Beatriz Veiga

The story follows the experiences of Marina, a young country bumpkin who marries the mysterious and charismatic widower Roberto Stein, a fabulously wealthy businessman living in 1920s Rio de Janeiro. As Marina attempts to acclimate to her new marriage and responsibilities, she discovers that Stein's late wife, Alice, still seems to have a strong hold over the household. Despite her new husband's affection for her, Marina is nonetheless threatened by Alice's presence, which is made conspicuous through her old maid Juliana's obsessions and her intimidating portrait.

The story begins when the police find a murdered young woman and link the crime to the activities of a drug gang. One of the central characters of this gang is Lucien, protagonist of the miniseries. He is one of the main mafia leaders in the country and the son of the powerful boss of União Corsa. Lucien disputes authority within the organization with Lorenzo, his antagonist. Still in the first chapter, Lucien meets the model Heloísa. The young woman comes from a middle-class family and dreams of social mobility. He falls madly in love with her, and the two begin a rapturous romance.

Rio de Janeiro crooks rove about, performing petty tricks to survive, and get involved with a woman who steals cars.