When managing the estates of the ultra-rich, even a soda mishap can trigger a high-stakes investigation. Kelly Fore Dixon, former estate manager for the late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, recounted a bizarre incident from her time overseeing his 12,000-square-foot Beverly Hills residence. The property, which included a home theater, recording studio, swimming pool, and 30 HVAC units, was supported by a team of full-time staff, private security, and about 80 subcontractors. “Silent and unseen was the protocol” when Allen was around, Dixon told The Wall Street Journal. Among Allen’s assets was a collection of artwork valued at around $50 million, including a Monet painting that appeared to have been mistakenly sprayed with soda. When an art contractor flagged the damage during a routine inspection, he asked: “What the hell have you done to the painting?” Dixon said. When security footage was reviewed, the culprit turned out to be Allen himself.
Read it at The Wall Street Journal
