Malino County. At a university. It was a joyful graduation day, and Abraham and Hilarry Salazar were overflowing with pride. At last, their daughter Margaret had completed her Nursing degree—thanks to the scholarship she earned after high school.
"So, what's your plan now?" Hillary asked.
"Of course, I'll start looking for a job right away so I can save up and take the licensure exam," Margaret replied cheerfully, brushing off her toga—the one she'd tossed earlier, a symbol of her closing chapter and new beginning.
"How much does that cost, anak? Maybe your mom and I can figure something out so you won't have to go far," Abraham chimed in, his face glowing with joy.
"Dad, please let me handle it. You and Mommy have already done so much for me. And I'm only going to Washington, DC.—it's not like I'm disappearing," Margaret reassured them.
"We're so proud of you, Margaret," Hillary said, eyes brimming with tears.
"Mom, don't cry. This is a happy day for all of us," Margaret said, gently holding her mother's hand.
"Anyway, let's head home. I'm getting hungry," Abraham suggested.
"Where's Marilyn? She was just beside you earlier," Margaret asked.
"Oh, don't bother looking for your sister. You know her—whenever there's a celebration, she's the first to head home and start cooking. She wouldn't even let your mom lift a finger," Abraham replied.
Sure enough, when they got home, Marilyn had already arrived to prepare a small feast. Marilyn greeted her sister Margaret at the door, holding a gift.
"Don't ask why I left early. Here—this is my gift for you. Congratulations!" Marilyn said, handing it over.
At the Powers mansion...
"You need to rest, Dad," Edward said.
"I'm fine, son. Just a little dizziness—and I'm not dying yet," Lord Martin replied wryly, lying in bed.
"Lord Martin, Sir Edward is right. Your health is in a fragile state," said Dr. Harry Gates, the family physician. "I prescribed medication to prevent sudden spikes in blood pressure and other complications. But I've learned you've been forgetting to take them."
After handing over a new prescription, Eduardo walked the doctor to the garage.
"Sir Edward, I think it's time to hire a private nurse for Don Martin. It would help to have someone monitor his medication intake and avoid situations like this," the doctor advised.
Edward immediately instructed his staff—including Vincent Moore, his personal driver—to contact healthcare agencies or find someone recommended for the role. Meanwhile, he remained focused on strengthening the family business as heir to Lord Martin's estate.
"I've already sent someone to look for a nurse for Dad. Hopefully we'll get a recommendation soon," Edward said, lowering his phone.
"Good. Once they arrive, introduce your hired caregiver or private nurse for your father to me so I can give a proper briefing and important reminders" the doctor replied before leaving.
At the Salazar home, evening.
During the modest celebration prepared by Abraham, Hillary, and Marilyn, one of the guests was Vincent Moore—a childhood friend of the sisters.
"Margaret, congratulations!" Vincent greeted, handing her a gift.
"Vincent? Oh, thank you! You didn't have to go through the trouble," Margaret replied.
Vincent invited Luisa inside. They were happily chatting when a furious voice rang out from outside.
"Margaret! Come out here!" Sylvia Hart shouted.
"What was that?" Hillary asked, startled as she stepped outside first.
"Miss, who are you? Why are you looking for my daughter?" she asked.
"Oh, so you're the mother of that flirt Margaret?" Sylvia sneered as Hillary emerged.
"Please, miss, I'm asking you to leave. Don't ruin my daughter's celebration," Hillary said calmly.
"Stay out of this!" Sylvia yelled, shoving Hillary, who fell against a flower pot.
Margaret and Marilyn rushed out at the sound of the commotion. Marilyn helped their mother up, but Sylvia immediately lunged at Margaret, grabbing her hair. Unable to bear the sight, Marilyn slapped Sylvia.
Vincent stepped outside and froze when he recognized his ex-girlfriend.
"What are you doing here?" he asked, stunned.
"You know her?" Marilyn asked, pausing.
"Yes! I'm Vincent's girlfriend—the one your sister stole!" Sylvia screamed.
"Vincent, get her out of here before I lose my temper," Marilyn warned while her mother Hillary.
"Do you want everyone to know how slutty your sister is? Pretending to be innocent, but she's rotten inside! Maybe it runs in your family!" Sylvia spat.
Hillary tried to intervene again, but Sylvia slapped her, causing her to hit her head on a wooden post and lose consciousness. Enraged, Marilyn grabbed a shovel leaning nearby and nicked Sylvia's right cheek.
"Don't you dare hurt my family—because you'll have to go through me," Marilyn said, trembling with fury.
"How dare you cut me?" Sylvia shrieked, clutching her wounded cheek.
"You're the one who barged in, hurt my mom, starting a scene—and you expect me to let it slide?" Marilyn shouted.
"I'll sue you!" Sylvia screamed.
"Go ahead! But don't forget—you're the one who trespassed and started this. For what you did to my mom, I could chop you into pieces if I wanted to!" Marilyn threatened, pointing the shovel at her.
Vincent had no choice but to drag Sylvia out.
Later that night, in Hillary and Abraham's bedroom.
"Mom, how are you feeling?" Marilyn asked.
"She's okay now, Marilyn. Just a minor wound and a concussion," Margaret said, organizing the medicine before returning it to the cabinet.
"You scared me earlier, anak," Hillary said softly.
"Mom, I can endure anything—but not seeing you hurt," Marilyn replied firmly.
"But Marilyn, haven't I always told you that everything can be resolved through calm conversation?" Hillary reminded her.
"I haven't forgotten, Mom. You know me—I'm kind and patient. But when my patience runs out, that's a different story," Marilyn explained.
As the women talked, Abraham entered.
"Margaret, Vincent's in the living room. He says he has something important to tell you," he announced.
"Go talk to your guest," Marilyn said with a frown.
Outside, Margaret approached Vincent.
"Vincent? What brings you here?"
"I was going to offer you a job. If things hadn't gotten messy earlier, I would've said it right away," Vincent said.
"What kind of job?" Marilyn interjected.
"My boss asked me to find a private nurse for his father. I thought of you, so I recommended you," Vincent explained.
"But I'm not licensed yet," Margaret hesitated.
"That's okay. There's a doctor who'll train you while you work. I trust you'll do well. I know you won't let me down," Vincent said.
"I'll talk it over with Marilyn and my parents first," Margaret replied.
"Where will she be working?" Marilyn asked, now seated on the sofa.
"In Washington, DC. But don't worry, Marilyn—I'll take care of your sister. I promise, I won't let anything happen to her," Vincent assured.