousin who nearly smothered him. The moment is electric—charged with betrayal, fear, and something even more dangerous: opportunity.

Rather than scream for help or alert the authorities, Philip makes a stunning decision. He stays silent. And with that silence comes a cost—a devil’s bargain. Xander’s freedom, forfeit unless he agrees to Philip’s chilling demand: walk away from Titan Industries forever. It’s not just a job loss. It’s a calculated exile from the empire Xander clawed his way into. One signature, one nod of agreement, and Xander becomes a man with no future, no legacy, and no leverage.

For Philip, this is checkmate. By keeping the attempted murder under wraps, he not only avoids scandal but also seizes full control of Titan. No trial, no messy headlines—just quiet domination. And now, he holds a secret powerful enough to manipulate Xander for as long as he pleases. It’s a silent coup—Xander’s fate sealed not with a bullet or a courtroom verdict, but with a handshake and a power grab.

Xander, stunned and cornered, agrees. The move saves him from a prison cell but traps him in a far more subtle kind of prison. He may be free in the eyes of the law, but he’s now bound to the man he tried to destroy. Gone is the ruthless Titan executive. In his place is a man forced into submission, stripped of pride and purpose.

But the fallout spreads fast. Belle Brady, sharp as ever, immediately suspects something is off. When Philip claims someone else attacked him, brushing off the pillow incident entirely, Belle is furious. The inconsistencies in his story don’t sit right. She presses him, corners him in his hospital room, demanding the truth—but Philip won’t budge. His poker face holds firm. Without his testimony, the law has no teeth, and Xander walks free.

Philip’s silence isn’t mercy—it’s leverage. He’s not protecting Xander; he’s weaponizing him. In a single maneuver, Philip manages to look like the bigger man while eliminating his biggest rival. And as Victor Kiriakis watches his sons fight tooth and nail for dominance, Philip positions himself as the heir apparent—cool-headed, composed, and in control.

But secrets in Salem never stay buried.

Back at home, Xander faces a different kind of reckoning. Sarah Kiriakis is about to learn everything—and when she does, her heartbreak could shatter what’s left of their fragile relationship. Can she stand by a man who nearly killed his own cousin? A man who escaped justice through silence and submission?

For Xander, guilt sets in fast. Stripped of his title, betrayed by his own ambition, and haunted by the truth, he begins to spiral. With no clear path forward, his next steps may be more dangerous than anything he’s done before.

Philip may think he’s won. But Days of Our Lives history tells us: every victory comes at a price. And sometimes, the devil collects later.

Meanwhile, the rest of Salem mourns the heartbreaking loss of John Black. From June 9–13, 2025, fans will witness one of the show’s most emotional arcs as the town gathers for John’s funeral—a multi-day tribute to one of the show’s most beloved icons. The ceremonies are rich with nostalgia, tributes from old friends like Shane Donovan and Steve Johnson, and the emotional return of Bo and Hope Brady, who honor John’s legacy in a moving speech that leaves not a dry eye in the house.

But even amid the mourning, Salem pulses with life, love, and intrigue. Younger characters like Tate and Ari Horton step into the spotlight, comforting grieving friends, reminding everyone that the future still holds hope—even in loss. The mysterious appearance of a woman named Cat raises eyebrows, hinting at a new mystery tied to John’s past. And Marina’s missing coin—the one she brought John—suggests more secrets still lurk beneath the surface.

As the week draws to a close, new tensions ignite. Steve contemplates shutting down Black Patch, the private agency he ran with John, but Bo and Hope plead with him to keep it alive, honoring John’s legacy by continuing their shared mission for justice.

Romance stirs as well, with a kiss between Alex Kiriakis and Stephanie Johnson—and a surprise discovery by Kayla that could open up a new subplot involving a lost manuscript.

Back in the storm’s center, Xander faces a volatile moment when he encounters Philip again. His rage surges, and Salem braces for another explosive confrontation. As Sarah offers him a chance to see their daughter Victoria, even that peace feels fleeting with so many wounds still raw.

The week of June 9–13 isn’t just about grief—it’s about the choices we make in the shadows, and the price we pay for power, loyalty, and silence. For Xander and Philip, their bargain will shape Salem’s future in ways neither of them can fully predict.

And for the viewers, one thing is clear: Days of Our Lives is just getting started.