Monday, October 12, 2026

At Garland Memorial Hospital, Dr. Nicole Dupree (Daphnée Duplaix) and Ashley Morgan (Jen Jacob) discovered that Dr. Ted Richardson (Keith D. Robinson) and Shanice Johnson (Ernestine Johnson) were officially engaged. Dr. Dupree congratulated the couple, then retreated to her office to call Dani Dupree (Karla Mosley) for moral support as the news took an emotional toll on her. 

Hayley Lawson (Marquita Goings) was summoned to her ex-husband’s office to finalize their divorce settlement in exchange for the recorded conversations regarding the night Congressman Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon) and Vernon Dupree (Clifton Davis) experienced on a dark country road. The couple antagonized each other while reviewing their agreement, and Lawson teased Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett) about pining for his ex-wife. The former paralegal pointed out that Dani Dupree would not return to the Hamilton patriarch after being with a younger, faithful man.

At the Richardson-Smith brownstone, Bradley “Smitty” Smith (Mike Manning) and Naomi Hamilton-Hawthorne (Arielle Prepetit) talked through Smith’s future regarding the Lia Whitmore (Cecelia Specht) death investigation. Hamilton-Hawthorne assured Smith that Jacob Hawthorne (Jibre Hordges) was doing everything he could to eliminate the investigative reporter as a suspect.

With his campaign in full swing, Congressman Richardson hosted an event with the help of his children and Kat Richardson (Colby Nixon). The politician met one-on-one with his constituents while his sister told Tyrell Richardson-Smith (Jaden Lucas Miller) and Samantha Richardson-Smith (Najah Jackson) to manage the campaign event raffle.

Anastasia Belleclaire (Timeca M. Seretti) interrupted Vernon Dupree and Anita Dupree (Tamara Tunie) at the Fairmont Crest Country Club to express her disapproval of Francesca Belleclaire (Madison Alsobrook) and Tyrell Richardson-Smith dating. The retired senator asserted that he and his wife would not interfere in the relationship, as the young couple were adults who could make their own decisions. 

Meanwhile, at Orphey Gene’s, Francesca Belleclaire arrived to spend time with Tyrell Richardson-Smith, and moments later, Jessica Harris (Camryn Jade) walked in, shocked to see the two together. Harris told her ex-boyfriend that she didn’t like UCLA and missed him.

The Banneker University first-year students were both taken aback by Harris’ declaration. After Francesca Belleclaire reminded Tyrell Richardson-Smith that he was already spoken for, he said he needed time to think. Upset, the 2026 Barrington County debutante left the diner.

In Dr. Dupree’s office, she broke down to Dani Dupree while discussing Ted Richardson’s engagement. The psychiatrist explained that Dr. Richardson marrying someone else made the end of their romantic relationship feel final. Although Dr. Dupree had no desire to reunite with her ex-husband, the news exposed unresolved emotional wounds from the divorce.

As she talked through ideas for her upcoming nuptials, Johnson asked Morgan to be her maid of honor. Hearing the maid-of-honor news, Dr. Richardson asked his nephew, Andre Richardson (Sean Freeman), to be his best man, and the photographer happily accepted. 

At the Richardson-Smith house, Jacob Hawthorne arrived with a warrant to search the premises. To everyone’s shock, Detective Hawthorne found a prescription bottle of pills hidden on the bookshelf while searching the living room.

The former undercover cop affirmed that they were the same drugs Whitmore overdosed on. As a result of the discovery, Detective Hawthorne arrested Smith.

Tuesday, October 13, 2026

At the Dupree mansion, Congressman Richardson celebrated his campaign event’s success with his grandparents and Kat Richardson. After the ChelseaKat CEO left to grab some champagne from the wine cellar, Martin Richardson admitted that Smith’s attachment to the Whitmore case was weighing on him.

While at the police station, Hamilton-Hawthorne asked her husband not to formally process Smith into custody, but he refused, stating that his hands were tied. Hamilton-Hawthorne warned Detective Hawthorne of the damage that could be done to Congressman Richardson’s campaign if news leaked of Smith’s arrest.

The former undercover cop promised to contain the situation. Moments later, a video of Smith in handcuffs, shot from inside the police station, was sent to Heather Armstrong (Ashley Jones).

Samantha Richardson-Smith did her best to persuade her brother to end his relationship with Francesca Belleclaire and reunite with Harris. However, Tyrell Richardson-Smith was skeptical of the 2026 platinum debutante’s overwhelming support for Harris, believing her encouragement stemmed more from her ongoing feud with his current girlfriend.

Smith and Hamilton-Hawthorne discussed the arraignment in the DCPD’s interrogation room. The investigative reporter didn’t want to call Martin Richardson because he didn’t want the congressman to hear about his arrest at the campaign event with all the media present.

Meanwhile, Jacob Hawthorne expressed his frustration to Police Chief Elon Hawthorne (Malachi Malik) about having to arrest Smith. The detective recalled that Smith was the reason he made significant progress in the Impaler investigation.

Detective Hawthorne soon questioned Smith in the interrogation room. The journalist passionately defended his innocence and insisted that he was being framed by the Impaler. Smith then warned that Detective Hawthorne could be the next target.

Although Detective Hawthorne had one more question, Hamilton-Hawthorne told her husband the interrogation was over. They proceeded with processing Smith into custody.

Later on, at the hospital, Dr. Richardson apologized to Nicole Dupree for not telling her about the engagement beforehand. The plastic surgeon said his engagement did not erase the family he built with Dr. Dupree, and he credited her with making him a better person.

Hamilton-Hawthorne called her grandfather and told him Smith had been arrested. Vernon Dupree, Anita Dupree, Congressman Richardson and Kat Richardson rushed to the police station and demanded to see Smith. 

Vernon Dupree asked Elon Hawthorne to pull some strings for Smith, but the police chief refused because the arrest was part of a high-profile investigation. Chief Hawthorne said his son, Detective Hawthorne, had worked hard to bring the Impaler to justice, and that pulling strings for the Duprees wouldn’t be the reason the case fell apart.

Smith was escorted out of the interrogation room, where he spoke with Congressman Richardson. Shortly after, officers handcuffed the investigative journalist for transport to his arraignment.

Kat Richardson confronted Jacob Hawthorne and told him the evidence he had against Smith was “dirty,” and that he needed to follow proof where it made sense. Anita Dupree then warned Detective Hawthorne that if Smith wasn’t released on bail, the judge would hear from the Dupree family in a way no one would ever forget.

After assuring her boyfriend that she was feeling better, Nicole Dupree received a call from her mother informing her of Smith’s arrest. Congressman Richardson and Smith returned home and informed their children of the charges against their dad.

Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Chelsea Hamilton (RhonniRose Mantilla) stopped by her mother’s house to request assistance with throwing Bill Hamilton a birthday celebration. Dani Dupree declined and told her youngest daughter that it’s not her job to plan parties for her ex anymore. The supermodel also said it wouldn’t be fair to her current husband to involve herself in the celebration.

At the coffee shop, Nicole Dupree took her granddaughter out to talk about what their family was experiencing. The psychiatrist assured Samantha Richardson-Smith that her emotions were valid, and that she had family that would help get her through it.

The 2026 platinum debutante noticed a couple of girls from her cotillion class laughing and staring at her. After Samantha Richardson-Smith got a phone notification showing the leaked video of Smith’s perp walk, the girls walked by to antagonize her about her father’s arrest.  

At Orphey Gene’s, June Hughes (Jasmine Burke) confronted Jacob Hawthorne and Hamilton-Hawthorne about Smith’s arrest. The waitress was concerned about the effect it would have on her children.

Leslie Thomas (Trisha Mann-Grant) visited Lawson to gossip about the Duprees. The paralegal was confused about why her “bestie” seemed so excited about Smith’s legal troubles, since he’s always seemed like a “good guy.” The Phoenix Street Free Clinic owner said she’d enjoy watching the Dupree family’s downfall.

Lawson was triggered when Leslie Thomas asked if she wanted to have dinner with her and Marcel Malone (Darryl W. Handy). The former paralegal demanded to know if Detective Malone sent Leslie Thomas to spy on her, but the Thomas matriarch was confused why Lawson would assume that.

While the leaked video of Smith’s arrest quickly circulated online, the Dupree family assembled at the mansion to figure out the best way to address the public. As Martin Richardson walked in, he addressed Hamilton-Hawthorne and insulted her husband, asking if Detective Hawthorne was “insane or merely incompetent?”

After their family scolded them about the importance of sticking together, the cousins apologized to each other and agreed that the priority was Smith’s defense. Vernon Dupree advised Congressman Richardson to make a public statement denouncing the charges and showing full support for his husband.

Smith refused to join the press conference for fear of making things worse for Martin Richardson’s campaign with “gotcha questions” from fellow reporters. Shonda (Dawntavia Marrero), the politician’s campaign manager, promised she would only allow access to a few handpicked reporters.

As Congressman Richardson prepared for his press conference at Orphey Gene’s with the support of his family, Lawson arrived to pick up a to-go order. Vernon Dupree quickly confronted her, assuming she was there to make a scene. Lawson promised she was only picking up food, but the Dupree patriarch threatened her and demanded that she leave.

Thursday, October 15, 2026

At Uptown, Heather Armstrong watched Martin Richardson’s press conference and texted a reporter she paid to ask the congressman questions about Smith’s arrest. Congressman Richardson answered one of the corrupt reporter’s questions calmly, but then let his emotions get the better of him after a second question. Shonda ended the press conference early, and Martin Richardson began to believe he made things worse for Smith.

Dr. Richardson was surprised to learn his son-in-law had been arrested and that his eldest child hosted a press conference about it. The plastic surgeon called Martin Richardson to ask if he could do anything to help, but the congressman said he didn’t want Smith’s legal troubles to negatively affect anyone else’s life.

Heather Armstrong approached Lawson at Uptown and told her she knew about the scheme against Bill Hamilton through the gossip mill at the Fairmont Crest Country Club. Shortly after, Vanessa McBride (Lauren Buglioli) arrived and briefly confronted Lawson for her misdeeds.

McBride attempted to assault Lawson after she threw a couple of insults. The Uptown owner stepped between the two, and to Lawson’s dismay, Heather Armstrong revealed that Joey Armstrong (Jon Lindstrom) was her brother.

Back at Orphey Gene’s, Bill Hamilton credited Dani Dupree with being the reason he’s alive to see another birthday. The supermodel excused herself from the conversation and stated that she had a family meeting to attend. The criminal defense attorney offered assistance, but was turned down.

At the Dupree mansion, the family gathered to strategize for Smith’s defense, to his surprise. Hamilton-Hawthorne ran through the evidence against Smith, and everyone talked through theories about who might be setting up the investigative journalist and why.

As the Duprees reviewed Smith’s case, he learned that his award nomination for the coverage on the red market case had been rescinded because of the charges against him. Smith thanked his loved ones for their support and for giving him the strength to get through this difficult time.

At the country club, Bill Hamilton and Ted Richardson talked about missing being part of the Dupree family’s inner circle and becoming “outsiders.” Dr. Richardson expressed disappointment that no one reached out to him about Smith’s arrest or Martin Richardson’s press conference. The plastic surgeon shared his engagement news and assured Bill Hamilton he’d be invited to the wedding.

After speaking with Vernon Dupree, Joey Armstrong approached Lawson at Uptown and asked her about crashing Congressman Richardson’s press conference. The Lakeview Casino owner believed Lawson’s explanation and then threatened her, telling her to away from the Duprees. As Lawson got on the country club elevator, she ran into Heather Armstrong once again.

Friday, October 16, 2026

Randy Parker (Maurice P. Kerry) ghosted Lawson after she lied to everyone about his role in her scheme against Bill Hamilton. After getting the money in her divorce settlement, Parker finally responded to her messages and demanded his share of the money she promised him.

At the country club, Dani Dupree invited Heather Armstrong to join her and Andre Richardson at their table. While discussing her move to the area, the Uptown owner learned that her offer on a condo near Andre Richardson’s photography studio had been accepted. Dani Dupree ordered a round of drinks to celebrate, but her husband opted out, hiding his discomfort.

Chelsea Hamilton and Kat Richardson congratulated each other on the increase in sales for ChelseaKat, and the public praise they’d received for dropping out of the show in Tokyo. Leslie Thomas crashed their mini celebration and was unimpressed by their news.

Kat Richardson then took the opportunity to inform the free clinic investor that Dr. Richardson and Johnson were engaged. Leslie Thomas congratulated them and said she was happy with Detective Malone, so they wouldn’t get the negative reaction they expected. The Thomas matriarch then joined Izaiah Hawthorne (Lami) at another table and reiterated that she was fine with the engagement news.

Back at Lawson’s hotel room, she told her cousin that Detective Malone was prepared to murder her, so she said anything in the moment to save herself. The schemer apologized for risking Parker’s life with her lie, and said he’s the only person she trusts. Lawson asked her cousin for a new identity and offered to pay him a bigger cut of the money, which he agreed to.

Hamilton-Hawthorne visited Bill Hamilton at his office and delivered a sentimental birthday gift: a paper airplane kit, reminiscent of how her father helped her unwind when she was stressed during law school.

Meanwhile, at Uptown, Eva Thomas (Ambyr Michelle) joined her mother and boyfriend and began sharing news about Dr. Richardson’s engagement. Leslie Thomas told her daughter that Kat Richardson had already informed her of the milestone.

Later, Dani Dupree returned home and asked about Andre Richardson’s behavior. The supermodel suggested inviting Heather Armstrong over for dinner so Andre Richardson could get to know her better. However, the photographer insisted that they keep their distance from Joey Armstrong’s sister.

Infuriated, Eva Thomas confronted Kat Richardson for telling Leslie Thomas about their father’s engagement. The Phoenix Street Free Clinic manager believed it was not her half-sister’s place to share the news.

Kat Richardson said Leslie Thomas did not deserve compassion and the sooner she knew about the engagement, the quicker she could move on from Dr. Richardson. The ChelseaKat co-founder also warned Eva Thomas to keep her mother in check and ensure she does not ruin their father’s wedding.

At Garland Memorial Hospital, Leslie Thomas brought flowers to Dr. Richardson and Johnson, congratulating them on their engagement. The couple was skeptical of her kind words and remained on guard about what the free clinic owner may have planned.

Viewers can watch “Beyond the Gates” on CBS at 2 p.m. EST Monday through Friday.