The video preview for the upcoming week of Beyond the Gates doesn’t just tell us that Vernon’s keeping secrets. It shows us. Meanwhile, Ashley walks in on a big surprise. Will she be able to handle it? And Kat can’t take much more of Eva and Ted’s closeness. A bigger rift between Kat and her dad seems likely.

Plus, the Smith-Richardsons are in crisis. And Joey has a little fun at a Fairmont Crester’s expense. Something tells us that Vanessa doesn’t find Joey’s comments amusing. Here’s the breakdown for the week of November 3-7.

Key Takeaways

• Vernon’s mysterious phone call and subsequent visit suggest he’s hiding something — but from whom?
• Ashley discovers Derek’s shocking secret in a jaw-dropping moment that changes everything.
• The Smith-Richardsons face a full-blown family crisis that could tear them apart.
• Kat’s fury erupts after Eva gets a little too close to Ted, widening their family rift.
• Joey’s biting sarcasm hits too close to home for Vanessa — and this time, the joke might be real.

Secret Rendez-Vous

Vernon (Clifton Davis) is practically whispering when he’s on the phone. Even though he lives in a big mansion, he doesn’t want Anita (Tamara Tunie) to accidentally eavesdrop on his plans. “I know what I’m doing,” the retired senator starts. “Let me handle this my way.” Next second, he’s at the door of some mysterious woman. “Sorry, I’m late,” he tells her. Who is this woman?

Secret Revealed

Another semi-secret phone call takes place between Shanice (Ernestine Johnson) and Derek (Ben Gavin), who is keeping his own secrets from his fiancée. “If you don’t fess up and soon, pretty sure you’ll regret it,” Shanice warns. She happens to be the smartest person in the DMV area.

Derek not only has feelings in his legs, but he can stand up on his own now, too. And he stubbornly refuses to tell Ashley (Jen Jacob). Well, the secret’s out. The nurse walks right in to their apartment and catches Derek off guard — and on his feet. “This is incredible. Look at you!” Ashley exclaims.