Chapter 4 - THE LETTER IN THE BLUE ENVELOPE
Loretta found the envelope inside her mother's old desk.
It was tucked beneath a false bottom in the upper-right drawer.
The desk had stood in Margaret's study for thirty years.
Loretta had kept it untouched after her death.
Now, searching for the original jewelry insurance documents, she discovered the hidden compartment.
The envelope was pale blue.
Her name appeared across the front in Margaret's familiar handwriting.
For Loretta, when you need to remember who you are.
Loretta sat down.
For several minutes, she could not open it.
Then she slid a letter opener beneath the flap.
The letter began simply.
My darling girl,
If you're reading this, something has happened that made you doubt your own judgment.
Loretta's throat tightened.
Her mother continued.
You have always believed the best in people. That is a beautiful quality. But it can become dangerous when you confuse loyalty with surrender.
Loretta read slowly.
Margaret wrote about the foundation.
About its mission.
About the importance of protecting its independence.
Then came a paragraph that made Loretta stop breathing.
I like Oliver's intelligence, but I do not entirely trust his appetite. He talks about the foundation as though it is an asset waiting to be optimized. I hope I am wrong about him. If I am not, remember that the foundation belongs to its purpose, not to any man who marries into our family.
Loretta covered her mouth.
Her mother had seen something.
Years before Loretta had.
The final page contained a reference to a legal document.
The Hartwell Legacy Trust.
Margaret had established it shortly before her death.
According to the letter, certain foundation assets could not be transferred, pledged, or sold without approval from an independent trustee.
Loretta called Daniel immediately.
"Do you know about the Hartwell Legacy Trust?"
Silence.
Then Daniel said, "Yes."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"Your mother instructed me to explain it when the relevant conditions arose."
"What conditions?"
Daniel hesitated.
"An attempt to remove you from the foundation's leadership."
Loretta closed her eyes.
"Oliver is planning exactly that."
May you like
Daniel's voice changed.
"Then we need to talk."
