When Matt’s wife, Lily, came home looking more drained than usual, he knew something was wrong. Lily, a talented marketing analyst, had developed strategies that boosted her company’s sales. But her boss, Ms. Robinson, kept taking credit for Lily’s work.

“It’s been going on for so long,” Lily said one evening, her excitement about her work replaced by frustration. “I don’t think anything is going to change.”

Matt could see how the situation was affecting her health and happiness. Her once lively demeanor was now replaced by anxiety, sleepless nights, and stress-induced headaches.

“I’m worried about you,” Matt said while they were gardening, a rare moment of peace. “Don’t you think you should confront Ms. Robinson?”

“I can’t,” Lily sighed. “She has all the connections and could make my life difficult.”

Unable to stand by any longer, Matt proposed a plan.

“What if we give her a taste of her own medicine?” he suggested. “Let’s create a fake marketing plan with hidden flaws. If she presents it as her own, it’ll backfire, and she’ll be exposed.”

Lily was hesitant but agreed. They crafted a sophisticated presentation with subtle, deliberate flaws.

The day of the pitch arrived. Lily dressed carefully, her nerves evident. “Can you tell I’m nervous?” she asked.

“Yes,” Matt laughed. “But everything will be fine. Ms. Robinson will be taught a lesson.”

Ms. Robinson eagerly presented the flawed plan to the CEO and senior management. When questioned about discrepancies, she stammered. “Lily, do you have any insights?” the CEO asked.

Lily calmly explained the flaws and their implications. Impressed by her expertise, the CEO questioned why Ms. Robinson had overlooked such critical errors. After the meeting, Ms. Robinson received a formal reprimand.

“Matt!” Lily exclaimed on the phone. “Ms. Robinson is on probation. The CEO was not happy about the mistakes.”

“Good,” Matt said. “It’s her responsibility to ensure accuracy.”

Lily returned to her desk, feeling a newfound sense of freedom. Ms. Robinson approached her, looking subdued. “Lily, can we talk?”

In her office, Ms. Robinson apologized. “I realize I haven’t given you the credit you deserve. I took shortcuts and took credit for your ideas. I’m committed to making things right.”

Lily, surprised but relieved, listened as Ms. Robinson promised to acknowledge her contributions from now on.

Later, Lily recounted the day’s events over dinner. “It feels good to know she learned a lesson, even if it was forced.”

“So, you feel better?” Matt asked.

“Yes,” Lily said, smiling. “I finally feel like I can sleep peacefully.”

With the stress lifted, Lily’s mood and health improved. Their evenings, once quiet, were filled with laughter again.

“Dance with me, Matt,” she said, playing their wedding song. And just like that, Lily was back to her cheerful self.

What would you have done?