CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SIX - Elena’s Manipulation

One evening, as Claire prepared dinner, she overheard Mason and Sofia in the living room, giggling over a board game. "Dad, can we go to the amusement park this weekend?" Sofia asked, her voice eager. Claire froze at the sink, her heart clenching at Sofia's use of "Dad." It was the first time she'd heard the little girl use the term, and it hit her like a physical blow. Mason's response was enthusiastic. "Of course we can, sweetheart! We'll make a whole day of it. Maybe we can invite your mom too?" Claire's grip tightened on the dish she was washing. Of course, Elena would be invited. She was always there, hovering on the periphery, ready to swoop in at a moment's notice. As if summoned by Claire's thoughts, there was a knock at the door. Mason answered it, and Elena's dulcet tones filled the apartment. "I hope I'm not interrupting," Elena said, her voice dripping with false concern. "I just wanted to check on my little girl. Sofia, darling, how are you settling in?" Claire took