I bit my lip as I was handed the papers. it was true that I needed to start trusting others more, but this was not the time for such things; I fully intended to read the documents all the way through before signing anything. It would be dull and monotonous, but worth it... I stood to lose an incredible amount of money if he was trying to pull anything.

"I'll need a while to read through all this," I said evenly, gesturing toward an adjacent room. "You're welcome to use the TV in the living room while you wait." Without waiting for a response, I began examining the first document. I had studied up on such things a little bit; it wouldn't do for me to lose my money right as I was about to gain my independence. I would be able to relax, but only after it had all be safely transferred to me.