Malina has always been a stickler for the truth, which made her friendship with Widlin Pierre challenging, at best.  Unfortunately, despite her desire to remain friends with Widlin, Malina grew tired of Widlin's lies and begin devoting her newly acquired time to new beau, Anton McCloud.  Intrigued by the "Man of Mystery" as he denoted himself, the two immediately were drawn together and attended the 1st Annual Masquerade Ball.  Anton became Malina's new confidante and the two soon embarked on a beautiful romance. But like any other romance in Hallandale, they also had to deal with some obstacles, like a vengeful Camille Bellows and the arrival of Malina's ex- husband (Mauricio Gonzalez), or so she thought.

After stalking her for weeks, Mauricio revealed himself to Malina and floored her with his revelation that they were still legally married.  If she wasn't already furious to see the man that left her to pay for his crimes, she was infuriated to know he never signed the papers.  Even more so when he told her he would not sign the divorce papers unless she agreed to pay him five grand.  She reluctantly agreed, keeping the secret of her marriage to Mauricio from Anton. However, when Malina finally met on the docks to pay off Mauricio and bid farewell to him, Anton's younger brother, Dylan, caught the two in an embrace.  In short, Dylan, misinterpreting the situation, went to Anton and told him what he saw.  Anton confronted Malina and she admitted that the man she was with was her ex- husband, Mauricio Gonzalez.  The name struck a chord with Anton, but he quickly shrugged it off.

Malina also started a career at Nichol's Beauticon, although she was reluctant at first considering the history between her boss, Shaquanna Nichols, and Widlin Pierre.  After discovering Malina's knack for fashion design, Shaquanna tried to encourage Malina to design clothing for her company, but Malina was adamant that she did not want to pursue that avenue of her talents again.  Shaquanna later went to Anton for help in convincing Malina, but before he could even discuss the idea with her, his cousin (Beau) made a big splash introuduction.  It was then revealed that Beau was the mastermind behind Mauricio's return and that he wanted revenge against Anton for sleeping with his fiancee, although Anton and Karen believed Beau was dead at the time.  It was also revealed that Malina's ex- husband was a childhood friend of Anton and Beau, which Beau gleefully rubbed in Anton's face, letting him know that Mauricio was Malina's first in every way.  Despite the initial resentment between Malina and Beau, Malina realized that the anger between him and Anton was unhealthy and tried to convince Beau to let go of his vendetta.  Apparently, her speech worked as Beau extended an olive branch and after some time, Anton accepted.

Following the excitement of the Kavina Shah's conviction trial, Malina began working with Shaquanna on their new campaign - Liberation.  With their new spokesmodel - Garrettlyn Michaels - at the helm, the days of Nichols' name being ridden with scandal seemed so far behind them.  Nichols' was rising to all new heights again, a fact that Shaquanna believed was because of Malina's involvement, which is why when Malina learned of Shaquanna's plan to leave town, she insisted that Malina take over Nichols' Beauticon.  Realizing that taking full reigns at Nichols' would mean ultimately getting involved in the design end of things again, Malina refused.