The Sassy Sister-in-Law’s Grand Comeback

I put my husbands outspoken sister back in her place
Mom said the restaurant reservation is set, Caroline said calmly, oblivious to the strain in Isabelles voice. And the money? You and Antoine have transferred everything?
Isabelle hesitated, searching for words, but Caroline pressed on:
Its not a huge amount, honestly. I even thought about adding some of my own cash, but with my expenses Its for Mom, you understand.
Wait, Isabelle finally interrupted, trying to stay composed. We never agreed to that. Antoine never mentioned it to me.
Oh, you know how he forgets everything, Caroline laughed as if it were the most ordinary thing. I told him youd receive about forty thousand euros. Thats a reasonable sum for an occasion like this, right?
Her words made it sound as if the decision were already final and any objection pointless. Isabelle clenched her phone, irritation rising.
Forty thousand? she repeated slowly, almost whispering.
Yes, and I even got a discount! We have the cake, the serviceyoull see. Mom will love it. Anyway, dont stress; Ive already paid a deposit. Antoine said youd transfer the rest.
Caroline hung up without waiting for a reply.
Isabelle sat there, staring at her phone, a lump in her throat and a thought looping: Another onesided demand.
***
That evening in the kitchen the atmosphere felt taut like a stretched rope. Antoine opened the fridge, grabbed a beer, and, without looking at Isabelle, murmured:
Caroline said you were against giving money for the restaurant.
Isabelle froze.
Against? Thats what she said? She rose from her chair, trying to keep herself in check. Did I refuse? I didnt hear anything until she called and put me in a corner.
Antoine turned, eyebrows knit.
Its fine, shes not doing this for herself. Mom doesnt celebrate her birthdays every year.
And how normal is it for her to charge us forty thousand? Isabelle held back a scream. Forty thousand euros! Is that reasonable?
Antoine shrugged, looking away.
Its for Mom. What do you want? Caroline organized everything.
Isabelle growled.
Sure, she did a good job. Its easy when youre living off other peoples money. And, Antoine, I dont get why you just went along with it. Did we ever discuss it? No. She made a decision and you just nodded.
Stop, Antoine waved his hand, reaching for a glass. Shes just trying to do her best.
For whom? For us? For Mom? Or for herself? Isabelle raised her voice sharply, then lowered it so as not to wake their son. Antoine, I cant take it anymore. For her its always Give, transfer, pay, and then she disappears as if nothing happened.
He stayed silent, staring at his glass.
What do you want me to do? Shes like that. Talk to her if you want.
Already did, Isabelle cut in sharply. And do you know what she told me? That it was our duty.
What did you expect? She handles everything herself. Maybe her life is more complicated than ours.
She handles? Isabelle exploded. Antoine, she uses everyone around her. And you encourage it!
The argument faded. Antoine shrugged, muttered something inaudible, and left the room, leaving Isabelle alone with her thoughts.
***
The next morning began with an unexpected call. Isabelle answered without enthusiasm.
Hey Isa! Are you busy? Caroline sounded oddly upbeat.
Im listening, Isabelle replied curtly, bracing for another request.
Look, I need help. I started a little side project with a neighbor, an online shopopportunities are everywhere right now. I need to pay something and Im flat. I thought you could lend me your card. Just temporarily, a few days.
Isabelle froze for a moment, trying to process what shed heard.
Caroline, she said firmly, are you serious? My card?
Yes! Why not? You know Im careful. Ill be careful, Ill pay you back, I wont spend extra.
No. Thats not even up for discussion.
A heavy silence followed on the other end.
I dont get it, Carolines voice lost confidence. Its just a card. Why are you refusing?
Caroline, my peace of mind matters, and so does my card.
Isa, you dont trust me? Caroline sounded offended, though it felt like another maneuver. Were family.
Isabelle held back any further comment.
Caroline, lets stop here. I have things to do.
She hung up, feeling both relief and anger. Caroline had crossed every boundary.
When Antoine came home that night, Isabelle already knew the conversation would be tough.
Antoine, she began calmly, your sister called again.
He slipped off his shoes without looking at her.
And?
She asked for my card for one of her projects.
Antoine paused, surprised.
What did you say?
Of course I said no.
Why couldnt you help? he snapped. Its Caroline, after all.
Isabelle sighed slowly, trying not to explode.
Antoine, in your family you cant tell a request from an overreach, can you? She cant handle this on her own?
Isa, shes not asking for millions. You always make things complicated.
She stared at him, incredulous.
Im the one complicating things? Yet she thinks we can keep this going forever.
Antoine stayed silent, then murmured:
She just needed help, thats all.
Yes, and then she vanishes and we have to clean up the mess.
He waved his hand and walked toward the bedroom.
Isabelle remained at the table, feeling something finally break inside her. She could no longer tolerate the situation. Caroline wasnt just meddling; she was destroying their lives.
All evening Isabelle plotted how to end it. A calm, logical, and final plan formed in her mind.
***
The following week they were invited to a family dinner at Antoines relatives house. Almost everyone was there: grandmothers, uncles, aunts, cousins. As usual, Caroline sat at the center of attention, bragging about her future projects. Isabelle watched the scene with a calm, almost detached air.
Antoine sat beside her, visibly nervous, as if he sensed something unpleasant was about to happen.
So, Caroline continued, addressing the group, were launching a great project with my neighbor. All on our own; you know how hard things are right now.
Isabelle cleared her throat to get attention.
Caroline, you didnt mention that your project relies on other peoples money?
Everyone froze around the table. Caroline barely realized the comment was aimed at her.
What do you mean? she asked, voice tense.
You asked me for my card for temporary expenses. And before that Antoine lent you money to fix your car. By the way, did you pay him back?
Caroline flushed.
Those are minor details. Why bring them up now?
Isabelle didnt back down.
Theyre not minor when you constantly live off others.
I dont get why youre so angry, Caroline tried to smile, but it was forced. Were family.
Family? Isabelle raised an eyebrow. What kind of family when you take without giving back and get upset when told no?
The table fell silent. Antoine tried to speak, but Isabelle cut him off.
No, Antoine. Stop covering her. Weve already spent too much money and energy because of her. Now she has to explain why she wants my card.
Caroline stood abruptly, fists clenched.
Isa, youre jealous! I do everything for everyone, and you only think about counting.
Jealous? Isabelle replied with a grin. Of what? Your habit of lying to everyone? Dont make me laugh.
Caroline slammed her hand on the table and stormed out.
Antoine rose, looking at Isabelle with pain in his eyes.
Why did you do that? Shes my sister.
And why do you let her do everything? Isabelle answered without looking away.
He said nothing, just nodded and followed Caroline outside.
Isabelle realized she had reached her goal: the truth was out in the open. Yet it felt more like a defeat than a victory. Others avoided her gaze, maintaining silence.
That night Antoine didnt return. He sent a brief message: I need time to think.
Isabelle sat on the sofa. She knew she had done what was right, but a part of her refused to see it as a triumph.