Of course, Mason said. His voice was professional, cold. Elena recognized his business tone. Amanda asked question after question. How long had Elena been living there?
What were her duties? How was she compensated? What was her relationship to the children? Elena answered honestly. Mason provided documentation for everything.
Finally, Amanda closed her binder. I have to say this is one of the more unusual cases I've handled. Unusual how? Mason asked. Usually when we get complaints like this, there's actually something wrong.
But from what I can see, you're running a functional household with proper employment documentation and genuinely happy children. Elena felt herself breathe for the first time in an hour. So, we're fine. The background check came back clean. The employment is legitimate, and frankly, whoever filed this complaint wasted everyone's time.
Amanda stood. I'll file my report clearing Miss Brooks. You shouldn't hear from us again. Thank you, Mason said. After Amanda left, Elena collapsed onto the couch.
That was terrifying. It's over for now. What if David tries something else? Then we deal with it. Mason sat beside her.
But Elena, you need to stop waiting for the other shoe to drop. That's easy for you to say. No, it's not. I spent 4 years waiting for something else terrible to happen after Caroline died. Waiting for the kids to be taken away or for me to fail them or for the universe to decide I didn't deserve this family.
Mason took her hand, but at some point you have to accept that maybe you get to keep the good things. Elena leaned against him. I'm trying. I know. That evening, Mason asked Elena to come to his study.
She found him standing by the window looking nervous. What's wrong? Nothing's wrong. I just I wanted to talk to you about something. Okay.
Mason turned to face her. I have a business opportunity, a big one. Opening a new office in New York. It's a 6-month project minimum, maybe longer. Elena's stomach dropped.
You're leaving? Not leaving. Relocating temporarily. Mason moved closer. The kids would come with me.
I'd set up a place there. Keep them in school remotely. Make it work. That's great, Elena said, trying to mean it. I want you to come too.
Elena blinked. What? Come with us to New York. Mason, I know it's asking a lot. You have classes here and you're just getting settled.
But he took her hands. I can't do this without you. The kids can't do this without you. And honestly, I don't want to. You're serious.
Completely serious. Elena's mind raced. New York. 6 months. A whole new city.
Leaving behind the few pieces of stability she'd built here. But staying meant losing them. When would we leave? 2 months. I need time to set things up.