That morning, I had an appointment with my financial advisor to discuss renewing a maturing investment.

Fifteen million. It wasn’t an enormous amount, not by the standards of the ultra-wealthy, but it was substantial enough to count as a respectable account. The advisor seemed pleased as she prepared the renewal contracts, her smile as polished as her manicured nails.

After wrapping up the paperwork, she naturally slipped into small talk, as people ...