Chapter 5 - THE SECOND STONE
Victor eventually admitted the truth.
He had reset the ring.
But not that day.
Two months earlier.
Margaret brought him the ring after Samuel’s consultation.
The original center stone was removed.
A less valuable diamond was temporarily placed into the setting.
Why?
Margaret said she wanted the original stored securely while she arranged insurance.
Victor believed her.
He returned the original stone to Margaret in a sealed packet.
He installed a replacement worth around $18,000.
Margaret paid cash.
Daniel stared at the interview summary.
“So the ring Claire supposedly stole from never contained the Bennett diamond.”
“Correct,” Grace said.
“At least not after that date.”
Margaret had accused Claire of stealing a stone that was already elsewhere.
Then why did Victor come to the house during lunch?
He said Margaret wanted the replacement stone removed.
Why?
“She said the setting had to look empty.”
Claire’s stomach turned.
“She created the scene.”
Grace nodded carefully.
“According to Victor.”
Victor admitted he removed the temporary stone from the ring upstairs.
Margaret then placed the empty ring back in her jewelry box.
He left.
Later Margaret “discovered” the missing stone.
Daniel looked sick.
“She staged it.”
Then Grace asked the next question.
“Where is the original Bennett diamond?”
Victor said he gave it back to Margaret.
Margaret denied receiving it.
Now there were two missing stones:
the $235,000 family diamond.
And the $18,000 replacement.
Police searched financial records with proper legal process.
Then found a transfer.
$140,000 deposited into an account controlled by Margaret.
Source:
Hale Private Jewel Exchange.
Victor’s company.
Daniel stared.
“What did he buy from her?”
May you like
Grace answered:
“Likely the original stone.”
