Susan’s eyes lit up, and she couldn’t hide her enthusiasm. “That’s so generous of you, Mary!”
Later, I prepared an envelope with fake money from an old board game, labeling it, “For Timmy, love Grandma.” Then, I waited.
Sure enough, the next day, Susan went straight to the antique store. Helen called me right away. “She’s here, and she’s asking to see the necklace again,” Helen whispered.
I rushed to the store, and as I arrived, I saw Susan handing Helen the fake money. Helen looked at the bills and said, “This is counterfeit.”
Susan panicked. “What? No, that can’t be!”
Helen stood firm. “It’s fake. I’ll have to call the police.”
At that moment, I stepped forward. “Susan, what’s going on?”
“Mary, help me!” she pleaded, her voice trembling. “She says the money is fake!”
I looked at her and said, “That’s because it is, Susan.”
The truth hit her like a brick. “You’ve been keeping the money I sent for Timmy, haven’t you?”
Susan broke down, sobbing. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean for it to go this far.”
I stayed calm but resolute. “From now on, I’ll give Timmy the money directly. You’ve lost my trust.”
Helen chose not to involve the police, but the lesson was clear.
And that’s how I uncovered my daughter-in-law’s deceit. It wasn’t easy, but sometimes, tough love is the only way to set things right.