When my ex’s mom accused me of wasting child support on a sweater, I decided to show her exactly how much her “golden boy” really contributed. Spoiler: her jaw dropped—then mine did too.

Harold sends me $200 a month. That barely covers daycare, let alone rent or medical bills for our 4-year-old son, Phineas. But while I stretch every dollar, Harold splurges on ski trips, steakhouse dinners, and a brand-new Audi with his 19-year-old girlfriend. When his mother, Bernadette, demanded “receipts,” I handed her a folder—and showed her his Instagram.

Her face went pale as she realized the truth. At court weeks later, Bernadette shocked me by taking the stand—on my side. She confirmed everything I’d told her, and the judge immediately raised Harold’s payments tenfold, plus ordered back pay. Harold looked horrified; I felt like I could finally breathe.

Now, Harold drives a Honda Civic, and Bernadette comes over every Sunday to read with Phineas and bring dessert. We don’t talk about her son—but I know she finally sees where the real love and sacrifice in this family come from.