Three days later, an anonymous source informed Rebecca that Margaret planned to sell a collection of valuable family assets at a private auction.
The sale was officially described as a routine estate transaction.
But several items belonged to Thomas Whitmore, including paintings, antique watches, and a locked wooden cabinet that had been listed as containing personal correspondence.
Rebecca believed the cabinet might contain the missing trust amendment.
Alexander arranged for his attorney to contact the auction organizers.
The organizers refused to disclose the seller’s identity, citing confidentiality agreements.
However, they confirmed that the cabinet would be offered for sale that evening at a private residence in Beverly Hills.
Alexander attended with Emily and Victoria.
The auction room was filled with collectors, investors, and representatives from wealthy families. Margaret was nowhere to be seen.
The wooden cabinet stood on a raised platform.
When the bidding began, several objects sold quickly.
Then the auctioneer introduced the cabinet.
“An exceptional piece from a private California estate, believed to date from the early twentieth century.”
Alexander raised his bidding card.
Another bidder immediately raised the price.
Alexander increased his offer.
The competition continued until the price became far higher than the cabinet’s estimated value.
Then the other bidder stopped.
Alexander won.
When the auction ended, he arranged for the cabinet to be transferred to a secure location.
Inside the cabinet, hidden beneath a false wooden panel, they found a sealed envelope.
It contained the missing amendment.
The document identified the final beneficiary of the Carter trust and explained how the funds were to be distributed.
Victoria was entitled to a portion of the assets as Eleanor’s daughter.
Emily was entitled to another portion as Daniel’s daughter and a representative of the family whose business had been destroyed.
