Days of Our Lives Spoilers for July 20–24: Holly Is Framed as Kristen Plans a Desperate Escape

The week of July 20–24 brings false accusations, mysterious disappearances and desperate escape plans to Days of Our Lives. Holly Jonas becomes furious when Tate Black and Sarah Horton discover opioids hidden inside her bag, but no one appears willing to believe that she has been set up.

Meanwhile, Kristen DiMera considers fleeing Salem with Lexie Carver to escape EJ DiMera’s disturbing plan. Leo Stark and Gabi Hernandez begin searching for Gwen Rizczech, while Xander Kiriakis and Philip Kiriakis face another financial crisis involving Titan.

Chad DiMera and Belle Black also continue investigating a strange mystery whose clues may lead them all the way to Italy.

Monday, July 20: Holly Is Accused of Hiding Drugs

The week begins with EJ apologizing to Cat Greene.

His apology may be connected to the uncertain future of Salem University Hospital. If EJ loses control of the hospital, Cat could also lose her job at a time when she is responsible for raising Felicity.

EJ appears to genuinely care about Cat, but his recent actions may have created an even larger crisis. Gwen was expected to help purchase the hospital, and her sudden disappearance could prevent the state board from removing EJ.

That raises the possibility that EJ arranged for Gwen to be kidnapped so she could not complete the transaction.

At the hospital, Tate must reveal what he found inside Holly’s bag. While Sarah and Xander were distracted, someone apparently planted a bag of opioid pills among Holly’s belongings.

The most likely suspect is EJ.

Tate informs Sarah about the discovery, and the two confront Holly. When Holly asks whether she can finally leave the hospital, Sarah refuses and reveals the pills.

Holly immediately insists that they do not belong to her.

Unfortunately, her previous struggles make the accusation believable to those around her. Tate asks to discuss the situation, but Holly explodes in anger at both him and Sarah. From her perspective, the people closest to her have already decided that she is guilty.

Elsewhere, Chad and Belle examine the clues connected to the Verde concert and a mysterious note. They realize that several details point toward Italy, potentially setting up an international phase of their investigation.

Gabi complains to Rafe Hernandez, possibly about the counterfeit designer bag Gwen purchased. Although the situation is embarrassing, Gabi may soon have more important matters to consider after receiving her inheritance from Stefano DiMera’s estate.

Leo also makes a difficult confession to Marlena Evans. He may finally admit that he has completely lost Javi Hernandez and does not know how to repair the damage.

Tuesday, July 21: Kristen Suggests Running Away With Lexie

Philip and Xander receive a major shock when Gabi withdraws her offer to help rescue Titan financially.

The two men had been counting on Gabi’s investment, so her decision leaves them scrambling. They demand an explanation and may try to persuade her to reconsider before Titan’s problems become impossible to solve.

Julie Williams also receives an apology from Foster. She may have believed he was avoiding the Verde concert because he was having second thoughts about their relationship.

Meanwhile, Kristen develops a dangerous escape plan.

Lexie has already warned Kristen that EJ intends to send her away to a remote island. After Lexie collapses, Kristen suggests that the two women flee Salem together.

Kristen may believe the plan could solve both of their problems. She would avoid EJ’s punishment, while Lexie could spend her remaining time away from the pain of watching Abe Carver and Theo Carver prepare to lose her again.

However, Lexie’s declining health could make the escape nearly impossible.

Eli Grant and Lani Price also celebrate their anniversary. Although the celebration comes slightly late, Eli surprises Lani with a beautiful necklace and a romantic evening at the Salem Inn.

Their happiness offers a rare peaceful moment in a week filled with chaos.

Wednesday, July 22: Holly Threatens to Walk Out

Holly continues angrily denying that the pills belong to her.

Neither Tate nor Sarah appears convinced by her explanation, leaving Holly feeling isolated and betrayed. She is later seen crying near the door of her hospital room, suggesting that she may decide to leave without permission.

Holly’s anger is understandable. She believes someone deliberately framed her, yet the people who should know her best are treating her like a liar.

Sarah asks Xander for help.

Because Xander packed Holly’s belongings, Sarah may ask whether he noticed the pills inside the bag. Holly arrived at the hospital with very few possessions, so it should not be difficult to determine whether the drugs were already present.

Xander’s answer could become the first real evidence supporting Holly’s innocence.

EJ, meanwhile, appears worried while discussing the situation with Rita Lesley. His concern may involve the hospital, Gwen’s disappearance or lingering guilt over framing Holly.

Rita may have arranged Gwen’s kidnapping on EJ’s orders, allowing him to distance himself from the crime while still benefiting from her absence.

Kayla Johnson makes Cat an offer, possibly promising that she can remain employed at the hospital after EJ is removed from power.

Leo also becomes increasingly concerned about Gwen. When he visits her room at the Salem Inn, he notices that her bed has been turned down but was never slept in.

Realizing that Gwen did not return the previous night, Leo may alert Gabi. Since they both know Gwen had recently become EJ’s enemy, they could decide to contact the police.

Gabi and Leo may form an unexpected partnership as they search for answers.

Thursday, July 23: Kristen Says Goodbye to Rachel

Kristen shares an emotional moment with Rachel Black at Bayview.

She hugs her daughter and tells Rachel that she is her heart and greatest treasure. Kristen also says she wants Rachel’s future to be bright and beautiful.

The conversation sounds less like an ordinary visit and more like a farewell.

Brady Black watches the emotional exchange and becomes overwhelmed. He may realize that Kristen is planning something drastic.

Kristen likely knows that Brady would never allow her to take Rachel while fleeing Salem. She may therefore decide that disappearing alone is better than allowing EJ to imprison her on an island where she would still be separated from her daughter.

Kristen’s escape plan may not unfold as expected, however.

Lexie and Abe renew their wedding vows in an emotional ceremony. They exchange rings and reaffirm their love, even though Lexie knows she may soon leave with Kristen.

Her failing health could destroy the plan before it begins. Lexie may collapse during or after the ceremony, forcing her into the hospital with Abe and Theo at her bedside.

Their family could soon face the unbearable possibility of losing her again.

Elsewhere, Shawn Brady opens up to Jada Hunter about his feelings. His confession may reveal that he is falling in love with her.

Stephanie Johnson vents to Belle about Joy Wesley. Both women have contributed to the conflict, leaving Alex Kiriakis trapped between competing loyalties.

Chad supports Alex as he struggles to balance his feelings for his wife, his responsibilities as a father and the continuing tension with Joy.

Friday, July 24: Johnny Accuses EJ of Framing Holly

Kayla and Steve Johnson worry about Salem’s increasingly dangerous future.

Their concerns could involve the hospital battle, Holly’s alleged drug use, the mysterious arsenic problem, EJ’s schemes or the state of Stephanie’s marriage. With so many crises unfolding at once, they have several reasons to be afraid.

Leo persuades Melinda Trask to help him.

His request may involve Gwen’s disappearance. Melinda has legal knowledge, investigative instincts and a complicated history with several people involved, making her a valuable ally.

Xander and Sarah share a quiet moment despite the pressure surrounding them. They are dealing with Holly’s accusation, Titan’s financial instability and EJ’s continuing interference.

Although Xander and Sarah reconnect peacefully, Sarah’s emotional life remains complicated. She and Brady are expected to exchange declarations of love soon, but those words may carry very different meanings for each of them.

Dylan also continues growing closer to Will as she supports him through his personal crisis.

The week ends with Johnny DiMera confronting EJ.

Johnny asks his father directly whether he planted the opioids inside Holly’s bag. The accusation puts EJ in a difficult position, especially because he has recently been more honest with Johnny about his schemes.

EJ may admit what he did, or he could attempt to justify it by pointing to Holly’s history with drugs. He may argue that the worst possible consequence would be another stay in rehabilitation.

Johnny is unlikely to accept that excuse.

Framing a vulnerable young woman could permanently damage EJ’s relationship with his son. It may also become the mistake that finally exposes his growing list of crimes.

With Holly fighting to prove her innocence, Gwen missing and Kristen preparing to disappear, Salem could be heading toward several explosive confrontations on Days of Our Lives.