In the August 28 episode of Days of Our Lives, EJ suddenly became very interested in Stefano’s chess set just as Chad and Belle prepared to follow its clues to Italy. He told Chad he only wanted to understand their father better, which is a perfectly reasonable explanation if this were literally anybody else in Salem. With Stefano involved, Chad heading overseas, and EJ already feeling shut out of the mystery, there is probably more going on than simple family curiosity.
Key Takeaways
- EJ may believe Stefano’s chess set is hiding something meant for the DiMera family.
- Chad and Belle are heading to Italy without knowing exactly what they are looking for.
- EJ does not seem thrilled that Chad may be one step ahead of him.
- Stefano’s final game may be about far more than solving a few clues.
What Happened on DAYS
EJ (Dan Feuerriegel, who dissected the current state of EJ DiMera for Soap Hub) questioned Chad (Conner Floyd) about the chess set and his sudden trip to Italy with Belle (Martha Madison). Chad and Belle have been following clues hidden around the board, including a missing pawn, a key, and items connected to Italy, but they still have no idea what waits at the end.
EJ claimed he simply wanted to know more about Stefano (the late Joe Mascolo), although his interest came right when Chad was getting ready to leave town. Meanwhile, Marlena (Deidre Hall) hired Steve (Stephen Nichols) to figure out who is actively feeding Chad and Belle clues.
Dr. Rolf (Richard Wharton) remains an obvious possibility, but Steve thought that answer might be too easy. Considering Stefano spent decades collecting allies, henchmen, and people with very questionable judgment, the suspect list is hardly short.
Why It Matters
EJ hates being left out of anything involving Stefano’s legacy. The chess set was not left to him. Chad is now chasing answers overseas, and EJ has already started wondering what his father may have planned. That is exactly the kind of combination that can turn curiosity into competition very quickly.
There is also the possibility that EJ thinks the board leads to something valuable. It could be money, leverage, another DiMera secret, or simply proof that Stefano trusted someone else with information EJ believes should have been his. For a man who sees himself as Stefano’s true heir, being the last DiMera to know anything is not going to sit well.
The Fallout
Chad and Belle may soon discover that they are not the only people interested in Stefano’s final puzzle. If EJ decides there is something worth finding, he could easily start following the same trail or try to beat them to whatever waits in Italy. Nothing says family bonding quite like competing over a dead patriarch’s mystery box.
The bigger question is whether EJ is chasing answers or inheritance. Stefano rarely did anything without several motives stacked on top of each other, and this chess set already feels bigger than a sentimental farewell. If EJ keeps pushing his way into the investigation, he may find exactly what he wants and wish he had stayed home.
