Felicia was alarmed when her mother announced that she won't host Christmas. "I just don't have it in me to do it this year," Stephanie lamented. "I want to be alone." Felicia tried to change her mind, but to no avail. Stephanie then visited Stephen in jail and urged him to confess. "You're crazy," Stephen declared. Steph said she would ask the D.A. to make a plea bargain if Stephen would just admit he shot her. He refused and professed his trust in Storm proving his innocence. Stephanie then threatened to put Stephen in the "worst penitentiary in the state."

"Tell me the truth," Brooke asked Storm. At first, he tried stonewalling, then revealed how Stephen blamed Storm for allowing Brooke's rape to happen. He started to seethe about how Stephen swooped in and suddenly appointed himself family protector, a mantle Storm had nobly assumed for years. "He was taking you away from me and I couldn't let that happen," Storm babbled, then admitted, "I did it." He crumpled to the sofa and explained how he couldn't tolerate the pain Stephanie had caused his sisters plus Stephen's interference. He recounted how he was the one who turned on Jake's video camera, then, knowing Stephanie was supposed to meet Eric in the showroom, put on his class ring (similar to Stephen's) and shot her. He banked on Jake eventually finding the video footage. Both Brooke and Katie were devastated by the confession. "Please tell me you're making this up," Katie begged, but Storm couldn't. When Brooke pointed out that their father is in jail for a crime he didn't commit, Storm said Stephen deserves to stay there. Storm then urged them to stay mum. "I earned your loyalty ... now it's time for you to return the favor," Storm declared.