Chapter 11 - The Sterling Deal Survived Without Evelyn
Independent conservators recommended removing four fragile works from the proposed traveling group.
Sterling accepted.
Anna requested tighter image-licensing limits.
Accepted.
First Pacific Trust wanted public-access guarantees.
Sterling agreed to designated public-viewing days and digital access.
The seven-year term became:
four years with renewal option.
Transportation standards strengthened.
Insurance improved.
The financial return dropped slightly because fewer works traveled.
Still worthwhile.
Anna voted yes as Vale co-steward.
First Pacific voted yes.
The foundation board approved.
Evelyn heard through her attorney.
Her reaction was reportedly:
“She approved it?”
Yes.
The deal she had physically attacked Anna while trying to protect:
still happened.
Just with proper review.
That was perhaps the cruelest consequence of Evelyn’s behavior.
The fight had been largely unnecessary.
If she had called Anna.
Shown her the proposal.
Acknowledged Clara’s role.
Asked for approval.
They might have reached almost the same result months earlier.
Instead Evelyn treated Anna’s participation as threat.
The threat became:
conflict.
The conflict became:
humiliation.
Then violence.
All to avoid a conversation that eventually produced:
May you like
yes.
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