Harold's Café
Harlow rushes over to Brent and gives him a kiss, delighted that he's there to surprise her. When Harlow says she's "somewhere between having a heart attack and bawling my eyes out", Brent jokes not to do either since he's only in town a few days. He then exchanges hellos with Terese, realising he's interrupted something. Harlow claims it's nothing, but Terese is keen to sort out their issue, so Brent says he'll give them some space.

Terese says she's not leaving without an explanation as to why Harlow lied to her about Paul. "Because I want granddad home," Harlow replies, getting Terese right in the heart. Harlow reminds Terese how her and Paul made her feel like part of the family when she arrived from the UK. She can't lose that again. Terese promises Harlow will always be family, but she needs to let her deal with everything in her own time.

TERESE: Ambushing me with Paul isn't going to make me forgive him.
HARLOW: Yeah you're right. I'm not going to do anything like that again.
TERESE: Thank you. And now I'm just really worried what you did with Chloe's rosters. That's not like you.
HARLOW: Do you know what, one moment I was really upset about not working with you and granddad in the office anymore. And then the next-
TERESE: Yeah I know, the last few weeks have been really emotional for all of us. But sabotaging Chloe, it's not going to bring your job back. You do understand that don't you?

Harlow nods and Terese says she's glad they had this conversation. She then leaves Harlow to say a proper hello to Brent. When Harlow walks over to him, Brent asks if everything's okay, but Harlow says everything is perfect before giving him another kiss.

Number 32
Aaron and David are sorting out their work lunches for the day. David hopes his shift is quiet - switching between night and day, as well as dealing with a crying baby, has made him tired. He's also worried about leaving Nicolette alone with Isla, but Aaron reminds him there was bound to be a time where the schedule went sideways. They just have to start trusting Nicolette otherwise their whole situation won't work. David thinks he could 'casually' come home to check on them later, but Aaron doesn't think it's a good idea. David then gets a text from Leo, which is a photo of him and Abigail. The boys comment on how happy they look. Nicolette walks in holding Isla with Jane in tow. Jane thought they could have lunch together later, but Nicolette was looking forward to finally having a day alone with her daughter. When Nicolette says she hopes Isla might laugh for her soon, Aaron looks troubled. He then chooses to deliberately leave his protein powder on the counter so he has an excuse to come back later.

Lassiters Complex
Kyle and Roxy catch up with Terese and wonder if Paul knows Brent's in town. Terese doesn't think so as Brent appeared pretty relaxed. They see Paul walking over and Roxy offers to "take care of him" for Terese, but she says it's fine. Paul chases after Terese when she walks off and asks a question about the Lassiters ballroom, but Terese is in no mood for his chit chat.

TERESE: How gullible do you think I am?
PAUL: I don't know what gullibility has to do with our bookings.
TERESE: I know about your charade with Harlow.
PAUL: Uh, what are you talking about, Terese?
TERESE: I am going to put this very, very simply, Paul. You are not going to exploit your granddaughter's loyalties involving her in schemes to win my forgiveness. There will be no more schemes! Period.
PAUL: I think you've got the wrong end of the stick.
TERESE: (ignoring him) Do you understand what I'm saying?
PAUL: (chastened) Yes.

Number 32
Jane watches fondly as Nicolette has a nice time playing peek-a-boo with Isla. Jane offers to make them a cuppa, but Nicolette reminds her that she's been waiting forever for alone time with Isla. Taking the hint, Jane says she'll head back to #24, but looks worried about going.

Lassiters Complex
Harlow has explained her beef with Chloe to Brent, but he's not sure why Harlow would try to sabotage her. Harlow says it's because Chloe keeps ditching work every time she has a personal issue crop up; "she doesn't deserve to be assistant manager". Brent wonders why Harlow hasn't told him all this before, but Harlow insists she didn't want to waste their limited phone calls talking about Chloe.

BRENT: If you were to tell me, maybe I could have done something about it.
HARLOW: You think you could have come up with something better?
BRENT: Um yeah, like leaving her alone.

Harlow doesn't appear to appreciate this suggestion.

Number 32
Aaron arrives home to get his 'forgotten' protein powder, but Nicolette gets frustrated when he decides to spend his lunch break with them. When he asks to hold Isla, Nicolette says she doesn't want to disturb the baby. In fact, she might take Isla for a walk in the pram since she sleeps well in it. Aaron asks Nicolette to stay but Nicolette's already halfway out the door.

Lassiters Complex
Brent assures Harlow that he's on her side, but if Chloe's truly as useless as Harlow says she is, then she doesn't need Harlow's 'help' to make things worse. Brent then suggests they get away from the drama for a few days and asks Harlow to come to New Zealand with him. Harlow doesn't want to intrude on his family time, but Brent thinks she'd be a good buffer when he sees his mum, and Emmett would love to see her. Harlow smiles and says yes just as Paul approaches. He gives Brent a brusque hello, asking why he's in town. Brent says Emmett has been begging for him to visit ever since he finished training in NSW. Harlow tells Paul she's joining Brent in NZ for a few days. Paul tries to hide his displeasure, but looks relieved when Brent says it's only a short stay then he's back to the army.

PAUL: Why don't the three of us get together for dinner tonight?
BRENT: What, at your penthouse?
PAUL: No, I'm not much good in the kitchen and I'm sick to death of room service. How about we do it at home, hey?
HARLOW: You know what, I don't think that's a good idea. Terese knows I stayed away from the meeting for you so she wasn't very happy.
PAUL: Yeah but she did say that I could come visit you whenever I wanted.
HARLOW: She did, didn't she.
PAUL: Will she be there tonight?
HARLOW: (smiling) I'll make sure of it.

Paul gives Harlow a wink, and Brent looks troubled by what he's just witnessed.

Harold's Café
Bumping into Aaron, Kyle and Roxy ask how Brent is doing then realise Aaron's got no idea he's in town. When Kyle comments that Aaron seems a bit off, Aaron confesses that he's worried about Isla being home alone with Nicolette. Roxy understands that he's worried Nicolette might do another runner. Aaron then says he just went home to see them and Nicolette couldn't rip Isla away from him fast enough. "We're supposed to be trusting Nicolette, it's just taking me a little longer to get there, that's all," Aaron adds. To make Aaron feel better, Kyle and Roxy offer to check on Nicolette, which Aaron is grateful for.

The Waterhole
Harlow's thrilled she's able to be so close to Brent again. Brent then asks if he'd be able to stay at her house while he's in town (he'd ask Aaron and David, but #22 might be nicer now Paul's not there). Smirking, Harlow thinks Brent should take his bags to her room immediately - but she better check with Terese first. When Terese appears from the office, Harlow asks if Brent can stay with them, pleased when she says yes.

HARLOW: Also, granddad's going to come for dinner so is that okay?
TERESE: Can't you do it at his house?
HARLOW: Well, it's Brent's first night and I really want us all to be together.

Terese reluctantly says it's fine. And Brent, once again, is concerned with how Harlow is behaving.

Number 32
David walks in and immediately panics when he can't find Nicolette. But Nicolette soon wanders in with Isla, annoyed that he disturbed the baby's sleep. She asks what he's doing home and David says that Leo wanted to do a video call. Nicolette doesn't understand why the call had to be here, but David tells her that he thought being close to Isla would help him through the chat with Leo and Abigail. "Well you should call him on your day with her," Nicolette tersely replies, checking a text on her phone. David worries when she turns to leave.

DAVID: Where are you going?
NICOLETTE: Why, are you going to get your dad's PI on me?
DAVID: That's not fair.
NICOLETTE: I'm going to Roxy's. If I can't be alone, I may as well hang out with someone who's not going to treat me like a flight risk.

The Waterhole
Harlow and Brent are sorting out their evening plans, which basically include rushing through dinner so they can go upstairs, put a movie on and then not watch it. Harlow just wants dinner to have enough of an impact that Paul stays in Terese's orbit. She asks Brent for more details about how the army's going. Brent admits it's tough, but at least it's only for a couple more years. And the army has actually reinforced some good things for him, "like how our actions have consequences, and how you have to treat the ones you love with respect and honesty". He doesn't get a response from Harlow, so he dives right in.

BRENT: Harlow why are you lying to Terese?
HARLOW: I'm just showing her that her and granddad are meant to be together. She'll thank me later.
BRENT: If they're meant to be then why does Paul need your help to get her back?
HARLOW: I'm not doing that much.
BRENT: See, the old Harlow wouldn't have lied to her family.
HARLOW: Yeah, well, the old Harlow was a bit of a pushover. Things have changed. I'm standing on my own feet, it's actually a good thing. And if it wasn't needed, then I wouldn't be doing it.

Brent goes along with it for now, but doesn't look convinced.

Number 22
Roxy has a cuddle with Isla and Nicolette thanks her for the invite. Nic tells Roxy and Kyle that Aaron, David and Jane have all been taking turns hovering all day and it's driving her nuts. Kyle gets a text from Aaron that says, 'Thanks again for this. How's it going?' While Roxy and Nicolette coo over Isla, Kyle replies to Aaron but unthinkingly leaves the phone on the bench in clear view while he checks on lunch in the oven. It doesn't take long for Nicolette to see Kyle's reply: 'Nic's with us now. All good.' Nicolette is very unimpressed.

Lassiters Complex
Jane and Terese are having a coffee and vent session. Jane speaks of her issues with Nicolette, but acknowledges it's always been her way or the highway ever since she was born. "I often thought she and Paul had that in common oddly enough," Jane adds, which makes Terese realise that she knows about the separation.

JANE: Is it permanent?
TERESE: I think it is, yes.
JANE: I'm sorry, Terese. How are you feeling?
TERESE: Exhausted. And embarrassed.
JANE: What do you have to be embarrassed about?
TERESE: Because I met Paul Robinson knowing full well who he was and what he was capable of. I thought that he considered me as his equal.
JANE: I don't know that Paul truly considers anyone his equal.
TERESE: I know he'll never stop lying to me.
JANE: Not while he sees the world consisting of people that he either needs to protect, or people that he needs to destroy. And I think that that is unlikely to ever change.
TERESE: So you think I've done the right thing?
JANE: You need to protect yourself.

Terese becomes frustrated when she sees Paul heading their way, but when he gets a pointed look from Jane, Paul heads into Harold's instead. Terese says she just wants some space from Paul but he's everywhere - Harlow even invited him for dinner tonight.

JANE: Terese can I give you some advice?
TERESE: Yes please.
JANE: Don't let Paul bulldoze you. If you need space, you take it. Cancel dinner!
TERESE: I can't, I promised Harlow.
JANE: Harlow does not need protecting anymore, Terese. But you do.

Number 22
Nicolette is about ready to leave with Isla when she suddenly finds Aaron and David sitting in the lounge room. She goes off at them, saying it was already bad enough they had people spy on her, now they're stalking her too! Confused, David says they're here to see Brent, but Nicolette retorts that she saw the text Kyle sent back to Aaron about keeping an eye on her. Harlow and Brent walk in the door as Nicolette keeps ranting.

NICOLETTE: I know you guys are having a lot of trouble with trusting me again, but it wasn't easy me moving back in with you. This goes both ways.

Brent asks what's going on, as Nicolette walks out of the house, offering him a quick hello as she leaves. Aaron and David apologise to Brent as they chase after Nicolette, telling him they'll catch up later.

Number 32
Aaron apologises to Nicolette for getting Kyle and Roxy involved, but promises David knew nothing about it. Unconvinced, Nicolette wonders why David came and checked up on her earlier then, which is a surprise to Aaron. David says he just wanted to see Isla, asking Aaron what his excuse was. Aaron replies he wanted to see Isla too and kind of got worried when Nicolette upped and left.

NICOLETTE: I left because it was meant to be my day with her without you two checking on me every hour making me feel like I'm on probation. I wanted one day with our daughter and you couldn't even give me that.

Nicolette storms away to her room. David can't believe Aaron went against his own advice and came home anyway. But Aaron says it wasn't entirely because he couldn't trust Nic - it's because he's sick of her and David getting to see all Isla's 'firsts' while he's stuck at work.

DAVID: Us? The only first I've seen of Isla is her smile. And then because of my night shifts, whenever I'm awake she's asleep. And even when I do get to see her - it's not the same as when I see Abigail.
AARON: Yeah. I miss her.
DAVID: So do I.

Ramsay Street
Brent helps Terese get groceries out of her car. Terese says she's glad he showed up today because Harlow's been acting a little differently lately. Brent is somewhat relieved that someone else can see it too. Terese thinks he might be just what Harlow needs to get back to her usual self. Paul pulls up in a Lassiters car and parks in the driveway of #22, prompting Brent to blurt out the truth to Terese.

BRENT: Harlow lied about dinner tonight. She didn't ask Paul to come, he suggested it.

Looking furiously in Paul's direction, Terese tells Brent she'll see him inside. Paul saunters over and jokes about Terese coming out to greet him, but Terese cooly retorts that dinner is off.

TERESE: You're not welcome here tonight, or any other night.
PAUL: What brought that on?
TERESE: Don't play innocent with me. You know, I was prepared to have you over for Harlow, but I just found out that it was your idea. So go back to your penthouse, Paul. And don't come back here again.

Number 22
Roxy asks Kyle whether they should say sorry to Nicolette again, but Kyle figures they've caused enough damage for one day. He then mentions Roxy getting cosy with Isla before and teases her about not getting any ideas. Terese strides in and informs Harlow that Paul's not coming to dinner anymore.

HARLOW: What? But he said he could.
TERESE: Yeah, and you promised me you wouldn't lie again. But I guess we're just going to have to live with disappointing each other.
BRENT: Look, Harlow, maybe we should just leave it.
HARLOW: Okay fine, I lied. But someone in this house has to fight for your marriage.
TERESE: I want you to stay out of it.
HARLOW: Why do you keep doing this? You know he loves you.
TERESE: This isn't about love! This is about how he treats people and you of all people should understand how I feel.
HARLOW: I do understand, but I also know that despite everything, granddad is a good guy. I mean, would he have hired Toadie to help Brent if he wasn't?

Terese realises she's got a truth bomb to drop that will hopefully make Harlow see sense.

TERESE: Well, he may have paid Toadie - but he also paid Holden to give evidence against Brent.
BRENT: (digesting the news) He tried to ruin my life.

Harlow offers a brief look towards her boyfriend before rounding back on Terese.

HARLOW: Okay, you and I both know the lengths granddad would go to protect us. Why can't you just accept that?