Esperanza Ortega is a very wealthy girl who has everything she could ever want, alongside a loving mother and father. One day, her father and some of his men are suddenly killed by bandits while they are out working on the family's ranch in Aguascalientes, Mexico. Esperanza's father had intended to leave everything he owned to his wife, Ramona, and Esperanza. However, the family's lawyer informs them that a loophole in the will means that the ranch, their greatest source of income, will go to Señor Ortega's stepbrother, Luis Ortega, whom Esperanza calls Tío Luis. Luis just so happens to be a suspect in Señor Ortega's murder. He plans to delve into politics and feels that Ramona, who is a beloved local socialite, would look good by his side. Luis offers to marry Ramona, but she refuses, and in response, he issues a warning that Ramona and Esperanza will be in danger if she does not comply.