Monday, September 14, 2026

As Hayley Lawson (Marquita Goings) arrived at the law firm, she and Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett) continued their conversation about the incidents surrounding her miscarriage and fake sonogram. The criminal defense attorney questioned his wife about why she trusted Randy Parker (Maurice P. Kerry) to escort her to the hospital.  

Ultimately, Bill Hamilton’s suspicion led him to presume that Parker and Lawson had known each other before that harrowing day at Uptown. The Hamilton patriarch accused Parker of attempting to have an affair with Lawson.  

At the police station, Darlene Hawthorne (Monique Mosee) checked in with Jacob Hawthorne (Jibre Hordges) to see if he had eaten. The former undercover cop promised to eat the apple his mother brought him if she checked the dispatcher call logs the day Lia Whitmore (Cecelia Specht) overdosed.

Although Darlene Hawthorne’s search uncovered no useful information, her eldest son still felt something was off. Noticing how invested Jacob Hawthorne had been in the investigation, the 9-1-1 dispatcher warned him not to prioritize his professional duties over his personal life and rushed him out of the station to spend time with his wife, Naomi Hamilton-Hawthorne (Arielle Prepetit).

Meanwhile, back at the law office, Lawson explained to her husband that the pain of the miscarriage and the argument she had with Dani Dupree (Karla Mosley) moments before affected her ability to think clearly. The paralegal admitted to accepting help from Parker because she didn’t trust the supermodel, given their history of hostility.

At the country club, Vernon Dupree (Clifton Davis) and Dr. Nicole Dupree (Daphnée Duplaix) updated each other on their lives. Soon after, Congressman Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon) joined them and asked to speak with his grandfather about the potential effects of Bradley “Smitty” Smith’s (Mike Manning) involvement in the Impaler case on the election.

Congressman Richardson told his grandfather he was unsure how to handle the negative backlash and public speculation the investigation could bring. “If you lost the election, it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world,” the retired senator told him.

Stunned by the patriarch’s words, the politician asked for clarification. Vernon Dupree went on to explain that when his wife was diagnosed with cancer, he realized prioritizing family was more important than his career. Congressman Richardson began to reflect on what being a stay-at-home parent would be like for him.

Later on, Tomas Navarro (Alex Alegria) asked Kat Richardson (Colby Nixon) to meet him at Uptown so he could apologize for taking out his work frustrations on her. The junior partner conceded that his girlfriend was right about her cousin’s lawyering capabilities.

Navarro also apologized for overreacting to the newest handbag Kat Richardson had offered him. Navarro changed his mind about giving the gift to his grandmother, but the ChelseaKat co-owner informed him that she had already given it to Izaiah Hawthorne (Lami Friebe).

Noticing that Hamilton-Hawthorne had arrived at Uptown with Jacob Hawthorne, Navarro said he wanted to congratulate the attorney on her recent success in the malpractice hearing. Kat Richardson took it as a sign that her boyfriend truly regretted his behavior, and she accepted his apology.

Dr. Dupree visited her mother, Anita Dupree (Tamara Tunie), who expressed concern about her vocal cord functionality. The EGOT winner suspected it could be side effects from her chemotherapy treatments, but her eldest daughter offered an alternative reason: a psychological block due to her emotions surrounding her late friend, Barbara Mitchell.

Initially unreceptive to the theory, Anita Dupree told the psychiatrist that she felt haunted when she played the “Happy Birthday” recording for Leslie Thomas (Trisha Mann-Grant) and Eva Thomas (Ambyr Michelle).

Vernon Dupree returned home and helped his eldest daughter boost Anita Dupree’s confidence as she struggled to regain her singing voice. Once she relaxed, the Dupree matriarch let out a beautiful harmony. The retired senator told his wife that her practicing had paid off.

Lawson’s attempts to ease Bill Hamilton’s mind about her friendship with Parker continued. The paralegal explained that Parker was an outsider in the community, like her, and that he needed friends. The criminal defense attorney then accused his wife of having an emotional affair, which he believed was worse than physical attraction. Lawson then told her husband that Mona Wilson (Karan Kendrick) was the woman in Parker’s life.

Despite more shock and suspicion, Bill Hamilton finally accepted Lawson’s explanation of her friendship with Parker and warned her, “Secrets are toxic.” He vowed to do everything he could to make sure nothing destroyed their marriage.

Tuesday, September 15, 2026

At the Law Offices of Bill Hamilton, Esq., Navarro encountered Hamilton-Hawthorne and congratulated her on the recent success in Dr. Montgomery’s hearing. After the defense attorney explained the next step in her strategy, she accepted the junior partner’s help reviewing the digital files the judge allowed to be released.

Elsewhere, Lawson met with Parker to warn him that her husband’s suspicions of their connection had deepened. The paralegal brought her cousin up to speed about her recent conversation with Bill Hamilton and assumed that he would soon approach Joey Armstrong (Jon Lindstrom) to confirm the story she told.

It wasn’t long before Bill Hamilton showed up at Lakeview Casino, asking his old friend a series of questions about Parker’s interactions with Lawson. The criminal defense attorney also made insinuations that Joey Armstrong ordered Parker to target his wife.

Denying the accusations, the Lakeview Casino owner asked whether Lawson was having an affair with Parker. Bill Hamilton said Lawson believed that Wilson and Parker were dating, which drew skepticism from Joey Armstrong and prompted him to call Parker to the casino to provide his side of the story.

Dr. Ted Richardson (Keith D. Robinson) interrupted Leslie Thomas’ breakfast date with Marcel Malone (Darryl W. Handy) at Orphey Gene’s and confronted her about her interference in his relationship with Shanice Johnson (Ernestine Johnson). The plastic surgeon issued a warning that he would file harassment charges against the free clinic investor if she didn’t stop interfering in his life.

Parker later joined Joey Armstrong and Bill Hamilton at the casino, where they questioned him about his involvement with Wilson and his friendship with Lawson. He confirmed that he’s only just friends with both women.

At Garland Memorial Hospital, Dr. Richardson filled Johnson and Ashley Morgan (Jen Jacob) in on his interaction with Leslie Thomas. Johnson and Morgan theorized that Malone should break up with the Phoenix Street Free Clinic owner because of her obsession with Dr. Richardson, shifting her attention.

Meanwhile, Bill Hamilton visited Wilson at Nicole Dupree’s home to ask more questions about Parker. Wilson affirmed that Parker had a good heart, and she recommended repaying the good deed he had done for Lawson by helping him move on from working under Joey Armstrong.

Nurse Johnson soon arrived at Orphey Gene’s and immediately challenged Leslie Thomas for interfering in her personal life. Johnson rhetorically asked the Thomas matriarch why she kept pursuing unavailable men and warned her that Detective Malone would eventually grow tired of competing for her attention. To Leslie Thomas’ dismay, Malone agreed with that assessment.

After Navarro presented a theory to Hamilton-Hawthorne about the online activity of the mother suing Dr. Montgomery, the two lawyers kept digging and uncovered evidence that completely debunked the plaintiff’s claims. Bill Hamilton returned to the law firm and learned that his eldest daughter and junior partner had secured new details that could dismantle the lawsuit. Hamilton-Hawthorne credited Navarro with the find.

Wilson updated Dr. Dupree on Bill Hamilton’s visit and shared her concerns about what might happen to Parker if he kept working under Joey Armstrong. The psychiatrist then told Wilson that the mob boss’ little sister, Heather Armstrong (Ashley Jones), was in town and gave her bad vibes. Wilson told Dr. Dupree to trust her instincts because she’s always been a good judge of character.

Wednesday, September 16, 2026

At the police station, Jacob Hawthorne told his father, Chief Elon Hawthorne (Malachi Malik), that he hoped to wrap up the Impaler investigation soon, but he was waiting on another piece of information. Chief Hawthorne then told his eldest son he would be looking forward to seeing Izaiah Hawthorne when he dropped by the station later that day.

At the country club, Kat Richardson and Anita Dupree caught up over afternoon tea. The ChelseaKat co-founder expressed disappointment over having to pull out of the Tokyo Fashion Collective. The Dupree matriarch told her granddaughter about the deal with Leslie Thomas to use Mitchell’s vocals for the upcoming Articulettes project.

Moving away from the unpleasant news, the grandma-granddaughter duo talked about Kat Richardson’s new condo and her romantic relationship with Navarro. The ChelseaKat manager mentioned that tensions were high with her boyfriend. Anita Dupree encouraged Kat Richardson to reevaluate her relationship if her gut was telling her something was wrong.

Meanwhile, Eva Thomas listened as her mother told her that being friends with the Articulettes wasn’t going to happen. The Phoenix Street Free Clinic manager reminded her that Anita Dupree had shared a personal recording of Mitchell’s voice with them, signaling that things were moving in a positive direction.

Back at the police station, Izaiah Hawthorne presented his mother with the ChelseaKat purse set to release at the end of September. Skeptical, Jacob Hawthorne asked his brother how he managed to get his hands on such an exclusive handbag.

After the Banneker University advisor admitted Kat Richardson had offered him the gift, Jacob Hawthorne asked even more questions, causing tension between the brothers. When Izaiah Hawthorne asked the detective if he had a problem with him and Kat Richardson “chopping it up,” Darlene Hawthorne stepped in.

The Hawthorne matriarch then strutted like she was on a runway, showing off her new purse. As Chief Hawthorne joined his family, the tension between him and his youngest son was still very apparent as Izaiah Hawthorne said goodbye to his mother and quickly departed.

At Uptown, Kat Richardson joined Smith, who expressed excitement about the attention his reporting on the plasma ring case had received. The ChelseaKat manager encouraged her brother-in-law to capitalize on the buzz while he could.

Later on, Anita Dupree summoned Leslie Thomas to the country club after receiving a phone call from Devon Winters (Bryton James, Y&R). The Articulettes’ lead singer reminded her eldest daughter’s adversary that she isn’t entitled to make decisions about the project.

Leslie Thomas claimed she reached out to Winters because she didn’t trust that she would receive accurate logistics for the studio sessions. After the free clinic investor declared that her notoriety would soon increase, Anita Dupree accused her of only wanting to be involved for social status, not to honor her biological mother.

Elon Hawthorne shared a break in the Whitmore case with Jacob Hawthorne. The police chief told his eldest son there was security footage dated two days before Whitmore’s death that showed Smith meeting with Max Rodriguez (Cris Ruiz), who was supposed to be in witness protection.

After making calls to find Rodriguez’s whereabouts, Detective Hawthorne discovered he was missing. Chief Hawthorne said the footage also showed Rodriguez passing a purple bag to Smith that looked like the same bag found in Whitmore’s cell after she overdosed.

Thursday, September 17, 2026

After receiving details of Smith’s meeting with Rodriguez, Detective Hawthorne called his cousin-in-law to the police station and advised him to bring a lawyer. The former undercover cop reviewed the security footage, which confirmed what Chief Hawthorne had previously told him.

At the country club, Andre Richardson (Sean Freeman) encountered his father-in-law, who asked about Dani Dupree’s divided attention. The photographer told Vernon Dupree that Bill Hamilton reached out to his wife during their trip, but there was nothing to be concerned about.

Meanwhile, the supermodel visited her mother at the Dupree mansion to catch up. After receiving gifts, Anita Dupree bluntly asked her youngest daughter whether she contacted her ex-husband while in Korea with her current husband. Dani Dupree admitted that Bill Hamilton texted her, but Andre Richardson was aware and understood her concerns about the criminal defense attorney’s health.

When the Hamilton patriarch asked his eldest daughter about Dani Dupree’s return from Korea during a meeting, Hamilton-Hawthorne said his questions showed he was still too invested in his ex-wife’s life. During a phone call with Congressman Richardson, the young attorney agreed to represent Smith at the police station.

After Hamilton-Hawthorne left, Bill Hamilton tried to text Dani Dupree again but experienced tremors that made him drop his phone. He then momentarily lost consciousness, but eventually woke up. The criminal defense attorney then made a mysterious phone call asking someone to meet.

At the police station, Hamilton-Hawthorne arrived for Smith’s second questioning with the DCPD. During the interview, Detective Hawthorne showed security footage recently obtained of Smith and Rodriguez after the investigative reporter said it had been a while since he last spoke with the informant. After the former undercover cop asked what item Rodriguez gave Smith, Hamilton-Hawthorne ended the interview.

Later on, Vernon Dupree confronted Bill Hamilton about his involvement with Dani Dupree. The retired senator reminded his former son-in-law that, despite feeling like he made a mistake divorcing the supermodel, he made his choice a long time ago and everyone has moved on.

Smith and Hamilton-Hawthorne filled Congressman Richardson in on the police-station questioning. The investigative reporter insisted that the footage Jacob Hawthorne presented was doctored. While he and the politician were alone, Smith deduced the only logical explanation: he was being set up by the Impaler.

Hamilton-Hawthorne returned to the station and informed her husband that she would officially represent Smith. The married duo promised each other they would leave their professional lives at work and not let it interfere with their personal lives.

Vernon and Anita Dupree compared notes after their conversations with Bill Hamilton and Dani Dupree. The concerned matriarch and patriarch were convinced their daughter and her ex-husband were hiding something.

Friday, September 18, 2026

At Uptown, Chelsea Hamilton (RhonniRose Mantilla) and Kat Richardson strategized on their next ChelseaKat launch. Remembering that Allison Bailey (Brianna Roberts) ruined their launch a year earlier, the handbag designer hesitated to go full speed ahead with promoting their brand. During a quick livestream Kat Richardson started, Izaiah Hawthorne arrived and joined the cousin duo.

At the office, a sentimental Bill Hamilton told his wife that his recent medical issues had made him reflect on the kind of partner he’d been to her, and he wished he could have lived up to her expectations. Lawson assured the criminal defense attorney that he made her happy and that she would do everything she could to help him through his health scare.

What seemed like a good morning for Dani Dupree and Andre Richardson turned tenuous when the modeling agent brought up her ex-husband. She apologized to the photographer for her constant involvement in Bill Hamilton’s life and promised to take a step back.

After their discussion, the married couple shared a moment with chocolate-covered strawberries before Andre Richardson left for a workout. Shortly after, Bill Hamilton arrived at Dani Dupree’s door.

After initially resisting, Dani Dupree allowed her ex-husband into her house. She then told the criminal defense attorney she was done with him. Bill Hamilton told the mother of his daughters, “I think I’m dying.”

After learning of a complaint Bill Hamilton had filed, Dr. Monica McCormick (Iona Morris) complimented Johnson and Morgan on how well they handled the difficult patient, noting they followed protocol. Because of their proven professionalism, the Garland Memorial Hospital chief of staff informed the nurses that they were being promoted.

In Dr. Richardson’s office, Eva Thomas apologized to her father for Leslie Thomas’ meddling in his relationship. The free clinic manager admitted that sometimes she can be like her mother with her insecurities and jealousy, especially when it came to Kat Richardson.

Dr. Richardson hoped his daughters’ shared experience with the liver transplant would have improved their relationship, but the best Eva Thomas could tell her father was that they actively tried to avoid conflict as much as possible.  

Meanwhile, back at Uptown, Izaiah Hawthorne also broached the topic of the Richardson sisters possibly mending their relationship. Kat Richardson maintained her stance that she and Eva Thomas would not be close anytime soon.

Chelsea Hamilton confided in Grayson Perez (Jordi Vilasuso) about her history with Bailey and the difficulty of healing from the trauma of her kidnapping. Perez offered advice based on his past troubles and told her to lean on the people in her inner circle who love her.

Eva Thomas then arrived to meet her boyfriend at Uptown. Just as the ChelseaKat co-founders departed, Dr. Richardson, Johnson and Morgan dropped in to celebrate the nursing duo’s promotions.

At the coffee shop, Chelsea Hamilton insinuated that Kat Richardson wanted to leave Uptown because she didn’t want to see the Banneker advisor and Eva Thomas together. Annoyed, the ChelseaKat manager told her cousin that she wasn’t romantically interested in Izaiah Hawthorne.

The handbag designer then asked her best friend if she was tempted to get revenge on her half-sister for sleeping with Navarro last year. Kat Richardson asserted that she would not be involved in whatever karma Eva Thomas had coming.

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