When I inherited $500,000 from my late mother, I thought it would give me security. Instead, it made me a target. My in-laws, who had barely tolerated me before, suddenly saw me as a walking ATM.

“Promise me you’ll stand up for yourself, Helen,” my mother whispered before she passed. I promised—but I had no idea how soon I’d be tested.

It started small. “Robert’s car is falling apart,” Patricia, my mother-in-law, sighed. “Maybe just $5,000?” I hesitated but agreed. Two weeks later, she pulled up in a brand-new SUV.

Then came the constant requests: dental implants, vacations, a kitchen renovation. Every conversation led to my money. Jake, my husband, dismissed my concerns. “They’re family,” he shrugged.

Then Patricia made her boldest move yet: “A small $150,000 down payment for our dream home? Your mother would want you to help family.”

That was it. I was done.

At a family dinner, I made an announcement. “I’ve decided to donate a large portion of my inheritance—to a charity for single mothers, in honor of mine.” Silence. Patricia paled. Robert sputtered. Jake looked betrayed.

“What about family?” Patricia wailed. “Family doesn’t manipulate and demand,” I said coldly. “My mother gave without expecting. That’s what real family does.”

Jake and I started counseling. Whether our marriage would survive was uncertain, but at least I was standing up for myself. My in-laws? They never asked for money again.

My mother’s voice echoed in my heart: “You did good, Helen.” And for the first time, I truly believed it.