The next night I was still puzzled over Ellis’s interest in what I ‘desired,’ while I got dressed for a charity gala.

My family, along with some of the richest entrepreneurs in the world, had been invited. My parents always supported children’s charities because they’d adopted Bethany, so these galas were commonplace for us.

The gala was a black and white affair. Every guest was to wear some variation of the two colors. My black gown was floor length with a slit on ...