When Sophia disappears without a trace, the entire city of Salem is plunged into fear.

But two people refuse to sit still: Steve Johnson and Brady Black.

They decide to embark on a midnight chase – a journey not only to find her, but also to uncover the dark conspiracy that is haunting Salem.

The episode opens with Steve looking at his phone screen – Sophia’s last signal appeared on the outskirts, next to an old cabin.

Brady steps forward, his eyes stern: “If she’s there, we can’t be late.”

Steve nods, and the two of them dash off into the pouring rain. The car’s headlights pierce the night, reflecting off the damp forest. Each whistling wind whispers a secret.

When they arrive, they find the cabin deserted, the door ajar. On the table is a half-empty glass of wine and Sophia’s phone. Steve steps forward, gently tapping the glass – the liquid inside is viscous, emitting a strange smell. “Someone was here… and they didn’t leave alone.”

Outside, Brady finds tire tracks, but they’re mostly erased by mud. He picks up a torn piece of cloth embroidered with the DiMera logo. Steve looks over, his eyes gleaming with suspicion: “EJ.”

The scene cuts quickly — Steve and Brady drive to the old warehouse near Salem Harbor, which used to be the DiMera family’s underground trading post. When they open the metal door, a puff of smoke rises, and a faint female voice says: “Don’t trust anyone… not even me.”

All is quiet. Steve recognizes it as Sophia’s voice, but when they enter, she’s gone — only the broken necklace remains. Brady clutches it in his hand, looking at Steve: “Someone’s running this game… and we’re just pawns.”

Finally, the episode ends on a dead-end note as Steve says: “No, Brady. We’re going to be the ones breaking the rules.”

It’s no longer a search, but a hunt for a manipulator – and Salem prepares to witness a fierce underground battle.