I never expected my rich daughter-in-law’s fancy dinner invitation to turn into a nightmare. But when she abandoned me with a $5,375 bill, I knew I had to teach her a lesson she’d never forget — I just didn’t know how it would end.

My name’s Ruth, a retired teacher. My son Michael’s wife, Veronica, invited me out to celebrate. She’s a hotshot lawyer, all designer suits and power lunches. “Don’t worry about the cost,” she’d said. “It’s my treat.”

The restaurant was upscale, where the menu doesn’t have prices. Veronica ordered the most expensive wine and a lavish meal, insisting it was to celebrate my retirement. We chatted, mostly about her work. After dinner, she excused herself to the ladies’ room and never returned. The waiter presented me with the bill—$5,375. Realizing her deceit, I paid but vowed to make her regret it.

With help from friends, I orchestrated a plan. Veronica’s mansion was thoroughly cleaned, and she received a “bill” for emotional distress, which included every rude comment she had ever made. The next day, she publicly apologized and reimbursed me. Eventually, our relationship improved, and she learned the importance of respect.