Ingrid finds herself at Conrad's mercy when she returns to the ranch alone. David decides to stay away from her as long as she's married. While Ingrid sacrifices her happiness for the sake of revenge, Conrad seems to be winning on all fronts. Ingrid's friend and attorney, Frank Irwin, plans his own brand of revenge to grind both their axes. Strange things begin to happen in Ingrid's writing career and she blames David. When he suddenly reappears he makes a shocking confession concerning his true identity, but holds back from telling her his most intimate secrets for fear of losing her. Conrad's greed blooms in yet another way that drives David to the edge. He uses his daughter, Karen, as an excuse to push his way deeper into Ingrid's life, filling David's mind with misconceptions concerning Ingrid's feeling for Conrad, and he returns to New York for a cooling off period. Van Newton intercedes in an attempt to solve the problem between his son and Ingrid, realizing that they are deeply in love and are holding back from admitting it because of outside interference. Suspicions and jealousy becomes an ever present demon in their lives as they battle deceit and lies. Ina does not approve of David's relationship with Ingrid and puts them asunder on their wedding night. Ingrid persuades David to confess the ugly thing between him and his mother. Little did she realize all the horrors the woman was capable of committing and the pain and grief they would suffer. David is forced to tell Ingrid his darkest secret, giving her grounds for divorce.