Episode 5 of Season 1 of "The Gardner" opens with Elmer submerged in the abyss of his first heartbreak, on the brink of collapse Haunted by visions of Violeta's betrayal, he vents his fury on the innocent plants around him. China, though relieved that Violeta's actions have backfired, prays earnestly for Elmer's swift recuperation.
As Elmer regains his footing, he heeds his mother's advice and returns to the hospital. There, the doctor delivers a grim diagnosis: his tumor is expanding, necessitating swift action to save his life. On their way back, China persuades Elmer to take drastic measures—to eliminate Violeta. Elmer, convinced it's the only way, begins hatching a plan.
Meanwhile, Violeta is consumed by thoughts of Elmer. She reaches out, requesting a meet-up. Elmer, seething with anger, agrees to pick her up later. Before departing, however, he prepares her final resting place—a grim contrast to the usual post-breakup antics of listening to Taylor Swift. Instead, Elmer digs a grave, meticulously plotting her demise.
Upon witnessing the grave, China informs Sabella of the impending doom awaiting Violeta, relaying the good news with a hint of glee.
Elsewhere, Torres and Carrera tail Elmer, hoping to catch him in the act. But when Elmer and Violeta finally reconvene, she pours her heart out, apologizing profusely and confessing her undying love for him. Elmer, unversed in the intricacies of revenge, softens and forgives her. They return to her apartment, where their passion reignites.
Torres and Carrera follow them discreetly to Violeta's abode.
Later, Elmer visits his mother, only to discover that Sabella poses a threat to them. Enraged by his mother's deception—she had pretended to cancel the hit on Violeta—Elmer confronts China, accusing her of manipulating him yet again. He blames her for turning him into a would-be killer and announces his intention to move out. He warns his mother to stay away from Violeta.
After Elmer leaves, China reaches out to an old acquaintance, Orson, arranging a meeting.
Elmer packs his bags and asks Violeta if he can stay with her for a few days. She warmly welcomes the idea, handing him the house keys the following morning. Later that day, Elmer stumbles upon their operation and blows it sky-high. Torres and Carrera debate whether to hand over the case to the Homicide unit, but Carrera refuses to let another team steal their thunder. She convinces Torres to continue their investigation.
She embarks on a quest to uncover methods of disposing of human bodies and chances upon an intriguing article detailing the use of human remains as fertilizer. As the pieces of the puzzle begin to fall into place, she urgently contacts Torres, eager to arrange a meeting. However, Torres urges patience, insisting they await a warrant. He further declines her proposal to covertly enter China's garden to conduct a simple blue-light test. Determined not to let her lead dry up, Carrera decides to take matters into her own hands and sneaks into the garden to perform the test herself. As anticipated, the results are conclusive, and she promptly sends Torres the incriminating photographs.
In the twilight hours, Elmer concocts a tale for Violeta, claiming he needs to assist a client, when in reality, he makes his way to Sabella's residence. Unfortunately for him, his presence near Sabella's home is noted by an observant Catuxa. Finding Elmer's loitering suspicious, Catuxa dials Violeta's number, leaving a voicemail detailing the peculiar encounter. Undeterred, Elmer manages to slip into Sabella's house and confronts her. A fierce knife battle ensues, leaving Elmer with a gash on his chest. Despite the injury, he manages to overpower Sabella and ends her life. Returning to Violeta's home, Elmer fabricates another story, claiming a cactus plant was the culprit of his wound. Sympathetic, Violeta assists him in cleaning the injury, oblivious to the unread messages on her phone, which could have altered the course of her evening.
