After graduating from school, Blanca returns home to Tres Marías and meets with Pedro Tercero (Antonio Banderas) by the river every night. Ferula continues to live with the family and is very close with Clara and Blanca, much to Esteban's annoyance, but he pretty much goes along with it until one night, when an earthquake occurs during one of his political meetings. He worries about Clara and Blanca, goes home to Tres Marías, and finds that Férula has climbed into bed with Clara. He is so angry that he throws Férula out of the house, telling her he will kill her if she ever makes contact with his family again. With tears in her eyes, Férula does leave, but not without cursing Esteban and assuring him that he will be lonely and miserable for the rest of his days. Clara is deeply disappointed that Esteban would kick his sister out of their family home, but Esteban insists that he loves Clara and won't let anyone come between them.