I gave her a tight smile.
“Just capturing some family memories.”
Austin looked confused, his eyebrows scrunched, but didn’t say anything.
He was completely clueless about what I was planning.
With every new video of Janice acting out, I felt more sure of what I had to do.
She had gone too far, and Austin had failed to stand up for me.
They both needed to face the results of their actions, no matter how serious.
So, I quietly started putting together a plan that would change all of our lives.
With all the proof I had collected, it was time to set the trap and get my final payback.
I decided to use Janice’s love for attention against her by throwing a huge housewarming party.
When I mentioned the idea, her eyes lit up with excitement.
“A real housewarming party?” she said with a grin. “Finally, a chance to show off your fancy new house.”
I forced a cheerful smile.
“That’s exactly what I was thinking. I want to celebrate our fresh start in this beautiful home.”
“Well, you know, I’m taking charge of the planning,” Janice said, flipping her hair. “You’ve got no taste or class.”
I nodded like I agreed.
“Of course. I’m happy to let you take full control. Invite whoever you want. Go all out with decorations and food, whatever you think is best.”
Janice laughed with joy.
“This is going to be a party no one will ever forget. Leave it all to me, sis.”
Over the next few weeks, she went overboard with the planning.
She kept texting and calling me about the expensive flower decorations, the fancy food, and all the over-the-top things she was ordering.
One day, Austin pulled me aside, looking worried.
“Are you sure it’s a good idea to let Janice run the whole party? You know how she gets.”
I waved away his concern.
“It’s a big celebration for our dream home. Why not make it special? Let Janice go all out.”
He still looked unsure, but I just smiled to calm him down.
Let him think I was being overly kind and generous.
He had no idea what I was really doing.
A few days before the party, Janice called me sounding nervous.
“We have a little situation, Gloria,” Janice said nervously. “Funny story, I kind of went over the budget.”
“And?” I asked calmly.
“Well, I need you to cover what’s still owed to the vendors and rental companies,” she said quickly. “Just put it on your credit card. We’ll figure it out later.”
I had to stop myself from smiling.
“Oh, I can’t do that,” I said. “I’m out of money after buying the house and everything.”
“What?” Janice shrieked. “You told me to go all out. What am I supposed to do now?”
In a fake sorry tone, I said, “Oh no, I should have warned you about my money situation. Why don’t you just put everything on your credit card? I’m sure it’ll be fine.”
There was a long silence on the other end as she realized what had just happened.
“You, you little trickster,” she finally said, furious. “This was all a setup.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I replied sweetly. “Just go ahead and pay for everything, sis. I’ll see you at the party.”
She started yelling and swearing, but I hung up the phone with a smile.
Everything was falling into place.
The housewarming party turned out even more over the top than I had imagined.
Janice had really gone all in, just like I hoped.
The backyard sparkled with fairy lights.
Flowers were everywhere.
Tables were packed with fancy snacks and champagne.
Guests arrived and couldn’t stop staring at the expensive decorations.
They were clearly impressed.
Janice soaked it all in, smiling proudly and pretending to be a classy host.
“Isn’t this just fabulous?” she kept saying in a fake, fancy voice, waving her arms like she was a queen.
Austin leaned in toward me at one point, lowering his voice.
“Babe, this seems kind of extreme, even for Janice. How much did all this cost?”
I gently patted his arm.
“Don’t worry, Janice is covering it all.”
He looked confused, but I didn’t explain.
Let him stay clueless a little longer.
As the party reached its peak, Janice grabbed the microphone to give a toast.
She tapped it with her champagne glass, trying to quiet everyone.
“May I have everyone’s attention, please?” she shouted, her voice slurred.
She had clearly had too much to drink already.
The crowd went silent and turned to look at her.
Janice stood tall, acting like she was the star of the night.
“You can all see I’ve thrown one amazing party to celebrate my sister-in-law’s new house,” Janice began, her words already a little slurred. “Gloria may have had the money to buy this place, but she sure doesn’t have the class to throw a proper party.”
A few people gave awkward laughs, but most just glanced around uncomfortably.
Janice didn’t notice.
She kept going.
“That’s why I stepped in with my amazing taste and connections to turn this plain little house into something truly special,” she said, waving her glass and almost spilling her drink. “So, raise your glasses to me,” she added proudly. “The real genius behind this unforgettable night.”
That was my moment.
I stepped up and smoothly took the microphone from her hand.
“You’re absolutely right, Janice,” I said calmly. “You did plan every part of this big fancy event all by yourself.”