keep his business afloat even if it that means resorting to claiming negligence for his company's role in the accident. This is quickly opposed by Kathy and Zoe along with Chris' business partner Sean Reynolds (Stephen McGann). However, despite facing the potential of public backlash for thus, Chris adamantly stands by his decision – which in doing so instigates his feud with Butch's cousin and the village's would-be hardman, Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley). Their conflict first emerges after Chris causes disruption in a press statement regarding the accident, when he orders two of his henchman to target Butch's stepmother Lisa (Jane Cox) after she admits to her involvement in the Bus Crash. In response, Cain punches Chris in front of everyone. In 2001, Chris embarks on a relationship with Cain's other cousin Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins) – a former prostitutes – and they soon plan on getting married towards the end of the year. However, Zoe appears to dislike Charity and later tells her it was because of her history. Soon enough, though Zoe begins to fancy Charity herself and even offered her money to leave Chris. Tensions continue to rise between them when Charity responds by kissing her. Eventually, the pair begin a lesbian affair that would last for several months behind Chris' back. Charity became alarmed by Zoe's obsessive behaviour and tried to end the fling, but Zoe secretly recorded Charity confessing to the affair on tape and blackmailed her into signing a prenuptial agreement – so she would always have a hold over her. Charity then confessed all to Chris, and he surprised her by forgiving her and ripping up the prenup. The pair later got married despite opposition from both Cain and Zoe, while Cain's father and Lisa's husband Zak (Steve Halliwell) reluctantly accepts this – though not before he warns Chris about the consequences should he mess Charity about. In 2002, Chris continues to dismiss Zoe's forgiveness for complicating things in his relationship with Charity. This soon changes, though, when Zoe ends up exhibiting signs of unstable behaviour and mental issues that culminates in her setting fire to the local church. Despite being rescued from the fire, Zoe gets sectioned in the process after being diagnosed with Schizophrenia. Chris supports Zoe through her ordeal and forgives her. In 2003, Chris is shocked when Zoe gets pregnant and gives birth to a baby girl – whom