Barbara Herzog has managed the traditional Maibach paper mill since the death of her father. The respected medium-sized company is a well-established family business: Mother Elisabeth works in the office, Barbara's younger brother Rainer manages the technical processes, and Barbara's daughter Ina is to join the company after completing her studies. When machine damage paralyzes production, Barbara has to cancel the annual profit distribution in order to buy new machines.

With the help of her adversary Marius Perlinger, Barbara Herzog is able to avert the impending sale of the Maibach paper mill. Marius is suddenly prepared to put his demands on hold. In return, he has a vacant inn, which is part of the company's property, signed over to him. Barbara and Marius slowly grow closer, which has a harmonizing effect on the Herzogs' strained family life. But before things get really serious between the lovers, Barbara's world-traveling husband Wolfgang suddenly turns up...