The residents of Summer Bay are poised for a tumultuous week, as buried secrets surface, relationships are tested, and life-altering revelations unfold. At the heart of the drama is Lacey Miller, whose arrival in Summer Bay triggers a series of unexpected events. The week begins with an effort to mend fences between Leah and Lacey, who, along with Theo and Justin, share an initially uncomfortable dinner. Leah extends an olive branch, apologizing for her previous harshness, which leads to a fragile truce between them. As Lacey and Theo depart on seemingly amicable terms, Leah and Justin are left to ponder Theo’s empty bedroom. Lacey’s past continues to unravel when Theo’s curiosity about her parents prompts her to reveal the poignant truth of her mother’s passing. This emotional disclosure occurs after Leah offers Lacey a job at the Diner, and while Theo attempts to console her, Lacey expresses a desire to navigate her grief independently.

Parallel to Lacey’s unfolding story, the sisterly bond between Harper and Dana faces significant strain. Harper’s well-intentioned girls’ night out at Salt, designed to provide a respite from their respective “mummy duties” and “man troubles,” quickly veers off course as forbidden topics resurface. The evening takes an unforeseen turn when Dana spots Sonny and, much to Harper’s annoyance, approaches him, interrupting their private conversation. This encounter reignites a passionate connection, as Dana later arrives at Sonny’s door, leading to an intimate reunion that clearly demonstrates their attempt at “closure” has had the opposite effect. Dana’s rekindled romance with Sonny becomes a persistent source of friction with Harper, who consistently voices her disapproval. Despite Harper’s attempts to intervene, including confronting the pair in bed, Dana defiantly asserts her independence, expressing her frustration with Harper’s controlling nature and demanding she stay out of her personal life.

New characters further complicate the lives of Summer Bay residents. Cash Newman finds himself in trouble with his new superior, Sergeant David Langham, for being late to a briefing. David’s attention is drawn to Lacey Miller’s name on Cash’s recent case, leading him to instruct Cash to bring her to the police station. It is then revealed that Lacey is, in fact, Sergeant Langham’s estranged daughter, setting the stage for a highly charged and unwelcome family reunion. Far from being amicable, Lacey furiously confronts David, asserting that she never wanted him to find her. When David scolds her for her association with the River Boys, Lacey storms out, determined to escape Summer Bay, packing a bag and heading for the bus stop. The strained relationship between Cash and David escalates following an altercation where Tane physically confronts David over his treatment of Cash. Recognizing the escalating tension, Cash proposes a fresh start, which David surprisingly accepts. David apologizes for abusing his authority to locate Lacey and expresses gratitude to Cash for protecting her from Gage’s gang. However, Lacey remains resolute in her decision to disown her father. Leah intervenes, urging Lacey to stay for Theo’s sake and offering a sympathetic ear as Lacey details her fractured relationship with David. Despite David’s attempt to reconcile at Salt, Lacey tearfully rejects him, unequivocally stating she wants nothing to do with him ever again.

Elsewhere, Remi Carter catches the attention of pop artist Avalon at the recording studio, much to Kirby’s irritation. As Eden records backing vocals for Kirby’s new album, Avalon listens in, provoking an enraged Kirby to demand Remi remove her. However, Avalon presents Remi with an intriguing proposition: she will stay out of Kirby’s way if Remi agrees to play guitar on her new album, hinting at a significant new professional opportunity for Remi.

Abigail Fowler’s birthday brings a mix of joy and underlying anxieties for those in her orbit. Mali Hudson meticulously crafts a beautiful portrait as his heartfelt gift for Abigail. As Mackenzie Booth serves breakfast, Levi Fowler reminisces about Abigail’s birth, inadvertently touching a raw nerve with Mac, who is anxiously awaiting the results of her recent fertility tests. The surprises for Abigail continue when Levi and Mac present her with a lavish sports car, a gift that significantly overshadows Mali’s artistic effort, making him feel that his painting won’t compare. Although Mac inadvertently reveals Mali’s insecurity to Abigail, prompting her to rush to the board shop to see the portrait, Mali, misinterpreting her intentions, arrives with a bracelet instead, believing that was her true desire. The week culminates with crucial news for Mackenzie and Levi regarding her fertility. Mackenzie receives a text confirming her results are ready, and while Levi is prepared for any outcome, Mac hesitates. Together, they make the call, and the doctor delivers good news: all tests came back fine. This positive revelation, however, leaves Mackenzie perplexed, as she questions why, despite being fertile, she has not yet conceived. This comprehensive overview highlights the unfolding personal dramas, professional challenges, and relationship complexities set to captivate viewers in Summer Bay.