When EJ DiMera finally awakens from his coma, he’s expecting to find familiar faces and perhaps some comfort after surviving a near-fatal shooting. But instead, he’s met with a devastating truth—his family’s empire, DiMera Enterprises, has been taken right from under him. While EJ fought for his life in a hospital bed, a hostile corporate coup was already underway.

Enter Xander Cook and Philip Kiriakis—two power-hungry businessmen who saw the perfect storm forming. With EJ incapacitated and the DiMera family consumed by the ongoing investigation into the shooting, these corporate sharks pounced. Xander persuaded Philip that this was their moment to rise, convincing him that the chaos within DiMera leadership, especially under Kristen’s temporary control, had left the company wide open for takeover.

Their strategy wasn’t impulsive—it was a meticulously planned ambush. As Salem’s business elite hesitated, Xander and Philip launched an aggressive campaign to win over shareholders. They painted Kristen as unstable and unfit to lead, and promised that Titan Industries could bring stability and profitability. Boardrooms buzzed with uncertainty, and soon, the votes shifted in their favor. In what felt like a blink, DiMera Enterprises was no longer in DiMera hands.

Kristen, meanwhile, is fuming—not only about the power grab but also about the whispers that she might have had something to do with EJ’s shooting. Under relentless interrogation from the DA and JJ, she’s cracking under pressure. Her rage is fueled by betrayal and the realization that while she was fighting for her reputation, someone else stole the family crown.

Stefan DiMera’s role remains suspicious. Though he’s aware of what Xander and Philip are doing, his silence is causing unease. Is he biding his time to make his own move? Could he be the next to turn on his family, or is he quietly preparing for a counterattack?

To make things messier, rumors are swirling. Some claim Alex—another insider—has damaging evidence against Philip, possibly involving forged documents. If true, the entire takeover could be illegitimized and fall apart. Sarah, Xander’s wife, also found a troubling letter—possibly fake—that casts doubts on his involvement and may ignite fury if Xander discovers he’s being manipulated.

As if that’s not enough, Vivian has returned to Salem. Known for stirring the pot in any corporate chaos, her presence could tip the scales in any direction. She’s not just a bystander—Vivian plays to win.

And all this drama hits EJ like a tidal wave the moment he opens his eyes. His world has changed completely, and what hits hardest isn’t just the hostile takeover—it’s that his own family let it happen. The empire his father built, the legacy EJ vowed to protect, was lost while his siblings stood by. He may see Xander and Philip as enemies, but the deeper betrayal cuts come from Stefan, Kristen, and the rest of the DiMeras, who failed to defend the throne.

EJ’s return to the boardroom won’t be quiet—it will be explosive. He’ll be out for vengeance, not just against the Kiriakis men but against those he trusted most. The DiMera family could be heading for a civil war, and in Salem, that’s when things get truly dangerous.

Brace yourselves—EJ DiMera is back, and he’s ready to reclaim his kingdom… no matter who he has to take down to do it. 🔥👑