Hell's Highroad plot
Judy Nichols, a poor secretary from Chicago, falls in love with Ronald McKane, a struggling young civil engineer, but refuses to marry him and dedicate herself to a life of poverty. She travels to New York City, meets financier and womanizer Sanford Gillespie, and persuades him to advance Ronald's career. After Judy and Ronald marry, he increasingly devotes his time to business, neglecting Judy in favor of the mad pursuit of money. When Ronald leaves his wife for a wealthy widow, Judy convinces Sanford to ruin him financially, offering herself as payment.