In true Days of Our Lives fashion, Salem has once again proven that nothing is ever as simple as it seems. Just when viewers thought they had cracked the case

behind Dimitri von Leuschner’s terrifying kidnapping, a stunning revelation flips the entire narrative on its head. Despite early accusations and mounting suspicion,

the truth is now clear: Gwen Rizczech was not behind Dimitri’s abduction. Instead, the real mastermind appears to be far closer to Dimitri’s bloodline — and far more dangerous.

For weeks, the mystery surrounding Dimitri’s disappearance has loomed over Salem like a gathering storm. Whispers of betrayal, greed, and revenge rippled through the town as fingers pointed squarely at Gwen. Given her complicated past and morally flexible history, the accusation felt believable — even inevitable. Yet Days of Our Lives thrives on misdirection, and this storyline is no exception.

As new details emerge, the spotlight shifts away from Gwen and toward one of the soap’s most infamous figures: Vivienne Alamain.

A Kidnapping That Shook Salem

Dimitri von Leuschner has always lived in the shadow of privilege and danger. As an heir tied to European aristocracy, old money, and generations of ruthless ambition, Dimitri’s life has been defined by high stakes and higher risks. His whirlwind relationships, inheritance disputes, and tangled alliances made him a magnet for chaos long before his kidnapping ever occurred.

When Dimitri resurfaced with claims that he had been abducted and held in Alamainia, the fictional European principality steeped in power and corruption, shockwaves tore through Salem. The most explosive part of his story, however, was his accusation that Gwen was under investigation for orchestrating the crime. The claim was enough to isolate Gwen instantly, turning friends into skeptics and allies into silent judges.

Yet as the evidence began to surface, cracks formed in Dimitri’s version of events.

Why Gwen Was the Wrong Suspect

Gwen Rizczech is no stranger to scandal. Her past is littered with schemes, emotional manipulation, and desperate attempts to secure love and belonging. But kidnapping Dimitri — and doing so on an international scale — never fully aligned with her established patterns.

Gwen’s schemes tend to be reactive and personal, driven by raw emotion rather than long-term strategic planning. Transporting a grown man across borders, coordinating foreign operatives, and hiding him within the political maze of Alamainia would require resources, influence, and global connections Gwen simply does not possess.

Even her supposed motive — Dimitri’s wealth — doesn’t withstand scrutiny. In Salem, characters hungry for money rarely bother with prolonged captivity. Kidnapping suggests leverage, control, and psychological dominance, not a quick grab for cash. Gwen’s past reveals a woman who strikes fast and messy, not one who orchestrates elaborate international crimes.

As investigators dug deeper, it became increasingly clear: Gwen may be guilty of many things, but this wasn’t one of them.

Enter Vivienne Alamain: The Queen of Chaos

If Gwen wasn’t responsible, then who had the means, motive, and merciless creativity to pull off Dimitri’s abduction? The answer feels almost inevitable to longtime fans: Vivienne Alamain.

Vivienne is not merely a villain — she is an institution. A legend of Days of Our Lives, Vivienne has spent decades terrorizing Salem with schemes that blur the line between brilliance and madness. From burying rivals alive to faking her own death, from corporate warfare to psychological torment, Vivienne’s resume reads like a masterclass in soap opera villainy.

More importantly, Vivienne has deep-rooted ties to both the von Leuschner family and Alamainia itself. This is not foreign territory to her — it is home turf.

Motive Rooted in Power and Blood

Vivienne’s connection to Dimitri goes beyond distant family ties. Their shared lineage places Dimitri squarely within her sphere of control, whether he wants it or not. His marriage to Gwen, his shifting alliances in Salem, and his independence from traditional family power structures may have been perceived by Vivienne as threats to the Alamain legacy.

For someone like Vivienne, kidnapping is not just a crime — it’s a strategy. Removing Dimitri from the board allows her to reassert dominance, send a warning, and reshape the future of the family empire to her liking. Whether her goal was coercion, punishment, or “protection,” the act fits her psychological profile perfectly.

And then there’s timing.

Dimitri’s disappearance coincided almost too neatly with Vivienne’s reemergence in Salem. Her calculated presence, cryptic remarks, and familiar smirk didn’t go unnoticed by viewers attuned to her patterns. When Vivienne moves quietly, devastation usually follows.

The Alamainia Advantage

Unlike Gwen, Vivienne possesses everything necessary to execute an international kidnapping flawlessly: money, influence, loyal henchmen, and intimate knowledge of Alamainia’s political underbelly. Bribed officials, hired muscle, and carefully planted evidence could easily redirect suspicion toward Gwen while keeping Vivienne’s hands clean.

Alamainia itself adds a gothic, operatic layer to the story — ancient castles, shadowy corridors, and laws bent by power. It is the perfect backdrop for a Vivienne Alamain production.

Fallout and Emotional Devastation

The consequences of this revelation are immense. Dimitri, once confident and untouchable, is now a man haunted by confinement and betrayal. His trust shattered, he must confront the reality that his own blood may be responsible for his trauma.

Gwen, meanwhile, faces the bitter aftermath of false accusation. Though cleared, the damage to her reputation and relationships may be permanent. In Salem, suspicion has a long memory, and redemption never comes easily.

And Vivienne? If exposed, she stands poised to unleash chaos on an entirely new level. Confrontations with Carly, explosive family reckonings, and shifting alliances could redefine the power balance in Salem for years to come.

A Storyline That Changes Everything

This kidnapping mystery is more than a plot twist — it’s a turning point. It reinforces Days of Our Lives’ core themes of family betrayal, inherited darkness, and the inescapable pull of legacy. It also proves that even in a town built on scandal, the most dangerous threats often come from within.

As Salem braces for the truth to fully emerge, one thing is certain: Dimitri’s kidnapper was never Gwen. The real danger has always worn diamonds, carried a legacy of destruction, and answered to one name alone.

Vivienne Alamain.

And if history is any indication, she’s only just getting started.