[Daniel’s PoV]
As I fixated on the date of the transaction printed on the stock certificate—April 11, 1954—a surge of curiosity enveloped me. Twelve years had elapsed since that pivotal moment, and I couldn't help but wonder how the value of those shares had evolved over time. Given the company in question—'Lewis Corps'—and its trajectory over the past decade, it was plausible to assume that the stock price had experienced exponential growth.
Recalling from my extensive knowledge of corporate history, I knew that 'Lewis Corps' had surpassed the billion-dollar valuation mark by the year 1960. It had steadily risen through the ranks, cementing its position as a powerhouse in the corporate world. With such remarkable growth, it stood to reason that the current valuation of the company would far exceed its earlier benchmarks.
Estimating conservatively, I speculated that 'Lewis Corps' was now valued at approximately $1.5 billion, if not more. This astronomical figure underscored the company's undeniable success and marked its ascent to the upper echelons of corporate giants.
As for the stock price itself, I surmised that it would have appreciated significantly from its initial value of $12.13. With the company's stellar performance and soaring valuation, it was conceivable that the current stock price hovered around the $20 mark, if not higher.
Shifting my focus to the following document displayed on the table, I observed that it was a deed—a formal legal document utilized to transfer ownership rights of real estate, encompassing various properties such as commercial establishments like stores, from one individual or entity to another. With a sense of anticipation tingling in the air, I embarked on a meticulous examination of this significant piece of paperwork, recognizing its potential to unveil valuable insights and information.
Upon scrutinizing the contents of the deed, my eyes immediately gravitated towards the date of transaction—April 11, 1954. A sense of déjà vu washed over me as I realized that this date mirrored the one inscribed on the stock certificate. Initially, I dismissed it as a mere coincidence, but upon closer examination, a pattern emerged that hinted at something more profound.
It became increasingly apparent that this wasn't a coincidence but rather a deliberate ritual, meticulously orchestrated for a specific purpose. The grantor listed on the deed was none other than 'Lewis Corps' itself, adding another layer of mystery.
Pondering over the implications of this revelation, I pieced together a plausible scenario. Assuming Adam, my father's age falls somewhere between thirty and forty, it stands to reason that twelve years ago, he would have been in his late teens or early twenties. If he indeed acquired these assets all at once during that time period, it suggests that he must have fulfilled certain legal requirements or obligations to become the rightful recipient.
Upon further reflection, it dawned on me that one of the most plausible legal requirements that could be completed on the same date is the attainment of a certain age. Recalling from my knowledge, it wasn't until the 1970s that the government revised most legal rights from 21 to 18 years of age. Therefore, based on this timeline, it stands to reason that Adam, my father, must have reached the age of 21 on April 11, 1954.
This revelation sheds light on his current age, which would be 33, aligning perfectly with my earlier speculation. It seems that my deduction wasn't far off the mark, confirming my intuition regarding Adam's age and the significance of the dates inscribed on the documents before me.
The significance of the property description became even more apparent as I delved into the details. While the mention of an apparel store operating under Lewis Corps initially seemed like a routine matter, the location of the store elevated its importance to a whole new level. Situated in the bustling heart of Times Square, this store commanded attention and carried immense value, thanks to its prime location in one of the most iconic and high-traffic areas in the city.
The mere mention of Times Square sent a ripple of excitement through me, as I grasped the implications of its significance. In a city renowned for its sky-high property prices and fierce competition for prime real estate, securing a storefront in Times Square represented a considerable investment and a testament to Lewis Corps' strategic foresight.
The allure of Times Square as a vibrant hub of activity and commerce translated into astronomical land prices, making it a coveted destination for businesses seeking to capitalize on its unparalleled visibility and foot traffic. This singular factor alone substantially inflated the value of the property, rendering it a prized asset within my father’s portfolio.
The revelation underscored the astuteness of Lewis Corps' business decisions and its ability to identify and capitalize on lucrative opportunities in the ever-evolving landscape of New York City's commercial real estate market. It was a testament to the company's enduring legacy and its commitment to remaining at the forefront of innovation and success.
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The sheer mention of the size of the apparel store, spanning 3,000 square feet, further highlighted its significance within the realm of commercial real estate. As I pondered the implications of its dimensions, my mind raced with calculations and estimations, seeking to unravel the true value concealed within its walls.
A quick assessment of New York City's real estate market during the 1960s revealed that the average cost per square foot hovered around $25 for standard land parcels. However, this figure failed to capture the unique allure and prestige associated with a coveted location like Times Square.
In the case of Times Square, the mere mention of its name wielded considerable influence, commanding premium prices and driving up the cost of real estate to staggering heights. It was a place where dreams were made, and fortunes were won and lost amid the glittering lights and bustling crowds.
Taking into account the premium attached to Times Square's prime location, it was reasonable to assume that the cost per square foot would be at least double, if not more. This conservative estimate would place the land value alone at a substantial $150,000, reflecting the premium commanded by this prestigious address.
However, the true value of the property extended beyond its land alone. The inclusion of a thriving apparel store further bolstered its worth, adding another layer of profitability and potential to the equation. With its prime location and established presence in one of the city's most iconic destinations, the apparel store represented a lucrative investment opportunity with untold potential for growth and prosperity.
Taking all these factors into consideration, I ventured to estimate the total value of the property at no less than $400,000. This figure, while conservative, captured the intrinsic value and potential of the apparel store within the vibrant tapestry of Times Square's commercial landscape.
Then moving on to the last document, it was a death certificate. The moment I laid eyes on the death certificate, it immediately captured my attention, pulling me away from the deed. My gaze traced every line of text on the document, absorbing the details with unwavering focus until I reached the end. As I scrutinized the contents, a sudden realization washed over me, plunging me into a moment of profound clarity. My attention was drawn to the photograph of a woman displayed prominently on the side of the document.
-x-x-x-x-x-
Name: Jessica Payne Whitney.
Date of Birth: November 11, 1930.
Place of Birth: Boston, Massachusetts.
Gender: Female.
Occupation: Investment Banker.
Date of Death: May 7, 1965.
Time of Death: 2335 hours.
Place of Death: New York Medical College.
City of Death: New York.
Marital Status: Unmarried.
Closest Living Relative: Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney (First Cousin once removed).
Cause of Death: Maternal hemorrhage due to complications during childbirth.
-x-x-x-x-x-
This solitary certificate laid to rest all my uncertainties surrounding my mother and her lineage. It confirmed beyond a shadow of a doubt that she hailed from the esteemed Whitney family. According to the details inscribed on the document, she was thirty-five years old at the time of her passing, and notably, she was not wedded to my father.
What astonished me the most was her occupation. In an era where women's roles in the workforce were still relatively limited, her profession stood out as a remarkable anomaly. To be employed in a male-dominated field like investment banking was nothing short of extraordinary.
Her closest relative is none other than ‘The’ Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney. This revelation somehow solidifies my blood relation to a significant figure in 20th-century United States history. This could prove to be crucial for my future.
The cause of my mother’s death is listed as maternal hemorrhage, indicating that she passed away during childbirth. While I may not feel a lingering attachment to her, I can't help but feel a sense of pity for her plight.
As I remained lost in my thoughts, my father retrieved a crisp white sheet of paper and began jotting down figures. I trained my gaze on the paper, curious to discern his intentions. It quickly became evident that he was tallying up his assets.
$201,500 + $415,000 + $45,500 = …..
I carefully scrutinized each figure, one by one. The substantial value listed as the ‘stock valuation’ indicated that the stock prices of Lewis Corps must be soaring to elevate the value of my father's shares to over two hundred thousand dollars.
Observing the next amount meticulously, it became apparent that the valuation of $415,000 likely corresponded to the apparel store, considering its prime location in Times Square. As for the $45,500, it seemed reasonable to assume that it represented liquid assets, possibly cash reserves.
Upon tallying up the figures, my father arrived at a total valuation of $662,000. With the inclusion of my Trust Fund's value, surpassing the million-dollar mark seemed like an attainable feat.
As I mulled over the possibilities, a sense of curiosity gripped me, urging me to delve deeper into the matter. Whatever my father's motives may be, it was evident that his actions held significance, and unraveling the mystery behind his calculations would undoubtedly shed light on his plans for the future.
But what could possibly prompt him to assess his net worth at this particular moment?