His expression doesn’t waver. “I stayed away to protect my family. My position. My company. You and your mother chose privacy, and I honored that.”
I stare at him, stunned. “You didn’thonoranything. You disappeared. Youlether drown. She worked double shifts, pawned her instruments to pay for my braces, and never once complained. She wasstrongerthan you’ll ever be.”
He exhales slowly. “I don’t doubt that. She raised you well. And you’ve clearly built something for yourself. But now—whether you like it or not—you’re part of this. The world knows. The story’s out. My proposal is simple: we shape the narrative before someone else does.”
“You’re unbelievable,” I say. “You think this is about narrative? About optics?”
His voice sharpens. “Itisabout optics. In our world, perception is reality. You might hate that, but you’ve benefited from it too. You built an image. You sell it every time you step on a stage.”
I shoot to my feet. “Don’t compare what I built to what you bought.”
“I’m offering you a seat at the table,” he says evenly. “No obligations. Just opportunity. You can take it or leave it.”
I stare down at him. And at that moment, I don’t see a father. I see a man who’s used to making people disappear—or obey.
I don’t want his table.I don’t want his deals.I want the truth. I already got it.
I grab my jacket.
“We’re done here,” I say.
“Max—”
“You don’t get to say my name like it means something to you. It never did.”
I walk out.
***
The elevator dings behind me as I step into the penthouse, drop my keys onto the counter, and exhale like I’ve been holding my breath since the minute I walked into that restaurant.
I’m not sure if I feel lighter or just emptied out. Like the anger burned hot and fast, and now all that’s left is quiet.
I toe off my boots, scrub a hand through my hair, and grab my phone.
Max:
Hey. Any idea what time you’re coming over?
I don’t even sit down. I just stand there, phone in hand, watching the screen like it owes me comfort.
Three dots appear.
Then her reply pings in:
Nora:
Now ;)
Myeyebrows lift.
Another ping.
Nora:
Check the door, Rockstar.
I blink, then practically jog across the apartment and swing the door open.
