It was the morning after Burke had threatened Texas to be out of the studio or else he would burn it down. Texas, after being humiliated by her ex-husband once she had declared her true feelings to him, had decided to put her plan B into swift action. And so she was already at the home of her lover, billionaire businessman and arch rival to Burke, Cyril Dolby. He had proposed marriage to Texas several times over the past year and she had always kept him waiting for she had hoped to have won Burke back. But now that was certain never to happen, Texas realised she had to act fast.

Cyril was no fool. He knew that Texas was just as devious as he was. He’d always felt that Texas was in love with Burke despite her protests about the man. Even when they were younger and Texas was married to Burke but having her secret affair with Cyril, he’d always been quietly jealous and resentful that Texas couldn’t love him the way she loved Burke. For the best part of a year she had been keeping him waiting on an answer to his marriage proposal. Something must have changed for her to suddenly come around to the idea. Perhaps she had learned the truth that Cyril was dying….Or maybe she realised her chances of reconciling with Burke was never going to happen.

Cyril remained silent as he considered what had happened, prompting a jittery Texas to make sure he was still keen on the idea of their union.

Cyril parted lips with Texas but held her firmly in his grip and stared into her eyes.

Texas saw the suspicion in her lover’s eyes. He could see right through her and she didn’t like it. However, she had to remain cool. Marrying Cyril was her only way to get back at Burke. Quickly she pulled herself away from Cyril.

Texas knew instantly that Cyril was on to her. She couldn’t afford to blow this now, not when she was so close to getting it all. Quickly she spun around and embraced her lover.

Whilst Cyril Dolby lived for destroying Burke Simmington, Texas had, as always, mixed feelings towards her ex-husband. Part of her still loved him but another part of her hated him for what he had done – banishing her from their children’s lives for so many years. And for marrying another, younger, woman who was now mistress of Siloli mansion, a house Texas believed belonged to her. At this moment, her anger towards Burke greatly outweighed the love she felt and she was feeling a deep connection with the dastardly Cyril Dolby and his plans to destroy Burke once and for all.

And right there the unholy alliance between the two of them was sealed. With the marriage between Burkes ex-wife and his sworn enemy on the very near horizon, it could only mean trouble…deadly trouble….

The morning after Burkes’ arrest saw Texas brazenly march into the mansion along with groundsman Terry and then instructing housekeeper Nannette to summon Brystle to the solarium. Texas had been blackmailing groundman Terry in recent weeks into covering up the truth that Texas was out skeet shooting the day of Brystle’s fall from the horse. However, Terry was not a very convincing liar and was burdened with being loyal to the Simmington family. Texas was determined to make sure he continued with the charade and had practically dragged him along, reminding him that her silver cup was missing and she had evidence he had taken it. Reluctantly, Terry had come along and as he stood in front of Brystle right now he felt extremely uncomfortable lying to her face.

Brystle was no dummy. She knew Terry wasn’t being honest and that Texas was certainly the culprit. But not wanting to make him feel any worse, Brystle ended the conversation with him.

A sheepish Terry could barely make eye contact with Brystle and that gave her all the confirmation she needed that Texas was indeed behind all of this. As Terry turned to leave, his eyes met with Texas’s. HIs heart was racing and he was glad to get out of the solarium and back to his duties. A smirking Texas then stepped forward towards Brystle.

The sight of Texas standing here in Brystle’s home, lying to her and making light of the loss she had suffered – the loss that Texas had caused and now had the audacity to turn the tables and make Brystle herself feel guilty for wrongly accusing Texas!! – was making Brystle’s blood boil. However, despite it all, she managed to keep a simmering lid on her anger….for now…

Of course, this was all bluff on Texas’s part for unbeknownst to Brystle, it was she who had arranged the beating that had befallen poor Clarke and that Burke would take the blame!

As Brystle walked away, Texas was left alone to ponder on her parting words. Brystle knew the truth but there was no way of proving it. Not unless Terry caved in and revealed she had been out shooting that day. But….if Terry were to be removed from the equation, then perhaps the problem would solve itself….

Over at Devonique Domino’s mansion, it was the morning after the night before for new lovers Heathen and Frankie. With his mother Devonique overseas and his sister Brackie and her boyfriend Oliver in Wollyhood, Frankie had felt at ease bringing Heathen home. He knew that his mother had left him with the advice not to get involved with Heathen as was still grieving the loss of his husband Fred, Frankie’s identical twin brother. However, from the day Frankie had laid eyes on Heathen it had awakened long dormant feelings that he had tried his whole life to suppress. But in the end it had proved too much to resist and he had made the first move last night.

Heathen couldn’t be any more happier as he snuggled next to Frankie…for it was like having Fred back in his arms once more….

Instantly it dawned on Frankie – his mother Devonique had been right! Heathen WAS still grieving the loss of Fred! And was he now confusing Frankie for being his dead twin???

Heathen seemed oblivious to calling Frankie by his brother’s name. Instead, he sighed and reflected on the short tie they were going to have together before Frankie was back on active duty overseas with the army.

Not only was Heathen moving far too fast on announcing them as a couple but also he was still referring to him as Fred!!

An embarrassed Heathen tried to gloss over his faux pas by gently kissing Frankie’s chest. 

But as he looked up into Frankie’s eyes he knew he had said the wrong thing. The concern was all over Frankie’s face and their romantic moment was gone. Instantly, Heathen leapt out of the bed.

There was a momentary awkward silence before Heathen spoke next.

Heathen went off into the bathroom to get ready and closed and locked the door. Within seconds Frankie could hear his sobs leaving Frankie in a quandary as what to do next…

Across town, Detectives Noonan and Bala watched their prime suspect in the Clarke Hemmings attack from behind the 2 way mirror. They’d questioned Burke all night through along with his slippery lawyer Andre Wayward present but despite their best efforts, Noonan knew she would not be able to make the charges stick. All the evidence was circumstantial at best. It was down to her partner Bala to point this out.

Inside the interrogation room, Burke was livid at being held overnight like a common criminal. He thumped his fist against the table and began spouting off to his lawyer Andre. 

On the other side of the mirror, Bala had to remind Noonan again that it was time to let Burke go.

On their way out, Andre stopped to have a brief word with Burke as the waited on Burke’s driver bringing the limo around.

And for the first time in a very long time, Burke Simmington was actually beginning to feel afraid…

Meanwhile, back at the mansion Brystle had just been informed of a huge delivery for Tammy Flo. It turned out to be a huge collection of designer clothes and a dozen fur coats!! A furious Brystle had sent for Tammy Flo to come to the drawing room where the delivery was awaiting.

A pleased as punch Tammy Flo breezed into the room, looking forward to trying on her new purchases. Brystle was less enthusiastic as she reprimanded her niece. 

Tammy Flo offered nothing back other than a suppressed giggle and smile which irked Brystle all the more.

Brystle was a little taken aback by her niece’s comment. Firstly because Tammy Flo had never taken this tone with her before but also because what she said was true. 

Tammy Flo’s words had cut deep. Brystle wasn’t technically married to Burke any longer. Perhaps her time in Siloli was indeed coming to an end…

Later that day, Texas visited the old town of Windenburg. There she sought out the services of an old gypsy psychic by the name of Anuaka Crumplebottom, someone she had turned to before in her younger years when she lived in Windenburg. Texas wouldn’t dare to admit to anyone she that she believed in any such supernatural things but she secretly loved a good tarot or crystal ball reading. And today Anuaka was doing the latter.

It dawned on Texas what Anuaka was alluding to…and it was something Texas would rather not hear about…

Anuaka gazed over her crystal ball at Texas and saw the truth in her eyes. She smiled as she saw that Texas knew she was correct in her reading. Texas however tried her best to brush it off by downplaying the whole thing.

Anuaka’s sudden outburst startled Texas. And when she pressed for clarification, Anuaka became even morer animated as her chair began to rasie off the floor!

Anuaka’s chair floated back to the floor and she became instantly calmer. She gazed once more into her crystal ball and smiled wickedly at what else she saw.

Dinner that evening was a very strained affair for Burke and Brystle. With everyone else not at home for dinner, the dining room felt even more cavernous.

Eventually the silence between them both became too much for Burke and he slammed his fork down on the table.

Burke could hardly hide his exasperation upon being accused yet again of having Mayhew put in prison.

Brystle rubbed her temple as she could feel a migraine coming on.

Brystle looked down the table at Burke as tears filled her eyes.

Burke didn’t know what to say to this. Seeing him unresponsive only upset Brystle all the more and she got up from the table and exited the dining room. Seeing her go shook Burke to his senses and he called after her, but to no avail. 

Feeling completely overwhelmed with emotion, Brystle ran down the corridor and exited out through the solarium doors leading down to the lily pond. She was unaware that Mayhew was already out there, smoking a cigarette.

Brystle had had enough and blurted out aloud her feelings.

Brystle jumped upon hearing Mayhew’s voice. And at once she felt embarrassed about her sudden public outburst, even more so as it was in front of her former lover.

Mayhew knew he was right judging by Brystle’s silence.

Meanwhile inside, Malaudia was in her bedroom upstairs and happened to look out of the window. And seeing her husband alone with Brystle, his former lover, was not something she was hoping to see.

Brystle and Mayhew looked into one another’s eyes for a moment until the silence between them became too much and Brystle rushed forward to her former lover…

From the moment he had returned, Brystle had felt a longing, a desire to be close to Mayhew just one more time. She had fought it but now it was all too consuming. As she gently caressed her former lover her heart was racing. Mayhew felt the same way too as he breathed in her ever so sweet fragrance.

Brystle couldn’t resist any longer and she moved forward and locked her lips together with Mayhew’s. Just as she did this, Malaudia stepped out onto the balcony and witnessed the whole thing!

Shaken and distraught at witnessing her husband’s betrayal, Malaudia quietly stepped back inside. Meanwhile the reunited lovers were unaware that their smooching had not gone unnoticed.

As much as she had wanted to kiss Mayhew and be held by him, Brystle was well aware she had crossed a line. One which she may not be able to return from. Realising this, she quickly pulled away and turned to walk back inside.

Hearing this did not help alleviate Brystle’s worry. When would all of this drama end? With a heavy hearted sigh she made her way inside. Meanwhile, Mayhew took another long draw from his cigarette before stamping it out on the ground.

Later the following day, Burke had received yet another meeting request from his secretary Marsha – a request from Thordon Gompson, a recent addition to his legal team. Agitated he had summoned Thordon to his office and was very dismissive of the young lawyer as he arrived. 

Burke motioned with his hand for Thordon to sit. As his young lawyer sate on the couch, Burke stood over him rather impatiently. Sensing Burke’s annoyance, Thordon began.

Thordon took a deep breath before speaking again.

Thordon, or rather Badam, looked Burke, his father , straight in the eye and held that gaze. Burke meanwhile couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

Burke had heard enough and exploded with rage at Thordon.

Thordon, or rather Badam, was about to plead his case further but immediately stopped. For he suddenly realised he’d made a terrible mistake in coming here and telling Burke this news.

Both men glared at one another as they stood their ground. Eventually Thordon started to make his exit but not before one last look around at Burke…his real father.. But instead of being welcomed, he was met with rage.

A battle line had been declared between the 2 of them and Thordon felt a burning rage within. If his father would not welcome him…perhaps his mother would…

And with that, Thordon Gompson, aka the real Badam Simmington made his exit from Burke’s office and WindenburgSimmington leaving behind a shaken Burke who unwittingly driven away his first born son…

Back at Siloli, Texas was passing some time sketching on her digital pad. She was actually awaiting on the arrival of Tammy Flo who she had summoned to her studio via a telephone call to the main house. She didn’t have long to wait before there came a knock at her door. Nevertheless, despite knowing who it was Texas made her wait. There had never been any love lost between the two of them. Texas had always seen Tammy Flo as an embarrassment and she was horrified at how close she and Heathen once were. However all of that paled in significance once Tammy Flo had sunk her claws into the other Simmington son Badam and married him. (Remember, Texas is unaware that her son Badam isn’t really her son at all but an imposter hired by her current lover Cyril Dolby as he was the one responsible for having the real infant Badam Simmington kidnapped many years ago!! Tammy Flo however has discovered the truth that the man she married isn’t really Badam Simmington at all but is keeping quiet until she is sure on what to do next!!!).

Texas go up from her seat and made her way over to her dining table, upon which lay her pen and check book. 

Texas held aloft the document she was referring to before placing back on the table next to the check book and pen.

Texas came closer to Tammy Flo. She felt empowered right now and she was determined to see the back of this gold digging little hussy! She handed the document to Tammy Flo.

It was Tammy Flo’s turn to feel empowered. She was the one with the upper hand – she knew that the man she’d married who called himself Badam wasn’t really the son of Texas and Burke but an imposter hired by Cyril Dolby. And with her Auntie Brystle forbidding her to spend any of the Simmington fortune, Tammy Flo could see a way to make a quick fortune here.

A seething Texas realised she had been duped by Tammy Flo and reluctantly wrote out the check to her for fifty thousand Simoleons.

As she turned to leave a delighted Tammy Flo couldn’t believe her luck!!

Despite having her leave with fifty thousand of her own money, Texas was relieved to see the back of Brystle’s niece.

Back inside the mansion, Mikey Florence (the hired fraudster posing as Badam Simmington) was frantically trying to get hold of Cyril Dolby on the phone. Ever since the real Badam had confronted Mikey in the corridors of Burke’s company, WindenburgSimmington, he knew his time here posing as the long lost Simmington heir was coming to an end. He needed to get away and fast. Trouble was, he was broke despite posing as the son of one of the richest men in the land. Access to the Simmington funds had been frozen by Burke recently as he deemed ‘Badam’ was being too frivolous with money and that he had to earn his way. But with the truth that he was really a fraudster about to be exposed, Mikey knew he had to get far, far away from here and assume a new identity or risk being found. Only one man could help him, Cyril Dolby, the arch rival of Burke and the man who had hired Mikey to pose as Badam. Trouble was, he was being very elusive much to the dismay of Mikey.

Due to his rage, Mikey was unaware that his wife Tammy Flo had walked into the room and had caught the end of his phonecall. She of course knew the truth that Mikey wasn’t really Badam Simmington, the man she had thought she’d married. He’d unknowingly revealed all to Tammy Flo the other night when he was passed out drunk on the bedroom floor. But now she had 50 grand in her back pocket courtesy of Texas and Tammy Flo was making her own quick getaway. She grabbed a suitcase from the  closet and began to quickly pack some belongings into it just as Mikey threw his phone to the floor in anger. 

Mikey was stunned to hear this. He actually really cared for Tammy Flo and had hoped things would still work out between them. But as he watched her quickly pack her case his panic intensified. It appeared she also knew the truth that he wasn’t who he claimed to be.

Mikey knew there was no point he further lying to Tammy Flo.

So there it was. The truth would come out either from Tammy Flo or that creepy lawyer at WindenburgSimmington Thordon Gompson. As Tammy Flo finished her packing, thoughts of self preservation took over Mikey.

A despondent Mikey slumped onto the ottoman at the foot of the bed, the reality of the situation becoming too much. He was in deep, deep trouble and the clock was ticking.  

Hearing that she had all that money shook Mikey from his despair and he leapt up and grabbed Tammy Flo as she got ready to walk out.

Tammy Flo grabbed he case and walked out without looking back. Left alone, a tearful Mikey slumped down again onto the ottoman.

Downstairs, Tammy Flo had previously called for a taxi to come collect her and it was waiting for her at the front door. Housekeeper Nannette saw that Tammy Flo was leaving and quickly informed Brystle who rushed out from the library to see why her niece was leaving. 

It pained Brystle to see Tammy Flo go. Despite their differences, she was family to Brystle, the only real connection she had left in this house and she didn’t want to see her leave.

There it was again! That woman was continuing to manipulate and influence their lives!!

It was obvious that Tammy Flo was upset but wouldn’t show it. Brystle herself felt terrible that she hadn’t supported her young niece more. And it was apparent that it was now far too late to do anything. Tammy Flo was headstrong and she would follow her own path.

With a tear in her eye, Tammy Flo got into the taxi and urged the driver to leave immediately. She didn’t look back as the cab sped off down the gravel driveway leaving her auntie Brystle behind in a cloud of dust.

As the gates closed and the cab was out of sight, a determined Brystle had had enough. There was one woman who had done more than enough damage to her and that woman would pay for it and NOW!!

Hastily, Brystle marched into the mansion, went straight to the armoury room and grabbed a shotgun off the rack and then made her way across the lawn to her destination….

Texas was in her studio feeling quite pleased with herself when the door opened and in marched a furious Brystle.

Brystle wasn’t prepared to back down, not this time. She made her way closer to Texas. 

Texas turned to walk away but Brystle reached out to grab her, there was no way she was letting her get away with this. But as soon as she grabbed her arm, Texas spun around and responded by slapping Brystle across the face!!

As Texas once again turned to walk away Brystle exploded with months of pent up rage. Lunging herself at Texas, Brystle tackled her nemesis to the floor. 

Brystle straddled Texas on the floor as her enemy scratched at her with painted talons.

Despite being socked in the face, Texas managed to lunge forward and pushed Brystle across the floor. She then landed an equally impressive punch to Brystle’s face. 

A well timed stiletto kick from Brystle sent Texas flying back across the room meaning she had time to get up and lunge herself back at her again.

Brystle then grabbed Texas by the hair and stood up dragging a screaming Texas with her. She spun her around, slapped her face again and then locked her hands around her throat, pushing her back into the easel and the painting of Burke.

Texas crashed to the split level floor knocking over the table. Brystle, feeling a renewed empowerment, performed a spectacular flying drop kick to the lower level.

The two women screamed and scratched at one another as they fought it out on the floor and furniture was overturned. Texas tried to get away for she could see that Brystle wouldn’t stop until she was done. But Brystle was quicker and soon had Texas in a headlock.

Hearing this, Brystle released Texas from her headlock. This gave Texas enough time to quickly scurry away before collapsing by the overturned couch.

Texas managed one of her trademark sarcastic smirks as Brystle screamed at her. Meanwhile Brystle, despite being the obvious victor in this fight, was already feeling horrified at what she had done. She looked around the trashed studio then once again at her rival gasping, battered and bruised, on the floor. This isn’t what she wanted her life to be anymore. Realising this, Brystle walked out of the studio.

Texas, always wanting the last word, managed to throw one last quip before passing out. 

Later that night, a lonely Burke was in his study. As he gulped down his 3rd nectar drink of the evening, he contemplated everything that was going wrong in his life from the collapse of his marriage with Brystle to the sudden announcement that the newest member of his legal team claimed that he was his son!! As he sat in his favourite armchair pondering is next move, the door knocked and in walked major-domo Joseph Flanders. 

Joseph, whilst being an employee, felt he had a good relationship with Burke. Fiercely loyal to him, Joseph hated to see anyone try to take advantage of his employer. And that was why he felt he could come to Burke with what he had discovered despite being told not to disturb Burke.

Burke reluctantly stood up as he waited to hear what fresh horror Texas had caused. Shortly the door opened and a sheepish looking Terry came in and stood awkwardly in front of Burke.

So Joseph’s suspicions were true. Texas had done something terrible and made Terry cover up for by lying. And Burke knew exactly what it was. He just wanted to hear it out loud…

Texas was in her studio that evening. She had managed to get it put back together after her earlier fight with Brystle. Thankfully the bruising she had sustained was only minor and a reapplication of her makeup hid any trace of it. As she fetched herself an evening tipple, little did she know that a livid Burke was stomping his way over to her place.

Texas was surprised to see Burke barge into her home without knocking or announcing himself. Nevertheless she smiled when he walked in. But the look on his face indicated that this visit was going to be pleasant.

Burke stopped pacing around and faced his ex-wife. How could he have been duped by her yet again? How could he have believed her version of events over Brystle?

Texas knew the game was up. Burke was livid for he knew the truth. There would only be one way out of this -damage limitation. So she tried her best to downplay it.

Burke didn’t pick up on what Texas had said regarding the number of children. Instead he continued with his rightful tirade against his ex-wife.

Despite the threat form Burke of being roasted alive, a sobbing Texas reached out to her ex-husband, the man she still loved despite it all.

Burke slammed the door as he left leaving a heartbroken Texas on the floor.

Texas sobbed for just a moment before suddenly finding the strength within herself. A strength that she knew she had and could always depend on getting her through the toughest of times. She got to her feet and composed herself as her tears turned to a simmering anger. 

Ever resourceful, Texas already had a backup plan in mind. It was so obvious to her what her next move would be. And it would happen tomorrow. She would make sure of that. No-one ever got the better of her. 

A bright sunny morning at Siloli mansion saw Tammy Flo strut purposefully into the kitchen. Since her marriage to ‘Badam’ Tammy Flo had been trying hard to assert her position in the  household. She was a Simmington now (or so she thought, ‘Badam’ wasn’t who everyone thought he was) and Tammy Flo wanted everyone to treat her with the same respect that went with having the Simmington name. And that started with making sure the help knew she would be a force to be reckoned with. 

Head cook Mrs Bummerson and head housekeeper Nannette saw Tammy Flo come in and casually walk around as if she were giving the room the once over with her stamp of approval. Both women then kept their heads down as they had heard how awful Tammy Flo had become since marrying into the Simmington family.

Quick as a flash Tammy Flo shut down poor Mrs Bummerson.

Mrs Bummerson said nothing and let Tammy Flo munch away at her muffins. And as she stuffed her face, in walked Texas. She liked to come and go through the kitchen entrance as it was the most direct access from her studio on the grounds of Siloli.  As usual Texas had come her to mooch but the sight of Tammy Flo dressed up in riding gear and stuffing her face full of muffin was almost too much to let slide without comment.

The old expression was obviously lost on this simple girl that Texas already had lot of disdain for never mind the fact that she had eloped with her long lost ‘son’ Badam. This was something Texas had yet to address with Tammy Flo even though she was seething at the thought of it.

With her order place, Texas strolled around the table picking at some grapes from the fruit dish. Tammy Flo sensed the hostility from the woman and decided to provoke her even further because why not? She got a kick out tormenting this snooty nosed woman.

Texas force a very quick fake smile and replied with as much sarcasm as she could.

It was obvious, even to Tammy Flo, that this news was horrific for Texas to comprehend and Tammy Flo revelled in seeing her obvious disgust. Seeing the horror on Texas’s face was enough for Tammy Flo to declare this verbal smackdown a win for her. She left with a smirk on her face leaving Texas flabbergasted. She contemplated a future with this trashy niece of Brystle’s as her daughter-in-law and promptly decided there was no way in hell she would allow it to continue. Quickly an evil plan formulated in her calculating mind…

Upstairs in the mansion, Heathen was convalescing in his room when Brystle knocked on his door.

It pained Brystle seeing Heathen hurting so much. He’d been the only true friend to her from the moment she arrived at Siloli. He had been through a lot following the death of his husband Fred and the pain of losing him had almost cost Heathen his life when he had fallen drunkenly into the swimming pool. And he was getting no more peace in his sleep as his dreams were evidence of him reliving Fred’s death over and over again as he had fallen to his death down a flight of stairs at the opera house last year. 

Brystle took a seat beside Heathen on the bed and gently held his hand in hers as she spoke to him.

Whilst Heathen and Brystle talked, Texas was making her way up the stairs of Siloli, intending on visiting Heathen in his room…

Back in the room Brystle hugged a distraught Heathen.

Seeing her distraught son being comforted by the woman she loathed, and the aunt of that trashy little tramp Tammy Flo, was too much for Texas. She sternly interrupted the tender scene being played out in front of her.

Heathen slowly sunk back down on his bed as Brystle looked over at Texas and saw that she meant business. Rather than cause a scene in the room, Brystle obliged the request.

Once they were out of earshot in the corridor, a fuming Texas launched herself at Brystle.

Brystle decided not to rise to Texas’s anger. Instead she smiled back at her rival rather sickly sweetly.

Sensing that she would not get a rise out of Brystle this way, Texas changed tactics and went for the jugular. And it worked…

Feeling like she had just wounded a kitten, Texas went in for the kill.

Texas finished off by slamming the door shut behind her as she sashayed into Heathen’s room leaving a fearful Brystle full of doubt and worry…

Across town, the Simmington private jet had landed at a private airstrip. Onboard was WindenburgSimmington lawyer Andre Wayward. He had returned from Shang Simla along with the newly released from prison Mayhew Drysdale, former employee of Burke’s company. 

The previous year, Burke had sent Mayhew overseas to oversee the expansion of WindenburgSimmington in the Simlinese market. It was also a ploy to keep Mayhew away from Burke’s wife Brystle as at the time he didn’t trust the man around his wife knowing that they had had an affair with one another prior to Burke marrying Brystle. Whilst Mayhew was stationed overseas he became the victim in the power struggle between Cyril Dolby and Burke with Cyril falsely setting up Mayhew as a spy thus ending an important billion Simoleon contract for Burke with the Simlinese government and Mayhew locked up in prison. 

But after new evidence was presented to Burke that it was a set up, Burke threatened Cyril with exposure and ordered Mayhew to be released and his contract restored. And so with trepidation, Burke waited outside the aircraft hanger as Mayhew and Andre walked down the steps off the jet.

Hearing this hit home to Burke just how hard it must be for Mayhew. Whilst he wasn’t directly responsible for him being locked up Burke did send him to Shang Simla as a means of getting him out of Brystle’s life. For that he did feel a sense of remorse that Mayhew had been caught up in Cyril’s vendetta.

As he went to shake his hand, Burke noticed the cuts and scrapes on Mayhew’s knuckles. Coupled with the scars on his face it was obvious he’d endured a lot of violence whilst in the prison. Mayhew however declined the handshake.

Burke nodded quickly in acceptance and in silence they began to walk towards the waiting limo.

Mayhew wasn’t so sure on that. The last he’d seen of his wife she had called an end to their marriage. How would she react seeing him again? And the fact that they were now going to be under the same roof as Brystle, the woman who Mayhew once loved…and perhaps still did….

The journey back to Siloli was an awkward silent one between the 2 men. Burke asked a few questions of Mayhew but his one syllable responses made Burke realise that there wasn’t much point in discussing civilities with him. Mayhew obviously, and understandably, held a massive grudge against Burke. Perhaps he would see things differently in a few days.

Once they arrived at the mansion they were greeted by Brystle in the hallway.

There passed a momentary pause between the 2 former lovers , almost as if they had more to say to one another but couldn’t in the presence of Burke. A fact that he himself did not let go unnoticed.

Burke clapped his hands together and moved the conversation on in an effort to break the silence. Upstairs, Malaudia was making her way down to face the husband who she hadn’t seen in a year.

Seeing his wife again was an emotional moment for Mayhew and he struggled to hold back the tears. There was so much he wanted to say to her but would she allow him the chance?

Malaudia slowly walked up to her husband looking deeply into his eyes as she did so. It seemed unreal having him here in front of her after everything that had happened. She slowly reached out and stroked his scarred cheek.

This was a bittersweet moment for Brystle seeing her former lover reunite with his wife. Above all she was happy to see them together after everything they’d both been through. But the chemistry she and Mayhew had felt was still there and he longingly looked at her as he held his wife.

At which point Burke decided to take Brystle away from this intimate reunion.

But Burke wasn’t so sure Brystle meant what she said. He gave her a quick glance then went into his study. Brystle paused before entering and looked around at the reunited couple. Seeing Mayhew again was causing a lot of mixed emotions for her…ones she shouldn’t be feeling. With a sigh Brystle joined her husband in his study and closed the door behind her. 

Meanwhile Malaudia and Mayhew kissed passionately in the hall way as they were reunited.

With that, Mayhew fell to his knees and sobbed.

Mayhew’s tears continued as Malaudia held him close to her. The Drysdale’s were reunited through their grief and loss for their daughter. But would this be enough for them to reconcile for good???

That evening in the home of Giles Scott, now Giles Dolby, Cyril had arrived. After discovering that the young man, and world famous soccer star, was his secret son, Cyril had brushed off his recent losses to Burke and WindenburgSimmington and instead decided to focus on getting to know the young man with a renewed vigour and energy. Giles, whilst curious about this man who was his father, was still prickly about the whole thing. He was angry with his mother Skankee for keeping it a secret and he was wary of the slippery businessman. 

This didn’t really sound appealing to Giles.

And this was no lie for Cyril indeed was dying but only a few people knew of the condition. This news stunned Giles.

This was the last thing Giles had expected to hear and it was overwhelming news.

Cyril had the evil Sims trait which meant he had no trouble telling a convincing lie. This was far from the reason that Skankee had fled Windenburg all those years ago and kept her pregnancy a secret. But Cyril wasn’t about to reveal to his son just how wicked and corrupt he was. And what better way than to make Skankee out to be the one in the wrong for it was having th e desired effect he wanted – Giles bought it.

Just then Skankee walked out onto the lanai not knowing that her dreaded ex-husband was on the premises. Seeing him with her son stopped her dead in his tracks. 

Skankee nervously approached them both.

Cyril stepped forward and draped his arm over his son’s shoulders, much in the way a cobra would crush it’s prey. The sight of it turned Skankee’s stomach.

Knowing how manipulative Cyril was and how easily led Giles could be Skankee struggled to accept what was happening. Her son and ex-husband stood side by side united. It was everything she’d feared would happen.

A tearful Skankee turned and ran out as fast as her high heeled shoes would allow. Giles made to go after her but Cyril held him back. Instead Giles called after her.

Inside the house by the front door, Skankee grabbed her car keys from a bowl on the sideboard. She paused for a moment to catch her breath. Cyril had wormed his way into Giles’s life. It may only be a matter of time before he discovered the truth about her other secret she’d brought to Windenburg. And realising the enormity of that, Skankee made her way to his apartment across town…

At the apartment of Thordon Gompson, the candle lit dinner table was set and the red nectar was served.

Joining the young lawyer for this romantic meal was Fathom Dolby. The pair of them had struck up flirtatious conversations on a couple of occasions but it had not gone any further. So when Thordon had boldly messaged his boss’s daughter and invited her over for dinner he did so with the intention it would lead to something more…And to his delight Fathom had readily agreed.

Once seated, Thordon began by explaining his choices for this evening’s banquet for two.

Despite her marriage to Seth recently improving, Fathom was curious about this handsome stranger and wanted to know more about him.

This stopped Fathom in her tracks. Thordon certainly was true to his word- he did say what he wanted. Despite this being a very similar quality to her, Fathom was not happy with this remark.

Thordon looked away at this . He knew he’d overstepped his mark and was instantly regretting it.

Just then there came a frantic ringing of the front doorbell interrupting the moment.

Fathom knocked back her nectar as Thordon opened the door to his apartment. And he was a little taken aback to see his friend, and former boss/client, Skankee on his doorstep looking visibly upset.

Back at the dining table, Fathom rolled her eyes. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing! Was it really the same woman, Giles’s mother, who had shown up unannounced? Getting up and walking over to the entrance Fathom saw that it unbelievably was the same woman who had more or less shooed her away the first time she met her! What the Sims was she doing here being comforted by Thordon?!

Fathom had had enough of this and decided to break up the tender scene being played out before her.

Needless to say this was not the kind of evening Thordon had envisioned. How did Skankee and Fathom know one another and why was Skankee so dead against her being here?

The vibe had changed for Fathom and quite frankly she didn’t want to be dealing with an interfering mother figure. But before she left she decided to antagonise Skankee even further by putting her arms around Thordon and holding him in a tight embrace! 

Fathom kissed her finger then pressed it against Thordon’s lips much to the horror of Skankee. Both she and Thordon watched in silence as Fathom made her exit.

Once Fathom had left, Thordon spun around and confronted Skankee. He needed to know what on earth had just happened.

Thordon saw that Skankee’s hand was trembling. His anger had potentially frightened an already distressed Skankee and he decided to cool it down a notch with her. After all, she had looked out for him his whole life.

Skankee knew that she could no longer keep the truth from Thordon. All the lies she’d told and led to everything that had happened tonight with both him and Giles. It was time to be honest.

Thordon took a step back as he was presented with this shocking news. It took a moment before he could muster a single word.

Skankee’s heart was racing by this point but there was no going back now. She had to tell him the truth… the WHOLE truth…

So finally the truth was out in the open. And it was hitting Thordon…Badam…like a tonne of bricks.

Thordon was no longer holding his anger back. Skankee had seen this terrible, angry side to him before on many occasions and it was something she wasn’t comfortable with. If only he would let her explain why she had made the choices she had.

For the second time that evening a tearful Skankee made a hasty exit from a volatile scene. Thordon slammed the door after her before feelings of nausea swarmed over him and he had to run to the bathroom to be violently sick.

Thordon slowly got up and poured him self a large glass of water from the tap, gulping it down. The enormity of what he’d been told was causing a panic attack in him.

He poured a second glass and drunk it just as quickly then, after a moment, his breathing had returned to normal and he looked upon himself in the mirror. And it was then he realised that he was not Thordon Gompson at all…he was in fact someone else entirely…And he had to face that fact that his life from now on was going to be somewhat different.

A full moon shone high in the crisp clear night sky above Windenburg. It cast an eerie glow on the ground below. Particularly over Siloli mansion, and the unresponsive body floating in the swimming pool. A few moments had passed since a drunken Heathen had come stumbling out of the mansion following a blazing row with his father and had fallen over, knocking himself unconscious as he hit the water.

Burke, upset at the row that had ensued between them, had asked Joseph, the major-domo of the house, to assist in finding him. Whilst Joseph searched the west wing, Burke stepped out onto the pool lanai and was horrified to see the sight of his son’s lifeless body in the pool.

Burke wasted no time by springing into action as he jumped into the pool to save his son.

As Joseph helped Burke in getting Heathen out of the pool, at the front of the mansion Seth and Fathom were just returning home from a night out.

They soon found out that their skinny dipping would not be happening as they had hoped for they were greeted with the sight of Joseph and Buke laying out an unconscious Heathen on the floor. Realising his son was not breathing, Burke quickly began performing cpr on him.

Joseph grabbed his cell phone and called for help as a shaken Fathom was comforted by Seth.

It was not looking good- Heathen was not responding at all but Burke would not give up. As he fought frantically to save his son’s life, Joseph looked at Seth and the unspoken fear that Heathen was dead passed between them. The next seconds would be crucial in saving Heathen’s life…

Across town, furious football star Giles Scott had arrived home after a blazing with his mother Skankee in the restaurant. He’d just learned from her that she had lied to him his whole life about his father – that he wasn’t dead at all and was in fact billionaire businessman Cyril Dolby! 

Giles poured himself a large glass of nectar and downed it in one before pouring himself another. Skankee walked in after getting a cab back from the restaurant. She had hated herself for lying to Giles all of these years but she had good reason to. But seeing Giles like this she didn’t hold out much hope for him being understanding. He was hurt and betrayed and Skankee wanted to put things right.

Giles aggressively stepped forward to his mother.

Skankee had seen her son like this before – he always had had an anger management problem. It was time to speak more firmly to him to make him listen.

Giles flung his glass onto the floor shattering it into a hundred pieces before marching through the broken glass and leaving the house. Not even a plea from his mother would stop him.

Giles stood at the edge of his driveway his mind racing as to what to or where to go. The night beckoned him and he needed to get away from here, away from Skankee.

In the space of one evening Giles’s life had been turned upside down. He was a Dolby, the secret son of one of the richest men in the Sims world. And it was time to know what sort of a man Giles Dolby would become….

The Simmington clan were gathered in the ICU. Burke, Fathom and Seth waited to hear on news of Heathen. 

Burke had managed to get his son breathing just as the ambulance arrived. A frantic dash across town and now he was in the hands of a Dr Dennis Elbow. 

Burke, Fathom and Seth watched on through the window in the corridor as the doctor completed his assessment of his patient hooked up to various equipment keeping him alive.

Just then the corridor doors burst open and there was  loud clack of high heel shoes on a tiled floor as Texas Simmington rushed in. She’d been on a date with Cyril Dolby when Seth had called her to tell her of the news.

Hearing that Burke had been arguing with their son prior to this caused Texas to snap.

Texas was quiet for a second then the fear took hold of her again and she was once again frantic with worry.

As Burke spoke firmly but reassuringly regarding Heathen’s condition, Dr Dennis Elbow stepped out from the treatment room to give his update.

A shell shocked Texas and Burke went slowly into the room to see their son. Meanwhile the enormity of what she’d just learned about her brother, who she loved more than anyone,  was too much for Fathom to comprehend. She felt the beginnings of a panic attack overtake her.

As Seth went to check on Fathom, Texas and Burke stood together by Heathen’s bedside. The only noise in the room were the beeps coming from the life support machine keeping their son alive. Texas moved place a trembling hand onto his chest and spoke softly through her tears.

Outside in the corridor, Brystle had come down from her ward a few floors above where she had been staying following her fall from the horse. She wasn’t sure which room Heathen was in but suddenly she caught sight  of them through the observation window.

Seeing her son in an unresponsive state was too much for Texas and she turned to her former husband for the comfort and support she needed right now. As Burke wrapped his arms around her Texas broke down in tears.

Even though it shouldn’t have, seeing Burke hold his former wife like that hurt and stunned Brystle. This was not the first time she was suspicious of them for the first night she was in the hospital Brystle had called Burke late at night only to be greeted by Texas on the phone. And now seeing them together like this was too much to comprehend.

Was she losing Burke? Would he eventually leave her and go back to his ex-wife? Brystle didn’t know but felt that she was not needed here,  not at this time. She wasn’t Heathen’s mother. And nor would she ever have that bond with Burke following her riding fall…

By mid morning, Burke had called his half sister Devonique to inform her of what had happened to Heathen in the early hours. Devonique was stunned to hear the news but secretly she had feared something like this was inevitable.

Heathen had been at her house the night before for dinner. And it was apparent that he was still deeply in love and grieving for his husband, Devonique’s son Fred. And seeing Frankie, Fred’s identical twin brother, was confusing Heathen and giving him false hope. This was confirmed when she’d caught Heathen kissing Frank and Frank had reacted badly causing Heathen to runout. 

Devonique had tried to warn her son Frank about all of this but he wouldn’t listen. And now as she saw him out swimming in her pool, she knew she had to make him see sense – it was time for him to leave and return to the army. Heathen did not need to be seeing him for he would not recover from his grieving the longer Frank stayed in town.

Walking assertively out to the pool, Devonique called to her son and he stopped swimming to listen.

Frank swam across to the pool ladder and climbed out.

With a sigh Frank reluctantly realised his mother was right. But yet there was part of him that did not want him to go. A feeling…a desire….

Something wasn’t ringing true for Devonique with what Frank was saying. This was appearing to run deeper than what Frank was giving away…

As his mother walked back inside, Frank cursed himself for not being more  careful with Heathen. It was obvious he was still grieving deeply for Fred. But the longer Frank had spent getting to know Heathen, the more he had begun developing feelings that he never thought he had….

By the following day, Heathen was still in a coma and Texas was maintaining a bedside vigil with her son. She loved her children dearly but had felt she had a special bond with Heathen. As she spoke with heartfelt emotion to her unconscious son in the hope that he could find his way back hearing her voice, Texas was unaware that her daughter Fathom had entered the room behind her. 

Fathom had not allowed herself to become close to her mother following her return into their lives. Normally she would have had a snarky comment to make but this was not the time nor the place to make one. And for once, Texas sounded absolutely genuine in her concern and it stopped Fathom in her tracks.

Having no response from Heathen upset Texas all the more and she put her head down by his side and gently wept. This brought a tear to the normally steely Fathom. Could she be softening her response to her mother? Fathom quickly shook off those feelings and moved over to the other side of the bed as Texas sat up, surprised to see her daughter appear.

Part of her wanted to believe her mother but the other part of her didn’t trust the woman. In any event, Fathom reluctantly found herself agreeing to set aside their differences.

Sensing a breakthrough with her daughter, Texas sprung to her feet to seize the opportunity.

The sound of Heathen muttering made Texas rush to his side. She frantically stroked his hair as she spoke to him.

Fathom raced out of the room to get some help. Texas leaned in even closer to her son as he gradually began to emerge from his coma.

Texas tearfully kissed her son and held him close thanking the Sims universe that he had come back to her. 

Around an hour or so later, Heathen was sat up in the bed with his mother and sister either side of him and Dr Dennis Elbow was giving the verdict of his assessments.

Heathen hated having a fuss made of him at the best of times and this was no exception. All he wanted to do was show he was fine so that he could leave and go home…and see a certain someone…

Fathom and Texas looked at one another in shock at the mention of Fred’s name. They then looked down at Heathen who was unaware of why they both looked worried but was more worried where his husband was…

After spending over a week in hospital following her horse riding fall and subsequent miscarriage, today was the day that Brystle returned home to Siloi. 

Burke accompanied her back from the hospital in his limo and the two of them were making their way towards to front door of their home.

Before they went in, there was something that Brystle had to get off her mind.

Was Burke delusional Brystle thought to herself? Surely he must realise that Texas’s goal had been to try split them up. Hell would freeze over before they became friends. In fact, the only real friend Brystle thought she had in the house was with Nanette, the head of housekeeping. And that was exactly who greeted them as they walked inside. Brystle was glad to see a friendly face.

As they walked further inside they were met by Seth and Fathom who had just come down from upstairs.

There was no knowing if Fathom was being sarcastic to her or genuine but given their past history Brystle decided it was the former. Fathom truly was her mother’s daughter through and through.

That was definitely another dig aimed at her Brystle thought but before she could say anything Burke had chuckled and guided them all towards the drawing room.  Inside that room  Tammy Flo and ‘Badam’ (who was not the long lost Simmington older child but in fact a fraud put in place by Cyril Dolby) were getting ready to surprise them all with news of their shotgun wedding in Les Vagas.

As everyone walked in ‘Badam’ cracked open the giant bottle of shimpagne.

It was quickly apparent that news of their surprise nuptials had not gone down well with the Simmington clan. ‘Badam’ did his best to drum up a bit of support from his fake family but Burke was not having any of it.

To break the awkward silence, Tammy Flo offered to be the one to tell Heathen.

Later that day, new WindenburgSimmington employee Thordon Gompson was busy settling into his new apartment. He’d been taken on as part of the legal team at Burke’s company, recommended by Skankee Dolby. In fact it had seemed that Skankee insisted Thordon leave her company, Skankee’s Candles, and move all the way from Falicornia on the west coast to this much smaller state further eastside.  Skankee had been a huge influence in Thordon’s life growing up, being there and taking him in when his parents died, supporting him through law school and then giving him his first break legal break as a lawyer for her firm. Then all of a sudden, she forced him to come to Windenburg and the next thing he knew he was working for one of the biggest companies in the known Sim world!

Whatever the reason, Thordon was grateful. This was an amazing opportunity fior him and he intended to make it a success. Besides, Windenburg was a great city and state, he’d already made a tonne of new friends, Giles was living in the city too and lastly there was a certain someone who had caught his eye….a certain boss’s daughter by the name of Fathom….

He was just thinking about her when there came a knock at his apartment door.

There was a connection between them Thordon thought and he sensed that Fathom felt it too.

Thordon went to make a drink and Fathom surveyed the spectacular view from the living room windows.

Thordon knew Fathom was married, he’d heard the gossip. But that had never stopped him in the past with his previous lovers and it was clear that Fathom was the type of girl who didn’t let such a thing as a husband stand in her way either. 

Thordon then led Fathom from room to room .

That only left one room…and it was right behind these double doors…

She wasn’t sure what it was but there came a sudden realisation over Fathom…that perhaps this was something she should not be doing. She had to leave…

Fathom thrived on excitement  and risk but something felt wrong here…off even…something wasn’t just right about this situation developing between them at all..

A few days later, Burke was hard at work in his office along with his trusted attorney Andre Wayward signing off on a new contract deal for the company.

Just then Burke’s phone rang – it was his secretary calling.

The door opened and Ditsy strutted into Burke’s office.

Andre gathered his papers and left the office. Once alone, Burke was curious as to why socialite Ditsy Von Klinkerhoffen, who had fought with Fathom at his wedding to Brystle, was here.

This was not what he expected to hear from Ditsy. But it was sounding like she was about to reveal some piece of important information to him.

Burke nodded and they moved over to the large screen. Ditsy inserted the USB device and hit play on the remote. The video began to play. It was of the old ruins in Windenburg, late at night. Fred Rimmard was stood waiting  and the audio picked up on what he said.

The drama unfolded onscreen as Cyril Dolby was exposed as the culprit, the mastermind behind the whole plan.

A few skyscrapers over, Cyril Dolby was having a board meeting in his office when a furious Burke barged his way in.

Taking his seat on the board table Burke pressed play on the remote and let the video play. At first Cyril was bored by what was unfolding but when he realised what the video was he turned pale.

Burke got out of his chair and moved to stand beside a seated Cyril. He switched the video off and there was a momentary silence as Cyril contemplated on what to do.

Cyril slowly stood up. In a flash Burke was on him, wrapping his hands tightly around his throat and strangling him!

Cyril gasped, his eyes bulged. His vision was beginning to fade. And just when he thought Burke would finish him off there and then, he was released suddenly causing him to fall to the floor gasping.

Burke couldn’t believe what he was hearing from his rival.

It went against every principle that Burke had. But he knew how slippery Cyril could be. Sure he hadn’t expected this video to surface but along the way he always had traps set that should anything happen to him or he be caught out then someone else would pay. He’d already revealed that Fathom would go to prison for he’d set it up to look like she had paid the jury off in Burke’s trial a few months back. Young Fred had paid with is life and Heathen had been threatened too. Now Mayhew Drysdale could potentially never see freedom again if Burke didn’t do as Cyril wanted. He had no choice but to reluctantly agree…but with a condition of his own…

With the tables turned on Cyril for once Burke marched out of the office. Was alone, the great and powerful Cyril Dolby crumpled to the floor. Never in his life did he feel alone and scared as he did now. There had to be a way out of this…there had to be…

4000 miles away the next day, the warden of Shang Simla Maximum Security Prison had to deliver a message to one of the prisoners. It was not something he would normally do , this was a guard’s duty. But as the order had come straight from the government, the warden felt duty bound to deliver it. He made his way down the wing where the most volatile and violent prisoners were kept locked up 23 hours a day. He stopped outside the cell of the prisoner he was looking for and peered in at him.

The prisoner was covered in bruises all over his body. He’d obviously been fighting in the 1 hour he was allowed out. This was typical behaviour of him. Ever since he’d been sent here on charges of spying almost a year ago this prisoner was always fighting. Well, at least after tomorrow it would no longer be the warden’s concern he reasoned as he opened the cell door and let himself in.

Prisoner 884 waited until he heard the door being locked behind him until he moved. He staggered on unsteady feet to the sink and held on for support as the enormity of what he’d just been told sank in. Freedom….

He trembled with emotion. He would see his daughter, his wife, his home again after all. This nightmare was over for him….But for someone else it was just about to begin…The emotion soon gave way to anger….a boiling rage inside him….a desire to make those who put him in here and ruined his life pay…..Slowly he straightened himself up and looked into the mirror.

Oh yes….Burke Simmington and his associates would pay for this. They sent him to this place and then framed him to ensure he would never see Brystle again. He was sure of that.

And as sure as night followed day, Mayhew Drysdale would make Burke Simmington pay….