The Balmerinos and Alexa must take care of little Tom after his mother Lucilla dies during the complicated childbirth. As well as dealing with the death of his sister, Hamish Balmerino jealously watches Laura's new friendship with author Jake Hooper, who helped sell her first novel. Olivia Thorpe, who has been having an affair with Noel, feels torn inside: on the one hand she is enjoying it to the fullest, on the other hand she doesn't want to betray the Aird family, who welcomed her so warmly. When she accidentally learns how cold-bloodedly Noel lies and pursues his goals, she breaks up with him. But Noel doesn't shy away from blackmailing Olivia as well.