At the Butchers’, Lauren ignores a call from Jane. Carol’s surprised Lauren was allowed to fly from New Zealand so close to her due date. Lauren’s intent on supporting Max; with Carol not attending court, and Abi and Cora giving evidence for the prosecution, Lauren despairs the whole family think Max is guilty. Jane arrives. Lauren warns Jane not to make her choose between Bobby and Max. Jane begs Lauren not to say anything; she promises Marcus will get Max off, but thinks the less his family say in court, the better. At the courthouse, Max’s trial begins. Meanwhile, Lauren tries to convince Abi of Max’s innocence. Abi’s adamant that Max has ruined their lives - she’s had to deal with everything alone. Lauren apologises for not being there. Abi wavers. On learning Cora’s giving evidence today, Lauren sets out to find her and pleads Abi think about what she’s said. Lauren finds a dishevelled Cora in the Vic, shocked by her appearance.
Babe knows Cora’s due in court and refuses to serve her. The two trade insults. Babe relents when Lauren promises to watch Cora, but Cora can’t help a final dig that Babe’s family don’t care about her. Lauren insists Max is innocent and despairs what her child will think with its granddad in prison and her for a mum. Meanwhile, Babe makes a phone call. Cora and Lauren discuss motherhood; Lauren’s not sure she’s cut out for it. Cora thinks Max ruined Lauren’s childhood but Lauren defends him, fondly recalling he baked Abi a dinosaur cake when she spent her 5th birthday in hospital. Cora can’t help smiling. A policeman approaches Cora to escort her to court as she’s late. Lauren’s desperate to know what Cora’s going to say about Max. Cora hardens – for a moment she thought Lauren cared. Cora says Lauren’s a liar like her dad and will ruin her child’s life. Later, Lauren arrives at the Beales’ to find Jane with Sharon; Lauren realises that Sharon knows the truth. Sharon admits Phil does too. Exasperated, Lauren declares she’s finished putting Jane’s family before her own. Lauren turns for the door, then suddenly stops - her waters have broken!
Sharon suspects Phil’s going to see Kathy. He explains Kathy just needs more cash and he wants her gone as much as Sharon does. Sharon takes the money to Kathy’s hotel herself. Kathy apologises for her previous outburst but won’t leave without seeing Ben and Ian. Kathy swears she planned to take Ben with them but Gavin insisted he stay behind; she convinced herself Ben was better off without her, but rang Phil as soon as she heard about Heather’s death. Sharon realises Phil’s known Kathy‘s alive for years and storms out. Phil returns home to find Sharon packing her bags. Ben demands to know what’s happened. Sharon refuses to spend her life lying, leaves her engagement and wedding rings on the table, and walks out.
Mick tries to assure anxious Lee about giving evidence in court. Whitney presses Lee to tell Mick he’s been discharged, to no avail. In court, Lee’s questioned about Lucy and Max’s relationship. When Marcus asks if Lee’s been discharged from the army due to violent conduct, Lee’s forced to admit it’s true. Marcus states lying comes naturally to Lee and speculates if he was violent towards a colleague he could’ve been violent towards Lucy. Lee denies it and breaks down. A shell-shocked Mick holds Lee as he cries that he’s sorry.
Ronnie brings Charlie’s belongings to Dot’s house. Charlie suggests marriage counselling but Ronnie just laughs. Hurt, Charlie snaps Ronnie has no heart. Dot overhears Charlie’s remarks, unimpressed. After learning the full story, Dot points out how much Charlie’s affair with Roxy hurt Ronnie. On the Square, Ronnie suggests she and Vincent meet later but he declines - it’s over. Charlie clocks the exchange and later approaches Vincent, certain he’s pleased his marriage is over. Vincent overreacts and warns that anyone that threatens his family will pay.
Suspicious Charlie confronts Ronnie – he knows she’s sleeping with Vincent. Ronnie admits she slept with Vincent once, after Charlie slept with Roxy, because he made her feel attractive. Charlie can’t believe Ronnie made him feel guilty and declares Matthew’s better off with him - he’s never killed anyone... Ronnie pales as Charlie vows to fight her for custody. Show less