In the tragic accident during the honeymoon Valerie has lost her child, another burden on her marriage. But that's not all: When Robert finally sees through the evil machinations of his father Maximilian, he decides, in order to gain distance to first return to New York. At the same time, Maximilian is courting two women at the same time: Elisabeth, the widow of the late Patriarch Steiniger, likes to think back to her romantic past with Maximilian Fox - but in her mind, it is rather the journalist Barbara Landau, Valerie's attractive mother. To thwart Maximilian Fox's takeover plans, chief designer Alpha is considering asking Italian partner Pietro Bellini for financial support. Because the cooperation with Bellini proves to be very fruitful for the Aphrodite Group. A spectacular fashion show, whose artistic design is in the hands of Bellini's son Alessandro, thrilled the Italian professional audience. Meanwhile, the intriguing Karin Schroeder - Robert Fox cunning ex-assistant and lover - has found a way to bind himself again to the Steininger family: This time she has turned the young, inexperienced Carl Steininger's head, so their influence on the Secure company. It does not take long for her to surprise the bewildered family clan with the "happy" news: Karin is expecting a child from Carl.
—RHDMaas