Aksel Borgen was a teenager when he was acquitted for the murder of his girlfriend, Karine, and subsequently left town. 20 years later, after becoming a successful businessman in Asia, Aksel has returned to save a local firm. His homecoming reminds people of the terrible murder, which remains unsolved, and Aksel realises that he is not welcome in Lifjord.

Aksel is persistent and is not backing down without a fight. Eva is doing her best to keep PWG out of reach for Solar Tech stocks.

Aksel is forced to remain in Lifjord until he has found a new leader for Solar Tech after Eva decides to leave the company. A conflict arises in the Hansteen family and Lars' loyalty to his mother is tested when he is offered the post of CEO. Aksel's family was hit hard when he disappeared and Tönje seems to be his only friend in the village.

Aksel has to juggle his relationship with Tonje when Angeline and his son Tim arrive in Lifjord. He is forced to tell his wife about Karine, but he is not telling her the whole truth.

Angeline no longer believes that Aksel is innocent, and to convince her she needs Tönje's help. William is looking for a new investment opportunity, and eyes the hotel. Eve tries to get Erik to testify that Aksel gets violent when he drinks.

Angeline wants to leave Lifjord, but after receiving revealing images of Karine, Aksel decides to take up the hunt for the killer. Solar Tech must make cuts and Lars will be forced to fire his friends. Eva continues to seek evidence against Aksel. and now with Tönje's testimony she has doubts.