Brady Black learns that his stepmother Marlena Evans concealed his daughter Rachel's role in shooting EJ DiMera, sparking a devastating family fallout. Furious over the deception, Brady moves out of Marlena's home and severs ties, leaving the Black family deeply divided. The storyline explores themes of trust and protection amid Rachel's troubling behavior.
The Shocking Revelation
In recent episodes of Days of Our Lives, Brady Black (Eric Martsolf) uncovers a painful truth: his daughter Rachel Black (Alice Halsey) shot EJ DiMera (Dan Feuerriegel), and Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall), Kristen DiMera (Stacy Haiduk), and EJ kept it hidden to protect Rachel. Rachel confessed to Brady at the hospital after triggering a memory during an incident where she attempted to harm Sarah Horton (Linsey Godfrey) with pistachio ice cream, exploiting her allergy. Brady, reeling from the betrayal, shares the news with his sister Belle Black (Martha Madison), who urges sparing Marlena stress post-pacemaker surgery.
Family Tensions Escalate
Brady's close bond with Marlena, built over years since his mother Isabella Toscano's death, shatters as he feels excluded from decisions about his own child. Marlena justifies the secrecy, believing Rachel's memories should return naturally, but Brady views it as a profound lie. Now with Rachel in Bayview for treatment after her escalating antics—including chasing away Brady's dates and aiding a kidnapping—Brady blames the cover-up for her institutionalization.
Fallout and Potential Reconciliation
Brady packs up and accepts an offer from Maggie Horton Kiriakis (Suzanne Rogers) to stay at the Kiriakis mansion, emptying Marlena's townhouse. Marlena confides in Leo Stark (Greg Rikaart) about her regret. While Brady may forgive Kristen for taking the fall, his anger toward Marlena lingers. The narrative hints at possible intervention by Kristen post-exoneration, emphasizing the Black family's grief over John Black's (Drake Hogestyn) absence. As Rachel remains unaware, the divide raises questions about healing, especially with holidays approaching.