The latest Days of Our Lives preview for the week of July 20, 2026, points to a significant development in Salem as Gwen Rizczech’s unexplained absence draws attention from those around her.

EJ DiMera’s effort to keep Gwen away from the investigation and Leo Stark’s unexpected search for answers are set to intersect in a storyline that could bring EJ’s decisions into question.

As EJ struggles to maintain control over his collapsing world, Gwen may become the one person capable of revealing his secrets. But by taking action to keep her away, EJ may have created the exact situation he was trying to avoid.

Leo Stark Notices Something Is Wrong With Gwen

The preview begins with a moment that immediately raises concern.

Leo Stark arrives at the Salem Inn and quickly notices that something feels unusual.

For most people, a perfectly made bed might mean nothing.

But Leo knows Gwen Rizczech better than almost anyone.

When he sees that Gwen’s room looks untouched, he immediately realizes something is wrong.

Gwen is not the type of person to disappear without explanation.

She is outspoken, unpredictable, and always has something happening in her life. Whether it involves romance, business, or Salem drama, Gwen rarely leaves quietly.

Leo’s instincts tell him that this is not simply Gwen being absent.

Something happened.

And that discovery could put him directly on EJ DiMera’s trail.

Gwen’s Disappearance Raises Serious Questions

Gwen’s absence comes at the worst possible time.

She has recently become connected to several major conflicts in Salem, especially those involving EJ DiMera and his business dealings.

The biggest question surrounding her disappearance is simple:

Who wanted Gwen gone?

At first glance, there are several possibilities.

Gwen has made enemies throughout her years in Salem, but one person stands out because of the timing and the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.

EJ DiMera.

EJ DiMera’s World Begins Falling Apart

EJ has always been one of Salem’s most powerful figures.

He has built his reputation on intelligence, confidence, and the ability to manipulate difficult situations.

However, recent events have placed him under increasing pressure.

His plans involving Dr. Wilhelm Rolf’s experimental work have created serious complications.

The situation surrounding Lexie Carver’s return has become increasingly unstable, leaving EJ facing emotional and personal consequences.

At the same time, his professional position has been threatened.

With enemies questioning his decisions and investigations getting closer, EJ finds himself surrounded by problems from every direction.

For someone who values control above everything else, losing power is almost impossible to accept.

Why Would EJ Target Gwen?

The biggest mystery is why EJ would choose Gwen as his target.

The answer may involve their complicated business relationship.

Gwen has not simply been a bystander in EJ’s plans.

She has been connected to his projects and may know important information about his activities.

That knowledge makes her dangerous.

If Gwen decided to reveal what she knows, EJ could face serious consequences.

From EJ’s perspective, removing Gwen from the situation may appear like the easiest solution.

However, this decision could become one of his biggest mistakes.

EJ’s Biggest Problem: Gwen Is Not Easy To Silence

The problem with Gwen Rizczech is that she has always been a survivor.

Throughout her time in Salem, Gwen has faced rejection, betrayal, and public criticism.

But every time she has been knocked down, she has found a way to fight back.

EJ may believe he can control the situation.

But underestimating Gwen could be a dangerous mistake.

Unlike some people who would simply give up, Gwen is someone who looks for opportunities even during difficult moments.

If she finds a way to escape, EJ could face a much bigger problem than before.

Leo Stark Becomes An Unexpected Threat To EJ

The most surprising part of this storyline may be Leo Stark’s involvement.

Leo is often viewed as Salem’s resident troublemaker, someone who loves gossip and dramatic situations.

But Leo also has a unique talent for discovering information others miss.

His friendship with Gwen has always been complicated, but there is genuine loyalty between them.

Leo may be one of the few people who immediately realizes that Gwen would never disappear voluntarily.

And that makes him dangerous for EJ.

A determined Leo investigating Gwen’s disappearance could uncover clues that lead straight back to the DiMera family.

For once, Leo’s curiosity may become a serious weapon.

Xander Cook’s Loyalty To Gwen Is Tested

Another major question involves Xander Cook.

Gwen and Xander have shared a complicated relationship filled with passion, conflict, and unresolved feelings.

Although Xander has been distracted by other problems, Gwen has remained an important part of his life.

Her disappearance could force Xander to confront his true feelings.

Will he realize how much Gwen means to him?

Will he step forward to help her?

Or will he continue focusing on his own complicated situation?

If Xander discovers that EJ is responsible, viewers could see a much more aggressive side of him.

The conflict between Xander and EJ could become one of Salem’s biggest battles.

EJ Follows A Dangerous DiMera Tradition

EJ’s actions also bring back memories of the darker side of the DiMera legacy.

For decades, the DiMera family has been known for elaborate schemes, secret locations, and extreme methods of gaining control.

Stefano DiMera became famous for his ability to manipulate people and create complicated plans that lasted for years.

EJ has spent much of his life trying to prove he is different from his father.

But recent events suggest he may be moving closer to the same patterns he once rejected.

The difference is that Stefano often planned several steps ahead.

EJ appears to be acting from desperation.

And desperate decisions often create unexpected consequences.

Where Could EJ Be Keeping Gwen?

Fans are already speculating about Gwen’s location.

Some believe she could be hidden somewhere connected to DiMera history.

Others wonder whether EJ could be using an isolated location away from Salem to keep her out of sight.

The location itself may reveal important information about EJ’s state of mind.

A carefully planned hiding place would suggest strategy.

A rushed decision would reveal panic.

Either way, Gwen’s situation appears to be connected to EJ’s growing problems.

Salem’s Biggest Secrets Are About To Surface

The kidnapping storyline arrives at a critical moment for Salem.

EJ is facing pressure from multiple directions.

His professional reputation is at risk.

His personal relationships are strained.

And now, someone close to his plans may have the information needed to expose him.

The biggest question is whether EJ can maintain control long enough to protect himself.

Or whether Gwen’s disappearance will become the mistake that finally brings him down.

A Major Showdown Is Coming

The upcoming episodes of Days of Our Lives promise emotional confrontations, unexpected alliances, and major consequences.

Will Leo Stark uncover the truth about Gwen?

Will Xander become her unlikely rescuer?

Will EJ’s latest decision destroy the empire he has spent years building?

One thing is certain:

By trying to silence Gwen, EJ may have created the one situation he cannot control.

In Salem, secrets never stay buried forever — and every DiMera move eventually comes with a price.