Next week on Home and Away, simmering grief, unresolved guilt, and festering resentment explode into one of the show’s darkest and most emotionally charged storylines yet.

What begins as a bitter family dispute over money and memories spirals into something far more disturbing, as Lacey makes a chilling decision that

could permanently destroy her family — and place Jo in serious danger. At the heart of the drama is Lacey, a woman still consumed by the tragic death of her mother,

Christina. While time has passed, Lacey’s wounds remain raw, and her anger — particularly toward her sister Jo — shows no signs of fading. As new revelations surface and old scars are ripped open, Lacey crosses a line that leaves viewers questioning just how far grief can push someone before it turns into something far more sinister.

A Family Fractured by Loss

The latest chain of events is set in motion when David, Lacey and Jo’s father, makes a painful confession. Unable to continue living in the family home after Christina’s death, he reveals that he has sold the house, admitting that every room is a reminder of the life he has lost. In an attempt to do right by both daughters, David offers to split the proceeds, promising Lacey a substantial $100,000 share.

But what David sees as a gesture of healing, Lacey views as betrayal.

When she learns that Jo will also receive money, Lacey immediately rejects the offer. In her eyes, Jo does not deserve to benefit financially after what she believes Jo did — causing the car accident that killed their mother. Lacey’s bitterness is absolute, and her refusal sends a clear message: she is not ready to forgive, forget, or move on.

The Eternity Ring That Reopens Old Wounds

When David asks what he can do to make amends, Lacey makes a heartbreaking request. She wants her mother’s eternity ring — a deeply symbolic piece of jewelry chosen by both daughters for their parents’ vow renewal, the last time the family was truly happy together.

However, the ring is already in Jo’s possession. Jo has worn it for months, keeping it close to her heart as a private connection to the mother she lost and the guilt she carries. When David gently asks Jo if she would consider giving it to her sister, Jo refuses — and the emotional toll is immediate. Overwhelmed by memories of the crash, Jo suffers a panic attack, underscoring just how deeply the trauma still affects her.

The tension soon boils over in spectacular fashion when Lacey confronts Jo at the Surf Club. Accusations fly, emotions spiral, and the confrontation erupts into a physical fight that shocks onlookers. Alf summons David, who forces his daughters upstairs, determined that they won’t leave until they face the truth — and each other.

Sisters at War

The argument over the ring continues, exposing the irreparable damage in Lacey and Jo’s relationship. Lacey coldly declares that Jo can keep everything else — the money, the memories, the family — as long as she gets the ring. David tries to reason with her, pointing out that Jo has already been carrying the ring for months, but Lacey sees only favoritism.

Jo, desperate to reconnect, asks the question that has been haunting her for years: What happened to us? Once inseparable, the sisters are now strangers bound only by shared trauma. Lacey’s response is devastating — a blunt accusation that Jo “drove their mother into a tree.”

Jo later opens up to Tane, revealing the truth she has struggled to live with. She was driving the car the day of the accident, but her memory of the crash is completely blocked. Police investigations found no fault — no speeding, no substances, no reckless behavior. Yet Lacey refuses to accept that some tragedies have no villain.

A False Step Toward Peace

Encouraged by Theo, Lacey finally explains what the ring represents to her: the vow renewal, the last perfect moment before everything fell apart. Jo admits she feels exactly the same, which only makes the situation more painful. In a rare moment of clarity, the sisters realize their constant fighting is worsening their father’s grief. They agree to give the ring to David, hoping it might bring him some comfort.

For a brief moment, it seems like healing is possible.

But that hope vanishes almost instantly.

After handing over the ring, Lacey walks away without looking back, declaring that she has done what she came to do — and that she has no reason to ever speak to her family again.

Trauma, Truth, and a Dangerous Turning Point

Jo, still clinging to the idea of reconciliation, reaches out once more, hoping to convince Lacey to help their father seek professional support. Instead, Lacey shuts her down completely. When Jo opens up about her panic attacks and PTSD, Lacey responds with chilling indifference, making it clear that Jo’s suffering means nothing to her.

Even Theo, who has tried to stand by Lacey, finally pushes back. He challenges her anger, suggesting that Jo’s trauma is real — and that Lacey might be wrong about what truly happened the day their mother died.

This doubt lingers.

For the first time, Lacey begins to question her certainty.

She asks David to go over the accident again. Reluctantly, he does, explaining once more that there was no evidence of wrongdoing. The only explanation was that Jo may have swerved to avoid an animal. David reminds her that memory loss is a common trauma response — not proof of guilt.

Then comes the twist that changes everything.

Lacey’s Shocking Decision

Seemingly moved, Lacey tells her father she has reconsidered his offer and will accept the $100,000. David is overjoyed, believing this is a step toward healing and reconciliation.

But the truth is far darker.

Once alone with Theo, Lacey reveals her real plan: she intends to use the money to hire a private investigator to uncover “the truth” about the accident. What begins as a search for answers quickly takes on a more sinister edge, as spoilers reveal that Lacey’s investigation will lead to Jo being followed — and ultimately kidnapped.

This dangerous escalation marks a chilling new chapter in Lacey’s story, transforming her grief-fueled obsession into a direct threat.

Fallout and Consequences Ahead

As Home and Away heads into this explosive storyline, the consequences promise to be severe. Lacey’s actions risk tearing her family apart beyond repair, placing Jo in grave danger and testing Theo’s loyalty like never before. What started as unresolved grief has now crossed into obsession — and possibly criminal territory.

Viewers are left asking the same haunting question: will Lacey uncover the truth she claims to want, or will her pursuit destroy everything — including herself?

One thing is certain: Home and Away is about to deliver one of its most intense, controversial, and emotionally devastating arcs in recent memory.