Samuel looked toward Evelyn. “She asked whether I believed the work could stand without anyone knowing what had happened to her.”

“And what did you tell her?”

“That it already had.”

Miriam testified about Evelyn’s career, the attic collection, and the photographs she’d sent to Samuel. Then Rebecca presented the Halston Ridge letter.

Daniel’s attorney objected. “This has no relevance to the ownership question.”

“It is relevant,” Rebecca replied, “because Mr. Mercer has testified that he consistently supported his wife’s career and had no reason to believe the paintings possessed professional potential.”