Maria Rocha, with her children Nuno, Laura and Verónica, moves to António Fontes Morais' mansion in Sintra due to a secret agreement. António, a local tycoon, undertakes to take care of his paraplegic nephew Miguel, victim of an accident caused by his son Tomás. He plans a wedding between Miguel and Verónica to provide company for his nephew. Discovering Verónica's financial interest in the marriage, Maria plans to leave, but remains after Nuno's arrest and the need for António's support. Laura, in love with Miguel, also attracts Tomás, while Verónica, Miguel's fiancée, longs for Tomás and rejects the paraplegic. Secrets of Fontes Morais emerge when it is discovered that Helena, António's wife, sedates Miguel to hide the truth about the accident. Laura is torn between her love for Miguel and Tomás' advances. Will Laura's love be enough to cure Miguel's hatred and Tomás' guilt? Will she be able to choose which of the two she will save?