You’re listening to Soap Dirt, your go-to source for the latest in television entertainment news. Hey, Days of Our Lives fans! This week, the drama in Salem has hit an all-time high,

and it’s all centered around EJ Deara and Gwen Rychek von Loyner. That’s right — Salem’s most controversial power couple are officially co-conspirators,

scheming behind closed doors at University Hospital, and the chaos they’re about to unleash is nothing short of shocking.

It’s Belinda from Soap Dirt here, and trust me, you don’t want to miss a second of this update. Before we dive in, make sure you hit subscribe — because things are about to get messy, twisted, and thrilling in the Peacocks’ iconic soap.

So here’s the scoop: Gwen has reportedly bankrolled EJ — at least half the funds — to acquire Salem’s struggling hospital. This is more than just a business deal; it’s a carefully orchestrated plan that could rewrite Salem’s medical landscape. The duo’s ultimate goal? To create a so-called Demra Family Free Clinic, ostensibly to serve the community. But, knowing EJ and Gwen, this clinic is far from altruistic.

Fans will recall the recent mega promo for Days of Our Lives, teasing the grand opening of a Dr. Tom Horton Free Clinic this fall. This has raised questions: Will EJ and Gwen be forced to pivot, abandoning the Demra family name for the Horton legacy to ease public skepticism? After all, doctors like Marina Evans and Kayla Brady despise EJ’s recent takeover of University Hospital and his controversial cuts. Aligning a clinic with the Demra name could drive away volunteers, leaving the project vulnerable.

But here’s the catch: regardless of what the clinic is called, EJ and Gwen’s motives are far from noble. The free clinic is a cover — a façade for some seriously shady scientific experiments behind closed doors. And anyone familiar with the Demra legacy knows that shady science often comes with a familiar face: Dr. Wilhelm Rolf. This brilliant yet twisted scientist, long associated with the Deara family, could soon be back in Salem, orchestrating dark experiments for EJ and his mysterious partner, Gwen.

Reports suggest the hospital could soon host a state-of-the-art underground lab, dedicated to the Demra family’s secretive research. Gwen’s involvement is particularly intriguing. Why is she contributing vast sums of her von Loyner inheritance? Without her financial backing, EJ couldn’t have purchased the hospital. Is it ambition, attraction, or something more sinister driving her? That remains to be seen.

Meanwhile, law enforcement is quietly circling. ISA agents and FBI operatives Cat Green and Rafe Hernandez are monitoring EJ’s finances, but so far, his co-buyer remains unidentified. Gwen’s sudden return to Salem, flush with cash, should put her on their radar — and it likely will soon. History tells us that whenever a Demra moves, suspicion is never far behind.

Shane Donovan, ever the vigilant observer, immediately sensed foul play when EJ began bidding for the hospital. He recruited Cat back to the ISA as a financial analyst, pairing her with seasoned FBI agent Rafe. The duo is now perfectly positioned to uncover EJ and Gwen’s duplicity. And with Gwen recently seen in EJ’s office, potentially observing confidential blueprints, Cat may be closer than ever to cracking the case. Of course, these blueprints only cover public areas — the hidden lab remains top secret, leaving EJ confident for now, but how long can he keep it under wraps?

For longtime Days fans, EJ’s vision for the hospital is deeply concerning — and historically consistent with the Demra modus operandi. Remember, before EJ was even in primary school, his father Stephano Deara collaborated with Dr. Rolf on some of Salem’s most notorious experiments: back-to-life serums, doppelgangers, undetectable masks, personality-altering microchips, and advanced mind control techniques. EJ’s new project could very well continue this dark legacy.

While Kayla Brady prepares to unveil the Dr. Tom Horton Free Clinic this fall, complete with appearances from Mike Horton, Jeremy Horton, Jennifer, and Jack Deveraux, EJ and Gwen’s clinic could remain hidden in plain sight, its true purpose known only to insiders. This means Salem could soon have two competing clinics — one public and wholesome, the other secretive and morally dubious. Will EJ rename the clinic after Tom Horton to quell suspicion? Time will tell, but his history suggests he will manipulate appearances to maintain control.

Adding further intrigue is EJ’s interest in his missing brother, Stefan Deara. In a tense scene with Gabby, EJ probed for Stefan’s whereabouts, only to be met with a cold reminder that she considers him dead. Meanwhile, EJ Jr. smirked ominously — hinting that Stefan’s fate may tie directly into the secretive experiments. Could Stefan become the first guinea pig in Dr. Rolf’s hidden lab, subjected to mind control, personality microchips, or even Stephano-inspired resurrection techniques? Considering the promo hints and Marina’s recurring “Queen of the Night” visions, a twisted Stephano reboot via Stefan could be imminent.

What’s certain is this: EJ and Gwen’s plans place countless Salem residents in jeopardy. Gwen’s priorities remain murky — her attraction to Sander, her alliance with EJ, and her mysterious motivations leave everyone around her at risk. EJ, largely concerned with his son Johnny and his own power, seems ready to manipulate anyone in his path to achieve his goals.

As this fall approaches, fans can expect high-stakes drama, hidden agendas, and shocking revelations that could reshape Salem forever. With Dr. Rolf potentially back in the mix, secret labs operating under the guise of a charitable clinic, and law enforcement closing in, EJ and Gwen’s twisted plot is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling storylines in recent Days of Our Lives history.

So, stay tuned, loyal Salem fans! The Demras are stirring, secrets are bubbling to the surface, and what seems like a simple act of charity could be the most dangerous scheme in Salem yet.

Thanks for tuning in to Soap Dirt — your source for all things soap opera. Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and all major platforms to keep up with the latest in Salem drama. You won’t want to miss the next explosive twist!