Byron's departure in yesterday's episode has prompted a change to the opening titles today. The previous Byron, Sadie and Holly shot is replaced with one of just Sadie and Holly by a bridge in central Melbourne. Byron and Trevor the dog remain for the time being in the final group shot at the rotunda, however.

No 26
Sadie's immediate reaction to Taye's revelation is to snigger, thinking it's a joke.

SADIE: Good one. Couple goals, you and me.

Taye's heart quietly breaks.

TAYE: Aren't we? I mean, I didn't wait this long just for a laugh.
SADIE: But we're just hooking up.

Sadie realises Taye is deadly serious.

SADIE: Sorry, uh... I shouldn't have laughed. You know, I'm not quite equipped to have this conversation right now.
TAYE: Yeah, I'm getting that.
SADIE: Can we pick it up in the morning?
TAYE: Sure.

Taye leaves the house. Sadie looks worried.

No 22
Terese and Nell are baking! Terese doesn't know the difference between a teaspoon and a tablespoon, but she claims it's just to keep Nell on her toes.

Nell tells Terese that she wants the Sonya Foundation to capitalise on the jewellery expo; she's going to discuss ideas with the volunteers today. Terese thinks it's a good plan.

Paul comes in, and Nell heads over to the Kennedys' to get some icing sugar. Terese hectors Paul again about being upfront with Krista and Annalise about his long- term plans for them. Paul doesn't want to, as he thinks it could get awkward if he decides Annalise is the wrong person to fill in for him during his more frequent New York trips. But Terese says Krista needs to be part of that decision, and Leo needs to know too.

PAUL: All in good time, okay? More importantly, how are you feeling about it?
TERESE: Well, I get that you need to spend more time in New York (...) But there's a lot for me to consider, and it's not just Eirini. It's Nell as well.
PAUL: Mm. And that's why I want you to think about it. Darling, I need you to be sure, okay?

Terese nods and smiles.

Lassiter's Complex
Krista tells Annalise and Paul that promotion has begun for the jewellery competition, just ahead of the visit today by Johan Classen who runs the jewellery expo. Annalise isn't sure whether Johan will think that the competition will be a good fit for the expo, but Krista is convinced otherwise.

The three of them see Katrina Marshall rushing to work late, and trying to change her shoes on the fly. Annalise looks unimpressed, and Krista promises that she'll talk to Katrina. While she does, Annalise tells Paul that management is cutting the staff too much slack. Paul agrees, and Annalise proposes that they call a staff meeting to outline their expectations. Paul is keen, saying he's determined to win the Bronze Bell.

No 32
Max tells Taye how much he's going to miss Byron as they walk through the front door - even his 'rowdy shower karaoke'. Taye half- heartedly agrees, but it's clear he's distracted. Taye is annoyed that he's been called into work for the staff meeting, as he just wanted to lounge around in his PJs today. Max correctly guesses that Taye's mood is about Sadie.

Taye admits that he waited up for Sadie and then went over at 4am when she got back from her date - he told her how he feels, but she just laughed at him.

TAYE: She thought it was a joke, you know, but now I feel like one.
MAX: Dude, umm... timing really isn't your strong suit, hey? I mean, 4am, when she's just got back from a night out, is not the time for a serious talk. But the good news is, it's not what you said - it's when you said it.
TAYE: So, what - if the timing's better, the answer's better?
MAX: Yeah, probably.

Taye looks somewhat happier.

Lassiter's Complex
Various staff from across the complex are gathering outside the pub - including Aaron, Nicolette, Sam, Sadie, Taye, Katrina and extras. Paul, Annalise and Krista are all present, but Krista hasn't even been told by Paul and Annalise what the meeting is about yet, and expresses her annoyance to Aaron.

SAM: She's not happy.

Krista approaches Paul and Annalise. Paul says Annalise has identified some urgent issues that need to be addressed with the staff. Krista thinks they should have discussed it first, but Annalise says there was no time - Johan Classen is on his way and she needs the staff on their A- game. Sadie is wearing sunglasses to mitigate a hangover from the night before. Taye sits next to her, looking miserable, and it's awkward.

Paul rings a bell to get everyone's attention.

PAUL: Anyone know what this is?
TAYE (to Sadie): A power trip.
PAUL: It is a bronze bell. Not *the* Bronze Bell, obviously. Not the one that's awarded to hotels for events and excellence. No, that's still to come our way. But we are only going to win it if we host the best Worldly Gems jewellery expo.

Annalise tells everyone that Johan Classen stages these expos worldwide, so this is a huge coup for Lassiter's.

ANNALISE: We need him to be wowed at every turn. Wowed. I need everyone to take this seriously. And that starts the second you put on your Lassiter's uniform.

She glances pointedly at Katrina, who is still somewhat dishevelled. Katrina doesn't take the hint, so Nicolette - who isn't in any kind of uniform - whispers over to her, and she hurriedly tucks her blouse in, apologising for having been late.

Paul dismisses the shortest staff meeting of all time, with the exception of Nicolette who he asks to stay behind. Nicolette thinks it's to thank her for pulling Katrina into line over her 'shocking' presentation!

PAUL: Yeah, actually, it's about your presentation.
ANNALISE: Mm. We are introducing a uniform for Harold's.
KRISTA and NICOLETTE: We are?
ANNALISE: We are.

Krista again looks unimpressed not to have been consulted, and Nicolette looks even less keen.

The Waterhole
Nicolette tells Aaron that she is not wearing a uniform. He points out that everyone else here does, and suggests she take it up with 'your new CEO Annalise'.

Meanwhile, Taye is looking sad at a table. Sadie is with him, and he apologises for dropping his feelings on her last night. For her part, she apologises for the way she reacted, but says she's thought about it more now.

SADIE: Part of the reason why I broke up with Byron was to figure out who I am outside of a relationship - you know, to work on me. And I really like you, but I'm not down for anything serious. I didn't realise you were trending the other way. So I'm sorry if I led you on.
TAYE: You didn't. When this started, it had 'casual' written all over it.
SADIE: I mean, we can still do that, if you want?
TAYE: Yeah. It's funny, cos normally in situations like this, I'm you. Like, casual is my happy place. It's my jam. I eat it for breakfast. I'm down.

But Sadie gets the sense that Taye is trying too hard to backtrack.

SADIE: ... I don't think you mean that. We need to call this now. I'm sorry, Taye.

Sadie leaves. Taye looks hurt.

Lassiter's Complex
Paul, Krista and Annalise are bickering about the introduction of a uniform for Harold's. Krista doesn't think Nicolette will take this lying down, but Paul wants them to keep their eyes on the prize - the Bronze Bell.

We learn that the jewellery expo guy Johan has suggested a retail space as part of the event. Annalise has set her sights on the space currently occupied by the Sonya Foundation. Krista says they can't evict them, but Annalise has identified that the foundation doesn't have a formal lease.

KRISTA: Paul, you can't do this to Nell. Look, I strongly advise against this. The foundation represents our commitment to the community.
ANNALISE: There is nowhere else. Paul, it's your call.

Paul looks conflicted as he looks over at the foundation shop, where Nell is helping a customer.

The Waterhole
At the bar, Krista moans to Terese, Leo and Aaron that Paul is deliberately pitting her against Annalise. Terese says Krista and Annalise should rise above it, but Krista is finding that hard when Paul keeps stirring the pot. Leo offers to talk to Paul about it, but Krista says she needs to handle this on her own.

LEO: Well, just don't forget you're equal owner of this hotel, okay?
KRISTA: Right now, I feel like an employee.

Aaron tells them that Nicolette is not happy about being required to wear uniform. Terese gets a text from Nell - she's just been told that the foundation is being moved out of the complex, and she's not happy either. Krista and Terese decide to head to Harold's...

Harold's Café
... where a very upset Nell is giving Paul a severe telling- off.

NELL: You *know* the foundation is my mum's legacy. You gave it to us to save us. So why take it away?!
PAUL: Nell, it's not forever.
TERESE: Why would you do this without consulting us?
KRISTA: Is it because Annalise suggested it? I have to ask, Paul - I mean, this is sport to you. You let her score a point over me, and then I get to score one over her.
PAUL: I simply want what's best for the expo and ultimately, what's going to give us the Bronze Bell.
NELL: That is so unfair. And why do we have to move out today?
PAUL: Because Johan Classen is on his way, and he wants to see the space, okay? Now, I will find you an alternative space - and besides, you can move back in once it's all over.

Nicolette then interjects to discuss the uniform plans!

NICOLETTE: Ahem. My style is part of our appeal. And there's no uniform in my contract.
PAUL: Well, actually, your contract's a bit vague. I checked with HR.
NICOLETTE: What do you want me to wear?
PAUL: Something more Lassiter's, and less... you.

Paul leaves after again promising Nell he'll find her another space.

NICOLETTE: Nell, are we gonna take this lying down?

No 32
A depressed Taye is lying on the sofa with a large tub of ice cream when Max comes in. Max correctly guesses that his second chat with Sadie didn't go well either.

TAYE: The timing's not the problem, it's the message.

Taye relays the details of the conversation with Sadie. Max says that it sucks, but at least Taye was honest about what he wants.

TAYE: Is it? Cos I have a bleak, crumbling feeling in my stomach and I'm, like, wiped out. And literally all I want to do is curl up into a ball and watch 'Marley and Me'. I just wish Trevor was here.

Taye raises a huge spoonful of ice cream to his mouth but manages to get more around it than in it!

Lassiter's Complex
The signage for the jewellery expo has gone astray, and Annalise is on the phone trying to get the delivery people to bring the signs back to the front entrance. Terese is still lingering around, and Annalise moans to her about it. Sam passes, and Annalise asks if she saw who sent the delivery drivers away - 'some guy' according to them. Sam doesn't know who it was. Terese says it's a shame Annalise and Krista don't get on.

ANNALISE: Look, I don't dislike her. I just... I think I'm really feeling the pressure.
TERESE: Yeah, well, you're great at what you do.
ANNALISE: I've just got a lot riding on this opportunity (...) I know there's no permanent job here, but Paul told me he'd give me a good reference if I do well, so...

Annalise prepares to go and make sure everything else is in order for Johan's arrival.

TERESE: Annalise - Krista is an ally. Just try and remember that.

No 32
Taye is asleep on the sofa, the ice cream tub next to him and with a dribble of ice cream down his chin. There's a knock at the door - it's Sadie, who lets herself in. Taye wakes up; Sadie says she just wanted to check in on her way home.

SADIE: We're still friends, right? Like, we're okay?
TAYE: For sure.

He claims the ice cream tub is Max's, seemingly to avoid Sadie thinking he's moping.

SADIE: Yeah, the leftovers on your chin really say something else.
TAYE (wiping his chin): Yeah, I clearly haven't had the best of mornings, but... no hard feelings. I would never want us to be awkward.
SADIE: Same.

Sadie heads off, and Taye falls back onto the sofa. Nicolette then storms in, saying she's been looking for Taye everywhere. She needs him to help her with something which she claims is on Paul's behalf, and drags him off back to work.

Lassiter's Hotel
Paul tells Nell he's organised a new temporary location for the foundation shop - in an empty shipping container next to The Shed, Aaron's old gym! Nell is not happy about this, saying it's in the middle of nowhere; the foundation relies on foot traffic. Paul reminds her it's only for a short period.

Nell asks Terese if she can do anything to stop this, but Paul says it's done - he needs her to ship everything out of the retail unit by this afternoon. Nell strops off in disbelief.

PAUL: I know she feels let down, but honestly, she has to start being reasonable.

Terese uses this as an opportunity to launch into hectoring him about being transparent with Krista and Annalise again. But Paul doesn't show much intention of that, as he seems to be enjoying himself too much.

TERESE: This is gonna blow up in your face.

Lassiter's Complex
Nell is very upset as she leaves the hotel. Nicolette comforts her.

NICOLETTE: Hey - it's okay. I have a plan.

Nicolette leads her towards the foundation shop.

Lassiter's Hotel
In the foyer, Annalise is unpacking the signage for the jewellery expo. But they haven't got time to put it up, as at this point, Annalise gets a message saying Johan has arrived. Krista says they'll have to charm him and stall him.

Lassiter's Complex
Johan gets out of his car, and is greeted by Annalise, Krista and Paul. He seems very unimpressed by the hotel entrance, and wants to know where his expo signage is. Krista says he'll see them 'very soon' - meanwhile, they'll give him a guided tour of the hotel.

ANNALISE: I mean, you can't exhibit opulence without appreciating it in other forms - and our Piano Bar is something else!

They hurry Johan inside to dose him up on espresso martinis.

Harold's Café
Nell and Nicolette come in looking exhausted but pleased with themselves. Nell can't believe Nicolette talked her into what they've just done. Taye is still working on whatever it is, and Nicolette admits she's been a little loose with him on the detail!

NICOLETTE: Desperate times call for desperate action (...) Honey, this is Paul's karma, okay? He acts like he doesn't need his staff - but he is, oh, so wrong.

Nell admits she's had a bit of a rollercoaster with Paul - she felt she'd become like family, and now he's treating her like a nobody. She can't imagine he would ever treat Leo like this.

NICOLETTE: Right? He preaches that he would do anything for his family, but that only applies to certain family members (...) That's why it's so great that we are giving him a taste of his own medicine.

Nicolette pulls out one of the Lassiter's hotel uniforms and brandishes a pair of scissors! Nell laughs. An exhausted Taye comes in and asks if Nicolette is really sure that Paul 'wants all this'.

NICOLETTE: He's gonna love it.
NELL: One hundred percent.

Taye looks unconvinced.

No 26
Max comes to check in on Sadie. She says she can't believe that Byron has gone, but Max actually meant as regards the situation with Taye, who he says is 'going through some big feelings'.

SADIE: So, it's hit him hard?
MAX: Yeah, so it's not hitting you hard?
SADIE: (shrug of indifference)
MAX: Right. That's a bit... cold.
SADIE: Hey, I don't want him to be sad. But I haven't done anything wrong. I was honest with him. And I told him things were casual. He seemed to be fine with it (...) If he's reacting like this, maybe it wasn't even true to begin with (...) I think I just need to create some space between us.

Max agrees.

Lassiter's Complex
Annalise, Paul and Sam show Johan back to the entrance, where the jewellery expo signage is now in place. Johan is impressed with that - but not so much with the sight that greets him in the courtyard! All of the stock of the Sonya Foundation shop has been piled up messily in the middle of the courtyard, along with packing boxes and mannequins, making the whole place look a mess.

Nicolette stands nearby proudly, wearing a heavily mutilated hotel uniform! Nell is there too and gives Paul a smirk. Terese and Taye linger looking confused. Annalise promises to Johan that they'll get it all moved right away, while Paul confronts Nell and Nicolette.

PAUL: What the hell is this?
NELL: You wanted the foundation out. It's out.
NICOLETTE: And you wanted me in uniform, so I'm in uniform.

Paul looks annoyed.

Coming up on Neighbours
- Paul encourages Terese to tell Susan that Eirini Rising isn't turning a profit
- Terese tells Susan there's something they need to talk about
- Remi suggests to Cara that they get to know each other again. Cara says she'd love that
- Krista and Annalise discuss how people keep telling them they should be friends as they are so similar (!)
- At the Waterhole, Annalise appears to be attempting to ply Leo with wine