No 22
Paul tells everyone to calm down, but Terese says the time has passed for calm! She warns Elle of the risk that the Linwells will come back to finish the job.

ELLE: I can look after myself.
TERESE: This isn't just about you, Elle!
ELLE: I'm the one exposing the truth!
TERESE: If you'd been hit by that car, do you have any idea what that would've done to your father? You've got no idea what it's like to lose a child. And it's arrogant to think that your actions don't affect others.
PAUL: Alright, that's enough, Terese. Come on.
TERESE (to Paul): I thought we were better than this. Stepping around each other with half- truths. I'm so disappointed.

Terese strops off, and Elle loudly says she is not backing down just to keep Terese happy, prompting an exiting groan from Terese!

ELLE: Being a journalist is who I am! And I want my career back.
PAUL: I know. I know you do, darling.

No 32
Max, Taye and Sadie are sitting in the garden. Taye is getting great feedback from their Eirini Rising 'guinea pigs' about the face masks. He's hoping they might write customer reviews or even invest in the product. Max reminds Taye that Colton doesn't want Eirini dragged into it. Taye thinks Colton can be swayed! Sadie points out they need a name for the product. Taye has already designed a logo - 'Sataye Skincare'!

MAX: SAA- taye. Can I put that on my kebab?
TAYE: Haha. It's pronounced Sa- TAYE. (To Sadie) Like a mix of - you know - you and me.
MAX: Okay, well why not 'Taydie' then?
TAYE: Because 'Sataye' is way classier.
MAX: It sounds like something you would sit on.

Sadie announces she has to leave - she's narrowing down the finalists for the Amanda Harris Scholarship today. There are two main contenders. She also has an idea to drum up sponsors to preserve the longevity of the scheme.

TAYE: Well if anyone can keep Amanda's legacy alive, it's you.
MAX: Aww!

Sadie leaves.

MAX: SAA- taye?
TAYE: Sa- TAYE.

Lassiter's Hotel
Zac and Krista are discussing that most perennially thrilling of topics - hotel events! Apparently the evil Quill Group has already won the contract for the Technology Fair, but Krista is keen on hosting Zac's other idea - the Inspiring Young Person Award. The event is looking for a three- year partnership and Krista wants in. Zac says he'll get working on a proposal, and asks if they need to loop Paul in on any of this.

KRISTA: Honey, whose name do you see on the door?
ZAC: I'm just triple- checking that 'silent partner' means silent partner.
KRISTA: Paul will be about as silent as he can possibly be.

Krista gets a message and smiles.

ZAC: Who is interrupting bestie time?

It's Leo, who says that Jane is picking up Abigail from school, so he's proposing some 'us time' for him and Krista before they go and collect her. Zac says he has everything under control here, but Krista says she can't - Sadie's coming in for a meeting and she promised to hear her out.

KRISTA: Leo will understand.
ZAC: Hmm. Gorgeous, kind, understanding... I can relate.
KRISTA: Me too.

Harold's Café
Elle is moaning to Leo about Terese's ultimatum to Paul, when Leo receives a text from Krista saying she can't get away. Leo looks disappointed, and tells Elle that Terese is just worried about her safety. Elle says Terese is a 'tyrant' but Leo just laughs. He says Terese is reminding her that other people are involved in this - himself included.

ELLE: I have broken a major story, and I'm on my way to getting my life back.
LEO: If you really wanted your life back, you'd still be in New York.
ELLE: Dad understands.
LEO: Does he? Or is he just saying what you want to hear cos you're his little girl?
ELLE: Oh, come on!
LEO: No, you've always been special to him. You're special to all of us, so... just stop being such a loose cannon.
ELLE: Okay, whoever sent you that message clearly hit a sore spot. But don't take it out on me.
LEO: Don't deflect.

But Elle correctly guesses it was Krista and that Leo is still finding it hard to get time alone with her.

LEO: She's busy. I get it.
ELLE: Do you?

Lassiter's Hotel
In Krista's office, Sadie pitches a launch idea for the Amanda Harris Scholarship to Krista and Zac - a make- up competition to be held at Lassiter's. The top two contenders for the scholarship would have a set amount of time to apply their best techniques on models, in front of a live audience. The winner takes the scholarship, and there are cross- promotion opportunities for Lassiter's, like showcasing Day Spa products.

Krista thinks the idea has a lot of positives, but wonders how much of a crowd it will realistically draw. Zac agrees that it needs an extra hook.

SADIE: Like what?
KRISTA: I dunno. You're smart. Come back and wow us.

Erinsborough High School
Isla and Abigail are doing some drawing in Jane's office while she works. Leo turns up to pick up Abby, followed shortly by Krista who apologises for being late - she and Zac got caught up with work. Krisa enthuses over Abby's pictures, until she reaches one of an adult couple, a little girl and a baby. (Lest it wasn't obvious, she has written 'baby baby' over the baby!)

LEO: Is this us?
ABIGAIL: Yes.
LEO: Aww!
KRISTA (pointing to the baby): Well, who's that, sweetheart?
ABIGAIL: A baby sister for me to play with.

Leo and Jane chuckle and think it's sweet, but Krista looks concerned.

Lassiter's Hotel
Paul pops into Zac's office to check how he's settling in, and to ask if Krista has any more events planned. Zac is cagey, saying he should let Krista fill Paul in.

PAUL: Look, I'm actually here about Elle. I need your help.
ZAC: Not one to back away from a challenge, is she?
PAUL: Never. Look, I know she's a grown woman, and I can't tell her what to do...
ZAC: Yeah, but you're worried.
PAUL: I am terrified. The Linwells are very dangerous people, so we need to keep an eye on her.

Zac promises to do what he can, and asks if it's okay for him to stay at No 22. Paul says it's fine, as long as he doesn't bring any trouble.

PAUL: Actually, you know, you might have arrived at exactly the right time.

Paul leaves, but it seems what he's said about 'trouble' has made Zac pensive...

Lassiter's Complex
Elle is working outside the hotel when Nicolette spots her. Deciding on mischief, Nic approaches.

NICOLETTE (faux friendly): Hey! What are you up to now? Are you destroying someone else's life, or just endangering someone else's kids?
ELLE: Don't you have tables to wipe?
NICOLETTE: You know, I thought that ethics was a big deal in your industry. But obviously you didn't get that memo.
ELLE: For the record, I don't care what you think of me.
NICOLETTE: But you care about everyone else.
ELLE: ... What's that supposed to mean?
NICOLETTE: Just that I know why you're going so hard on this article now. Image rehab.
ELLE: Who have you been talking to?
NICOLETTE: I just read the comments on your latest article (...) It seems like word is spreading about why your career went belly- up in New York. I am *so* glad that I caught you.

Elle looks unsettled as Nic beams at her, then walks away.

Shortly afterwards, Leo and Krista are walking home with Abigail. While Abby runs ahead, Krista admits to Leo that she's been thinking about Abby's picture, wondering why she drew a baby. Leo doesn't think it's surprising - most of her friends will have brothers and sisters, so she probably just likes the idea.

LEO: Hey. I know you're not ready to talk about trying again, alright? But when you are, I'm here.
KRISTA: I know.
LEO: And it would be nice to spend a little bit more time together.

Krista agrees, but claims there's something she has to do, and tells Leo and Abby to go ahead. Leo tells her not to be too long. As she watches them walking away, Krista's smile fades.

The Waterhole
Krista and Terese are having a drink, and talking about Abby's picture. Terese doesn't think it's unusual, but Krista can't help wondering if having a younger sibling is something Leo and Abby have talked about - maybe Leo said he wants a brother or sister for her. Terese thinks Krista is overthinking this.

KRISTA: Okay, yes. I've been very focused on achieving this milestone of running the hotel by myself. But if I'm being honest... I think I've also been distracting myself. Afraid that the conversation would come up again.
TERESE: Okay, so I'm a little confused. I thought you and Leo were on the same page.
KRISTA: We said that we would put the conversation on hold. That's all.
TERESE: And now it's back on the table.
KRISTA: Mm- hm. And I'm not sure I'm ready to talk about it yet.
TERESE: You know, it's really important to be honest, Krista. About everything. I mean, Paul and I have been doing this confusing dance around each other, and I hate it.
KRISTA: Are you okay?
TERESE: Yeah. I will be. We just really need to say what we're thinking. As do you.

Harold's Café
Sadie is chatting to Taye, Max and Zac about an idea for a 'hook' for the make- up competition. We don't learn what the idea is, but it will have an 'emotional angle'. Zac tells Sadie to come back to him and Krista when she's worked it up.

Zac invites himself to the next share house party as he's 'heard you guys go hard'. Taye says they don't have anything planned right now but that things can happen pretty quickly here! Zac tells them to let him know as he could use the fun, things having been 'intense lately'. Max nudges Taye with his elbow to prompt him to do some digging.

TAYE: Is that why you stopped dating Colton?
ZAC (defensive): We weren't dating. I mean, we had one coffee.
SADIE: But there was a vibe there, right? I mean, Colton's, like, a really sweet guy.
ZAC: He's also my neighbour. It's a little too close to home for something casual.

Sadie and Max exchange a glance - perhaps as if to say, 'Does he know which street he's moved into?'

No 22
Paul is looking pensive and solemn as he holds a glass of whisky. Terese comes in, and Paul apologises for not being completely truthful about Elle pausing her investigation rather than ditching it altogether. Terese doesn't understand why he wouldn't want her to drop it too, given how worried he obviously is.

PAUL: You know, I see so much of myself in her. Of all my kids, she's the one who's most like me. God, we even think the same way.
TERESE: Yeah, well, you really do have a special connection.
PAUL: Yeah, and that's what terrifies me. I mean, being so ruthless and ambitious - look what it cost me. So what's it gonna cost her?
TERESE: Hey, I know this has a lot to do with your memories about Cameron.
PAUL: Of course it does. It has everything to do with that.
TERESE: Well then, this is your chance to do right by your daughter.
PAUL: Yeah, and therein lies the problem. See, Elle's been out of my life for nearly 20 years. I've only just got her home, so I feel that if I push her too hard, she's just gonna leave.
TERESE: Paul, this is breaking you.
PAUL: So be it. At least if she's here, I can keep an eye on her (...) You know, I do want her to stop. But I also don't want to lose her.

Paul looks tearful.

Later, Elle is on her laptop in her room when Terese comes in. They both agree they're not in the mood for another fight. Terese sits on the bed.

TERESE: Paul's relationship with his children is the most important thing to him in the whole world. He loves you all so much.
ELLE: I know that.
TERESE: And he's just scared that you're gonna turn out like him.
ELLE: I already am.
TERESE: Funnily enough, he said the same thing. He just doesn't want you repeating his mistakes.
ELLE: Then why not just tell me to stop pursuing the story?
TERESE: Because he's convinced that that's the only reason why you're still here. He would rather spend every waking moment worrying than risk having you leave.
ELLE: Really?
TERESE: Elle, you've been gone 20 years. And he feels like he drove you all away. This is his one chance to have you back.
ELLE: I'm sorry he feels like that. I'll talk to him.

Penthouse
Leo and Krista have just finished putting Abigail to bed, which appears to have been somewhat of an ordeal. Now she's finally asleep, Leo tells Krista, 'You know what that means.'

KRISTA: Dinner?
LEO: Seriously? (...) It's quiet, we've got the place to ourselves - why don't we make the most of it?

Krista starts to say there's something they need to talk about, but Leo (quite rudely in my view) kisses her mid- sentence, putting the kibosh on that! Only then does he ask what she was going to say, but Krista says it doesn't matter and pashes him back. The camera moves diplomatically away...

No 22
Paul is setting the table for dinner when Elle comes in for a chat.

ELLE: Let's get one thing straight. I'm not in Erinsborough for this story. I'm here for you.
PAUL: You've been talking to Terese, haven't you?
ELLE: Turns out she's not that bad after all.
PAUL: Hmm, yeah. I like her.
ELLE: I didn't realise the toll my work was taking on you. And I'm so sorry.
PAUL: Darling, I never want to stop you from doing something that you love.
ELLE: But I don't love it. I love you.
PAUL: Well, I'm just so glad that what happened to Cam didn't happen to you.
ELLE (tearful): Me too. I miss Cam every day. Losing him almost broke me - but I buried myself in work because I thought I'd fall apart if I didn't. And then it became a habit.
PAUL: Oh, I know all about that. Textbook Paul Robinson.
ELLE: I'm dropping the story. No more Daily Monster.
PAUL: Okay... does that mean you're leaving?
ELLE: I told you, Dad. I'm here for you. I'd like to stick around for a bit.
PAUL (tearful): Oh. You can stay as long as you like. Baby girl, I love you so much.
ELLE: You too, Dad.

They share an emotional hug. Terese and Zac come in from the patio with food.

ZAC: Don't worry. Did not let Terese anywhere near the barbie.

In the kitchen, Elle tells Terese that she'll be getting onto those work contacts she gave her tomorrow. Terese is pleasantly surprised.

ELLE: I think I need a new challenge, so... thank you.
TERESE: You're welcome.

Paul smiles to see them repairing things, and everyone sits down to eat.

No 24
Sadie is telling Nicolette and Jane about her idea for the make- up competition. Jane thinks it sounds perfect, and Nicolette thinks Amanda would have loved it. They both offer to lend a hand if needed.

SADIE: Well, I'm glad you said that. Because that's actually why I'm here. We need an extra- special hook to get Krista over the line (...) We need two models on the day. And since you're Amanda's daughter and granddaughter, I was hoping it'd be you.

Neither Nicolette nor Jane look very keen, but Sadie points out that it will attract 'heaps of attention' and that the West Waratah Star would cover it. It would help them get the sponsors they need to ensure the scholarship continues in the long term.

NICOLETTE: I am not anti- scholarship anymore, but the idea of being a human mannequin in front of an audience (...) It's a hard pass from me.
SADIE: But you're perfect for it - you're gorgeous, you're photogenic.
NICOLETTE: Obviously. It's just not my thing.
JANE: And I'm leaning towards a 'no' as well.
SADIE: But you used to be a model!
JANE: Well, my Lassiter's Girl days are long behind me - and, well, to be honest, it's not really a time of my life that I'm keen to relive.

But Sadie asks them if they will at least think about it.

SADIE: This is a way to keep Amanda's memory alive. Don't you want that?

Penthouse
Leo and Krista are lying half- dressed on the couch together under a blanket, having TITTNL™. They kiss again.

KRISTA: You were right (...) That we need to make more time for each other as a couple. Not just as parents.
LEO: Yeah. Well, it's important. And it will be even more important when there's another baby in the house.

Krista's face shifts from content to concern.

LEO: I know you're not ready now, but... it's just a daydream, you know?

Krista pulls away from him.

LEO: I hope you don't feel pressured.
KRISTA: I do.
LEO: We spoke about it. I'll wait as long as it takes.
KRISTA: Even if that's forever?
LEO: Well, we don't have to make any decisions just yet.
KRISTA: But the thing is that I have. Leo, I don't want to be pregnant again. Ever.

Leo looks upset.

Coming up on Neighbours
- Leo tells Nicolette what Krista has said, adding, 'If there's another way, it'll be a blessing'
- Jane admits to Max that she finds Sadie's request to model for the event 'a little triggering'
- Zac eyes up Colton on the beach. Colton says he should take a picture; it'll last longer
- Sadie asks Zac why he approved a 75 percent discount for her last client
- Zac looks shifty as a smug- looking bloke lingers at the door watching them