While John was locked away on remand, the world hasn't stopped turning: Marjan has filed for divorce, Barry has woken from his coma, although clearly not his old self anymore, and Ella is bearing John's child. In the meantime, De Pelsmaecker is putting pressure on her network to get John out as quickly as possible. When, after two months, she finally succeeds and John is released for lack of evidence, she expects a favour in return: John has to take over De Beco's business on her behalf.