Morning-Noon-and-Night - By Sidney Sheldon Page 0,37

' of you will share equally in the estate.' Steve could feel the sudden euphoria that swept through the room. Woody was staring at Fitzgerald, openniouthed. '?

Are you seriousr Hejumped to his feet. ''s fantastic!' He turned to the others. ' you hear that? The old bastard finally came through!" He looked at Simon Fitzgerald. ' much money are we talking abouff ' don't have the exact figure. According to the latest issue of Forbes magazine, Stanford Enterprises is worth six billion dollars. Most of it is invested in various corporations, but there is roughly four hundred million dollars available in liquid assets.' Kendall was listening, stunned. ''s more than a hundred million dollars for each of us. I can't believe it!' Fmfree, she thought. I can pay them off and be rid of themforever. She looked at Marc, her @ace shining, and squeezed his hand. ',' Marc said. He knew more than 142 1.1be others what the money would mean. Simon Fitzgerald spoke up. ' you know, ninety-nine percent of the shares in Stanford Enterprises was held by your father. So those shares will be divided . among you. Also, now that his father is deceased, Judge Stanford owns outright that other one percent that had been held in trust. Of course, there will be certain formalities. Furthermore, I should inform you that there is a possibility of another heir being involved." heirt Tyler asked.

"Your father's will specifically provides that the estate is to be divided equally among his issue.' Peggy looked puzzled. ' ... what do you mean by issuet Tyler spoke up. '-born descendants and legally adopted descendants.' Fitzgerald nodded. ' is correct. Any descendant born out of wedlock is deemed a descendant of the mother and the father, whose protection is established under the law of the jurisdiction.? , - ' are you saying?' Woody -asked impatiently. ''m saying that there may be'another claimant.' Kendall looked at him. ' Simon Fitzgerald hesitated. There was no way to be tactful. ''m sure that you are all aware of the fact that a number of years ago, your father sired a child by a governess who worked here." Nelson," Tyler said. 143 '. Her daughter was born at St. Joseph's Hospital in- Milwaukee. She named her Julia.' The room was thick with silence. "Hey!" Woody exclaimed. ' was twenty-five years ago-P '-six, to be exact., Kendall asked, ' anyone know where she is?' Simon Fitzgerald could hear Harry Stanford's voice: ' wrote to tell me that it was a girl. Well, ifshe thinks she's going to get a dirne out of me, she can go to hell.",' Fitzgerald said slowly. ' one knows where she is."

"Then what the hell are we talking about?' Woody demanded. ' just wanted all of you to be aware that if she does appear, she will be entitled to an equal share of the estate." don't think we have anything to worry about,' Woody said confidently. ' probably never even knew who her father was.' Tyler turned to Simon Fitzgerald. ' say you don't know the exact amount of the estate. May I ask why not?"

"Because our firm handles only your father's personal affairs. His corporate affairs are represented by two other law firms. I've been in touch with them and have asked them to prepare financial statements as soon as possible." kind of time frame are we talking aboutt 144 @'p Xendall asked anxiously. We will need $100.000 immediately to cover our expenses. ' two to three months.' Marc saw the consternation on his wife's face. He Wrned to Fitzgerald. ''t there some way to hurry ,.,things along?' Steve Sloane answered. ''m afraid not. The will has io go through probate court, and their calendar is rather heavy right now." is a probate court?' Peggy asked. ' is from the past participle of probare - to prove. it's the act of -" didn't ask you for a damned English lesson!' Woody exploded. ' can't we just wrap things up no Tyler turned to his brother. ' law doesn't work that way. When there's a death, the will has to be filed in the probate court. There has to be an appraisal of all assets - real estate, closely held corporations, cash, jewelry - then an inventory has to be prepared and filed in the court. Taxes have to be taken care of, and specific bequests paid. After that,- a petition is filed for permission to distribute the balance of the estate to