The premiere episode of "Snakes and Ladders" kicks off by introducing Dora, a diligent prefect at Andes San Javier School, who vibrantly prepares for her day by grooving to one of her beloved tunes. With a spring in her step, she arrives at school, only to bump into Roque, who is actively distributing flyers for Miss Paula's campaign in the forthcoming headmistress election. In an unexpected twist, Dora, without a second thought, tears one of the flyers into shards. Just then, Martha, her colleague, interruptions her moment, informing her that Miss Josefina, the current headmistress, is seeking her presence urgently.
Inside Miss Josefina's opulent office, two sets of anxious parents convene. Tamara and Vicente Garcia have lodged a grave complaint against Mariana, affectionately known as Choquita Muriel. They allege that during a heated altercation earlier in the episode, Mariana callously crushed their son Vincentin's nuts, an incident they label as sexual harassment, demanding her expulsion.
Choquita's father, Olmo Muriel, a man caught between the past and present, believes Tamara, his former lover, is blowing the incident out of proportion. Josefina entrusts Dora with the solemn task of investigating the matter thoroughly and presenting a comprehensive report the following morning. After the parents depart, Josefina cautions Dora to tread carefully around Tamara and Vicente, emphasizing their influential status within the school community.
Outside, the parents disperse with their children in tow. Tamara and Vicente impose a strict ban on Vincentin from associating with Choquita. Vincentin, standing up for his friend, argues passionately that Choquita doesn't deserve expulsion solely based on a fight they had, pointing out that he too had struck her in the heat of the moment. His parents, however, remain steadfast in their belief that Vincentin was merely defending himself. As Tamara and Vicente part ways in separate vehicles, Muriel trails after Tamara, trying to reason with her, urging her not to let their past disputes tarnish their children's futures. Ignoring his pleas, Tamara slides into her car and speeds off, leaving Muriel to ponder on the ripple effects of their unresolved issues.
Later that evening, Dora steps through her front door to find her ex-husband, Antonio, loitering restlessly by his old doorstep. Antonio asserts that their son, Tono, has landed himself in deep trouble with the mafia over his gambling debts. An acrimonious dispute ensues as Antonio accuses Dora of being an unfit mother, oblivious to her son's true nature.
Just as tensions peak, Tono strolls into the house. Dora immediately reprimands him, reminding him of the ethical and responsible upbringing she had strived to give him. She expresses her bewilderment at how he could have resorted to gambling and her inability to provide him with any money. Their heated exchange is abruptly halted by the blaring horn of Muriel's car outside.
Muriel has come to Dora's home on behalf of his daughter, Choquita. He implores Dora to write a favorable report to prevent Choquita from being expelled. In return, Muriel offers Dora any assistance she might require. However, Dora stands firm in her commitment to judge the case based on stringent ethical and moral principles. Undeterred, Muriel hands her his business card, hoping she might reconsider.
Martha soon arrives for a tarot reading, seeking insight into Dora's chances of winning the upcoming elections. The cards reveal a bleak outlook, suggesting that Dora is unlikely to become the next headmistress. As fate would have it, Tono reappears, prompting Dora to seize the opportunity to usher Martha out of the house. Tono once again pleads for money, only to be firmly rejected by Dora.
The following morning, Dora submits a favorable report for Choquita, much to the dismay of Tamara and Vicente. Muriel trails Dora after the meeting at Josefina's office, insisting that she should reach out if she ever needs help. Dora mentions the looming elections, and Muriel extends an invitation to his upcoming birthday party.
Later in the night, Dora sets off for the gala, while Tamara and Vicente venture out for dinner with the governor. Vicente voices his dissatisfaction with being in Mexico, longing for the days back in Spain. In stark contrast, Tamara finds solace in the indulgence and exceptional treatment showered upon her by her family.
Elsewhere, Dora makes her way to Muriel's soiree, her heart pounding with anxiety as she approaches his residence. Outside the party, she encounters Nicolas, one of her students, who is just leaving with Juana, Muriel's eldest daughter. Desperate to avoid the unfamiliar faces, Dora attempts to persuade Nicolas to stay, but they depart, leaving her alone. A mysterious man then offers to escort her into the festivities.
Upon entering, Dora is introduced to the guests by Muriel, who proudly presents her as his esteemed visitor. Muriel subsequently urges Dora to engage in conversation with the attendees, particularly the parents, rather than distributing her resume. However, eager to make an impression, Dora initially ignores his advice and starts handing out her resume. Muriel, noticing her actions, gently reprimands her and encourages her to mingle and forge connections instead.
Meanwhile, Juana and Nicolas seize the opportunity of their father's party to break into one of the wealthy houses, clad in masks. Back at the party, Dora feels an overwhelming urge to depart. As she searches for Muriel, she stumbles upon a luxurious storage closet, accidentally wandering off course. A vigilant bodyguard discovers her and directs her to Muriel's office, where he is hosting an exclusive, drug-fueled gathering.
Muriel motions for his companions to leave, and Bernie, the same man who accompanied Dora into the party, retreats to another sofa in the office. Muriel then proceeds to manipulate Dora's emotions regarding the headmistress position, insisting that with his support, the job is hers for the taking.
Meanwhile, at the opulent dinner party, Vicente found himself growing increasingly weary of the obligation to amuse the governor. Seeking a reprieve, he politely excused himself to attend to a pressing matter in the bathroom, unaware that Tamara seized the opportunity to broach the subject of their plight with Muriel to the governor.
Over at Muriel’s sleek office, Dora was suddenly interrupted by a video message from Tono, wherein he appeared to be in a panic, being pursued by an unseen figure. Her heart raced with concern, compelling her to abruptly depart. As she was about to leave Tono’s office, her gaze fell upon Bernie, slumped unconscious on the plush sofa. Muriel's call to rouse him went unanswered, and Dora’s attempts to awaken him likewise proved futile. Panicked, she contemplated summoning a doctor, but Muriel, realizing that Bernie had suffered an overdose and fearing police involvement, hastily intervened.
Muriel desperationately offered Dora anything she desired, as long as she pledged to keep the incident under wraps. Her immediate request was money, the simplest yet most poignant solution amidst the chaos.
