De Pelsmaecker visits Van Cauwenberghe with an attractive proposition that could win him the elections, but he has some qualms about striking up an alliance with her. Indeed, in exchange for her offer, she wants his assurance that her port companies will be exempt from his rigorous screening. Ella loses her father and lets Carl back into her life again. She is still angry at John, who is temporarily living in a hotel. Things are faring much better with Julie and Barry, although Barry is still reticent to tell John anything about his new relationship.