Liam's POV
I followed my mother into the quiet room she had requested. The door closed softly behind us, shutting out the noise of the office.
She sat down first, crossing her legs elegantly, her eyes already studying me. The way she always did like she was checking for cracks, weaknesses, things that didn’t align with her expectations.
“You’ve grown thinner,” she said. “Are you eating properly?”
“I’m fine, Mom,” I replied, taking the seat opposite her. “Work has just been… busy.”
She nodded, as if she had already expected that answer. “You always bury yourself in work. Just like your father.”
I stiffened slightly at the mention of him but said nothing.
Her gaze softened, just a little. “I worry about you, Liam. You carry too much weight on your shoulders.”
“I can handle it,” I to
