Chapter 40: Liam

In the sprawling office of my wooded estate, I sat before my sleek, high-tech computer setup, the large windows behind me offering a view of the dense forest that surrounded the property. The tranquility of the scene was a stark contrast to the flurry of activity that usually filled my days. This evening, however, was dedicated to a Zoom call with my parents, a ritual that, despite my hectic schedule, I never missed.

On the screen, Mom and Dad's familiar faces appeared, their expressions a blend of affection and the no-nonsense demeanor that had shaped much of my upbringing. Dad, with his salt-and-pepper hair and sharp, observant eyes, had always been the pillar of practicality, a man who believed in hard work and directness. Mom, her hair a soft shade of chestnut that she claimed bore no traces of gray thanks to 'good genes,' had a warmth in her eyes that could put anyone at ease, though her loving nature was equally matched by her firmness.