Since she had access to considerable family wealth

image

Why is the phrase “since she had access to considerable family wealth”, by proximity principle, not related to the “later herself” ?

According to me, she had access to considerable wealth at later stages, so earlier she was poor. Since the keyword “hardly” is used, the answer should be rich.

Can someone please tell what mistake am I making ?

“later made herself out to be” is like a contrast support

Can you elaborate ? Still unclear.