Episode 3 of Season 1 of "The Gardner" commences with China lost in contemplation, revisiting the genesis of their tumultuous journey. Her son's metamorphosis into a different person has left her reeling, grappling with emotions she never anticipated. The narrative flashbacks a couple of years, to an unexpected visit from Tony, who turned up at their doorstep unannounced. With his characteristic cunning and ne'er-do-well demeanor, he wheedled his way into staying for a few days, only to reveal later that he was hiding from the authorities after being caught in a compromising situation with a minor.
China attempted to evict him repeatedly, but Tony dug in his heels, refusing to budge. His presence grew increasingly toxic, with violence escalating daily. Elmer, witness to his mother's slow unraveling, finally intervened. Utilizing plants to concoct a deadly poison, he ended Tony's life. China, interpreting this drastic action as an expression of profound love, aided Elmer in disposing of the body. This harrowing experience sparked the idea of exploiting Elmer's disability to generate income.
Currently, China and Elmer find themselves locked in another fierce dispute, this time over Violeta. Elmer stands firm, urging China to honor his choices, yet she remains relentless in her opposition. He storms out to meet Violeta, leaving China seething with anger at home.
As Elmer and Violeta spend more quality time together, China's fury intensifies, and Isabela's patience wears thin. Prompted by another visit from Isabela, China resolves to eliminate Violeta herself. She embarks on a campaign of stalking, honing in on the opportune moment to strike. Fortunately, fate intervenes when an unsuspecting student arrives just as China is about to act, thereby saving Violeta. Pivoting her plan, China resorts to tampering with Elmer's medication, surreptitiously mixing it into his food.
Meanwhile, Carrera and Torres delve deeper into a spree of missing persons cases exhibiting similar modus operandi. Their investigation uncovers a chilling list of over ten individuals who have mysteriously vanished without a trace.
Meanwhile, Elmer finds himself increasingly drawn to spending quality time with Violeta. However, a peculiar sensation gnaws at him when, after watching a heart-wrenching film, he fails to feel the expected melancholy. Determined to seek answers, he confronts his mother about his medication, only to discover she has meticulously concealed her actions.
On the flip side, Violeta's days grow fraught as more individuals accost her, seeking information about Mon. Despite her repeated assertions of innocence, they remain unconvinced. Undeterred, she continues her relationship with Elmer, who sweeps her off her feet with a romantic evening at a local garden. Passion ensues, yet Elmer remains emotionally detached.
Driven to the brink, Elmer confronts China, storming through the kitchen in a fury until he unearths the incriminating evidence. His voice trembling with disappointment, he declares their relationship over, vowing never to place his trust in her again.
Oblivious to the turmoil she inadvertently fuels between Elmer and his mother, Violeta soldiers on with her daily routine. Tragically, Mon's loved ones devise a new form of harassment, scrawling defamatory graffiti outside her home and plastering the walls with Missing Person posters featuring Mon's face, turning her world into a living nightmare.
