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William was surprised when Mr Cromwell annouced: ’That disposes of all the known assets of the late Charles Lester!

People began to shuffle around in their seats, as a murmur of nervous conversation broke out No one wanted to admit that the unfortunate death had made them fortunate

’That is not, however, the end of Mr Charles Lester’s last will and testament,’ said the iain, fearful of some late and unwelcome thunderbolt

Mr Croment on ’I shall now continue in Mr Charles Lester’s oords : "I have always considered that a bank and its reputation are only as good as the people who serve it It ell known that I had hoped my son Mattheould succeed ic and untied my choice of successor for Lester’s bank I therefore wish it to be known that I desire William Lowell Kane, son of one of my dearest friends, the late Richard Lowell Kane, and at present the vice - chairman of Kane and Cabot, be appointed chair the next full board " ’

There was an immediate uproar Everyone looked around the room for the mysterious Mr William Lowell Kane of whom few but the immediate Lester family had ever heard

’I have not yet finished,’ said Arthur Cromwell quietly

Silence fell onceanother bolances

The lawyer continued ’All the above grants and division of shares in Lester’s and Co for Mr Kane at the next annual boardto do so for at least the fol - I lowing five years, unless Mr Kane himself indicates that he does not wish to accept the chairain William wished he was a million miles away, not sure whether to be deliriously happy or to concede that he must be the most detested person in that room

"nat concludes the last will and testament of the late Charles Lester,’

said Mr Cromwell, but only the front row heard hi towards him The puppy fat had disappeared while the attractive freckles reht past hi his presence

Williarey - haireda pin - striped suit and a silver tie moved quickly towards William

’You are William Kane, are you not, sir Wes, I am,’ said William nervously

’My naer

’ne bank’s vice - chairman,’ said William

’Correct, sir,’ he said ’I do not know you, but I do know so of your reputation, and I count uished father If Charles Lester thought you were the right h for me’