The Man Who Never Looked Away novel Chapter 237

"Judith, take a look at the foundation's charter I drafted," Lavinia said, spreading the documents across the table. "Once it's officially established, you'll act as the honorary chair. You'll personally select the board members, though family members can't make up more than a third."

Judith took the paperwork and flipped through it, page by page. When she finished, she closed the folder and set it back down.

"You've really outdone yourself, Lavinia. This is impeccably put together." A proud smile graced Judith's face.

Lavinia smiled back. "We haven't finalized anything yet. Save the praise for when it's fully up and running."

She paused, her expression turning slightly more serious. "There is one thing I wanted to discuss with you, though."

"What is it? Go ahead."

"Your heirloom jewelry. You barely wear them, and keeping them locked away feels like a waste. You could donate them to the trust. That way, the foundation's total capital will increase, allowing us to help even more people."

Judith blinked in surprise. "Physical assets can be transferred into the foundation?"

Lavinia nodded. "We can package the collection and hand it over to the trust management. The revenue generated from exhibiting or loaning out the pieces would be directed straight into the charity."

She mentally calculated the numbers. "I ran some estimates. The annual return could easily be close to a million."

Judith didn't answer immediately. She picked up her cup, took a slow sip, and set it down.

"I was planning to leave those pieces to you," she said, looking warmly at Lavinia. "If we donate all of them, what will you do when you want to wear them?"

Lavinia shook her head. "I don't need luxury items like that."

She quickly added, "And if you ever want to wear them, you can borrow them back at any time, since the ownership technically remains yours under the trust."

Judith nodded thoughtfully. "Very thorough. Let's do it."

Lavinia smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners as relief washed over her.

Judith tapped the folder on the table.

"Lavinia, regarding the foundation—keep this strictly confidential for now," Judith said, her voice turning firm. "Don't breathe a word of it to anyone, not even Garnett."

Lavinia blinked, confused. "Why?"

Judith let out a heavy sigh. "This money is my final asset, and it's also a true test of character. I want to use it to see people's true colors."

Lavinia looked at the older woman silently. After a moment, she nodded.

"Understood. I won't say a word."

"Garnett, aren't you swamped at the office? How did you find the time to visit?"

"Even if the world were ending, I'd make time for you," he said with a charming smile.

Judith patted the seat next to her, and he sat down. "Lavinia was just here. Why didn't you two come together?"

"She has her schedule, and I have mine. It's hard to sync up sometimes," Garnett replied smoothly.

"Ah, I see." She gave a gentle smile.

Garnett picked up an orange from the table and began peeling it for her. "When I walked in, I saw Maeve cataloging the jewelry collection."

"Yes, I asked her to organize the inventory. Those pieces are meant for Lavinia, so the records need to be crystal clear," Judith explained.

"Is that why she came by earlier? To discuss the jewelry?" he asked carefully.

"No, she just came to check on me."

Garnett fell silent for a few seconds.

Then, with an easy smile, he said, "Remember when you asked me to look into a custom display case for the collection? I contacted Swarovski, and they're sending over a prototype today."