More than a decade ago, Sophia Martinez had told me her dream was to find a wealthy, widowed older man. She had it all figured out—once the old guy kicked the bucket, she'd be a wealthy widow, free to live life however she pleased.

Seeing the sincerity in my congratulations, her face lit up with genuine delight.

Sophia was one of those rare people who everyone liked—men, women, everyone.

Back in high school, all it took was a flutter of her lashes, ...