"You need evidence that can withstand a court's scrutiny," the man explained. "Suspicion, however reasonable, is not enough."
Daniel nodded.
"Then I will find it."
He never did.
Or at least, he never lived long enough to complete the search.
At the auction, Margaret finally turned toward her attorney.
"How much can I safely bid?"
Daniel Foster opened the folder containing the trust documents.
"Based on the current verification, you can support a substantial purchase. However, we must account for the deposit, the remaining payment, and possible legal expenses. I would strongly advise against exceeding forty-two million dollars."
Margaret considered the number.
"Then forty-two million is my limit."
"Are you certain?"
"Yes."
Daniel closed the folder.
"Very well. We will not go beyond it."
The auctioneer called forty million.
Richard raised his paddle.
"Forty-one million."
Margaret felt the room closing around her. Forty-one million dollars was more money than her father could have imagined earning in a lifetime. Yet the number represented something different to her: the final opportunity to recover the object around which his life had been destroyed.
She raised her paddle.
"Forty-two million dollars."
The auctioneer announced the bid.
Richard remained motionless.
His attorney whispered urgently in his ear. Victoria watched from beside the stage, her hands clasped tightly together.
Richard could certainly afford another bid. But he had begun to recognize the danger of winning.
If Margaret's documents proved that the diamond had been obtained unlawfully, he might inherit an expensive legal dispute rather than the centerpiece of his museum. His advisers had already warned him that the diamond's provenance was less secure than its promotional catalog suggested.
He had ignored their concerns because he believed the Harrington family's reputation would protect the transaction.
Now he was not so sure.
"Forty-two million dollars," the auctioneer called. "Once."
Richard looked toward Margaret.
She stood quietly, her worn coat hanging loosely from her shoulders. There was no triumph in her expression, no excitement about the possibility of owning something worth millions.
Only determination.
"Twice."
Richard lowered his paddle.
"Sold."
The gavel struck the block.
Applause filled the hall, mixed with the excited murmurs of guests who had witnessed an extraordinary bidding war. Margaret remained still for several seconds, as though she needed time to understand what had happened.
Then she exhaled slowly.
Daniel Foster touched her shoulder.
"You won."
Margaret shook her head.
"I won the right to continue."
The distinction surprised him, but he understood.