Rosie’s jaw dropped. Her face turned red, her glass trembled.

Then, a voice rang out: “Oh, but it gets better.”

It was Philip—Daniel’s father, Rosie’s ex-husband. She’d banned him from attending.

“What are you doing here?” Rosie snapped.

“Watching karma finally catch up,” he replied. “I paid for the wedding. Jim and Susan invested in their future. Rosie’s only been taking credit—and my alimony—for years.”

Rosie sputtered, then grabbed her purse and stormed out, slamming the doors behind her. A slow clap began. Then more. The room erupted in applause.

Later, as we cut the cake, Daniel’s cousin whispered, “Rosie’s been bragging about funding the whole thing. Guess that’s over.”

“She’ll be lucky to show her face at the Ladies’ Board again,” Aunt Amy chuckled.

Philip pulled Daniel into a hug. “I’m sorry I didn’t protect you both from her more.”

“You’re here now. That’s what matters,” Daniel said.

As we left that night, Philip leaned in and said, “You know what the best revenge is, Katie?”

I shook my head.

“Living well. And thanks to your parents, you’re off to a brilliant start.”