To me, any money is a lot of money....and being ethical does NOT mean you're an idiot AT ALL. It means you're a good person and you managed that regardless of your upbringing...
I hear what you're saying and I understand. But she's not really being honest is she?
So....I guess that you can either call her on it, or you can let it go.
I wish I had some words of wisdom, here. Truth is, in your situation, I don't know what I would do...