“I have come to reclaim my house from you, Daniela. I am this mansion’s rightful owner. And I am the one and only Mrs. Mondragon. I will be sure to serve coffee during your wake. I will get you the most expensive coffin too. Your reign of terror is over and done with. And now that I’ve come back, I’ll be wearing the golden crown.”
Daniela ran into the Mangubat brothers on the drive from Navotas. She confronted them and asked what they wanted. Alvin accused Daniela of breaking into his house and stealing the cufflink. Daniela denied it. Hector then told her that his gambling den had been raided earlier and he needed a new source of income. Danny girl scoffed. “Do I look like I hold a manpower agency?”
“No, but you hold the highest position in the company. Maybe you could get me a job.”
“Are you serious? And what will you do there?”
“Wait for you to pay my salary.”
“And make Romina more suspicious of me?”
“If you don’t wanna help me, that’s not a problem. What if I ask Romina for help? I wonder how much she’ll pay to know who really räpëd her.”
“Fine. I’ll see what I can do.”
Bernard brought Romina and her family some supplies at the hotel he had paid for. Mina thanked him and Bernard asked whether she wanted him to find her a new apartment. “It’s fine,” Mina said. “We already have a place to stay.”
Cassie looked on in surprise. “Really, Romina?” Neil asked. “Where?”
Mina glanced at her daughter. “In our real home.”
Daniela was having a talk with Carlos at the dining table when a maid came to inform her that Romina was outside. Romina barged into the mansion with Cassie and Neil, Bernard following close behind. Mina faced off with Danny girl. “I have come to reclaim my house from you, Daniela.”
“Your house?” Danny girl asked.
“Yes. My house.”
“Don’t you dare take another step inside my house.”
“Why? What would you do? You’ve overstayed your welcome, Daniela.”
“You have no right to be here.”
“That’s where you’re wrong. I am this mansion’s rightful owner. Robert left it to me. And I am the one and only Mrs. Mondragon.”
Bernard and Nanny Esther seemed amused. Some security guards came in and Daniela asked why they had let Romina and her family in. “I’ll call the cops.”
“Go ahead,” Mina dared. “And I can charge you with trespassing.”
“Drag her out,” Daniela said to the guards.
“What if I drag you out myself?” Mina said.
Carlos came between them. “Romina, stop this.”
“Stop what, Carlos? You know we have every right to claim this house. Has your wife’s greed rubbed off on you too?”
“Better not make a scene,” Bernard cut in. “If you insist on fighting Romina, the court will freeze this house as well.”
Daniela was adamant. “I’d rather die than let this woman live in my father’s house.”
“I will be sure to serve coffee during your wake,” Mina taunted. “And don’t worry, Daniela. I will get you the most expensive coffin too.”
“I won’t let you stay here.”
“You want to bring this to court? Go ahead. We already lost our home. You burned it down, remember? Brace yourself.” Mina walked up the stairs and Cassie and Neil followed as the Bartolomes looked on.
The guy who had proposed the smuggling business to Hector tried to convince him to join them. “Do this for your daughter. You can live like a king with the money you’ll make.”
Back at the mansion, Romina was making some changes in the house when Daniela came over and tried to stop her. Mina twisted Danny girl’s hand and shoved her away. Carlos arrived on the scene and asked his wife to stop. “Your reign of terror is over and done with,” Mina declared. “And now that I’ve come back, I’ll be wearing the golden crown.”
Daniela scoffed. “It’s funny how you think copper and gold are the same thing.”
Mina laughed. “Not as funny as you thinking this house belongs to you.”
“Does it really have to come to this?” Carlos asked.
“Carlos, after your wife had the dogs chase after me, I’m being nice. If you don’t want trouble, tie her to a post. It’s pretty obvious she’s worse than your guard dog. She might bite too. She’s frothing at the mouth. I’m guessing she has rabies.”
“I can make your life a living hell, enough to make you pack your bags and leave.”
“Be my guest. If you’re that desperate to stay, I’ll allow it. I bet you didn’t think burning my house down will result to this.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Carlos glanced at his wife. “Romina, please don’t make baseless accusations.”
“If that’s the hill you choose to die on.”
A maid came in to tell Daniela that the police were outside. At Navotas, Kulas riled up the neighbors against Romina due to the fire which had also destroyed some of their properties. Bonita and Jepoy tried to defend Mina but the misëräble one-eyed-old man ranted and told the people that Mina was bad luck. The neighbors agreed with the misëräble swine. Back at the mansion, Daniela asked the officers to arrest Romina because she was causing trouble in her home.
“We’ll take care of this, Mrs. Mondragon,” said an officer.
“What’s the meaning of this?” Daniela asked, confused.
“Isn’t it obvious, Daniela? They’re here for you. Just like you said, karma works fast.”
Hector asked Alvin why he was all spaced out and Alvin told him that he was thinking about the cufflink, and that he was sure Daniela was the one who had taken it. Hector told him to go and get it back and not get caught since they still needed Daniela to get into her company. “Why there?” Alvin asked. “It’s not like the pay is high. Daniela can boss everyone around like slaves.”
“Who said I’d let myself be treated like a slave?”
“What are you talking about?”
“I’m going to start a new business, Alvin. We’re gonna smuggle illegal goods to other countries, so we’ll need Camila. It’s a big operation.”
“Smuggling is way harder than gambling.”
“Not if you plan it out. Nobody will ever know what we’re smuggling.”
“Just to remind you, that’s the reason I ended up in prison back then.”
“You’ll only go to jail if you get arrested. That’s why I’ll make sure that I don’t get caught. We’ll be making millions.”
“You think Daniela’s gonna ride with this?”
Hector sighed. “Why? Does she need to know about this?”
Back at the mansion, Daniela denied having anything to do with Romina’s house which had burned down. The officers stated that they had witnesses who could prove that she had gone to Mina’s house to cause trouble. Carlos told the officers that his wife could never do what Romina was accusing her of.
“According to Mrs. Mondragon’s sworn statement,” the officer began. “She holds evidence that can prove that you’ve been stealing from Camila Sardines. Mrs. Bartolome, do you know anything about that?”
“My client will not answer that,” Daniela’s lawyer cut in. “Until we see the evidence that you’re talking about.”
“Daniela, what’s he referring to?” Carlos asked.
“Something Romina came up with,” Danny girl said. “You think I’d have her house burned down simply because she claims she has so called evidence? Her accusations are baseless and I can prove that.”
At Camila, Hector asked an HR rep where his office was. He told her that he wanted the top floor so he could have a nice view. Hector got upset and asked for Daniela when the woman revealed to him that Daniela hadn’t left any particular instructions concerning his and his brother’s employment. After the police interrogation, Carlos suggested to his wife that they leave the mansion since they had their own house. Daniela told him that she wouldn’t leave.
Marga came over and said same. Despicable mother and bratty daughter began ranting endlessly about why they wouldn’t go anywhere. Esther told Romina that she had put everything Daniela had put in storage at their rightful places. Mina thanked her and told her that she wanted the house to be like before so they could feel Robert’s presence there. “I’m worried about your feud with Daniela,” Esther said.
“I won’t let Daniela walk all over me,” Mina declared. “And I can’t let her get away with everything she has ever done to me and Cassie. If she crosses me, I will fight back.”
Cassie came over and Mina told her that she had left her things in her room. Cassie said it was Marga’s room and Mina told her that it was hers and not Marga’s. “But that will only make Marga even more angrier at me,” Cassie said.
“Cassie, we’re in the middle of a war right now. You’re just claiming what’s rightfully yours. You have nothing to worry about. I’ll protect you from Daniela. There’s nothing wrong with fighting for your rights. I promise you, we will never leave this house again.”
Romina had a phone call from Bonita, who told her that the neighbors were angry because Kulas had made them believe that the fire had been her fault. Mina told her that she would go and sort things out. Cassie reclaimed her room and packed up all of Marga’s things. Marga came in and asked where her things were and Cassie told her that some were in the guest room. Marga ranted and ordered a maid to bring her things back in.
“You said it yourself,” Cassie began. “‘Have it back’. Meaning, it wasn’t yours.”
Marga ranted some more. “I’m guessing you were the ones who burned your rotten house in Navotas.”
“No matter what you say, Marga. You will never convince me to leave this room again.”
“Let’s see if you still won’t leave after my mom tells you to.”
Hector went to the mansion to have a talk with Carlos. He told Carlos that he had no intentions of ruining his family or getting between him and his wife. Carlos told him to get out and Hector said that he had only approached Daniela earlier because he had needed her help in finding a job. Daniela came out just then and asked what he wanted. “I’m just here to talk to your husband,” Hector said, gesturing toward Carlos. “To let him know the truth. Right, buddy?”
“Daniela, tell him to leave before Romina gets back,” Carlos grunted.
“Don’t worry,” Hector said. “I said what I wanted to. I don’t want to cause problems between you two.”
Romina went to have a talk with the neighbors who were still blaming her for the fire. Kulas tried making matters worse and Mina put him in his place and convinced the people that they were all victims and they needed to help each other. Back at the mansion, Nica and Maureen paid Marga a visit. They told her that they would be be going on a summer vacation and will be meeting up in New York later for fashion week. They invited her to tag along and Marga told them that she would have to check her schedule. Some maids came down from the stairs with Marga’s thing. “Excuse me, Miss Marga. We’re bringing your things to the guest room. Should we also…”
Marga turned and shushed them, embarrassed, and Nica mocked her. Cassie came down the stairs.
“You are so getting on my nerves,” Marga said.
Cassie smiled. “Thanks for the heads up, Marga. I’ll let you know when I start to care though.”
Nica and Maureen laughed as Cassie walked away. Jepoy told Romina about the doctor’s instructions to stay away from work until he recovered fully from his injuries. Mina then asked him to be their driver and Jepoy thanked her. A phone call came in from Bernard, telling Romina that the board wanted to see her. Daniela met up with Hector and greeted him with a släp, upset with the stunt he had pulled off earlier at the mansion. She warned him to stay away from her husband and Hector told her to get him a job at Camila then.
“What you’re asking for isn’t that easy,” Danny girl said. “Now that Romina’s back in the company.”
“Then do something about it. You saw how easy it was for me to approach your husband. You know what I can tell him.”
“Fine. I’ll figure something out.”
“Make sure you do. I heard that Romina’s back in the mansion now, so your husband’s not the only one I can approach. Remember this – you are the one with more to lose.”
In the conference room at Camila, Mrs. Galvez announced that they were there to elect the new CEO because of the allegations Romina had made against Daniela. The board asked Mina to show them her evidence. “I know the board is aware that my house in Navotas burned down,” Mina said. “And the evidence that proves Daniela had been stealing from the company was burned by the fire.”
“How convenient,” Danny girl mocked.
“Daniela used the company’s money for her personal expenses,” Mina went on. “Including the new car she purchased for her husband, as well as the expensive plane tickets and trips she bought for the board members.”
“I have proof of my innocence,” Daniela declared. She then made the secretary distribute the official audit of her office expenses. “The redrawals I authorized are also listed there. Proof that I haven’t stolen a single cent from Camila.”
The board members went through the documents, and so did Romina who seemed a little surprised. Mrs. Galvez then affirmed that based on the documents, nothing had been stolen from the company but Mina disagreed with her. “You knew I had proof,” Mina said to Daniela. “That’s why you burned my house down. The police are investigating the matter.”
“And yet they haven’t arrested me. Which means they have no evidence against me either. It’s obvious you have big plans for getting the legitimate Mondragons out of your way so you can take over this company.”
Mina sprang up to her feet. “That is not true.”
“You should just be grateful that I cleaned up your mess while you were busy trying to ruin me.” Daniela gave the secretary a signal and she began passing around some files. “I’ve talked to the food poisøñing victims and they’ve agreed not to file charges anymore. That’s what real leaders should be – solution oriented. Unlike you who tosses around lies and accusations.”
Mrs. Galvez exchanged a smile with Daniela as Romina looked on silently. Carlos told his father about Romina’s sudden arrival at the mansion and how he wanted to leave to avoid any problems. Kulas however counseled him to stay there with his family since he was jobless now. He then suggested that he start a new business where he could be his own boss.
“Dad, it’s not that easy,” Carlos argued.
“I know, but it’s worth the risk. You could expand our car shop.”
“We won’t earn much from car shops.”
“You mean small car shops. But we can expand ours. Tell Daniela to exclusively pick you to service all their company cars. Give it a few years, and you’ll be living like a king.”
Outside the conference room, Daniela approached Romina and told her that she seemed scared. Mina said nothing scared her anymore, partly thanks to her. The secretary came to call them back in, and Mrs. Galvez eventually announced Daniela as the new CEO. The board gave a clap offering as Mina stared back at a gloating Daniela in defiance. At the poolside of the mansion, Kristoff told Cassie that he was glad she had come back to the mansion. Cassie said she had promised her father to never leave the mansion and neither should they have left in the first place.
“I really hope the school considers converting my trip to London into a scholarship,” Cassie said.
“Haven’t they reached a decision yet?”
“Not yet. That’s why I’m considering looking for a summer job to save up just in case the school doesn’t approve my request. That way, I can help mamma.”
“Sounds like a good idea. That way you’ll spend less time with Marga and minimize the trouble you get in.”
“She always starts it, Kristoff.”
“I know. But my point is, if you’re not here, she wouldn’t bother you and you get to earn money. It’s like hitting two birds with one stone.”
“I don’t know where to look for a job.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll help you find one. And I’m sure dad wouldn’t mind because I’ll tell him that we’ll be working together.”
Cassie smiled. “I really appreciate it. Thank you.”
“You know there’s nothing I wouldn’t do to help you. You might get tired of thanking me all the time.”
Cassie and Kristoff took turns staring at each other nervously. Daniela celebrated her victory over Romina with Savannah and Mrs. Galvez. She told Mrs. Galvez that Mina would have brought her down had it not been for her and Mrs. Galvez said she had just juggled in a few funds to cover up the money she had taken. She however warned her to return the money she had taken if she wanted the case dismissed.
“I definitely will,” Danny girl said. “Some of the properties I inherited from dad are being liquidated. I’ll be able to return the money I took from the company.”
“But what you going to do now,” Savvi cut in. “I’m pretty sure Romina’s not going to stop investigating you.”
Daniela scoffed. “I am the CEO now. I’m sure I can find a way to get rid of her for good.”
Romina passed by Daniela’s office and Daniela gloated and asked her to join them in celebration. Mina gave Daniela a look, followed by a clap offering. “Are you done with your monologue, Daniela?”
“Bitter much?”
Mina smiled. “I’m not bitter at all. In fact, I want to thank you because now I have confirmed that Mrs. Galvez is one of your accomplices.”
“Excuse me,” Mrs. Galvez cut in.
Mina ignored her. “Now I know who to keep a closer eye on.”
“I am the new CEO. You may have returned to the mansion, but you’ll never take Camila from me. I have power over you. I will make sure you wished you were still in jail.”
Mina shook her head in amusement. “In case you’ve forgotten, I still own the biggest shares in the company. Yes, they’ve been frozen but you can never change that fact. If there’s anyone here who should wish I was still in jail, it’s you Daniela.”
Alvin worried that Daniela would eventually screw them over, adding that she had a lot of connections and it would be harder for them to make a move now that Romina was out of jail. Romina hired back the servants Daniela had fired and they thanked her. Esther offered to find her a new driver since Renee their former driver had already found another job. Mina told her not to worry because Jepoy would be their driver for the mean time.
Cassie came over and asked for permission to look for a part-time job. Mina was reluctant to agree. Neil backed her up and Mina finally gave in and Cassie thanked her. Daniela arrived home and asked Esther to make the maids prepare the food she had brought. Esther commented, saying that she had bought too much and Daniela told her that she was celebrating her new position as Camila’s CEO.
“I might have invited you to celebrate,” Daniela said to Romina. “But I might just lose my appetite.”
“It’s okay, Daniela. We don’t want indigestion. Cassie, Neil, go upstairs. I’ll let you know when I’m done cooking.”
Romina was cooking in the kitchen when Daniela came in and started mocking her, saying that the food smelled awful. Mina told her that it was shrimp paste from Pangasinan which was perfect for her vegetables. “Throw that away,” Daniela said. “We’re not used to disgusting aromas like you.”
Marga came in. “Oh my gosh. That smells.”
Carlos entered the kitchen. “Hey, what smells yummy. It’s been long since I had vegetable stew.”
“Don’t worry, Carlos,” Mina teased. “You can have some. I’m not selfish at all.”
Carlos glanced at his wife in embarrassment and left to go get changed. “Daniela, what’s that saying about food? ‘The best way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.’ Was that it?”
A maid came in and asked Daniela whether she should serve the food she had brought. “No,” Daniela replied. “Feed it all to the dogs.”
The maid stared in disbelief. “Sorry?”
“Just do what I said.” Daniela turned to Romina . “And call everybody. I’m going to cook.”
Romina smiled. At the dining table, the Bartolomes were having their dinner. Daniela and Marga mocked Romina, saying that all she knew how to cook was plain, street food. A maid brought the Mondragons their pot of vegetable stew and Mina began dishing it out. She noticed Carlos staring greedily. “Carlos, do you want some?” she asked.
Carlos glanced at his wife. “No, it’s okay.”
“I think you should have a career change,” Daniela said to Romina. “It seems you have the talent to be a cook for a cheap restaurant.”
Mina smiled. “I’ll think about it, Daniela. Maybe in the future when the company’s safe and secured. Not now that a lot of money is still missing.”
“I have already proven that your allegations against me are false. And now that I’m CEO, I think it’ll be best if you stop ruining my reputation because you will never bring me down.”
“I don’t need to do anything, Daniela. Because you can do that all by yourself.” The Mondragons and the Bartolomes took turns glancing at each other. The episode ended as Romina was dishing out the vegetable stew, staring at Daniela in a bored, casual way.
