After all, money was no object for me.
I increased her allowance to three times what it had been!
Before long, Vivian's complexion improved significantly, and she became more outgoing.
Even Miranda, who lived next door, noticed that.
She came over and said to me, "You can't spoil Vivian like this. You need to teach her that making money is not easy and how hard work can be. Spend when necessary, but save where you can."
I understood the principle, but seeing Vivian so happy now made me feel much better.
I started to question Miranda's words, but she was my best friend, and she wouldn't steer me wrong. She raised her daughter, Elise, the same way. So, I lowered Vivian's standard of living again.
This continued until her eighteenth birthday celebration when a few friends came over to celebrate. They were shocked to see her in worn-out clothes, her face covered in acne and blackheads, her hair withered and dry from using low-quality shampoo.
Her friends were astonished.
"Vivian, your home is so luxurious, but how come you live like you're poorer than I am?"
"Vivian, it's your coming-of-age ceremony. Why are you dressed like this?"
Miranda quickly covered for her.