The Parker family dining room was as much a monument to their legacy as any of their skyscrapers downtown. A chandelier glittered above a mahogany table long enough to seat twelve, though tonight it hosted just four: Liam Parker, his parents, and his younger sister, Lily. Every detail of the room was curated—crystal glasses, polished silverware, and chairs upholstered in deep blue to match the Parker Enterprises logo. Even dinner felt like a performance.

Liam sat upright in his seat, a model of composure, cutting into his filet mignon with precise movements. His father, Richard Parker, presided at the head of the table, speaking with the ease of a man who'd always been the loudest voice in the room. His mother, Margaret, nodded along, occasionally chiming in with sharp commentary. Across from him, Lily, sixteen and quiet, toyed with her food, her eyes flicking between their parents and Liam as though waiting for something to happen.

"That merger proposal with Greystone Industries is a mess," Richard was saying, his tone dismissive. "I told them they're either with us or they're irrelevant. No room for hand-holding in business."

"Of course," Margaret added, delicately dabbing her mouth with a napkin. "People respect strength, not sentimentality. You'll remember that, won't you, Liam?"

"Always," Liam replied, his voice steady, as though it was a reflex.

It wasn't a lie, not entirely. He had learned early on that strength, in his parents' eyes, meant silence and precision. Emotions were liabilities, distractions from the larger goals of legacy and success. Vulnerability? Unthinkable. Liam had mastered the art of hiding everything behind an impenetrable mask of professionalism and calm.

The conversation shifted, as it often did, from business to the latest scandals in the city.

"Did you hear about the mayor's assistant?" Margaret asked, a hint of relish in her voice. "Caught sneaking around with his boyfriend, of all things. It's disgraceful how some people flaunt their...lifestyle choices so openly these days."

Richard scoffed. "It's a symptom of society crumbling. No discipline, no values. If that assistant worked for Parker Enterprises, he'd be out on the street by morning."

The knife in Liam's hand hesitated, the motion so slight that only Lily noticed. The words pressed down on him like an iron weight, but he forced himself to breathe evenly, to nod as though in agreement. His discomfort simmered under the surface, invisible but ever-present.

"I'm sure his family is proud," Richard continued with a sneer, earning a polite laugh from Margaret.

Liam's stomach churned, but he said nothing. He wasn't even sure why the comments hit him so hard. It wasn't as if they were directed at him. He wasn't like that. Not...really. He was just uncomfortable because of how harsh his family was, how casually they dismissed people who were different. That was it.

Right?

"Liam?" His mother's voice snapped him out of his thoughts. "You've been quiet. Surely you have an opinion."

He looked up sharply, aware of Lily's gaze now fixed on him. For a moment, the question loomed heavy in the air.

"I think..." Liam started, carefully choosing his words, "that it's not our business to comment on people's private lives."

Richard's brows furrowed, but Margaret gave a sharp, approving nod. "Exactly. And if they don't want people commenting, they should keep their private lives private."

Liam nodded quickly, letting the conversation pass. It was a dance he'd perfected over the years—saying just enough to deflect attention, never enough to stand out.

***

Dinner wore on, and though the conversation moved to safer topics, the discomfort lingered like a shadow. When the meal ended, Liam offered to help clear the table, a rare break from his usual routine of retreating to his room to review work. As he gathered plates, Lily followed him into the kitchen.

"You okay?" she asked softly, leaning against the counter.

Liam didn't look at her. "Why wouldn't I be?"

Lily tilted her head, studying him. "You just seemed...I don't know, tense. When Dad and Mom were talking about—"

"I wasn't tense," Liam interrupted, his voice sharper than he intended. He took a breath, setting the plates down. "I'm fine, Lily. Don't overthink it."

She frowned but didn't push further. "Okay."

As she left the kitchen, Liam leaned against the counter, gripping the edge tightly. The conversation from dinner played over in his mind, his parents' words echoing louder than he wanted them to. For years, he'd buried any thought or feeling that didn't align with their expectations, convinced that it was the only way to survive. But lately...

He shook his head, willing the thoughts away. He had no time for distractions, no room for vulnerabilities. He was Liam Parker, heir to Parker Enterprises. That was all that mattered.

Or so he told himself.