“There is also a trust fund allocated for your expenses and a salary befitting your new role,” he added.

“I do not need a salary,” I said.

“It is part of the agreement, Elena,” Alexander said, his voice gentle.

“You must be independent.”

“You cannot protect Ethan if you are financially dependent on the estate’s whims.”

I looked at the papers.

The legal language was complicated, but the core of it was clear.

I was being given the authority to stand beside Alexander as an equal in everything regarding his son.

“Where do I sign?” I asked.

Mr. Vance handed me a heavy gold fountain pen.

The metal was cold against my fingers.

I wrote my name on the dotted line.

*Elena Davis.*

I signed three more copies, the ink drying quickly on the thick paper.

Alexander signed after me, his signature bold and fast.

The lawyers witnessed the signatures, stamping each document with a heavy steel embosser.

The sound of the stamp hitting the paper was loud in the quiet room.

“It is done,” Mr. Vance said, closing his folder.