“Return everything to where it’s supposed to be in this house. Do it, Daniela. Now! There are rules you have to follow in this house. And in the company. If this was a different company where you weren’t my daughter, you’d be fired.”
Somewhere in the mansion, there was some cleaning and repairs being done. Carlos came in, aided by his crutches. He asked Naana Esther if there was something he could do to help. Esther seemed surprised. She told Carlos that they could handle it. Esther turned around for a second and Carlos tried to pick up a cable from the floor. She turned back again and saw him.
“Carlos! Carlos, what are you doing?” Esther prevented him from doing anything more.
“If I leave it here it might trip someone,” Carlos explained.
“Just leave it. You might get hurt.”
“No, I want to help,” Carlos insisted. “I don’t want you to think that I’m being a burden.”
Esther told him that that was not how they thought about him, and they understood his current situation so he shouldn’t push himself too hard. Still, Carlos insisted on helping, saying that he could manage. Esther told him that his condition could get worse if something happened to him. Carlos walked away.
Mina came to the marketing room and asked Neil where Daniela was. Neil said he didn’t know because Daniela had told him she was going to get some coffee. “But it’s been four hours,” Neil added. “How many gallons of coffee does she need?”
Daniela and Savannah were being driven somewhere when Mina called Danny on phone and asked where she was. Daniela said she was on a break, and Mina pointed out that she had been on a break for four hours.
“Then how long should I take a break?” Daniela asked.
“Employees only get a one hour break,” Mina said.
“Well, sorry. No one informed me.”
“Are you on your way back?” Mina asked.
“What? I can’t hear you,” Daniela said deceptively as if she was having connection problems. “Hello? Hello?” She hanged up and Savannah asked if she was sure. “Sure about what? Taking a break from that hellhole?”
Savannah told her that she was fighting head on, and she could get into trouble for that.
“I’m the daughter of the CEO, Savannah. What’s the worst that could happen?”
Daniela and Savannah arrived at the mansion. Daniela had bought some new furniture. She told the woman they had brought along to order all the old furniture into their storage unit while she brought the new ones in. Carlos came out and asked what was going on. Daniela explained that she had passed by a furniture store with Savannah, and she had thought about redecorating.
“I thought you went to work today,” Carlos said, surprised.
“I did,” Daniela told him. “But am taking a break. Now I’m here because I don’t really like Romina’s taste, so I decided to redecorate. Now we’ve got new furniture. I also bought a bed and couch so you’ll feel comfortable.”
“You didn’t have to do that,” Carlos said. “It’s your first day and you’re already taking a break? Where did you get the money?”
Daniela told him that she was busy and they could talk about it later. She took Savannah and the other woman in. At Camila, in Robert’s office, Bernard asked Robert if the situation at the mansion wasn’t complicated between Mina and Daniela’s husband. Robert told him not to worry because Daniela had calmed down. And Carlos was in Mina’s past.
Bernard said Robert could be right about Daniela since she had agreed to finally work at the company, something she had always refused to do all those years ago. At Maxwell, Marga came to meet Cassie staring at the vandalized wall they had painted. Marga asked why she was doing that, and Cassie said she was just thinking of what they had accomplished.
“It might have been tough, but we finished it because we worked together,” Cassie said.
Marga said she was right. She took out her phone and posed, taking some selfies with the wall in the background. Kristoff came by and told Cassie that he had seen nanny Esther were outside. Meanwhile, Marga scrolled through some photos of the Mean Squad on her phone. She seemed to be missing them.
“Marga, is there a problem?” Cassie asked.
“…no.”
“Got any plans?”
“Why?”
“I’m going somewhere,” Cassie said. “Do you want to join me?”
Marga smiled. “Fine. I don’t have anything planned after this. It’s okay. I’ll babysit you,” she added playfully.
“Can I tag along too?” Kristoff asked.
“You had to ask?” Cassie smiled. “Let’s go.”
Back at Camila, Robert asked Mina how things were going with Daniela. Mina said it was going well, and Daniela was still adjusting and that was to be expected. Robert mentioned that he had heard something entirely different. Mina then told him that Daniela still hadn’t returned back to work since she had taken a lunch break.
“I tried contacting her, but she only answered the first time,” Mina said. “Robert, am sorry…I really have to talk to her regarding her behavior. Is that okay?”
Robert took Mina’s hand and sighed. “She works under your department. If you have to reprimand her regarding her performance, then go ahead with it.”
Mina and Robert arrived home. Some guys were busy carrying some furniture inside. Robert asked Mina if she had ordered new furniture. Mina said she hadn’t, and she wondered what was going on there. A maid came to them and apologized for not being able to stop ‘her’. Robert glanced at Mina, finally understanding the situation.
“We’ll keep that and just transfer everything else,” Daniela was saying when Robert and Mina came in.
“It’s cute though,” Savannah commented.
Noticing her father’s presence, Daniela went to greet him, saying that she had wanted the redecoration to be a surprise.
“Daniela, what did you do to our furniture?” Mina asked.
“I replaced them. Am sorry Romina, I decided to do a little redecorating.” Savannah was staring up at her friend, clearly knowing that hell was about to break loose. “I hope you don’t mind,” Daniela went on. “As you know, a house is a reflection of it’s inhabitants, so I decided to add some class.”
“And you didn’t return to the office,” Mina pointed out. Robert looked frustrated now as he glanced around the room.
“I’m sorry, time flies when you’re doing something important,” Daniela replied. “Don’t worry, I’ll make up for it tomorrow.”
The woman from the the furniture company came in and asked if she should take an old decoration outside.
“Mmmm…Let’s just transfer it. I have the perfect place for it.”
“Don’t touch that,” Robert suddenly said, startling Danny and her bratty lãpdög. “Return everything to where it’s supposed to be in this house. Do it, Daniela. Now!”
Robert turned to walk away and Mina followed him up the stairs after giving Danny girl a look. Daniela was left with Savannah, both staring at each other. Marga had a phone call from Maureen. She asked Maureen if she was already feeling guilty and Maureen apologized for ignoring her earlier, explaining that it had been Nadya’s idea.
“Stop. Just enjoy yourselves. I have things to do anyway.” Marga hanged up and nanny Esther came to call her a second later. She got out of the car and Cassie and Kristoff joined them.
“Marga, are you okay?” Kristoff asked.
“Of course. I think I know this place,” she said, glancing around.
“You do?” Kristoff seemed surprised.
“Cassie, how are you?” Jepoy came by and Cassie apologized for being late. “It’s okay. The kids just arrived.”
“This is my friend Kristoff,” Cassie introduced. Kristoff shook Jepoy’s hand. Still smiling, Cassie turned around and gestured. “This is Marga.”
Marga looked away, seeming a little bit annoyed.
“Oh yeah, I know you. You’re Mr. Kulas’ granddaughter,” Jepoy said. “I used to go visit your old place before it burned down. Where do you live now? How are you?” No response. Marga seemed embarrassed now.
“They live with us, Mr. Jepoy,” Cassie told him excitedly. “We’re relatives, remember?”
On Esther’s request, Jepoy went to help her bring out the things they had brought along. Marga glanced at Krisroff, and Kristoff promised not to say anything.
“Come on.” Cassie took Marga’s hand and dragged her along. “I’ll introduce you to the kids.”
Marga was busy fanning herself with her hand while Cassie and Kristoff with Esther got the things ready. Cassie called Marga over so they could teach the kids.
“I’ve lived in this place before. It was the worse,” Marga commented. “And you actually teach here?”
“I do it because some of the kids here don’t have the money to go to school regularly,” Cassie explained. “Most of them even quit school, so I teach them so they won’t fall behind if and when they go back to school.”
“You’re amazing, Cassie,” Kristoff said, and Cassie turned to face him in surprise. Kristoff laughed. “You’re the only person I know who’d enjoy this.”
“Why wouldn’t I enjoy it? It makes me happy to see them learn. Especially when I hear that one of them was able to go back to school.”
“Have you always taught here?” Marga asked.
“Yeah.”
“And your mom’s okay with it? What about your studies?”
Cassie explained that she only came there once a week, and sometimes twice on vacations. Kristoff asked whether she was not afraid of something bad happening. Jepoy asked them not to worry, saying that they were safe there because everyone in the neighborhood knew Romina. Esther added that it was where Mina grew up.
“So she lived in the same area with grandpa Kulas?” Marga asked. “Wait…so she knew daddy?” Esther glanced at Jepoy.
A moment later, the kids came in their numbers and greeted Cassie.
“Good afternoon. Let me introduce you to your new teachers.” Cassie gestured. “This is teacher Kristoff.”
“Good afternoon teacher Kristoff,” the kids said in unison.
“Good afternoon,” Kristoff said with a smile.
“And this is teacher Marga,” Cassie announced, placing a hand on her shoulder.
“Good afternoon teacher Marga.”
“Hi.” Marga said forcefully.
A little girl came up to her. She looked dirty, as if she hadn’t taken a bath in years. “You’re so pretty. You look like a doll, teacher Marga.”
Cassie and Kristoff both smiled while Marga’s face was red with embarrassment. Marga had no other choice than to caress the dirty little girl’s hair. Cassie was still smiling. A few hours later while the kids were being taught, Marga had isolated herself. Cassie went over and asked if she was okay, and Marga told her that the place brought back bad memories.
“Am sorry, I didn’t know you lived here,” Cassie apologized.
“It’s not just that. This place is a reminder that my life had changed.”
“Teacher, is this right?” A girl came up to Marga and asked, showing her a paper.
Marga took the paper. “No. This is not an ‘S’. I taught you already, didn’t I?”
The little girl wore a frown now, her face downcast. “Let me see,” Cassie said, taking the paper. “Wow. You did great, but keep practicing, okay?”
“Yes, teacher.”
When the girl left, Cassie told Marga to be gentle with the kids. Marga asked how they would be able to learn if she kept pampering them. Cassie told her that she was being too strict with the kids, and they had to be more patient since they were slow learners.
“Encourage them. It’ll help their confidence,” Cassie said.
“Well.. that’s not what mommy taught me,” Marga said to her. “She told me that I should never fail, because Mondragons are not failures.”
At the Mondragon Mansion, Daniela supervised some maids to place a couch in their room. She had even changed most of the other furniture. Carlos came and asked what she was doing, and Daniela said she just wanted him to be more comfortable. Carlos said he didn’t need it.
“Where did you get the money to buy all this?” Carlos asked.
“I think I know where,” Robert said, entering the room. He asked Carlos to give him some privacy so he could talk to his daughter alone. Carlos left with the maids.
Daniela looked like she was about to cry. “Dad, let me explain,” she said.
“There are rules you have to follow in this house,” Robert told her. Daniela was crying now. “And in the company,” Robert added. “You left without informing anyone? Not even your supervisor knew where you were.”
And even more crying from Danny girl. “To top it all, you used the company’s money. If this was a different company where you weren’t my daughter, you’d be fired.”
“I am so sorry, dad,” Daniela sobbed.
Robert told her that he had received a call from Camila’s Finance who had told him about everything. He added that he had also called the furniture company she had bought the things from, and they were willing to take back all the items and refund the money.
Two kids, (a boy and the girl who had called Marga a ‘doll’) fought over a pencil as Cassie was still talking to Marga. Cassie asked what was going on.
“He took my pencil,” the little girl accused.
“I didn’t take her pencil,” the boy countered.
“Who has the pencil?” Marga said, folding her arms. And then she saw that the boy had hidden the pencil behind in his shorts. “I know you have it,” Marga said to him calmly. “Give it back. Come on. Could you, please?”
Silently, the boy gave back the pencil and apologized while Esther, Kristoff and Cassie watched in wonder. “Good. Next time if you need anything, ask us,” Marga told the boy. “It isn’t wrong to ask. What’s wrong is taking something that isn’t yours.”
Cassie smiled at that. Back at the mansion, Daniela pleaded for an opportunity to explain herself. Robert said he was trying hard to understand her but she was always being very difficult. Daniela sobbed, saying that it wasn’t easy for her; she had lost years of hard work (her club), her husband was injured and her daughter was distressed.
Daniela added that she had used the company’s credit card for her family because she wanted them to feel like she was also contributing. Robert said he understood her and if anyone in her family needed anything, all she had to do was ask.
“Don’t use your family as an excuse to spend the company’s money,” Robert said. Daniela cried all the more. “I’m running a business. This isn’t personal.” Robert then told her that he would return all the money she had spent, but if she did it again, he wouldn’t be able to help her anymore. “And from today, if you want to make any changes in the house. Let Romina know first.”
Robert walked away and Daniela suddenly stopped her crying, and put on her k!ller face. (Oh, God. So she had been faking it all this time? This girl’s such a great actress). While Cassie and co prepared to leave, the people around gossiped about Marga and Cassie, even asking why Mina would let Cassie befriend Marga. Cassie came by and brought them some sandwiches.
“Miss…can I ask you something?” Cassie said to one of the women. “Why did you say you were surprised when my mom allowed me to be friends with Marga?”
Jepoy jumped in before anyone could answer, telling Cassie that since Mina didn’t get along with Daniela and Carlos, they thought she too wouldn’t get along with Marga. Cassie told him she was actually friends with Marga and Jepoy said he was glad to hear that. Cassie still didn’t seem convinced by his explanation though.
Back at the mansion, Daniela confronted Neil, and Neil told her that he wasn’t in the mood to fight with her. Neil told her that he hadn’t been able to cover for her at work because she had been gone for hours. Daniela warned him not to get on her bad side. Mina came down from the stairs and asked if there was a problem. Daniela said they were just talking about her project.
“That’s good,” Mina said. “After all, the outcome of the project would affect the company’s image.”
“Don’t worry Romina. I know how important it is to protect the company’s image. It was named after my mother, remember? And with my presentation, I’ll make sure my mother’s name makes a mark everywhere.”
Kristoff with Esther and Jepoy had a sing-along with the kids to end the day. Cassie asked Marga if she would come with her next time since most of the kids liked her. Marga said she would when she had any free time. Cassie told her that she could be really nice and gentle because of the way she had talked to the little boy earlier.
“I like this side of you. You should show it more often,” Cassie added. Marga smiled.
Back at the mansion, Mina was worried about Cassie after talking to her on phone, since she was with Marga and Kristoff. Robert told her that Cassie was now a teenager and should be allowed to make friends.
“And Kristoff’s okay. He’s a good kid. He’s Bernard’s son.”
“I’m just trying to protect Cassie,” Mina said.
Robert asked her not to worry because they were on their way home. He then told Mina not to cover for Daniela next time because even though he wanted to be on good terms with Daniela, he wouldn’t allow her to keep causing trouble because it was a father’s responsibility to guide their children.
Mina was amused. “Despite how old Daniela is?”
“A parent’s responsibility to their children never ends, right? No matter how old they get, we’ll always be there for them.”
“You are the best daddy in the world,” Mina said to him.
“Really?” Robert laughed. “You’re lucky to have me.” They somehow found their way to their room, and they hugged. Smooches followed. And even more smooches. They hugged again. And then, Mina screamed. A picture of Camila hang on the wall. “What’s it doing here?”
On the way back home, Cassie thanked Kristoff for buying them dinner and promised to pay him back later. Kristoff said it was fine, as long as she helped him with his homeworks. Cassie told him she would help, but he shouldn’t expect her to do everything for him. Marga commented that they seemed close, and Kristoff said they had been friends since they were kids.
“And if Tope hadn’t gone to America, I’m sure we would have been classmates in elementary school,” Cassie added.
“Tope?” Marga said. “Why Tope?
Cassie laughed, and Kristoff explained that Cassie had given him that nickname when they were kids, and it was short for ‘Christopher’. Cassie added that she had given him that nickname to tease him since he had been a very shy person back then.
“Ah, such a good friend. You just embarrassed me in front of Marga,” Kristoff said jokingly.
“Don’t be so hard on Cassie… Tope,” Marga teased and they all laughed.
Cassie found a music audition flyer (named ‘Open Mic’) at the side of their car and asked Krisroff if he wanted to go there. It was being held at a cafe Marga knew of. Kristoff said his dad wouldn’t allow him and Marga suggested that he should go and keep it a secret from his dad since he could be discovered there.
Cassie told him to think it over because singing had been his dream since he was a kid. Krisroff took the flyer and agreed to think about it. Back at the mansion, in Mina and Robert’s room, Daniela came in, Neil close behind.
“Ohhh, so that’s where mom went,” Daniela commented. “I asked them to bring up mom’s portrait. I wanted to hang it in our room, but…I guess they put it here.” Neil looked horrified, and so did Carlos who had just appeared by the door. “I’m so sorry if mom interrupted whatever it is you guys were doing here,” Daniela added.
“The portrait’s not bothering anyone,” Mina said with a smile. “But don’t worry, I’ll have it transferred to your room. After all, you want to be close to your mother, right?” Mina told Neil to make the maids hang the portrait in Daniela’s room.
Cassie and Marga finally arrived home. Cassie mentioned that she was excited to watch Tope sing, and Marga admitted that Kristoff really had a nice voice. Cassie said Kristoff was a good singer, and a shy one at that.
“Hmmm. Sounds like someone I know.” Marga gave Cassie a look.
“Marga, am not shy,” Cassie protested.
“Well, yeah. Shy isn’t the right word, but you’re an introvert. Cassie… you should try coming out of your shell.”
Daniela came to the living room just as Cassie left for her room.
“So…are you and Cassie close now?” Daniela asked.
“Um… I just helped her with something,” Marga replied.
“Good. Keep doing that.”
“Huh?” Marga was surprised.
“I want you to gain Cassie’s trust. Find out everything you can about her.”
“But why?”
“Because everything she has…is rightfully yours. You deserve all your grandpa’s love and affection. You’re entitled to everything she has.”
“But she is grandpa’s daughter,” Marga said.
“Just listen to your mother,” Daniela told her. “And keep this in mind. We are the only Mondragons that matter. Are we clear?”
“Yes, mommy.”
“So I can count on you to be extra nice to Cassie?”
Marga nodded.
“Good girl.”
The portrait of Camila hang on the wall in Daniela and Carlos’ room. The picture of Camila seemed to be staring at Carlos who sat in the couch. Somehow scared, Carlos got up and was heading out when Daniela came in and asked where he was going to. “I’m going to the kitchen,” Carlos said.
In Cassie’s room which she now shared with Marga, Cassie was working on a painting when Marga came in. Marga asked to paint as well; she was reluctant and Cassie convinced her to. She handed the brush to Marga and Marga sat and started painting. Marga was happily painting but then, she recalled the conversation she had just had with her mother about gaining Cassie’s trust. Feeling guilty, Marga stopped painting and Cassie asked her why.
“It’s boring,” Marga said.
“But you looked like you were enjoying it,” Cassie pointed out.
“No, I wasn’t.” Marga walked over to her bed and sat down. She looked away when Cassie caught her staring at her. Cassie came over and asked if there was something wrong, and Marga said she was just tired.
Mina ran into Carlos at the kitchen. Carlos thanked her for allowing them to stay at the mansion and Mina told him it had been Robert’s decision. Carlos said he knew that, adding that Robert wouldn’t have welcomed them if she had been against it. Carlos apologized for what Daniela had done and Mina told him that Danny had to apologize herself.
“In that case, I would like to apologize for what I did to you,” Carlos added.
“Carlos, we’ve talked about this.”
“Romina, I have hurt you so many times. During the time you needed me the most, I doubted you instead of comforting you. I haven’t forgiven myself for what happened to your mother. I know forgiving me might be impossible, but we’re a family now, and I hope we can start over. Let’s do this for our kids.”
“You’re right. We’re both happy now…so let’s do everything to make sure things stay that way.”
“I agree,” Carlos said. Mina walked away.
Meanwhile, Robert had been watching secretly from up the stairs. Kristoff got home and his father scolded him for coming back late. Kristoff apologized and explained that he had accompanied Cassie to the community where she taught the kids.
“That’s okay,” Bernard said. “Next time, tell me where you are going so I don’t worry so much.” He then threatened to send him to his mother in the US if he involved himself in anything that distracted him from his studies.
“Why are you so serious when it comes to my studies?” Kristoff asked.
“Because I want you to be the best,” Bernard shot back angrily. “So you won’t have to worry about your future.”
“Is that it? Or do you just want to show mom that you’re the better parent?”
At the mansion, Marga came to see her father and Carlos asked about her relationship with Cassie. Marga said they were okay and Carlos was glad, saying that he didn’t want them to fight because their mothers didn’t get along. Carlos said he couldn’t wait to get back on his feet so they could move out of the mansion. He promised that their lives would be better soon.
At Maxwell, Marga stood staring at the ‘Maxwell Prime’ leaderboard. She and Cassie were in 1st position while Krisroff was 3rd. Cassie came by, excited that they were both at the top of the class. Marga didn’t seem happy about it though. Marga told Cassie that if she planned on competing with her, then she should let her know so she would prepare.
Cassie pointed out that she didn’t control those who awarded the points and Marga had nothing to worry about if she was confident about winning. Kristoff came along and Marga asked if he also wanted to be Maxwell Prime. Kristoff said he didn’t care about that. He told them that he had signed up for the ‘Open Mic’ and asked them to come and watch him. Marga agreed but Cassie seemed reluctant.
At Camila, Mina brought Daniela some files, trying to help out her out with her project but Daniela refused. Mina told her not to be stubborn because she was just trying to make her job easier. When Mina left, some workers commented that Mina was a good boss because she was still helping Daniela despite her bad attitude. Daniela listened as they gossiped among themselves.
“She really cares about the company.”
“That’s why I look up to her.”
“Mrs Daniela is so proud even though she hasn’t accomplished anything.”
“Hello, am right here,” Daniela shouted. “I can hear you. Get back to work, gossipmongers.”
Carlos went to the hospital for a check-up. Kulas told him that he had been able to rebuild a part of the house. He was glad to hear that Carlos was recovering from his injury.
“Does that mean you’re moving out of the mansion?” Jude asked. “Just when I was starting to get excited about you and Romina.”
“What?” Kulas was agitated. “Is there something you’re not telling me?” he asked Carlos.
“No.”
Jude said he had only be joking because he was excited that Carlos was living in the same house with Mina. Kulas said he couldn’t believe Mina was now rich while he (Carlos) struggled to get by. “That’s life. The world keeps changing,” Kulas said. “Some people have all the luck while we have nothing.”
At Maxwell, the Mean Squad made some after-school arrangements. Marga came up with Cassie and asked if they were going to be hanging out. She asked them to be ready by 7pm, adding that Cassie would also join them. Nadya reluctantly agreed while Maureen was excited.
After the Mean Squad had left, Cassie told Marga she wouldn’t be able to go with her because her mother wouldn’t allow it. She added that she didn’t understand why Marga still wanted to be friends with the Mean Squad when it was evident that they didn’t like her anymore since she became ‘poor’.
“It’s not about friendship, it’s about status,” Marga explained. “Nadya’s family owns an airline company, and Maureen and Nica’s families own hotels and resorts. With them on my side, I’ll be indispensable.”
“Marga, please stop thinking that way.”
“Cassie, you choose. Will you come with me, or abandon me like they did?”
