Harper’s words dispelled Natalie’s suspicion that she relied on trading S**. “I understand now. Your experience is a bit similar to mine, except I had better grades and got into a prestigious university, which helped me establish myself. Being a woman is not easy, I can understand you.”

Natalie didn’t show overt rejection, but her words carried a sense of superiority that made Harper uncomfortable. Harper looked up at Jayden, who seemed oblivious to his mother’s implications and ...