Mariana's father is very ill, while Irma can't wait for him to die so she can be rid of him. An old friend comes to visit Leonardo, but Irma tries to stop it; despite her opposition, Mariana takes him to see her father.

Irma is very nervous about Mr. Parra's arrival; she fears Leonardo will find out he has been defrauded. Diego attempts to assault Mariana, but Irma arrives and stops him. Leonardo asks Mariana to seek out Luis de la Parra for help.

After Leonardo's death, Irma kicks Mariana off the ranch; Diego tries to stop her, but Irma refuses to back down. Don Alberto visits Father Adrián to seek advice regarding his son Luis Alberto, who is squandering money.

Mariana arrives in the city and meets someone who helps her and gives her shelter; this person takes her to Father Adrián, who visits the Salvatierra family to ask for their assistance, and Don Alberto agrees to take her into their home, despite Helena's opposition.

Helena makes preparations for the arrival of Luis Alberto and Mariana—who is coming as the new maid—while Don Alberto goes to fetch her personally. Helena feels uncomfortable about Mariana's arrival at the house.

Alberto tells Elena that Mariana will be another member of the family and asks her to sit at the table and eat with them. Elena informs Esther of Alberto's decision, and Esther proceeds to question Mariana.

Esther advises Elena on how to treat Mariana. The Salvatierra household staff are unhappy with the way Mariana is being treated, but María offers them some advice. Mariana insists on doing the housework.

María advises Mariana to ask Father Adrián to find her another place to live, as Elena feels uncomfortable with her presence. When Irma finds out that Mariana is the sole heir to Leonardo's estate, she flies into a rage.

Luis Alberto arrives at the Salvatierra mansion and runs into Mariana; they argue over his mistreatment of her. Helena is offended by her husband's failure to welcome their son. Don Alberto asks Mariana to sit with them in the dining room.

Don Alberto puts his son in his place regarding the need to respect Mariana, telling him that she is under his protection. Luis Alberto assures his mother that he only brought Mariana along to annoy him. Irma wants to track Mariana down to get rid of her.