The following days felt unbearable. Rachel critiqued Sophie’s parenting, while Liz hovered, offering unwelcome pity. The tension weighed heavily on Sophie, their words swirling in her mind like an endless storm.

One evening, desperate for quiet, Sophie tidied the living room. Her gaze fell on the Elf on the Shelf. Something about its eyes seemed off. Picking it up, she noticed a small slit on its back. Her stomach churned as she opened it, revealing a hidden flash drive.

With trembling hands, she plugged the drive into her computer. Footage filled the screen—clips of her crying, struggling to clean, moments with Matthew. Even Rachel and Liz appeared in the videos. Sophie’s breath quickened as realization dawned: someone was spying on her.

Anger surged as she stormed into Rachel’s room, the flash drive clenched in her hand. “What is this?” she demanded.

Rachel looked up, confused. “What are you talking about?”

Sophie held the drive in front of her. “A hidden camera inside the elf? You’ve been trying to prove I’m a bad mother!”

Rachel’s eyes widened. “That’s horrible! We should call the police.”

“Don’t play innocent!” Sophie snapped. “You’ve been trying to take Matthew away!”

Rachel stood, her tone firm. “I haven’t done anything like that. Yes, I thought about it, but I decided it would hurt him. Matthew belongs with you.”

Sophie’s anger flared. “I don’t believe you. Get out of my house!”

Rachel crossed her arms. “I’m not going anywhere. Call the police if you want me gone.”

Furious, Sophie slammed the door as she left. But her frustration only grew when she spotted a receipt peeking out of Liz’s bag. It was for a surveillance camera.

Turning to Liz, Sophie held it up. “Was this you?”

Liz’s face turned pale. “Sophie, let me explain—”

“You did this?” Sophie’s voice cracked. “Why?”

“I thought Matthew might be better off with me,” Liz admitted. “You’re still grieving Frank. I needed proof you couldn’t manage.”

“Better off?” Sophie said, her voice trembling. “You never even asked me!”

Liz sighed. “I was trying to help. When you’re stronger, we’ll talk about him coming back to you.”

Sophie shook her head, tears streaming. “Get out. Now.”

Liz packed quickly, her movements stiff, and left without another word.

“Where’s Grandma going?” Matthew asked, stepping into the room.

“She had to leave,” Sophie said softly.

Matthew hugged her tightly. “Good. I want to stay with you.”

Sophie held him close, her resolve hardening. “No one’s taking you away, sweetheart. I promise.”

From the kitchen, Rachel watched silently, her expression unreadable. Sophie met her gaze, offering a hesitant nod. The fight wasn’t over, but Sophie knew one thing for sure—she would protect her son at all costs.