Abruptly, his gaze snapped upward, filled with fury, his voice quivering as he demanded, "Is it because of Albert that you've changed?"

Serenely, Melissa replied, "No, it's simply life."

She feared Marcus might not comprehend.

She elucidated, “Consider this: today, I purchased jewelry for Mr. Waston, receiving a birthday gift from the store manager. I gladly accepted it, only to sell the bracelet for three hundred thousand.

You might find this behavior distasteful, even petty, but I couldn't care less. Survival in this world demands a fight. If I'm to live a fulfilling life, I must fend for myself."