London, New Year's Eve 1953/54: The 20-year-old Toni comes into contact with Otto John, the President of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BFV). The former resistance fighter is impressed by Toni's reflected nature.

Toni's distrust of Gehlen grows when she overhears an explosive phone call about the "Scipio" secret, in which Chancellor Globke is involved. Her father is also involved. Gehlen entrusts Toni with an envelope that she is supposed to hand over to Globke personally. On the way, Toni is surprised by Wolfgang, who persuades her to have a coffee. Not without ulterior motives.

The Schmidts are in an ice age. Else refuses to accompany Gerd to the German Business Ball and Toni senses her chance. In the pompous ballroom, everything that has status and reputation in the capital is gathered. Gehlen is also there and Toni watches as he disappears with her father and other men.

Otto John gives Toni the task of finding out who supports "Scipio" financially. She finds what she is looking for in her father's office and comes across dubious payments. When trucks are loaded with the mysterious boxes in the yard, Toni lays in wait. In an unobserved moment, she jumps onto the loading ramp.

Tony's life has been turned upside down. After she confronts her family with a cruel truth and nobody believes her, she leaves her parents' house with a few belongings and moves in with Wolfgang. The two realize how strong their feelings are for each other, even when everything is crumbling around them.