When my mother passed away, I was devastated. Our relationship had been complicated, and she never fully approved of my husband, Peter. I didn’t realize just how well she’d known him until after her death.

A few weeks later, her lawyer revealed she’d left me her entire fortune — over $400,000. At first, Peter was the most supportive husband in the world. But soon, his true intentions surfaced. He pushed for new cars, a luxury vacation, even a bigger house. When I refused to spend the money, his affection vanished.

Three weeks later, Peter coldly told me he wanted to separate. But I had a surprise of my own. From a folder, I handed him Mom’s addendum to her will:

“If my daughter is married at the time of my passing, she will not receive access to any inheritance unless and until she is legally divorced. No spouse or third party may claim or access any portion of my estate.”

His face turned pale. If we divorced, I’d get everything. If we stayed married, neither of us would see a dime — it would all go to charity.

We divorced quietly the next month. I moved into Mom’s house, traveled the world, and finally felt free. Peter was left with nothing.

Mom had seen the truth about him long before I did — and her final move protected me.