EastEnders star Lauren Branning faces a major setback next week. And it happens after Mark Fowler Jr sabotages her business goals. For sure, the car dealer wants to prove that she can run the car lot alongside her dad, Max.
Elsewhere, Mark destroyed a valuable vehicle to force Lauren into selling illegal cars for quick cash. Meanwhile, will this desperate plan lead to a secret affair by New Year’s? Keep scrolling to learn more.
A Desperate Act Of Arson Destroys Lauren’s Ambition
Lauren Beale is facing professional ruin after Mark Fowler Jr. planned a ruthless sabotage to solve his own mounting underworld debts. The car dealer was focused on proving her business acumen to Max Branning. However, her partner has prioritised survival. In fact, this betrayal was fueled by Sam Mitchell’s manipulative advice.
Hence, now Lauren is in a position that could permanently tarnish her reputation. Later, the stakes reached a peak when Max set a target of £80,000 in sales to earn half the car lot business. Initially, Lauren was confident that she would win the bet. However, Mark took a drastic action to settle his debt with Russell Delaney.

Later, Sam gave a logic that “legit motors” provide too little profit. That’s when the two emerged from the shadows in a remote location and set fire to the vehicle Mark had prepared for a guaranteed buyer. They soon destroyed the legitimate stock. And they ensured Lauren would be devastated and left with a massive financial void.
We can say that arson was a calculated move to leave the aspiring mogul with no choice but to get on board with a criminal enterprise. Selling dodgy motors is the only way for the pair to hit Max’s target.
Criminal Collusion Sparks Rumours Of A Forbidden Affair In EastEnders
In fact, embracing dodgy dealings will introduce a dark new chapter for the duo. Mark is hoping to get Russell off his back once and for all. However, the illegal nature of the vehicle trade is likely to come back to bite them as they move deeper into the criminal underworld.

Elsewhere, this secret has reignited a theory that has been going around ever since the flashforward episode. Many fans are convinced that Lauren and Mark will be having an affair by New Year’s Day.
Hence, success in these scams might be the catalyst that drives them together. Now the question is: Can they maintain the facade of a legitimate dealership while hiding such dark scenes? For more EastEnders spoilers and updates, keep following Soap Opera Daily.
