Margaret slid several folders across the polished conference table.
“The agreement is straightforward.”
Elliot barely looked at them.
“Good.”
His attorney skimmed the first few pages.
“Elliot permanently relinquishes legal and physical custody of Nora, Maddie, and June Vance.”
“Correct.”
“He waives future guardianship claims.”
“Fine.”
“He transfers fiduciary authority associated with any protected assets belonging to the children.”
Elliot waved dismissively.
“I don’t care about any of that.”
He looked directly at me.
“I’ve got a new family now.”
The words didn’t hurt the way they once would have.
Instead, they confirmed everything.
Margaret remained perfectly calm.
“There are several additional trust provisions incorporated into the agreement.”
Elliot didn’t even lift his eyes from his phone.
“Whatever.”
His attorney frowned.
“Perhaps we should review—”
“No.”
Elliot reached for an expensive fountain pen.
“I’m done wasting money on lawyers.”
He signed the first page.
Then the second.
Then the third.
Each signature echoed quietly across the room.
When he finished, he pushed the documents back across the table with a satisfied grin.
“There.”
He leaned back comfortably.
“Everyone got what they wanted.”
I looked at the signed agreement for several silent seconds.
Then carefully closed the folder.
“Yes,” I replied.
“I believe they did.”
He mistook my calmness for defeat.
“You know, Walter…”
He stood, buttoning his designer jacket.
“I honestly expected more of a fight.”
I smiled faintly.
“You should never mistake patience for surrender.”
He laughed.
“I’ll remember that.”
“No,” I answered quietly.
“I don’t think you will.”
Without another word, Elliot walked out of the conference room.
The glass doors closed behind him.
For nearly ten seconds no one spoke.
Finally Margaret exhaled.
“It’s done.”
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