Gabriela is a miner who detects security breaches in the San Pedro mine. Antonia, the owner of the mine, is a ruthless woman who wants her son Alejandro to assume control of the business. Gabriela and Alejandro are trapped in a collapse.
Alejandro and Gabriela are rescued by Tomas. Tomas knows he is a millionaire and doesn't want Gabriela to continue taking risks. Alejandro visits Gabriela and finds her coming out of the shower, thus inciting Fernando's jealousy.
Tomas resigns to the San Pedro mine for good and bids Gabriela goodbye to keep her from dying in another collapse. She goes once again to the mine to ask Alejandro for a job, and he accepts, unable to conceal his feelings for her.
Gabriela defends her father vehemently against Antonia's accusations. Fernando is tormented, but Antonia calms him by denying his suspicions. Irene and Alejandro make love and she later kisses him in front of Gabriela.
Fernando confesses to Antonia that he raped Gabriela and justifies the assault on how he feels anytime he sees Alejandro seducing her. Another scandal is in the works, this time at the club where Alejandro defies everyone.
Alejandro's kiss stirs Gabriela's traumas. Antonia realizes David could very well be her grandson. Alejandro asks Gabriela to marry him. Tigre rejects Antonia's bribe. They confirm the existence of gold in Chamuco.
Alejandro and Gabriela make love and she confesses she was raped; he has helped her overcome her trauma. Alejandro defends his future wife against his mother, the miners, and everyone else. Antonia considers Gabriela her nemesis.
Alejandro and Gabriela plan to leave San Pedro and Tigre supports them. Gabriela is surprised. Alejandro does not accept his godfather's advice and keeps his distance from him. Antonia tries to bribe Gabriela. Fernando finds David.
Alejandro starts to gain ground with David. Antonia convinces Alejandro to stay in San Pedro, presents herself repentant and announces the wedding during the patron saint's festivities, surprising everyone.
David learns the whole truth about his father and how he was fathered. El Tigre is arrested after attacking Fernando, when Gabriela, Alejandro and Antonia stop him. Gabriela tries to defend her father by negotiating his freedom.
Julia is murdered by order of Antonia, who makes believe that it was a suicide and blames Gabriela. They fail to get the location of the gold from the Tiger, although the torture continues. Fernando finds out about Antonia's intentions.