The split between John and Barry causes Julie to break with her father. De Pelsmaecker, on the other hand, has started to develop amorous feelings for John, who has other things on his mind: he buys a large house, in the hope of winning Ella back. He also launches a charm offensive to woo her mother, Ritje. Carl tries the same thing, in his own unique way, and with the help of his therapist. Just as Ritje succumbs to his advances, however, tragedy strikes .