Episode 3 of "Adoration" unfolds with Giorgio embarked on a scooter ride, his mind adrift with thoughts revolving around his encounters with Elena and Melissa. Meanwhile, Elena's parents identify her body, and the coroner concludes that Elena was strangled. Preliminary speculation leans towards her demise occurring on the fateful night she disappeared, yet a thorough autopsy is imperative for confirmation. It is further speculated that Elena's body was subsequently moved to its discovered location.
Grieving family and friends converge outside the morgue, seeking solace and clarity regarding Elena's untimely end. The police launch an investigation into the school, encountering a dead-end as the surveillance cameras were non-operational. Elena's father reproaches her for her trusting nature, while her mother counters by accusing him of turning their son Enrico into Elena's overprotective shadow.
The autopsy report reveals a disturbing revelation: Elena had amphetamines in her bloodstream, carried traces of two distinct DNA profiles, and indeed expired on the night of her disappearance. Vanessa confronts Giorgio, who adamantly insists that he escorted Elena home safely, pleading with Vanessa to shield his secret. Yet, Vanessa finds his appeal selfish amidst the unfolding tragedy.
Enza, Giorgio's mother, engages him in a heartfelt conversation, prompting him to break down in tears, acknowledging that he had ruined everything. He unburdens himself to her, and they vow to keep his confession confined between them. Giancarlo, too, visits Giorgio, who maintains his innocence, emphasizing the importance of silence. To further distance himself from suspicion, Giancarlo orders his car to be meticulously washed. Enrico, grappling with his sorrow, seeks refuge in the gym, hoping to workout his grief.
Vanessa and Giancarlo orchestrate a memorial service for Elena, inviting the town to come together in her honor. When Chiara arrives, Vanessa fibs about knowing Elena's last companion and dismisses the notion of Enrico's culpability. She recounts her last encounter with Elena and the messages exchanged, revealing that she caught Ricotta lurking near Elena's residence during an unplanned visit.
The community gathers to mourn Elena, each person deeply affected by her sudden loss. Melissa, however, appears indifferent, prompting Chiara to assure her that she will keep Melissa's involvement in creating the troll account concealed. Following the memorial, Enrico, driven by emotional turmoil, violates the crime scene, leaving a rose as a token of his love and loss for Elena.
The following day, Enrico's lawyer elaborates on the breach to Chiara and issues a formal statement. Enrico insists that he did meet Elena, but she pretended to be ill. Afterward, he departed from her and headed to Cassino, spending the night solely by himself. He vehemently denies consuming drugs and agrees to undergo a DNA test.
At Enza's residence, the atmosphere thickens with tension as Giorgio and Enza strive to shield Vera from the truth. Eventually, Giorgio confesses everything to Vera, who in turn tries to persuade Vanessa not to report Giorgio to the authorities. Vanessa retorts fiercely at Vera and storms off. Later, she confides in Giancarlo, expressing that keeping the secret is consuming her. The mounting pressure and her mother's constant intrusion into her life are also taking a toll on her.
In the restaurant, Diana reveals to her father that she is not upset about Elena. She also initiates flirtatious interactions with a young patron and sends nude photographs to an artist on Instagram. She subsequently meets with him but soon realizes he is not as appealing as she thought and rejects him. Frustrated, she engages in a sexual encounter with the young customer and resolves to embrace her body with more confidence. Meanwhile, Diletta phones Chiara and informs her that Ricotta possesses one of Elena's hairbands. Chiara locates Ricotta and brings him in for questioning. News of Ricotta's detention spreads rapidly among the acquaintance. However, DNA evidence clears the elderly man, and he is released to return home.
Elsewhere, Giorgio attempts to reach out to Melissa, but she rebuffs him. He apologizes, and she threatens to expose his actions towards her to Chiara. Later, Vanessa gets a tattoo in honor of Elena and encounters Melissa. Melissa confesses about the troll account and her motives. She clarifies that she believed Elena had run away and envied her for attaining freedom. Vanessa isn't angry but wishes she had understood Elena better. Melissa also reveals Giorgio's deeds towards her to Vanessa.
As Chiara delves into the investigation, she uncovers that Enrico has been deceiving his parents about taking his law school exams. Unfortunately, no one can contest or corroborate his alibi. Moreover, he refuses to disclose the truth about the amphetamines. Later, Christian spots Ricotta disembarking from the bus and informs Enrico. The trio, including Enrico's father, brutally assaults the unfortunate man. The episode concludes with Vanessa revealing the truth about Giorgio to Chiara. In a flashback, it becomes clear that Elena was fleeing from Giorgio.
