“I’m… actually a little interested.” Mrs. Knapp flipped her hair back, revealing a sky-high gemstone necklace around her neck. The diamond on her finger sparkled like it could blind someone—enough to catch Mrs. Newton’s eye immediately.

Mrs. Newton recognized the gem instantly: the “Mermaid’s Tear” that had skyrocketed to $6.8 billion last year.

“Well, since you’re interested, shall we talk investment?” Mrs. Newton eagerly reached forward to engagement.

Mrs. Knapp, however, recoiled, brushing off the accidental touch on her sleeve as if Mrs. Newton were dirty.

“Interested, yes—but I’m afraid I just can’t afford to invest.”

Standing nearby, Mr. Theodore, who had once been a modest investor but had become...