But it had one catastrophic flaw that I did not discover until it was nearly too late: a woman who hides her wealth out of humility can be robbed by the very people who mistake her modesty for the thing itself.

My stealth wealth was my dignity.

It was also, for seven years, the perfect cover for a man to steal me blind while telling everyone he was the rich one.

I have not abandoned the philosophy, I should say, even now — I still believe money is a quiet utility and not a megaphone, still drive a sensible car, still find something vulgar in the loud display of money.

But I have learned to see its one dangerous edge, and I have learned to guard it.