"It's alright," James explained. "This is just an example. The rich on the Southern Plains spend hundreds of millions like it's nothing. My boss is worth hundreds of billions."

"What about you? How much do you have?"

"Not much, just hundreds of millions." James was careful not to divulge too much.

Thea was shocked. "How is having hundreds of millions 'not much'?"

She yelled, "How could you do this, James? You seem honest, but you've done something terrible. Do you only care about money?"

"Isn't this normal? Mom mentioned Howard uses his position to embezzle money. He enjoys luxury cars and mansions; Grandfather turns a blind eye. Look at Dad—always scolded by Mom for being too honest." Thea considered this. She supposed he might be right, but those were completely different situations. Howard's actions were within the family; James's were illegal.

"James, why don't you return the money? It's okay if we're poor. We can work hard. If the higher-ups pursue this, you're finished. I don't want to visit you in prison."

James smiled. "Thea, it's not that serious. I faced a military court; my punishment was expulsion. I can't rejoin the military, but I get to keep the money. My boss praised me—it was my reward after ten years of service." James fabricated a story.

After his explanation, Thea began to accept it. She believed him. A regular soldier couldn't borrow a car and enter and leave the military base at will. He had once been important, expelled only because of bribery. He knew influential people.

However, even with his money and his offer of a luxury car, she was hesitant. Since the general had given James the money as a reward, Thea had other plans. She would use it to start her business. She shared her dreams and hopes with James.

Suddenly, she said, "Oh, James, Mom must never find out about this money! She'd brag about it and might even demand it. This is our savings. Mom's like Grandfather—obsessed with status and reputation."

"So, where's the car?"

Thea lightly hit James's head. "We're not getting a car. I'll keep the money and decide what to buy. You can go home now. I'll shop alone."

"Huh? Thea, you just told me you had money, and now you're sending me away?"

"No, it might take a long time. I'm worried you'll be tired."

"Tired? I endured worse in the military. Besides, I'm with the woman I love. How could I be tired?"

Thea felt happy. She hugged him tightly.

Soon, they arrived at a well-known women's boutique in Cansington. The clothes were expensive, ranging from thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Thea hesitated, but James insisted. Knowing she couldn't win, she agreed.

The shop was sumptuously decorated, with gorgeous dresses on display. Thea's eyes sparkled; she looked like a child sifting through the dresses.

"Hey, don't touch them! Can you afford the damages?" A salesperson in a suit said unhappily. Thea apologized immediately.

"I-I'm sorry."

"Thea, what are you doing? We're the customers! How can you apologize?" James was unhappy. Thea was too soft-hearted and easily taken advantage of.

Thea tugged on James's arm. "Forget it, James. Let's go. It's too expensive; each piece costs thousands." She pulled him away. Even though James had money, she didn't want to spend so much on clothes.

"Poor things. How dare you touch the clothes when you have no money?" the salesperson sneered.

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