To the person responsible for the Star of Aurelia:
If Margaret Ellis comes to claim her right, allow her to bid before any other private arrangement is considered. The original ownership records will explain everything.
The signature at the bottom belonged to Arthur Harrington.
Victoria felt the warmth leave her face.
Her grandfather had been dead for nearly three decades. She had inherited his personal correspondence, his business records, and his reputation. Yet she had never seen this document.
"Where did you obtain this?" she asked.
"From someone who believed it belonged in my hands."
"Who was that?"
"I would prefer to discuss the matter privately."
Victoria examined the paper again. Its edges were worn, and the ink had faded slightly, but the signature looked authentic. A small watermark appeared near the bottom, suggesting that the paper might have come from her grandfather's private stationery collection.
She handed it to her assistant.
"Have this examined immediately."
Then she turned to Margaret.
"Until we verify this document, you will not be permitted to bid."
Margaret nodded without protest.
"Very well. I will wait."
She moved to a bench beside the entrance and sat down, placing her handbag carefully on her knees.
Moments later, Richard Caldwell arrived. Tall, silver-haired, and impeccably dressed, he moved through the room with the confidence of someone accustomed to having his wishes fulfilled.
"Victoria, the guests are waiting. Are we ready?"
"Almost."
Richard noticed Margaret sitting near the entrance.
"Who is that?"
"A guest whose registration requires additional verification."
Richard glanced at her coat and shoes.
"Then perhaps she should have completed the paperwork before arriving."
Margaret looked up.
"Perhaps," she said quietly. "Although I was told that an invitation would be sufficient to begin the process."
Richard seemed surprised that she had answered him.
"Do you understand which auction you have entered, madam?"
"Quite well."
"And you intend to bid on a forty-carat blue diamond?"
"That is my intention."
Richard gave a short, incredulous laugh.
"Ambition is admirable. Reality, however, can be expensive."
Margaret studied him for a moment.
"That is true. But so can dishonesty."
The conversation around them faltered.
Richard's smile tightened. Victoria quickly intervened, asking him to proceed to the main hall.
As he walked away, he glanced back at Margaret with visible irritation.
Emily approached the elderly woman with a cup of tea.
"I'm sorry about that," she whispered.
Margaret accepted the cup.
"You have nothing to apologize for, dear."