Johanna wants to uncover the truth behind her father's death, but the corrupt police officer Theis is obstructing the investigation. Oil is gushing from the derricks for the first time in the Papes' ill-gotten forest, attracting international attention. British oil trader Tyler Robertson offers Wilhelm Pape a partnership, but Wilhelm refuses and appoints his son Richard as foreman. This is a devastating blow for Johanna, who was cheated out of the forest. Her doubts about Richard's loyalty grow. The desperate farmers organize, but Wilhelm responds with a bloody warning.

Johanna finds a new ally in Tyler in her fight against the powerful Papes. Although she loses the auction of the lakefront property to Wilhelm, it proves costly for him. Elisabeth, Wilhelm's wife, suspects foul play. The voices of the workers and farmers grow louder when a death rocks the village. Johanna openly opposes Wilhelm. The pressure on him mounts. His daughter Luisa plans to escape with the oil drilling engineer Max. Richard learns from Theiss that he is not solely responsible for the death of Johanna's father.