Chapter 1

“Chloe, you must’ve had a wild time overseas, didn’t you?”

My sister-in-law, Fiona, whom I was meeting for the first time, suddenly blurted this out when I came home for the holidays.

“That necklace looks familiar. Black for in-person, white for video, blue for custom orders, red for no limits. What level are you at?”

My relatives, who had just been prying about my income, collectively gasped in shock.

“No wonder you insisted on going abroad. You were afraid of being seen if you were selling yourself here, huh?”

Mom and Dad were furious.

“Get out! Don’t you dare stain our family’s name!”

I touched the red carnelian necklace on my neck and smiled.

“Oh, Fiona, you’ve had a wilder time than me. You’re sweeter to Mr. Jenkins next door than you are to Ethan.”

It had been four years since I’d been home. Mom and Dad had specifically invited all our relatives over for a big holiday dinner.

I went around, toasting everyone and handing out the gifts I’d prepared.

Aunt Carol kept praising me, eyeing the brand new designer bag I’d given her.

“Chloe, you’re the successful one. Among all the kids in our family, no one earns as much as you. If you get a chance to get rich, don’t forget to bring us along.”

Mom and Dad beamed, their faces glowing.

“Chloe not only earns a lot but she’s also so thoughtful. She even sends us two thousand dollars every month while studying abroad, unlike someone else I know. We sent him to a private vocational college that costs forty thousand a year, and he still couldn’t graduate. He just lounges around at home all day, driving us crazy.”

Ethan, my brother, who had been sulking and drinking heavily, bristled at the comparison.

“Who knows where she got that money? It’s probably dirty money!”

Fiona nudged his arm, then raised her glass with an apologetic look.

“Chloe, Ethan’s had too much to drink, don’t mind him.

“But I really don’t know, what kind of work were you doing abroad that paid so well?”

I put down my glass, about to speak, but then I saw her raise an eyebrow, a look on her face like she wanted to say something but couldn’t.

“Honestly, you don’t have to say anything, Chloe. We all understand that a pretty girl like you might be tempted to make quick cash.”

The moment she finished speaking, everyone at the dinner table stared at me.

Someone blunt just came out and asked, “Chloe, were you selling yourself overseas?”

Fiona then seemed to realize she’d spoken out of turn, waving her hand with a laugh.

“What ‘selling herself’? Why say something so ugly? I didn’t say anything at all! Eat, eat.”

“But I just need to remind you, Chloe, don’t let anyone take pictures or videos. With all your male relatives around, it would be awful if they saw you online later.”

I couldn’t believe Fiona, whom I was meeting for the first time, would openly spread rumors about me. I was so angry, I slammed my fist on the table.

“That’s nonsense! How could you say such a thing? Did you see anything?!”

She looked startled.

“No, no, I didn’t see anything, I’m just talking nonsense, okay? But if you’re wearing *that kind* of necklace, why are you afraid of people talking?”

But it was too late to stop the conversation.

Dad slammed his fork down. “What necklace? Explain yourself!”

Fiona was quick to reply.

“Everyone says that international students who wear those necklaces are… wild.

“Black for in-person, white for video, blue for custom orders, red for no limits. Chloe, what level are you at?”

The relatives who had been showering me with compliments instantly changed their tune.

“I knew it! How else could she earn money instead of spending it on studies? Tsk, tsk.”

“Let her keep that money. We’re not jealous of *that* kind of cash.”

Aunt Carol, who had been clutching her new bag, also changed her expression.

“Ugh, no way! I don’t want anything bought with dirty money. Don’t you dare track that filth into our home.”

She even stomped on the ground a few times.

Mom and Dad sobered up completely, unable to process what was happening.

Mom clutched her chest, struggling to breathe.

“Chloe, is what your sister-in-law saying true? Speak up!”