If Kristen is the heart of the tragedy, then EJ is the center of suspicion.

All of Salem is whispering: could he be the mastermind behind the kidnapping to control the DiMera legacy?

Episode 23/12 opens with EJ being escorted away by police, while Johnny and Chad watch with angry eyes.

He pleads his innocence, but forged documents show he withdrew money from the DiMera fund before the incident.

Inside the house, the glittering Christmas tree reflects on Kristen’s icy face – she stands by the door, watching EJ being taken away without a word.

While imprisoned, EJ meets Lucas Horton, who has secretly collaborated with the police to reopen the old case. Lucas says, “You once thought you were king of Salem, now look – no throne, no family, no one believes you anymore.”

The biggest twist came in the weekend episode, when Tony found video from an old crypt camera – showing someone wearing a jacket similar to EJ’s at the scene. But when the light came on, it wasn’t EJ – it was Peter Blake, his half-brother who was thought to be dead.

This discovery shocked both the audience and the residents of Salem. EJ was released, but his honor was shattered. He returned to the DiMera mansion, looked at Stefano’s portrait, and whispered, “Father would be proud, because I learned how to survive.”