The quiet elegance of La Promessa is about to be shattered by two days of combustible emotions, veiled threats, and unexpected homecomings. The palace breathes with tension — old wounds reopen, new alliances form, and every smile hides a dagger. At the heart of it all, two returning figures will stir up the air: Romulo and Pia. But before their footsteps echo in the hallways, other fires are already burning.

Ana’s Breaking Point

After dinner, the salon becomes a battlefield of words. Cruz, with a voice dipped in provocation, needles Lorenzo about how he deliberately poked at Ana during the meal. She likens Ana to a spark landing in dry timber — one strike away from a blaze. Cruz’s verdict is brutal: Ana’s pride, mixed with her lack of refinement, is a dangerous cocktail. Lorenzo hints that Catalina tried to diffuse the tension, but Cruz openly admits she enjoyed watching Ana squirm.

When Alonso arrives with the news that Manuel has apologized for the earlier dinner incident, the room agrees — love has blinded Manuel to the truth about the woman he’s chosen. Lorenzo scoffs at the idea that a girl from humble origins could ever transform into a true lady. Cruz complains about the expense of hiring Mrs. Ross to teach Ana manners, threatening that if Ana doesn’t improve, Manuel will have to accept she’s a lost cause.

Vera’s Fear

In the servants’ corridor, Vera is restless. Her father, the powerful Duke of Carril, is coming — and though she’s reconciled with her mother, the thought of facing him again terrifies her. Lope tries to soothe her, reminding her that the palace is large and the Duke will only stay one day. But Vera fears more than awkwardness; she fears harm. Lope reassures her that the Duke wouldn’t dare cross lines in front of the Marquis, but Vera’s unease lingers.

The Music Room Conspiracy

In the music room, Pelaio, Catalina, Curro, and Martina dissect the dinner drama. Curro suspects Lorenzo’s provocation was deliberate. Pelaio says Ana should have restrained herself — marrying Manuel will require mastering her impulses. Curro defends her efforts to fit in, but Catalina warns that “improvement” shouldn’t mean becoming as hypocritical as the rest of the family.

A Sleepless Retreat

That night, Ana sneaks back to her old room in the servants’ quarters, slipping into her former bed beside Maria. In the morning, she confesses she fled there after the disastrous dinner. She explains how Lorenzo’s comments about workers being lazy enraged her, leading her to accuse him of having the mindset of a slaver. Maria warns she’s fallen into his trap, and while Ana regrets her outburst, Maria urges her to return before her absence is noticed.

A Visit from the Duke

Breakfast is strained until Alonso receives an unexpected note: the Duke of Carril will arrive tomorrow. Alonso speculates the visit is linked to the Duchess’s cookbook project. Cruz warns him not to mention it in case the Duke knows nothing.

Lessons in Control

Back in her room, Ana admits to Mrs. Ross that she feels both guilty and undervalued. Ross tells her self-control is a skill — one she can learn. Meanwhile, Osé faces Ulia’s wrath for negotiating her marriage to Curro in exchange for money. He insists it’s to honor his late brother Paco, but Ulia calls the act vile, accusing him of turning Paco’s life into a transaction.

Petra’s Warnings

In the servants’ dining hall, Petra criticizes Ana’s behavior, calling it self-destructive. When Ana arrives with a tray, Petra scolds Maria for allowing it, insisting the Marchesa forbids Ana from performing servant tasks. Ana leaves gracefully, but Petra warns Maria never to let it happen again.

Curro’s Doubts

In the garden, Alonso joins Curro over a cigar and cautions him about rushing into marriage with Ulia. Alonso notes that Ulia has withdrawn from the family, suggesting she too is struggling. He assures Curro he’s free to choose and will always have his support.

Kitchen Preparations

In the kitchen, Lope prepares smoked salmon for Catalina’s wedding and a special rice dish to welcome Pia and Romulo. Their return stirs both joy and unease — memories of past deceptions linger.

Romulo’s Return

Back in his old office, Romulo meets Ricardo, who admits he never wanted Romulo gone. Romulo hints that his service to the Duke and Duchess de los Infantes — enemies of the Marchesa — may have smoothed his reinstatement. He also urges Ricardo to mend his rift with Pia, but Ricardo says trust is not easily rebuilt.

A Risky Proposal

In Manuel’s study, he tells Ana of Cruz’s plan: a grand party where he would propose publicly. Ana hesitates, fearing another scene like with Lorenzo. Manuel assures her even Cruz is now more trusting. She remains cautious, agreeing only to think about it — but reaffirms her desire to marry him.

The Priest’s Secret

Maria helps Don Samuel repair children’s clothes. He reveals that much of the Luan family’s donated money goes directly to the poor, even if it means halting parish repairs. He describes a secret refuge for the homeless, urging Maria to keep the truth hidden.

Cruz Shuts the Door on the Past

Cruz meets Petra in the garden to discuss staffing. When Petra mentions Romulo and Pia’s return — despite their faked-death deception — Cruz cuts her off, declaring the matter closed forever.

Lorenzo’s Pragmatism

Lorenzo visits Ulia, acknowledging money’s role in her marriage plans. She rejects the idea of profiting from Paco’s death, but Lorenzo tells her pride won’t bring Paco back — and this union could secure her future.

A Dangerous Reunion Ahead

Petra gathers the staff: an important guest will arrive this afternoon — the Duke of Carril. Vera freezes; she will face her father in a maid’s uniform.

As the palace braces for the Duke’s arrival, Romulo quietly reclaims his place, Pia’s steps draw closer, Ana weighs a proposal that could redefine her future, and the servants whisper about the ghosts of past scandals. In La Promessa, no return is ever simple — and every welcome hides the possibility of betrayal.