Still trying to get his head around the news about Viv, Ric finds himself attacked from all sides. While Viv makes it clear that she is calling the shots, Noel is more interested in buying Ric off so that he can claim the baby as his own. ‘Call it an incentive,’ he says, handing over a wad of cash before warning him to stay away. ‘Viv got what she wanted, and I’m prepared to pay for it,’ he continues, as he spitefully reveals that his wife seducing Ric on the night of the formal was all part of her perfectly timed plan.When Ric makes his position clear by later returning the cash, Noel decides it’s time to up the stakes and sends along one of his heavies to teach him a lesson. Although Max is quick to get the first punch in, Ric soon lets his fists do the talking and, his opponent floored, is shocked when an impressed Noel decides to pay him a second visit to revise his deal – to include the offer of a job.Trials and tribulationsIt’s the day of the trial, and knowing that Simon is going to give false evidence against her, Cassie is worried that she may be heading for jail.

When proceedings are delayed by a late-finishing case, Matilda sees an opportunity to help her friend and opts to quiz Simon on his decision: why, if he chose not to smoke pot to safeguard his future career in law, is he so willing to let ethics fall by the wayside for the sake of his friends?

Leaving him with food for thought, Matilda goes on to join Cassie in court, taking her share of the blame when it comes to giving witness testimony. With everyone aware that it’s going to take more than that to see Cassie vindicated, all eyes turn to Simon as he takes to the stand.

It’s here, under Matilda’s gaze, that he finally decides it’s time to change his statement, leaving Cassie to walk free. She may have a fine to pay and a twelve-month driving ban to observe, but we’re certain that Henk’s surprise appearance will be compensation enough for that.

The jury's out

Elsewhere, the jury’s still out on newcomer Roman, whom Irene continues to eye with suspicion. While Leah presumes that it’s nothing more than a case of the two being a little too alike, Irene is more concerned about his caginess about his background. ‘I’d like to know who I’m jumping into bed with, so to speak,’ she reasons. With Jack unable to divulge anything, it falls to an already smitten Leah to step up to the plate.

While Roman wants to keep his personal life private, he assures her that he has no criminal record, and would be more than happy to provide her with bank statements and character references.

Much to Leah’s frustration, it still doesn’t satisfy Irene – and time to find a business partner to replace her is fast running out.

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