Salem is bracing for impact. The next stretch of episodes on Days of Our Lives promises betrayal, desperation, and emotional landmines as rivalries sharpen and loyalties fray.

At the center of the storm are two very different schemers — Rachel Black and Theo Carver — each prepared to bend morality in pursuit of love, control,

and a future they believe is slipping away. But their moves won’t happen in isolation. From international intrigue tied to Vivian Alamain to mounting suspicions around

EJ DiMera, the chessboard is filling quickly, and nearly every power player in town could become collateral damage.

Let’s break down the week that could change everything.

Vivian’s long reach threatens Liam

If there is one lesson Salem never quite learns, it’s that Vivian is always three steps ahead — and never above eliminating a problem permanently.

As efforts intensify to clear Dmitri von Leuschner of the DiMera kidnapping scandal, he and Leo Stark take a risky leap, boarding a jet bound for Alamain territory. Their hope? Find evidence that exposes the real architect of the chaos.

Unfortunately, the welcome mat is likely to be replaced with a target.

Back in Salem, Liam has provided authorities with details about the man who hired him for the crypt setup — a description that edges dangerously close to Vivian’s inner circle. With her empire threatened, the countess may decide the witness simply can’t be allowed to keep breathing.

Expect frantic phone calls, coded instructions, and the unnerving sense that a hired gun could be closing in. The real question is whether Dmitri and Leo will uncover the truth in time — or arrive home to find that Vivian has already cleaned house.

Jeremy trapped as suspicion deepens

Jeremy Horton is ready to skip town. Bags packed, goodbyes forming, a fresh start within reach. There’s just one problem: Salem may not be finished with him.

Circumstantial evidence keeps circling Jeremy in the stalking case, and while he insists he’s being framed, doubt spreads quickly when fear takes hold. Stephanie Johnson is in danger again, and anxious eyes are turning toward the man whose past makes him an easy villain.

Jada Hunter finds herself caught between instinct and empathy. She wants proof, not assumptions — yet the clock is ticking. If something new happens and Jeremy can’t explain where he was, leaving town may become impossible.

Whether he’s guilty or tragically convenient, Jeremy’s freedom is hanging by a thread.

Rachel targets Brady’s heart

No one fights harder for their parents’ reunion than Rachel — and she has never been afraid to get messy.

Brady Black is attempting to move carefully with Sarah Horton, savoring quiet moments while trying not to ignite another war with Kristen DiMera. Boundaries are discussed. Expectations are laid out.

But Rachel hears only one thing: her family is slipping further from the picture she wants.

Even if she genuinely likes Sarah, history suggests she may sabotage the romance to clear a path back to Kristen. A misplaced text, a conveniently overheard moment, a lie told with tearful conviction — any of it could detonate Brady’s fragile new beginning.

The tragedy? Rachel will believe she’s acting out of love.

Theo’s secret could destroy Gabi

Theo has tried to be honorable. Truly. But unrequited feelings have a way of eroding the high ground.

Watching Gabi Hernandez grow closer to Philip Kiriakis is torture, especially while Theo sits on information that could obliterate their happiness. He knows about Gabi’s covert role in exposing the forgery mess — knowledge Philip would view as betrayal.

Theo doesn’t need to confront her directly. He could leak it. Nudge someone else to talk. Ensure the truth explodes while his hands appear clean.

The moment he imagines Gabi in Jada’s place, reality snaps into focus: desire can turn decent people dangerous.

If Theo crosses that line, he may win a shot with Gabi — but lose the man he used to be.

Cat pushes EJ too far

EJ prides himself on reading motives. Yet Cat has managed to slip past his defenses, at least for now.

Her attempts to stir his memories — and perhaps his attraction — are growing bolder. A kiss looms. So do questions.

Susan Banks already distrusts Cat and won’t hesitate to warn her son. Meanwhile, Rita is beginning to wonder whether this charming newcomer is getting a little too close for comfort.

If Cat is indeed running a con designed to gather ammunition against EJ, she’s nearing the most perilous phase of the operation: the part where emotions blur the script.

And if EJ senses manipulation, retaliation will be swift.

Salem thrives on secrets, but this week they feel radioactive. Rachel and Theo may believe they’re acting to secure love, yet their gambits could unleash consequences that reshape families, fracture alliances, and leave innocence in short supply.

In a town where the past never stays buried, playing dirty rarely ends clean.