Beyond the Gates Recap Dec 29: Leslie propositions Joey, Anita begins treatment

In the Beyond the Gates recap for Monday, December 29th, 2025, Leslie has a proposal for Joey, Anita begins treatment, and Eva and Izaiah label their relationship.

Beyond the Gates Recap

At the casino, Leslie sashayed through the back room door and reintroduced herself to Joey. She said that she had a business proposal for him that he would want to hear. She showed him her plans, and Joey scoffed. “You want me to fund a free clinic with you?” he asked.

Leslie told him that they were both fine, rich, and sexy, but both missing the respect that comes with legitimacy. Joey said he wasn’t looking for approval and never was. “You would be a lot more interesting if you’d stop worrying about external validation,” he added.

Joey told Leslie the Duprees would never respect her, no matter how many businesses she opened. Leslie said she knew he was curious; Joey invited her to sit down and tell him why she thought he should be interested in opening a clinic with her.

Leslie explained her plan and noted that Joey could be behind the scenes as she intended to be the face and name of the place. Before sauntering back out, she teased that it would be an opportunity for them to get to know one another better.

At the hospital, Vernon was with Anita for tests and prep for her treatment. She talked about her feelings coming over, and how cancer had not only moved into their lives, but was about to dictate it. Vernon was supportive and encouraging, telling Anita he was all in if she was ready to fight.

The doctor came in and said that she was lucky for the early detection, but was anxious to get started with the treatment since it was such an aggressive form of breast cancer. Anita asked him straight up if any of the options would save her life.

The doctor explained chemotherapy to Anita and the process. Anita was terrified as he talked about the stages of treatment. Vernon told Anita that he refused to let death part them. Anita made him promise to hold himself together if she did die. Vernon agreed but wanted her to promise to fight with everything she had. 

Anita assured Vernon she was nowhere near ready to leave their family. The doctor returned and said they’d start treatment that week. Anita was taken aback at the speed they were moving, but agreed it was best. “It’s time love, we have to tell the kids,” Vernon said.

Dani and Vanessa had drinks at Uptown. Vanessa shared that Donnell had given his blessing for Vanessa and Joey’s relationship, but she was going to need to ease in with Deanna. Dani assured Vanessa that she was a good mom.

Dani told Vanessa about her Christmas and Vernon’s surprise. She asked what Vanessa got the man who has everything, but couldn’t say where he got it. She shared that she’d gotten Joey the perfect gift: a deck of cards once owned by Al Francesco, the godfather of blackjack.

Behind Vanessa, Dani spotted a bartender whose looks she liked. She snapped a photo of him to show Pam for their modeling company, but Vanessa thought he’d be a great addition to her escort team. They had a challenge to see who could recruit him.

Dani and Vanessa both did their pitches, but Rick told them that he and his fiancée had other plans. As they walked back to their table, Joey came in, so Dani left, and Joey took her seat. Joey told Vanessa about Leslie’s pitch to be her backer.

Vanessa told Joey that Leslie asked her to find a location for the clinic. Joey shared that Leslie asked him to be a private backer, “among other things.” Vanessa thought it was great idea, and hoped he’d said yes.

At the country club, Nicole and Carlton caught up about their Christmases. Nicole described hers as magical, except for the almost-scandal that would have wrecked the holidays for years to come. 

Carlton regaled a dream he’d had about him being a matador in the running of the bulls, and Nicole was on a balcony. He assured her she wasn’t a damsel in distress but he’d walk through fire for her anyway.

Carlton asked if they could watch the ball drop together on New Year’s Eve. Nicole told him that she couldn’t think of anyone else she’d rather ring in the new year with. Nicole gave him a big kiss before he left.

Nicole immediately called Dani and gave her the update on the kiss and her New Year’s date. Nicole said that she needed a new look for the new her. Dani agreed to go shopping with her.

At home, Izaiah told Eva how smitten he was with her in and out of the bedroom. He said he could handle a girlfriend and his new career, but Eva balked at the title. Izaiah wondered what was wrong with having a few strings.

Izaiah told Eva that they had a good thing going, and he couldn’t stop thinking about her. Eva didn’t think anyone had talked about her like that before, and worried they were moving too fast, but Izaiah told her to lean into it and enjoy it.

Eva noted that it wasn’t that long since he and his ex had broken up. She said she liked Izaiah a lot, but didn’t want the flame to burn out from rushing. Eva explained she wanted to be wooed; Izaiah thought he could do that.

After Eva and Izaiah steamed things up on the couch, he was leaving as Leslie showed up. Once alone, Leslie told Eva she’d hit up someone to be an investor in the clinic, but wouldn’t say who it was.