Then she turned toward Diana.
"I recommend an immediate inventory hold on the relevant pieces, preservation of electronic and physical records, and independent examination by qualified specialists. We should also notify the foundation's authorized officers."
Diana nodded.
"Do it."
Helena looked toward Graham.
"Until we establish the facts, your access to the affected transaction should be suspended."
His face reddened.
"You're suspending me because of a paperwork error?"
Helena remained calm.
"The company is protecting the integrity of its review. No conclusion about individual misconduct is being announced."
Diana studied him.
Then added.
"You'll have an opportunity to provide your full account."
Graham's expression hardened.
For a moment, he seemed ready to argue.
Then he looked toward the security officer.
And said nothing.
The courier waiting outside wasn't an Aurelle employee.
He worked for a specialist transportation company that regularly handled insured high-value shipments.
His paperwork showed a scheduled pickup from the boutique to a private appraisal business in Los Angeles.
The assigned package had not yet been released.
When security explained that the sender had suspended authorization, the courier accepted the cancellation.
He had no reason to insist.
His employer would simply record the unsuccessful pickup.
But the shipment documents identified a company Diana didn't recognize.
Sterling House Private Assets.
Helena searched the internal vendor register.
The company wasn't listed among Aurelle's approved restoration partners.
It wasn't one of the foundation's authorized appraisers.
And it had no documented contract with the charitable program.
That didn't prove the business was fraudulent.
Private asset firms could provide legitimate valuation, storage, and collateral services.
But it made the proposed transfer more concerning.
The necklace was a foundation asset.
The gala was only hours away.
And the person who approved the pickup was a retail executive without authority to pledge or transfer the piece.
Diana looked toward Helena.
"Get an independent specialist here."
The attorney nodded.
"I'll arrange it."
Then Diana turned toward Clara.
"Can you tell me when you last personally verified the original necklace?"
The older woman took a breath.
"Three days ago, before the private viewing."
Diana nodded.
"And afterward?"
Clara looked down.
"I wasn't permitted to reopen the case."
For several seconds, the CEO remained quiet.
Then she reached for Clara's hand.
"You did raise the concern."
Clara's eyes filled.
"Not high enough."
Diana squeezed her hand gently.
"Let's establish what happened before deciding what anyone should have done differently."
But she understood the older woman's guilt.
Because Diana was beginning to feel it too.
Amira's statement helped establish the morning's sequence.
She described being told to retrieve the sealed case, the instruction to prepare an unusual transfer, and Patricia's demand that she certify a verification she hadn't performed.