Learning to Fight Back

Early in the morning, Emma Hart received a call from Max, her younger brother, who jubilantly exclaimed over the phone, "Sis, I knew you loved me the most! Just stick with that rich businessman..."

Emma was bewildered by her brother's sudden thank-you call and hadn't yet grasped the full implication of his words. "What are you talking about? Didn't I already give you that money? I warned you not to mess around anymore!"

"Sis, what are you saying? That amount of money is nothing to you. Besides, if that man is like this with me, he must be even more generous with you. Just save some more, in case the businessman finds someone new and leaves you! Women need to plan ahead for themselves!" Max rambled on, but his words lacked any semblance of concern, instead carrying a tone of scorn.

It seemed he was mocking her for trading her self-respect for money.