“Nothing lasts forever. Except your black heart. Let’s have a toast. For my stepdaughter. The CEO of Camila Sardines. The woman who orchestrated my räpë. The woman who mürdëred her own father. She may glitter like gold but her soul is pitch black. Let’s celebrate how she got away with all her crimes. Cheers.”
Romina thanked Bernard over the phone for sending her the documents. As she was going through them after getting off the phone, Neil entered the study room. “Haven’t you been traumatized by those documents?” Neil asked. “Last time you had those, we almost turned into barbecue.”
“There’s a reason Daniela wanted these to disappear,” Mina pointed out. “And that’s what I need to find out. Especially now that Alvin is providing me with information.”
“Do you actually believe him, Romina?”
Romina flashed back to her talk with Alvin where he had admitted that Daniela had planned everything and even spiked her drink with a sedative. “It’s very likely, Neil. I’m sure they’d been meeting even before Alvin went to jail.”
“So he’s been telling the truth about Daniela. But that means that he didn’t räpë you either. If it wasn’t him, then who?”
“That’s what we’ll find out.”
Roxy came home to overhear her father’s conversation with a lawyer about Alvin’s paternity over Cassie. Roxy confronted her father and asked if Cassie had really been right by saying that she wasn’t her uncle Alvin’s daughter. The lawyer excused himself while Hector tried to downplay the matter.
“Why do we have to be so close to Cassie?” Roxy asked. “When we aren’t even related to her?”
“We’re still taking care of things,” Hector snapped. “So stay out of this. Go back to your room.”
“Is that how hard it is for you to tell the truth? Is that why you lied to me, pa?”
Hector gave his daughter a look and walked out in annoyance. Marga came home and asked where her father was and nanny Esther told her that he was probably at the car shop. Marga complained about how her parents were never around when she needed them. Mini-Daniela then ranted on about how Romina had been accusing her mother of orchestrating her räpë, and how she (Esther) never did anything to help them.
“Your mommy’s facing a serious legal problem,” Esther said. “The truth will come out eventually. So if your mom is truly innocent, she has nothing to be worried about.”
“Of course that’s what you’ll say. Mommy’s in jail because of aunt Romina, and if you’re fine sitting and waiting, I am not. I’m not even surprised you’re not doing anything, because your loyalty isn’t with us to begin with.”
In the study room at the mansion, Romina gave Bernard some documents proving that Daniela had been paying Alvin. Bernard told Mina that it wouldn’t stand in court because it was circumstantial evidence. “I feel that everything that’s happened is connected,” Mina stated. “Me being räpëd, Robert’s dëäth. You believe me, right?”
“I do, Romina. But we need something concrete if we wanna convince the court.”
“You’re one of the people Robert spoke to. Did he mention anything?”
“Robert was very secretive during those times. All he told me was that he wanted to set things right, but he was afraid that it might destroy his family.” Bernard then gave her the results of the DNA test between Alvin and Cassie. “What does it say, Romina?”
Romina stared at Bernard in disbelief. “It’s negative. Bernard, he’s not Cassie’s father. He was telling the truth. He’s not the one who räpëd me.”
Romina flashed back to her last conversation with Robert and how he had promised to give an official statement to the police about everything he knew. “What if Robert knew the truth that Daniela was behind what happened to me that night? I’m sure that is why he was going to the police station that day – to tell the truth. And that is the reason why Daniela wanted him dëäd.”
Daniela was released from jail and she asked her lawyer what had happened since she was certain Romina wouldn’t just drop the charges against her. The lawyer told her that the prosecutor had dismissed the case because Kulas had retracted his statement.
“Mr. Mangubat’s DNA test were also released,” the lawyer added. “And they prove that he did not räpë Mrs. Mondragon. Since he’s not the räpïst, they can’t use him against you.”
Daniela was in disbelief. “Alvin had another DNA test done?”
“Yes, Mrs. Bartolome. But there’s nothing to worry about. Because since someone else räpëd Mrs. Mondragon, there’s nothing she can do to incriminate you.”
Marga had a phone call from the talent scouts representative, asking to have a meeting with her and her parents since they needed to do the endorsement project immediately. Marga was excited. “Alright. I’ll let my dad know.” She then asked a maid to get the car ready so she could go and see her father.
Roxanne told her father not to bother with his threats of sending her back to Zambales because she was ready to go back herself. “No one’s sending you away,” Hector said. “I just did what I had to do so if you’re waiting for me to apologize, you’re wasting your time.”
“So you really did lie to me?” Roxy asked, surprised.
“You still think that? We all thought Alvin was Cassie’s father because that’s what the DNA test said. You’re envious of the life Marga has, and I wanna give that to you. So I’m doing all of this for you. But you’re right – we shouldn’t have dragged you into this mess.”
Hector had a phone call from their lawyer, telling him that his brother would be released soon. At the Cartolome autoshop, Carlos sent off Gino and Myrna to go buy some stuff. Kulas came over and told him that he had only hidden the truth from him to protect his family. Carlos disagreed, saying that he had only protected Daniela and made things much worse.
“I just did what I thought was right, Carlos,” Kulas said.
“How is hiding a crime the right thing to do? What’s wrong with you? Did you forget you were once a cop?”
“Carlos…”
“Dad, can we please stop talking about this? This conversation is going nowhere.” Carlos then had a phone call. “Daniela.”
“Carlos, I’ve been released. And I’m ready to set things right. Please come home.”
Somewhere along the streets, the car Marga was in was stuck in traffic and the jovial runaway guy came over and started cleaning it. Marga was preoccupied with her phone. “What are you doing?” the driver asked.
“Boss, can’t you see? I’m trying to clean your car. It’s nice but the dust might mess it up.”
“What you talking about? I cleaned it this morning.”
“I don’t think it’s clean enough. But don’t worry, after I’m done, your car will look nice and attractive like me. I’m fine with 20, but if you wanna pay more, I won’t say no.”
Marga noticed the scene. “What’s going on out there? Who’s he?”
“I don’t know, Marga,” the driver replied. “It’s just some street kid.”
The jovial guy came over to Marga as she rolled down the car window. He smiled and offered his hand. “Mikoy. At your service, miss beautiful.”
Marga made a face. “Ewww. Just get rid of him,” she said to the driver.
The driver then gave Mikoy some 20 pesos.
“Thanks, boss,” Mikoy said. “You’re a pretty nice person, not like that cute chick in the back. She’s kinda mean, huh?”
Marga rolled down the car window again. “What did you say?”
Mikoy came over excitedly. “Nothing, ma’am. I said I hope we can meet again, so I can see your pretty face.”
Marga gave him a look. “In your dreams.”
“You’ll meet me in my dreams?” Mikoy snapped his fingers excitedly. “I’ll look forward to it.”
Daniela was grateful to be finally home and Savannah reminded her that Romina wouldn’t stop coming after her. Romina descended the stairs. “You’re right about that. Daniela, how is prison? Get used to it, because next time you get locked up again, you’ll be in there forever. I know someone in there. I’ll let her take care of you.”
“Another one of your baseless threats, Romina? What else are you going to accuse me of? Charging me with imaginary räpë didn’t work.”
“The dëäth of Robert,” Mina spat
Daniela took offense. “How dare you?” She släppëd Mina.
Romina returned the favor. “What kind of person are you? What kind of daughter are you? Robert knew you were involved in my räpë and he covered up for you. Why did you try to flee on the day he was about to talk to the police? You’re the one who planted the bømb, aren’t you?”
“You think he’d cover up for me if he knew I was involved? He chose you and your bästärd daughter. He threw me out of the house several times because of you, and made up his mind to send me to jail because of you.”
“And that is why you wanted him dëäd, because you were afraid he would reveal every skeleton in your closet.”
Danny girl was on the brink of tears. “I was waiting for him to choose me for once. Why would I want him dëäd if all this time, I wanted him to choose me?”
Romina laughed. “You think I’m going to believe you? I will not stop until the truth comes out, Daniela. And once I prove that you were involved in my räpë and the dëäth of your father, I will personally lock the door of the prison they’re going to throw you in.”
“Go ahead.”
A moment later in the Bartolome room, Savannah worked on Daniela’s face, polishing it up as she kept on ranting about how disgusting and unsanitary the prison was. “Make sure you don’t go back there,” Savvy said. “But it looks like there’s no stopping your evil stepmother.”
Danny girl winced in pain. “Savannah, be gentle.”
“Danny girl, I’m trying my best here. You shouldn’t be seen with any bruises. It makes you look weak. Good thing your daughter isn’t here. It would be really horrible if she sees you like this.”
“Romina was one step ahead of me…”
“Which has happened how many times now? You better do something. Why don’t you just sue her for physical injuries?”
“Sending her to prison isn’t enough, Savannah. She’s already been there, right?”
“What do you mean?”
“If I want to get revenge for everything she’s done to me, I need to hurt her to the point where she won’t be able to retaliate. I have to hit her where it hurts the most.”
Romina stormed into Kulas’ house and confronted him for retracting his statement against Daniela after she had saved him. Kulas claimed that he had said those things because he knew that was what she wanted to hear.
“We both know that you weren’t lying,” Mina said. “I heard what you said to Alvin that day.”
“Believe what you want, Romina. I don’t care.”
“You used to be a law enforcer, Mr. Kulas. But why are you trying to cover up the truth for the criminals?”
“You have no right to judge me.”
“Oh, that’s where you’re wrong. You screwed me over. And I’ll make sure you pay for it.”
At the CrAvenue Diner, Sir Wacky asked Cassie and Kristoff whether they had any suggestions in mind for the upcoming Mother’s Day event. Cassie suggested that they have a baking class just like how she used to do with her dad before.
“Do you think it’s achievable?” Sir Wacky asked.
“If we limit the number of slots and ask our customers to make reservations, I think it’ll be manageable. It will be a special day for the family.”
“I like your idea, so here’s what we’ll do.” Sir Wacky called over Brenda, one of his employees and put them in charge of planning the event.
“It’s a good plan, Cassie,” Kristoff commented after Sir Wacky and Brenda had left. “I’m sure your mom will løvë it since you guys used to do it before.”
“I think any mother would løvë being pampered by their husband and kids for once.”
“That’s why you should invite your mom to the event.”
Marga’s driver was having difficulty changing the car tyre. Mikoy came over, saying that the whole situation was meant to happen. Marga asked him to shut up. Mikoy then offered to help them out as long as she gave him 20 bucks. “Yeah, right,” Marga barked. “You might end up making things worse. For all I know, this could be an elaborate scam for you to extort money from me.”
“Listen, miss, I’m a man of my word. My grandma taught me that it’s better to die of hunger than to take advantage of others. I’m just trying to help. No need to be so mean.”
“You call that help? You’re asking for payment.”
“People gotta be paid for doing such a good job. And it’s not like we’re friends, so you don’t get things for free.” Mikoy then took the lug wrench from the driver and began changing the trye. Sparks flew as Marga watched, frowning down at him.
“You’re good to go,” Mikoy said after a while, handing over the tools to the driver who gave him some money in return.
Marga made a face. “You’re disgusting. Get lost.”
“Get lost?” Mikoy thrust his face forward such that he was staring right into Marga’s eyes. “Where? Cause I think I’m already lost in your eyes.” Mikoy smiled flirtatiously.
Marga stared for a while. “Driver, call the cops.”
“That’s my cue to leave.” Mikoy grabbed his bucket of water and walked away.
Carlos pulled over a second later and asked his daughter what she was doing there. Marga told him she had been on her way to see him because a talent scout wanted to talk to him about a possible endorsement for her. “Marga, let’s go home,” Carlos said. “Your mother was released.”
“Really?” Marga asked excitedly. “I knew it. Mommy really is the innocent one.”
Daniela was upset with Hector for hurting Carlos’s dad. She asked whether they were really doing anything illegal at the factory. “Why?” Hector asked. “What did that old man tell you this time?”
“He said you threatened to k!ll him. You had no reason to do that.”
“He started it. He came to the factory and threatened to tell Romina the truth if we didn’t stay away from his son.”
“What?”
“Seriously, what kind of family does your husband have? If I didn’t scare him, we’d both be in jail by now. You should be grateful I did what I did.”
In Romina’s office at Camila, Neil asked her why she had checked the DNA testing center Alvin had used. Mina told him that she wanted to verify something. “Your hunch was right,” Neil said. “Daniela did fake the test results.”
“But why?” Bonita asked as Bernard joined them in the office.
“That depends on which test Romina is talking about,” Bernard cut in.
“What do you mean?” Mina asked.
“I learned that they used a different testing center for Alvin’s first DNA test. It’s not the centre that was on the document you recovered from the mansion.”
Romina glanced at Bonita and Neil in surprise. “We all know why Daniela faked Alvin’s first DNA test,” Bernard went on. “To make it look like Cassie was his daughter. But the first document you recovered from the mansion, we still don’t know what that was for.”
“This only means one thing, Bernard. There’s still one more secret Daniela’s hiding from us. When we went to the DNA clinic, someone tried to k!ll us. There’s something they don’t want me to know and I’m sure it has something to do with my räpë case.”
“So what’s your plan now, Romina?” Bonita asked.
“Everything I find out leads to Daniela. So if I want to know the truth, it has to come from her.”
“But Romina, Daniela will never admit anything,” Neil reasoned.
“All secrets are bound to be revealed,” Mina stated. “And I’m sure Daniela’s secrets are as dark as her soul. I need to trace it back to the source.”
The talent scouts had a talk with Carlos and Marga at the mansion concerning Marga’s endorsement and how much she would be paid. The Bartolomes were excited as they wrapped up the meeting and prepared to leave. Marga suggested that they wait for her mother but they told her that they could meet her during the photoshoot. Daniela arrived home a moment later after the scouts had left.
“Please don’t ever leave me again,” Marga said as she gladly hugged her mother.
“Don’t worry, dear,” Daniela assured. “From now on, I’ll always be by your side.”
“Where have you been anyway?” Carlos asked in annoyance. “Remember you just got out of jail. Your daughter needs you. I hope you’re not meeting with someone again.”
“I was just in a business meeting.”
Marga then told her mother about the talent scouts who had just left and Daniela apologized for missing them. “It’s okay, mom,” Marga said. “What matters is that you’re here now. Our family’s whole again.”
“Don’t worry,” Daniela said. “From now on, I’ll make sure we’ll always stay whole. I’ll be right by your side. And I’ll make sure nothing takes me away from you and your dad. Ever again.”
Myrna was buying some stuff from a seller at an eatery as Mikoy was checking out it’s pricy menu. He noticed that Myrna’s money had fallen, so he went to pick it up and gave it to her. “Thanks, kid,” Myrna said. “If it was anyone else, they would have hightailed it out of here. I was carrying so many things I didn’t realize I dropped my money.”
“I’m guessing you need someone to help you carry your groceries,” Mikoy said. “It looks heavy, and I’m not like other kids who take advantage of people. My grandma raised me right so I’ve got pretty good morals.”
Myrna smiled. She heard Mikoy’s stomach rumble just then and he looked away in embarrassment. Myrna offered him some food. “After hearing that, you can have the food I bought as a reward. What’s your name, kid?”
“My name is Mikoy.”
“Mikoy. I’m Miss Mryna. If you need more food, just drop by the repair shop. I’m there often. I can cook for you sometime.”
At the mansion, Daniela polished up her face to cover up the bruises she had suffered, courtesy of Romina. Her daughter complimented her on her new witchy look. Meanwhile, Romina arrived at the CrAvenue Diner just as Cassie and Kristoff’s shift were over. They told her about the upcoming Mother’s Day event.
“Mamma, we have a treat for our moms this mother’s day here at the diner,” Cassie announced. “Would it be alright if we celebrate mother’s day here?”
“Cassie thought of the event,” Kristoff added.
“Of course,” Mina sang. “As long as I can spend time with you and our family…the results of the DNA test came out and we confirmed Alvin is not your biological father.”
“That doesn’t change anything, mamma. Daddy will always be my father. I just hope we can find out who’s to blame for this, so justice can be served and we could go back to how our lives were.”
“Just wait a little longer, Cassie. I feel like I’m really close to discovering the truth. The man who abused me might be the same person who k!lled your father.”
Back at the mansion, Daniela and Marga came down the stairs to join the guests as Romina arrived home with Cassie and Neil. Daniela asked Mina to go away, saying that she was throwing a party. “You threw a party without my permission?” Mina asked. “It’s only polite to inform the owner, Daniela.”
“I really wanted to do that, but my father isn’t here. I’ll never be able to talk to him again because of you.”
“Did I hear that right?”
“I’m partying because justice prevailed. The DNA test proved that Alvin and Cassie aren’t related, and here you are, still confident that you will win.”
“Shouldn’t you be celebrating how you’ve managed to weasel your way out of every crime you’ve committed? Nothing lasts forever. Except your black heart. You will never be able to deny that once in our lifetime, I made you so insecure that you tried to ruin my life. But guess what, dear? I’m still here. Biding my time until you pay the piper.”
“Can you not ruin our night?” Marga cut in as Carlos joined them. “My mom’s back because she’s innocent, so go away.”
Cassie gave Mini-Daniela a look. “We’re not going to adjust for you, Marga.”
Carlos interrupted and asked them to stop since they were embarrassing their family, but Daniela wouldn’t listen. “Aren’t you tired of this?”
“No, Carlos,” Danny girl replied. “I’m just getting warmed up.”
Romina scoffed. “Daniela, actions speak louder than words,” Mina said as Carlos walked away in frustration. “Even your husband can’t tolerate your attitude. If you think you’re in the right, then why won’t your own husband take your side?”
Later that night, Jude asked Carlos to go home so he and Gino would close up the car shop. Carlos however told them that he would just stay there in case more customers came in. “If you don’t fix this now, your problem with Daniela might get worse,” Gino admonished.
“I’ll just cool off here,” Carlos said.
“I know a beer bar that just opened up,” Jude cut in. “It’s nearby.”
Back at the Mondragon Mansion, Daniela was having a talk with one of the guests when Romina descended the stairs, all dressed up and capturing the attention of everyone. “What are you doing here?” Daniela asked. “Day crashers are not welcome at my party.”
Romina grabbed a glass of wine. “I’m here to celebrate with you. Everyone, come on. Let’s have a toast. For my stepdaughter. The CEO of Camila Sardines. The woman who orchestrated my räpë.”
The guests were staring at each other in shock as Daniela glowered. “The woman who mürdëred her own father,” Mina added. “She may glitter like gold but her soul is pitch black. Let’s celebrate how she got away with all her crimes.” Mina walked over to Daniela and gestured with her glass of wine. “Cheers.”
Danny girl gave Mina a look and tried to pour her glass of wine on her. “How dare you?”
“Why, yes, I do dare.” Romina beat her to it and poured her glass of wine on her instead. “Clean that up, Daniela. Don’t dirty my mansion.”
“Now all of you, this party is over,” Danny girl announced as Mina walked away. “Get out of my house. Now!” The guests began filing out as Daniela looked on angrily.
Kulas was having a very bad day at the gambling house. Jessa insinuated that he was having bad luck because he was venting his anger on the cards. She asked what the problem was and Kulas told him that he and Daniela were now bickering too. “As if you don’t know that daughter-in-law of yours,” Jessa grumbled. “She’s always had a bad temper, but once she calms down, she’ll realize that you’re only trying to help her.”
“She’s not my only problem. I’m worried about Carlos. He found out that I didn’t tell him what I know.”
“Kulas, he’s still your son. You’ll eventually settle your differences. Don’t think about it too much. We’re here to take your mind off things.”
Kulas won a round at that moment. “Finally,” he said glady.
“See? I told you.”
“You really are my good luck charm. My luck’s turning around. Alright, I’m going all in.”
Daniela was pacing around when Carlos stumbled into the room and asked what had happened to her. Daniela told him that Romina had happened, and she had ruined her party. Carlos laughed. “She ruined your party, but you ruined her life. You’re even.”
“Really, Carlos? You’re going to make fun of me? Romina embarrassed me infront of my guests. Are you drunk?”
“Yeah. So what?”
“You left to go drinking? You should have been there. You should have protected me.”
“How could I have protected you, after everything you did? I’ll just sleep in the other guest room.”
Daniela angrily smashed the glass of wine she was holding after Carlos stumbled out. In the study room, Romina stared at a portrait of Robert. “Løvë, please help me,” she sobbed. “I just hope for all this suffering to end. I’m trying my best to be strong. Each and everyday. How much longer must I endure this? Can you please give me an answer? Just help me, please. What did you know? What were you hiding?”
Back in the Bartolome room, Daniela snatched up a portrait of Robert and herself and stared at it annoyingly. “Why did you put me in this position, dad? Why do I have to fight for my rights every single time? Even after your dëäth, I’m still keeping your darkest secret. But don’t worry, dad. No one will ever know the truth. I’ll make sure Romina gets nothing. I’ll make certain of that.”
Neil entered the study room, expressing his worries about what his sister had done earlier downstairs, adding that Daniela wouldn’t let it slide. “But I won’t get the truth unless I force it out of her,” Romina argued. “That’s the only way I can make her own up to what she did.”
“But she hasn’t admitted anything, yet,” Neil pointed out. “She just got angrier at you, because you humiliated her.”
“Like what I told you before, people tend to become careless when they’re angry. Daniela has to be pushed to her limits.”
Neil took her sister’s hand in his. “Romina, you know I’ll always support you in everything you do. But just be extra careful.”
“I’ll slowly keep making things difficult for her. What she’s getting here isn’t enough. I’ll make things hard for her at Camila as well. Daniela has always gotten away with her crimes. Now, it’s time for her to face the consequences. And I will make sure there will be hell to pay.”
Daniela confronted her husband at the Cartolome autoshop, upset that he hadn’t even called or texted her to explain what he had done last night. Carlos told her that he had nothing to explain. “All I did was get drunk and have fun,” Carlos shot. “I didn’t commit a crime, Daniela.”
“Carlos, please. We’ve come a long way since that night. We’ve overcome so many problems and we have Marga. Will you give all that up just because of a mistake I made?”
Carlos shook his head in disbelief. “That wasn’t a mistake, Daniela. You deliberately decided to do those things. Not only did you ruin Romina’s life, but Cassie’s too.”
Gino and Jude came over. “And I just don’t understand why you’re so mad at them when you’re the one who did them wrong,” Carlos added. “Care to explain?.”
“Carlos, Daniela, is there something wrong?” Gino asked.
“You better leave now,” Carlos said to his wife. “Before I say things they shouldn’t hear.”
“I won’t give up on you, Carlos,” Daniela sobbed. “Because I do løvë you.” Danny girl walked off as the Bartolomes looked on.
