Hi Nerissa, I love your opening! “What’s strange is how aware she seems about the transactional nature of everything, yet she still has to rationalize it through this narrative of power.” This is a great point. This also confused me as I read the book, as she acted as if it were an “equal transaction“ in some parts, while in others, she spoke of his vulnerable nature and her power over him. However, I also find that this is a very raw, and human response. When we discover things we do not like, we change them until they fit our opinions or narratives. Of course she would want to appear in power, especially when the alternative meant admitting her own vulnerability (poverty, toxic family, etc…).