“Ethan mentioned you accepted his email invitation,” Richard said, taking a heavy gold fountain pen from his breast pocket and tapping it against his palm.

“I find that decision surprising.”

“It was an open invitation,” I said.

“Every legal document signed eight years ago had strict terms regarding closure,” Richard said, his courtroom phrasing quick and precise.

“Our family built its whole corporate structure on clean records and binding paperwork.”

“I remember the paperwork,” I said.

“Then you remember that proper documentation governs all legacy matters,” Richard said, capping his pen with a sharp metallic click.

“We don’t allow historical ambiguities to interfere with current family obligations.”