Salem is heating up with tension, betrayals, and shocking turns as August 18th and 19th roll around in Days of Our Lives. This week promises courtroom drama, family confrontations, and corporate battles that could shift the entire landscape of power in the city.

On Monday, August 18th, Tony DiMera finds himself in the middle of EJ’s storm. EJ, consumed by worry and fear, lashes out at his brother as the trial inches closer to Johnny’s verdict. The possibility that his son could go to prison for a crime he didn’t commit weighs heavily on him. EJ knows in his gut that the shooter was a woman, but his memory is fragmented. The clock is ticking, and if he doesn’t put the pieces together soon, Johnny may pay the ultimate price. Could the stress of the trial be enough to finally trigger EJ’s memory of that fateful night—or will Marina’s suspicions serve as the spark that jogs his recollection? Either way, EJ’s desperation grows by the hour.

Meanwhile, Kayla and Steve face family drama of their own. Steve wants to talk to Kayla about their daughter, Stephanie, but things aren’t simple. Stephanie, or “Little Sweetness,” isn’t holding back her frustration—she confronts her father about his investigation into Titan Industries and, more specifically, into her boyfriend, Alex. She’s torn between love and loyalty, but Patch’s protective instincts won’t let him stop digging into Alex’s past.

Elsewhere in Salem, Xander receives an unexpected apology from Gabby. On the surface, it may seem like a peace offering after the chaos surrounding that scandalous kiss Sarah witnessed. Sarah’s retaliation with Brady and Xander’s attempt to fight him have left emotions raw. But is Gabby’s apology sincere? Or is it just another calculated move in her larger plan to bring down Xander and Titan from within? Considering Gabby’s history of manipulation, her motives are anything but clear.

Speaking of manipulation, Alex surprises Stephanie with a revelation that could shake things up even more. Is it connected to Steve’s investigation into his past criminal charges, or does it have something to do with Stephanie’s book, One Stormy Night? Either way, the timing is far from coincidental, and the fallout may ripple across both her personal and professional life.

Meanwhile, Chanel and Johnny face their own emotional battle. Chanel pleads with Johnny to keep his focus on proving his innocence rather than worrying about her or the deepfake video that has caused so much damage. The stakes couldn’t be higher, but Johnny complicates matters by firing his father as his lawyer. With his defense now in jeopardy, can Chanel keep him steady enough to fight for his freedom—or has Johnny’s decision only made things far messier than before?

On Tuesday, August 19th, Salem shifts gears as Julie and Marina share a heartfelt moment at the local bookstore, which happens to be up for sale. Julie hints to the owner that she may know someone interested in buying it—could Julie herself be considering a new chapter, or will she encourage Marina to take on the opportunity? Either way, the conversation adds a quieter but meaningful layer to the ongoing family struggles both women are facing.

Back in the world of corporate warfare, Tony makes Gabby a shocking offer: if she can dismantle Titan and take down both Xander and Phillip, she will rise to the top as CEO of DiMera Enterprises. Tony is so confident in her abilities that he doesn’t just float the idea—he seals the deal with signed paperwork. For Gabby, this could be the ultimate power move, but at what cost? Aligning herself with DiMera ambitions while plotting against Titan may earn her the CEO title, but it also puts her in the line of fire. In Salem, power always comes with a price, and Gabby’s gamble could either secure her future or destroy everything she’s worked for.

As Salem moves through this tense week, the question looms: will EJ uncover the truth in time to save Johnny, and will Gabby’s ruthless plotting give her the crown she craves—or leave her vulnerable to the fallout of her own ambition? One thing is certain: the scales of justice and the balance of power in Salem are about to shift in ways no one sees coming.