The January 7th, 2026 episode of Days of Our Lives opens with a plot twist that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats: Bonnie Lockhart is utterly disappointed when Kate Roberts refuses to read the manuscript she secretly slipped into the office. Her dream of becoming the “new Anastasia Sands” seems shattered, but will Bonnie truly accept defeat? Or, behind that facade of disappointment, is she plotting a sinister scheme to usurp Stephanie Johnson’s position?

Salem has never been peaceful, and this time, suspicions about Bonnie are shaking the entire town.

Bonnie’s long-held dream was shattered.

Bonnie confidently asserted that she had been writing since elementary school and was inspired by Stephanie Johnson’s meteoric rise to fame. She poured her heart and soul into completing a steamy romance novel, aspiring to surpass Stephanie and become Salem’s new literary star.

However, Kate Roberts – the publisher – refused to read or publish any manuscripts that weren’t requested, despite Stephanie herself having been “accidentally” published by Kate. This decision deeply disappointed Bonnie, and the audience began to wonder: would she stand by and watch things slide, or would she take action to change her fate?

Stephanie and the coming undercurrent

While Bonnie was suffering, Stephanie Johnson wasn’t entirely unscathed either. Her next book, according to Xander, was experiencing dismal sales. Her promotional tour was halted by Alex due to safety concerns, stemming from a stalker stalking Stephanie. These successive troubles made Stephanie’s chances of success precarious, and Salem began to suspect: was someone subtly manipulating things from behind the scenes?

Bonnie – Victim or perpetrator?

Audiences began to speculate: Was Bonnie the one stalking Stephanie? It all made sense. Bonnie wanted to be the new Stephanie, and the quickest way to take that position was to make Stephanie fail. With Stephanie struggling with her book and tour, Bonnie would have a chance to shine. And if she quietly pushed things forward, the “path to the throne” would be easier than ever.

The crucial question is: Is Bonnie merely passively “playing dirty,” or is she actively sabotaging Stephanie through dangerous actions that are keeping Salem on edge?

Potential consequences for Salem

If Bonnie’s theory is true, the consequences will not only be Stephanie’s downfall but also a ripple effect that will engulf everyone close to her. The mysterious stalker, bestselling or failing books, and Bonnie’s clandestine plans could fracture relationships and even create conflict with Alex and those around Stephanie. Salem is facing an unprecedented literary drama, where secrets could explode at any moment.