For thirty years, Stephanie told her family that her mother was dead. It wasn't until Stephanie sought counseling for her control issues that her family learned about Stephanie's estranged mother, Ann, and sister, Pamela.

Ann Douglas turned a blind eye to her husband's abuse of their daughters Stephanie and Pamela. She lived in denial for years, allowing herself to believe that her husband was simply a very strict father. The fact that he often used a belt on Stephanie was something Ann just put out of her mind.

Ann Douglas was an elderly woman whose primary caretaker was her spinster daughter, Pamela. One day they received a call from Pam's estranged sister, Stephanie, who wanted to visit after thirty years of absence. Ann was excited, thinking Stephanie wanted to make amends and get her mother's forgiveness. She and Pam picked through a box of family mementos and Ann became nostalgic, remembering the good times. Ann recalled the last time she saw Stephanie and told Pam things were said that never should have been. She vowed that she wouldn't allow that to happen again.

When Stephanie and Eric arrived in Chicago, Ann behaved as if no time had passed. She remarked that she wished she had received photos of her grandchildren or cards from them. Stephanie announced to Ann that she had told her family that Ann had been dead for the last thirty years.

When Stephanie confronted her mother about not protecting her daughters from their abusive father, Ann scolded her for saying such things and denied everything. When Ann told Stephanie that she wouldn't hear any more and was going to bed, Eric told Ann they were not leaving until Stephanie said what she had come to Chicago to say. Eric forced Ann to listen to what Stephanie had to say. Ann resented his pushiness and reminded him that she stood up for him when her husband thought Stephanie was marrying beneath her. Eric told her he didn't give a rat's ass. When Ann said she shouldn't have to tolerate that kind of language in her home, Eric retorted that she had tolerated much worse in her home. Stephanie told her mother that she had a bottomless pit of rage that has tainted all of her relationships, her marriage and caused her to lose Forrester Creations. Ann told Stephanie she had always warned her about her temper and Stephanie asked if she ever warned her husband about his. Ann avoided answering and asked Stephanie why she couldn't be sweet-tempered like her sister. Ann then went on about what a good life they had while Stephanie was growing up.

Stephanie admitted she remembered the good times but demanded to know why Ann turned a deaf ear to her pleas for help after she saw all of Stephanie's bruises and welts. Ann continued to deny it all, saying that in her day parents disciplined their children when they deserved it and if Stephanie's father ever struck her she must have deserved it. She told Stephanie not to blame her father for her own failures, adding that her father loved her very much. Ann went on about how John worked hard to provide a good home for them and she couldn't believe that Stephanie had come back to try to rob her of the sweet memories of the only man she ever loved. Ann added that she wouldn't allow it and turned her back on her daughter. Stephanie told Ann she had to face her children and answer to them for her failings and Ann was going to have to do the same. Stephanie demanded to know why Ann kept lying to herself and asked her if she was afraid her husband would have beat her if she didn't allow him to beat her daughter. Ann told Stephanie she loved her. Stephanie asked what good that was if she wouldn't stand up for her. Stephanie told Ann since she never got what she needed from her, she ended up smothering her own children in order to protect them. Stephanie pleaded with Ann to make her understand why she never did anything to stop her father's abuse. Ann wouldn't admit that she did anything wrong. Eric spoke up for Stephanie and they decided to leave.

Ann and Pam made a trip to L.A. to see Stephanie. Upon their arrival, Stephanie slammed the door on them. Felicia invited them both in as Stephanie looked angry. Ann pleaded with Stephanie to listen to her because she had come a long distance to tell her something. She admitted that everything that Stephanie had said was true and she knew of the abuse but always thought that each time it happened would be the last time. She admitted to having no courage to stand up to her husband for the sake of her child and begged Stephanie to forgive her. Stephanie told her she accepted her apologies, but couldn't forgive her and then forced them to leave.

When Eric decided the best thing he could do for Stephanie was to force her to reconcile with Ann, he called Ann and convinced her to come to L.A. for Christmas dinner. On the plane to California, Pam spoke to her mother about how nice it was for Eric to have extended an invitation to attend their family Christmas gathering. Ann talked about having the chance to have her daughter back in her life after all those years, but didn't count too heavily on that happening. When they landed, Ann told the stewardess to keep the plane handy because she didn't think that they would be staying long. When Ann and Pam arrived at Stephanie's, Ann told her daughter that Christmas was a time for family and Stephanie responded by telling them they were not welcome. Ann pleaded with Stephanie to have a change of heart, but Stephanie asked her mother to leave. Ann teared up, and apologized for causing Stephanie so much pain and prepared to leave. Eric began to play "What Child is This?" on the piano and everyone joined in. Stephanie saw Alexandria grab Ann's hand to join in the singing and finally found the strength to forgive her mother.

Eric offered Ann a luxury condo in Santa Monica with full time help and told Pam he wanted her to live in the guest house. Both of the women were excited about moving to L.A. Ann wondered how she'd get around L.A. since freeway driving was out of the question and Eric offered her a car and driver. Ann further negotiated for a new wardrobe and a possible stint as a Forrester model. Eric agreed to all the terms.

While talking to Pam, Ann described Stephanie as "damaged goods." Ann told Pam that Eric deserved someone better than Stephanie and more like Pam.

Ann decided against a Malibu condo and moved back to Chicago. After learning about Stephanie's shooting, Ann called Pam and pleaded with her to come home for her own sake. When Pam refused, Ann called Stephanie and shared the bad news that Pam was off her medications and had been for three months. She warned Stephanie that Pam was volatile and dangerous.