Shirley was absolutely adorable—and so were her spending habits.


    She''d happily throw together a hearty meal for just a few bucks, but wouldn''t think twice about splurging twice as much on a fancytte. If the evening called for it, she''d treat herself to avish dinner out-maybe a fondue night or a sizzling steakhouse-never letting her taste buds feel neglected.


    But ask her to spend a single dor on a pack of tissues? Absolutely not. No way.


    Her philosophy was simple: "Save on the little things, spend on what matters."


    Effie was about the same age as Shirley, but after years living with her grandmother, her habits were a world apart. Her grandmother lived by the rules of healthy living: no cold drinks, everything fresh, nothing out of season, and food always light and wholesome.


    Effie didn''t care much for indulgent treats; the only thing that ever tempted her was seafood.


    "This time, if you help me seal the deal, there''s a bonusing our way," Effie told Shirley with a smile. “You''ll finally get to spend guilt-free."


    Shirley''s face lit up. "That''s fantastic!"


    As the two chatted about their soon-to-be windfall, Nelly approached, catching the tail end of their conversation. Internally, she scoffed. Bonus? In their dreams.


    "Effie, that scarf is gorgeous. Where''d you get it?" Nelly asked sweetly. And before Effie could react, Nelly reached out and yanked the silk scarf from her neck.


    The fake smile evaporated from Nelly''s face. "Why isn''t there anything?"


    Effie fixed her with a cold stare and stood up. She was taller than Nelly, and as she rose, the shift in energy was almost physical-Nelly suddenly felt small, dwarfed by Effie''s presence.


    "What exactly were you hoping to see?" Effie''s gaze was icy, as if she could see right through Nelly''s intentions.


    “I just... I mean, I thought—" Nelly stammered, having expected to find some embarrassing mark, maybe a hickey, hidden beneath the scarf.


    But there was nothing there at all.


    "I wear scarves because they go with my outfit. What did you think?" Effie''s tone was cool and dismissive.


    Nelly''s bravado faltered. She tossed the scarf back at Effie. "Here, take it."


    Except the scarf didn''t quite leave her hand. It caught on a rhinestone on her manicured nails, snagging the delicate fabric.


    Effie''s expression darkened as she looked at the pulled thread. "That''s my scarf," she said, her voice tight with anger.


    Nelly bristled. "Why are you raising your voice? It was an ident!"


    Effie''s voice was like ice. "You break else''s things and act like big deal? Did I give permission to touch my scarf?"


    it''s


    Nelly bit her lip—Effie was right. She''d been so eager to expose some secret, and


    sp


    now she''d made a fool of herself.


    "I didn''t mean to."


    Shirley know


    Wed in, "Nelly, even kids e than a child?" Conteet


    should apologize whem et


    you


    up. Don''t tell me you''re


    Nelly shot Shirley a venomous re. "Who asked for your opinion?"


    Shirley just shrugged. She was only telling the truth, but clearly, Nelly''s pride had


    taken a hit.


    Effie said, "Shirley''s right. Even


    children know how to take


    responsibility. Apologize and pay up.


    That scarf was a custom


    ove


    Hermes-ten grand. I expect your


    payment in five minutes."


    "You''re out of your mind! Who''s to say it''s even real?" Nelly shot back.


    She owned a few Hermes scarves herself, and they''d never cost more than four


    or five thousand. Ten grand? No way.