Caray, Caray!

Ryan hopes one day Mercy doesn’t regret all the mistakes she’s made.

Mr. Blake doesn’t think they need Isidro anymore but it’s best to keep him close, for now. Luisa agrees, as he knows too much, but warns Mr. Blake that he could become as unpredictable and dangerous as Fausto. Mr. Blake agrees and asks Luisa to go with Isidro tomorrow for the paternity test though Luisa doubts they would give him Paloma, even if he were the father. Mr. Blake nods but thinks they could take the opportunity to give Paloma a home either way.

At her house, Joe tells Mercy that he found Isidro but he’s staying at a luxury hotel and not a rinky-dink motel, like they thought. Mercy assumes someone powerful is helping him because someone like Isidro could never afford a luxury hotel. She orders Joe to take her to see Isidro, though Joe thinks it would only complicate things. Mercy reminds him they are already complicated and storms out with Joe in tow.



At Furia, Steve tells Genesis that it should be easy to find women for Regia’s video, especially because the song has a beautiful message. Genesis agrees but they stop short when they run into Milton in the hallway. Genesis wants to know why he’s there and Milton tells them that Regia invited him to take some pictures of her for a report he’s working on. Genesis explains that she was never told he was coming and Regia isn’t available. Milton asks if he could take some pictures of Furia either way, just so his readers know where the magic happens. Genesis and Steve are unsure.

In the car, Laustela thanks Ryan for believing in her without question. She apologizes, as she should’ve told him the truth sooner though Ryan knows she did it to protect Paloma as she is her mother and he has seen how she cares for the girl. He reiterates the plan: go and get Rosario and Paloma and cross the border ASAP. He knows all the risks involved but he is willing to go ahead with the plan. Laustela agrees, as Paloma living with her birth parents would be a worse fate. She decided to tell Ryan the whole story, from the very beginning. Neither of them notice the car tailing them.

Mercy arrives at Isidro’s hotel room and Joe helps her force their way in. Mercy asks how much he wants to forget Paloma but Isidro explains that he is not that kind of man. Mercy scoffs and tells him that she can double whatever is current employer is offering. Isidro nods, mulling it over.

Rosario and Paloma eat at one of the tables as Ryan and Laustela arrive. Laustela engulfs Paloma in a bear hug but the reunion is short lived as Protective Child Services shows up and reminds them that they should’ve handed Paloma over, now Laustela will have to go before a judge for kidnapping. In addition, Paloma will remain in their custody while Laustela’s legal situation is sorted out. Everyone is heartbroken as Laustela hugs the girl tighter.

Isidro chides Mercy for trying to buy a father’s love and asks them to stick their money where the son don’t shine. Joe grabs him but Mercy urges him to let Isidro go, as he’s not worth, especially for a lowlife like him. She thinks it’s obvious that someone is helping him, as he doesn’t look the part of someone who can afford the hotel he’s staying at, especially since he already sold Paloma once. Isidro warns them to leave or he will call the police but Joe reminds him that, if he does, the truth of what he did with Paloma will come to light and then he will be in hot water. Mercy asks that he think over her proposal but he needs to give her an answer soon because if he does the paternity tests, and he turns out to be Paloma’s father, the deal is off. She leaves with Joe.

Paloma cries into Laustela’s shoulder as Ryan asks her to calm down and reminds Laustela that they will fight for her daughter. Rosario and Laustela urge them to leave them be as Paloma is a little girl but they shake their heads. Ryan offers to go with Paloma to CPS as he is not under investigation for kidnapping and the agents agree. Ryan grabs Paloma and tells her that he will be with her every step of the way. Paloma nods and Laustela gives the little girl one final kiss, as does Rosario, before Ryan takes her away. Once alone Rosario hugs Laustela and asks if they are going home. Laustela reveals that they are going to follow the agents and Ryan.

Steve and Genesis take Milton to the Furia stage but Steve is suspicious of his motives as Milton is asking to see Regia’s office. Milton argues that his readers want to know everything about Regia, even the most intimate details, like the contract she is about to sign. Genesis reminds him that signing contracts are uninspired affairs and the offices are super small. Soto then comes and asks if she has seen Mercy, as they need to talk about the contracts for the women who will appear in the video. Genesis hasn’t seen her but she takes the opportunity to introduce Milton to Soto.

In Chicano Hotel, Leticia packs and asks Maria to be well behaved and asks Tadeo to take care of Maria. He nods but Maria argues that she shouldn’t have to go to school when Tadeo doesn’t. Leticia agrees and asks him to talk about the situation when she gets back. Tadeo chides Maria for reminding their mother of the situation but she just wants their parents to be fair. Tadeo asks her to shut up and Leticia begs them to calm down, as she’s tired of all the bickering. Leticia then tells them that she hopes to be back soon as she needs to work but Tadeo asks her not to worry as he can give her money. Leticia tells him to wait before saying anything as he just started playing the guitar professionally.

In the CPS office, Ryan tells Paloma that she is very strong and brave but Paloma confesses that she’s scared to be alone. Ryan promises that she won’t be, for long, as Laustela comes with Rosario. The agents push her out of the room and remind them that they must wait for a legal resolution before she can regain custody of Paloma. The agents then leave and Laustela looks at Paloma through the window office window. Just then, another social worker, Tori, comes and asks Paloma if she would like to dry. Paloma nods and Tori takes her from Ryan as Laustela cries.

Luisa visits Isidro and asks that he be ready to leave when she comes to pick him up tomorrow. She’s sure that the CPS will take care of Paloma’s DNA sample so they can compare his DNA with hers. After that is complete, his part of the deal is over. Isidro thinks he should receive a little extra, as the task was harder than they originally thought, but Luisa reminds him that he was already paid for his services and he shouldn’t get greedy. Isidro tells her that he wants double or the deal is off before going off to bed as Luisa grinds her teeth.

The next day, in Danilo’s office at Furia, Horacio fills him in on the recent developments: he staked out the ranch but only Laustela and Rosario came back at the end of the night. Danilo assumes Isidro has her but Horacio thinks that’s impossible, as Isidro doesn’t have documents to proof he’s the father either and custody battles are long. Horacio assumes Paloma is with Mercy but Danilo will call Laustela later to see what is up. Just then, Genesis walks in with the contracts for Morgana’s and Ausencio’s upcoming shows. She hands them to Horacio and congratulates Danilo on his baby and upcoming wedding before dropping a magazine on the desk and leaving. He grabs the magazine and reads the cover, pissed that Morgana would say those things to the press. Morgana then comes in as Horacio, sensing the tension, steps out. Danilo tells her that she came at the right time as Morgana smiles, clueless.

At the ranch, Ryan tells Laustela that they must prove Isidro stole Paloma without revealing Laustela’s real name though Laustela only cares about Paloma right now. She begins to cry as she remembers that she promised her daughter that she would always keep her safe and happy. Ryan begs her to be strong but Laustela shakes her head and tells him that she can’t think about anything but Paloma right now. She then reveals that only two people know the truth and can declare in Paloma’s trial: Mr. Blake and Tona. She discards Mr. Blake immediately so Tona is their last resort.

At Mr. Blake’s, Luisa informs him that Isidro wants more money for his services though she didn’t tell him last night because she wanted him to rest. Mr. Blake informs her that he hasn’t slept well since he meet Laura Oviedo but they must thread lightly with Isidro because he’s broke and will do anything to get more money. Luisa thinks that Isidro is just like Fausto but Mr. Blake notes that he’s worse because he sold his daughter. Either way, he has to think his next step carefully.

Danilo chides Morgana for the interview, especially because she never informed him of the plan, but Morgana tells him that they saw each other late so it slipped her mind. Danilo thinks that’s BS and reminds her that he never told her they were going to get married. He warns her that he could do an interview too and say everything she said was a lie. Morgana nods but reminds him that, if he does, she will reveal his past crimes, including the fact that he killed Tomas. Danilo looks at her, silently.

Ryan doesn’t think Tona will help, especially after all that happened in Mexico. Either way, Tona already tried to kill her and she’s only alive by a miracle. Laustela, frustrated, demands to know what she has to do to regain her daughter’s custody.

Danilo isn’t sure how Morgana knows about Tomas but warns her that he gets rid of everyone and everything in his way and she could be next. Morgana nods, agrees that the report was a bad idea, but Danilo is worried about something else besides the report. He looks down at her stomach and warns her that the child she’s expecting better be his or else. She reiterates that it is, tries to leave but Danilo holds her back because he has one final question.

Mercy paces around her office as Joe asks her to be patient or else Isidro will ask for more money if he senses they are desperate. Mercy doesn’t care about the money; she’s just worried about Paloma being alone at the CPS headquarters. Joe hugs her and gives her a kiss before reassuring her that everything will be okay. Mercy thanks him for his support and then reveals that she spoke to Lindsay, who knows about some of their money laundering troubles at Furia. She assumes that she overheard Joe talking about it at home but he’s unsure, as he would never talk about Furia’s problem outside of the office. Just then, Genesis comes in and tells them that Ryan scheduled a meeting for that afternoon to discuss Regia’ upcoming performances. She then leaves and Mercy hopes Laustela doesn’t bring them more trouble. Joe assures her everything will be find, gives her a kiss, and leaves.

Soto comes out of Furia and runs into Milton, who reintroduces himself. Soto says hi, tries to leave, but Milton stops him and asks him for some time to talk about Furia’s troubles. Soto doesn’t know what he’s talking about but asks Milton to be direct with his questions. Milton reveals that he knows money is being laundered at Furia but wants to know how deep the narcos have infiltrated the company.

Laustela comes into her living room and runs into Mercy, who has been waiting for Ryan to leave. Laustela doesn’t think they have anything to talk about but Mercy asks her to sit down. Once settled, mercy chides her for being nothing but trouble when she re-appeared and now she wants to cancel her performances as Regia. Mercy asks if she knows how much money they will lose if she does and Laustela nods but explains that she can’t focus. Mercy reminds her that the show must go on, because she’s a professional, no matter what is going on in her private life. Laustela is shocked.

Danilo holds Morgana against the wall and asks why she looks so scared. Morgana explains that she isn’t but has to go visit her gynecologist. Danilo offers to go with her, so he can ask for a DNA test, but Morgana reminds him that the child is too small and storms out as Horacio comes back in. He asks if they are having trouble again and Danilo explains that he doesn’t trust Morgana, especially because she didn’t want to go with him to the gynecologist. Horacio agrees, all women love to have their husband present during checkups.

Mercy thinks Laustela should practice what she preaches and use her pain to be a better performer. She urges Laustela to leave it all on stage and use her music to get through her struggles. Laustela thinks it’s ridiculous that she go sing, when all she can think about is Paloma, and that Mercy encourages her to do so as she’s in this mess because of her. Mercy takes the blame for her part but explains that the truth was bound to come out sooner or later and at least Paloma isn’t with Isidro. Laustela thinks it was all part of Mercy’s plan to keep Paloma but she denies it and explains that it was all for Paloma’s wellbeing.

Danilo chases down Morgana and asks her to get everything ready for their wedding and forget her gynecologist for now. Morgana remind shim that they have a meeting later but Danilo proposes they go and then come back though Morgana is shocked at his sudden change of heart. Danilo explains that he was unnecessarily mean to her and wants to make it up to her by getting her a wedding dress. He asks if she’s down or not and Morgana smiles before saying she is.

Milton thanks Soto for his testimony regarding the money-laundering scheme at Furia and Soto hopes that it will help the decent people at Furia while bringing the real criminals to justice. Milton nods and asks Soto to meet him at the alleyway they agreed on later to give him the documents that prove the money laundering. Soto agrees but reminds Milton that he needs to come out unscathed in his report. Milton agrees and Soto leaves as Milton smiles, mischievously.

At the rehab center, Ryan shoots some hoops as Steve promises to help him find Tona though his old party contacts though he notes the hardest part will be to get to Tona to help Laustela. Ryan thinks they can also find another girl from the same time Laustela worked there but Steve hopes they don’t have to go all the way to Mexico. Ryan vows to do whatever is necessary to help Laustela before thanking Steve for his help and leaving.

Joe comes and meets with Laustela and Mercy. He tells her that she can be charged with kidnapping and can go to jail but Laustela argues that she only took Paloma to save her. Joe reminds her that she can’t say that because then she would have to confess to usurping Estela Carrillo’s identity and then she will surely be convict. He notes that, as a convict, she will never regain custody of Paloma either. Laustela shakes her head and cries.

Danilo leads a blindfolded Morgana to a hospital. She asks if he’s taking her to a traveling agency or a wedding shop but Danilo asks her to be patient. Morgana then rips the blindfold off, sees it’s hospital and chides him for his bad joke. She tries to leave but Danilo holds her back and tells her that he made an appointment for her and they are going to the gynecologist right now. Morgana doesn’t want to but Danilo grabs her and holds her close. He asks if she has anything to hide, like the fact that the baby isn’t his, but Morgana is quiet. He demands to know who the baby’s father is but Morgana finally relents and reveals the truth: no one is the baby’s father because she isn’t pregnant. Danilo is floored.

Some time later, Morgana begs Danilo to understand; she couldn’t give him a child but she couldn’t bring herself to tell him because he needed one so badly. She reiterates that she only wanted to help him but Danilo notes that he is going to look like a fraud because he is not going to be a father. He realizes that everyone, especially Mercy, will laugh at him but Morgana begins to cry and reminds him that she has always been there for him because she loves him, despite his many faults. Danilo nods and tells her that he forgives her but they have to think of something so their charade isn’t revealed. Morgana explains that she already thought of that and she has a solution: get another baby and make everyone think it’s theirs while falsifying a DNA test should the need arise. Danilo agrees but warns her that she will have to stop singing after her shows with Ausencio and Regia are done, at least until after the baby is born. Morgana tells him that they are going to be together through everything and kisses him. Danilo nods and they leave for the meeting.

Laustela begins to freak because there is no light at the end of the tunnel for Paloma. Joe notes that Rosario also has a criminal background and she will not be accepted as a suitable adoptive parent either. Laustela proposes that Ryan adopt her but Joe reminds her that he was in a rehab center and it could be argued that he will always be a risk as addiction can only be controlled and not cured. Laustela can’t believe that Isidro will win Paloma’s custody but Mercy reveals that she offered Isidro money to leave and never come back. She and Joe stand up to leave as Mercy urges Laustela to be a professional and go ahead with the show, for all their sakes.

In the high school locker room, Maria worries that she will not pass physics because then Leticia will really go ballistic. She does find a silver lining: Leticia is currently in Montana and won’t be back for a few days. Her friend thinks it’s time for them to have a party though Maria thinks the hotel room is too small. Her friend doesn’t care, they can party wherever but Maria is doubtful. Her friend reminds her that they can invite Mark and, at that, Maria begins to smile.

In her room, Laustela confesses to Rosario that she doesn’t know how she can go on. Rosario tells her that they will find a way, because they are strong, especially Laustela, who braved the desert to give Paloma a better life. Laustela is happy to have met her, as she has always been a sister to her and grandmother to Paloma. They both laugh at this before Rosario reassures her that they will have Paloma back with them soon. Laustela nods before assuring Rosario that she won’t give until Paloma is back in her arms.

Mercy and Joe arrive at Isidro’s hotel room but only find the maid, who informs them that the guest checked out that morning. Mercy and Joe thank her and then go, frustrated that Isidro managed to evade them. She wonders what they will do now to save Paloma.

Laustela and Rosario try to visit Paloma at CPS but the agent tells her that they can’t see the child while the judicial process takes it’s course. Laustela asks her to have a heart, as Paloma is all alone, but the agent reveals that they have vetted several foster homes and will put the girl in the most suitable one for the time being. Rosario and Laustela propose to meet the candidates but the agent tells them it’s impossible before asking them to leave and not make things more difficult.

They oblige and go out onto the hallway as Rosario begs Laustela to be strong. Laustela shakes her head as Isidro comes with Luisa. Laustela chides him for ruining Paloma’s life but Luisa warns her to stay out of it, lest she get hurt. Isidro reminds Laustela that he can also say she sent Mercy to offer him money, that way he will gain sole custody of Paloma. Luisa nods before leading Isidro to one of the rooms to do his paternity test.

At the Furia meeting, Ausencio paces around, waiting for Regia. Ryan announces that Regia is busy with personal problems and is cancelling the rest of her shows. Danilo asks Ryan to explain what is happening, as they can all help her, but Ryan won’t reveal Laustela’s personal problems. Mercy reiterates that she should be at the meeting either way but Ryan demands she butt out. Ausencio notes that Regia promotes strong women but is as soft as jelly. At that, Ryan demands silence because the shows are cancelled and that’s his final word. Just then, Laustela walks in and announces that she is a professional and will be at the shows.

At Tona’s brothel, Tona and Fausto demand Nina put Laustela on a silver platter for them. Nina reminds them that it’s not that easy, especially because a lot of people protect her, but Fausto reminds her that her job is to get Laustela to trust her. For now, they need to know if Laustela is going to do her shows as Regia or not.

Ausencio tells Laustela that he will help her out, for now, because she’s once again in trouble for being where she doesn’t belong instead of being in the home, cooking and cleaning like a real woman. At that, Morgana stands up and reminds him that she’s also a woman. Ausencio could care less and walks away as Mercy comes and reminds her that she’s making the right decision as a professional. Danilo comes and asks if her issues have to do with Isidro though Laustela demands he stay away from her and not talk to her as she moves away from him. Danilo reminds her that he is still her manager but Ryan tells him that he’s not as of today. Danilo thinks Ryan shouldn’t decide anything, as he’s just an employee, but Ryan tells him to put a sock in it and the two almost get into a fight that Mercy breaks up. Ryan, already pissed, then announces that, after the shows, they will revisit Ausencio’s presence at Furia. Danilo demands to know why and Ryan explains that he’s tired of the machismo at Furia. Danilo nods but warns him that, pretty soon, he will be out of Furia pretty soon before cuddling up to Morgana’s stomach. He then turns to leave and both Ausencio and Morgana follow.

In the hallway, Soto, holding a stack of papers, runs into Horacio, who is on his phone and the stack goes flying. Horacio goes to help him, notices it is Soto and demands to know where he’s going. Soto explains that he’s going for lunch but Horacio offers to order him something as they have some things to discuss. Despite his protests, Horacio drags Soto off to his office without another word.

In the alleyway, Milton arrives and looks around but doesn’t see Soto anywhere.

Rosario is outside of Furia, waiting for Laustela, when Danilo comes, much to her annoyance and discomfort. He bids her hello but Rosario gives him her signature look. Danilo reminds her that he’s there to help but she asks that he not be a hypocrite because she knows exactly who he is. Danilo reminds her he saved Paloma, despite his differences with Laustela, and would do anything for her. Rosario looks down and Danilo asks if she’s willing to accept his help. Rosario nods and tells him everything: Isidro turned out to be Paloma’s real father but they need his help so that Isidro doesn’t keep her. Danilo promises to help and then turns to leave, a killer look in his eye.

In the boardroom, Laustela and Ryan, now alone, discuss her upcoming show. He supports her decision, despite her problems, and will there for her. Laustela nods and explains that Mercy helped her see that music is her escape and salvation. She will use it to feel alive, despite everything. He gives her a kiss and Laustela tells him that his love also keeps her strong. He kisses her again as Laustela tells him that she has to go, as Rosario is downstairs waiting. He tells her that they will meet at the ranch later before leafing her out of the boardroom. When they open the door, Mercy shuffles in as Laustela walks out. Ryan tells her that he’s not in the mood, especially to talk about Laustela, but Mercy tells him that she needs to talk to him about the real Estela Carrillo…

Labels: Estela