Chapter 10: Financial Problems
Emma had expensive tastes. She bought beautiful clothes, decorated her home with luxury items, and enjoyed the finest restaurants in Rouen. To pay for these luxuries, she borrowed money from a local merchant named Lheureux.
Lheureux was a clever and dishonest businessman. He encouraged Emma to buy things on credit, telling her that she could pay him back later. Emma, who understood nothing about money or business, trusted him and continued her spending.
The debts quickly accumulated. Emma borrowed more money to pay off old debts, creating a dangerous cycle that grew worse each month. She did not tell Charles about her financial situation, knowing he would be shocked and angry.
Lheureux used Emma's debts to control her. When she could not pay, he threatened to tell Charles and ruin her reputation. Emma became desperate, but she could not stop her spending because it was the only thing that brought her any happiness.