If the previous two articles focused on the battle of wits and words, this article focuses directly on the biggest crisis: Horton Clinic’s confidential files were leaked and EJ became the focus of the investigation.

Everything started the morning after the opening ceremony.

Salem was shocked when the internal news leaked: “Horton Clinic Under Investigation – Financial Irregularities Found.”

The news appeared on the TV screen at Brady Pub, making the whole bar stunned.

Nicole read the news, her mouth agape: “EJ… again?”
Roman looked up: “This is not a coincidence.”

At DiMera Enterprises headquarters, EJ was furious. He paced back and forth, throwing a stack of files on the table. His junior reported that the server was hacked from a “familiar” device. EJ slammed the table: “Sami.”

Meanwhile, Marlena – who often gets caught up in the chaos by choice – is called to testify as a witness regarding the Clinic’s construction. Although she is not directly involved in the finances, she is the one who understands the connection between Sami, EJ and the members of the council.

Marlena is worried. She remembers the times EJ hid his past, the times Sami threw himself into danger to “save the one he loves”. Now, the two are drawn together into a spiral that could hurt Salem.

The council calls an emergency meeting. EJ is forced to stand up to explain the unexplained expense. Flashing lights, reporters surround. EJ sighs, trying to stay calm, but underneath is a look of panic – because he knows that the file is not a “mistake”.

In the middle of the hearing, a video file is shown on the screen. No one knows where it came from. It was a clip of EJ signing a shady contract involving “secret funding transfers.” The conference room erupted.

EJ looked around, bewildered. He knew right away: Sami.

While EJ was surrounded, Sami stood in the hallway, arms crossed over her chest, listening to the screams from the conference room, the corners of her lips curling slightly. But her face was not happy — it was pain. She knew this fight would not stop here. EJ was the person she loved for many years. But also the person who hurt her the most.

Marlena stepped out, facing Sami: “What are you doing?”
Sami replied, her voice hoarse: “I’m just telling the truth.”
Marlena looked deep into her eyes: “But sometimes the truth kills.”