My Stepson’s Mom Took Credit for the Car I Paid 70% For – So I Called Her Out in Front of Everyone

After months of saving and careful preparation, my husband and I prepared a surprise for my stepson’s 18th birthday. However, his mother chose to take center stage right before the big moment, and I wasn’t going to tolerate it.

My husband Bill and I decided we wanted to do something large and memorable for my stepson Alex’s 18th birthday. Thus, we decided to get him a brand-new vehicle. However, I silenced Alex’s mother, Bill’s ex-wife, and assisted her in humiliating herself in public when she attempted to claim all the credit for the present.

Even though Alex is my stepson, I still adore and love him very much. I’ve always made an effort to be more than the wife his father had. Over the years, particularly after he obtained his license, we have developed a strong relationship.

I therefore wanted his birthday present to express my pride in the young man he was growing into. I had been carefully and discreetly saving money for months. I would admit, though, that having a more affluent upbringing was a huge assistance.

We decided that I would pay the most of the expenses because Bill had been having some financial difficulties with his business. After that, I studied cars for weeks, almost like I was writing a dissertation. Based on what Alex had remarked informally over dinner, I took the time to compare safety ratings and features, financing choices, insurance rates, gas mileage, and even color selections.

I eventually discovered the ideal vehicle. It was stylish, dependable, safe, and sufficiently cool for an eighteen-year-old.

Bill paid the remaining thirty percent, and I contributed seventy percent.

Then, while I was preparing dinner a week prior to the birthday, my husband gave me a small and unwanted surprise.

He remarked nonchalantly, “Oh, by the way,” Lisa wants to contribute five percent. Just so we can claim that we all own the car.

After a moment of inaction, I switched off the burner and gently turned to look at him. “I’m sorry, she wants to do what?”

He said, shrugging, “She said it’d look better if it were presented as a joint gift,” and started to back away behind the refrigerator door.

I waited for the joke as I looked at him. “And you agreed to this without asking me?”

He gave a shrug. “I assumed it wouldn’t make a difference. I take it it’s for Alex?

However, it was significant.

I knew Lisa, not because of the money or even the principle. Her focus was entirely on appearances. Unfortunately, my stepson’s mother was the type of person who would take pictures of the team and post them with the message, “Great work from my staff,” even if she hadn’t done anything.

Lisa wanted to be the hero, especially when she wasn’t, as I had discovered long ago.

She also hated that I was younger than her and Bill, and that I came from a wealthy family. In an attempt to undermine me, she tried to outdo or disgrace me whenever she could.

I ignored the present, though. On the outside, anyway.

I vowed not to let anything, including myself, spoil Alex’s special day. Not even a woman who believed she could change history by sending $500 via Venmo.

Or so I believed.

The big day finally came. We rented a couple patio heaters and set up some lights in the backyard for the event. The entire family as well as close friends were invited by my spouse and me.

Alex was grinning as soon as he entered! We placed the car in the driveway with a large red bow across the hood, and my child nearly burst when we showed him!

He screamed, “Oh my god!” and ran in its direction. “Are you people for real? Is this truly mine?

With a surge of pride in my breast, I nodded. “It’s all yours, birthday boy!”

Since the gift was given as a team effort, Alex gave me, his father, and his mother hugs.

Later, I heard her voice behind me as I was lighting candles on the cake.

“So, Alex, honey, how do you like our gift with Dad?” Lisa drooled.

“Mom, it’s incredible. Once again, thank you so lot. In response, Alex gave her a second hug.

I hesitated about the final candle. In the hopes that she would stop there, I waited.

Naturally, though, she didn’t.

She asked Bill, loud enough for the whole table to hear, “We spent weeks picking the perfect model and color, didn’t we?” “I wanted it to be just right for you.”

My blood began to boil, and I froze in mid-step. Alex’s grandparents were nodding and muttering compliments. Bill started to say something, then changed his mind and shut his mouth.

“You’re really considerate, Lisa! “You always prioritize Alex,” said Bill’s mother, Doris, with admiration.

Lisa answered, “Oh, it was nothing,” wearing a small, phony smile. “We had a few options lined up, but this one really stood out as the perfect option.”

I inhaled deeply before carrying the cake over and smiling to cover the burn in my chest.

We sang. Alex wished. Everyone gave a clap.

Then I put the knife down, swiveled around, and met her gaze. Oh, you believed that I was overlooking her remarks? No, you’re not that familiar with me.

“Lisa,” I remarked with a charming smile, “whoa. I was unaware of your level of involvement. Would you kindly let us know which other vehicles you were considering?

Taken aback by my inquiry, she raised an eyebrow and blinked.

She then gave me a slow, sarcastic smile while crossing her arms. “Remind me once more, before you begin questioning me, did you even contribute anything? Three percent? What was it? Or was there only one?

The whole table fell silent. Alex’s dish clattered as his fork struck it. His eyes grew wide as he shifted uneasily between Lisa and me, not sure which side to support.

Bill’s jaw tensed, but he remained mute, obviously feeling the impending storm.

He was correct. I had made up my mind that now was the moment to come clean.

I moved forward, my voice still friendly. You must be confusing me with yourself, Lisa. I made a 70% payment. I did my homework, chose a model, placed my order, and signed the paperwork.

Her cheeks turned blazing red, and her smile disappeared.

She yelled, “Excuse me?!” “You’re making it sound like I did nothing!”

“No, no, Lisa,” I replied quietly, “I’m giving you full credit—you did just enough to tell the entire family that you ‘spent weeks picking the perfect car.'”

Quiet.

Stunned, even Alex turned from her to me.

Lisa’s voice was piercing as she turned to Bill in wrath. “She paid the most of it, didn’t you tell me? You allowed me to appear foolish in front of my own son.

Bill had the appearance of a deer caught in headlights. “I… I thought you knew…”

With an angry tone, Lisa picked up her bag and got to her feet. “You two lack gratitude! I was merely attempting to show Alex some consideration.”

I cocked my head. “Let’s face it, Lisa, you looked stupid without assistance. You handled that quite well by yourself.

After giving me a long look, she hurried off the terrace while muttering that we were “impossible to work with.”

The room was still for a moment, and nobody moved.

Doris cleared her throat after that. “Well… at least now we know who really bought the car.”

Even Lisa’s own parents stared down at their plates, embarrassed on her behalf.

After that, the party calmed down. People chose to celebrate Alex instead of bringing up the subject. However, there was no longer any faking and the air was clearer and lighter.

After everyone had gone home and the dishes were piled high in the sink, our bedroom door was gently knocked on later that evening. Bill had left to pick up some visitors.

Alex looked in.

“Hey,” he murmured.

“Hey, little one. Are you okay?” I sat up in bed and asked.

With a nod, he entered while fumbling with the hoodie’s hem. “I just wanted to express my gratitude once more for the automobile. I am aware of the amount of work you put into making this happen.

I extended my arms and grinned. “Come here.”

He came over to me and gave me a hard hug.

I remarked, “You deserve it, sweetie,” “You’ve developed into a fantastic young guy. I desired for you to possess something that embodies that.

He stepped back and gave me a look. “I adore it. I also adore you. Even in front of the entire family, my mother, when you roast people!”

I chuckled. “She had it coming!”

He smiled. “You’re kind of savage, you know that?”

“Only when provoked.”

He got up and rubbed his eyes. “I’m going to faint. It’s the most I’ve ever driven in a single day.

The words “Sleep well,” I said. “Happy birthday, Alex.”

He said quietly, “Thanks, Mom,” and then he shut the door.

The clamor of the day abruptly subsided, leaving behind a calm that I hadn’t experienced in years. Since then, Lisa hasn’t communicated with me, and really?

It’s been amazing. It was the quietest tranquility I’ve ever experienced.