Nanda dies after giving birth to twins, Francisco and Clara. Marta, the maternal grandmother, agrees to keep the boy, but gives the girl, who has Down syndrome, up for adoption. Helena, the doctor who delivers the baby, becomes attached to the child and secretly adopts her. Years later, Leo returns to Portugal and discovers he is a father. In an attempt to regain custody of the children, he relies on Marta's opportunistic support. But Helena is determined to fight him for Clara's guardianship. ...