The tropical evening air over Saint Barthélemy smelled like sea salt, jasmine, and the kind of money people spend to prove they have too much of it.

I stood near the edge of the private marina, watching sunset pour gold across the water while resort staff rushed around preparing for my younger sister’s wedding. Crystal lanterns swayed from palm trees. Imported orchids floated in illuminated glass pools. Violinists tuned their instruments beside the infinity terrace.

Everything glittered with wealth.