With Anton (Jameson Blake) mercilessly orchestrating the rapid circulation of the deepfake video targeting Mel (Sue Ramirez), she inevitably deals with the traumatic aftermath, particularly being in a deep state of shock as she arrives at her only safe place at Alice’s (Janella Salvador) house with Erica (Kaila Estrada), Beth (Charlie Dizon), Tim (Dingdong Bahan), Tom (Patrick Ramirez), and her mother, Margie (Karen Timbol).
Completely aware that the scandal was all Anton’s doing, they immediately reconvene to discuss the plans of preventing the spread of the malicious footage and later gather by Mel’s room to give her the comfort and support she needs.
At the same time, Lucas (JM de Guzman) clashes with Anton at the Montenegro residence. Unable to fathom Anton’s wickedness, Lucas relentlessly beats him until he appears bloodied. Anton’s lawyer seizes the chance to record Lucas’ wrath, aiming to twist the narrative that would paint Mel as the instigator of his sudden attack.
When the morning came, Lucas arrived at Alice’s home and was greeted by a fuming Erica, who instantly criticized him for his rash actions, which might negatively affect Mel’s ongoing case against Anton.
Throughout their heated conversation, Mel eavesdrops and is left heartbroken by the revelation from Lucas—that his feelings for Mel had long since vanished and that what remains is his genuine concern to defend her, something he couldn’t do for his mother.
Hours later, the MABEL girls gather, all worried for Mel. However, the tension bursts when Mel sarcastically comments on Erica’s recent statement on the news about the legal actions made for the deepfake scandal.
Hearing Mel’s mixed feelings of frustration and hopelessness, Erica steps in, softly reminding her that this is what Anton wants—to make Mel weak. In response, Mel states that Erica has been doing the same thing, bringing up the conversation she overheard between Erica and Lucas.
Tearfully, Mel reiterates that she didn’t want Lucas and her to be over but was met with the reality of him not ever wanting to be with her again. She turns the blame to Erica, whom she thinks is the cause for Lucas’ change.
The two exchange bitter words, with Mel accusing Erica of slowly rekindling her past romance with Lucas, and Erica berating Mel’s breakdown over losing Lucas instead of focusing on her condition.
Nearing the limits of her emotions, Mel cries out that Lucas was the only person who truly understands and accepts her for who she is, painfully questioning how no one would likely love her after everything that has been happening.
Alice gently approaches Mel and embraces her, reassuring her that they are the ones who would still continue to love her.
Will Mel and Erica have the possibility to mend their ties together? Find out in “What Lies Beneath,” airing weeknights on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live (KOL), A2Z, ALLTV, and iWant.