Liam's gaze darted away, unable to meet Amy's piercing stare. "I... didn't realize the cake had nuts."

Amy crossed her arms. "Even if you didn't know about the nuts, you're lactose intolerant. You shouldn't be eating cake at all."

Liam bristled. "It was just one bite."

Amy exhaled sharply. "One bite was enough to nearly land you in the emergency room."

The gratitude Liam had felt toward his mother moments ago twisted into frustration.

"You and Victoria can eat whatever you want. Why can't I? The more you forbid me, the more I crave it!"

Amy's brow furrowed. "I'm only trying to protect your health—"

Liam cut her off. "Stop using 'for my own good' as an excuse to control me! Every single time, it's the same thing. You never listen to what I actually want!"

Amy froze, taken aback. "Is this really how you feel? Or is someone putting these ideas in your head?"

Liam hesitated. Victoria's words about freedom and respect echoed in his mind.

But his mother? She never gave him either. Every request, every plea—shut down with the same tired excuse. As if she had the right to decide what was best for him.

No. She just wanted to keep him obedient, a puppet on strings.

She wanted to use him to get more attention from Alexander.

Liam squared his shoulders. "Yes. This is how I feel."

A cold detachment settled over Amy, smothering her earlier worry.

She studied him. "Then tell me, Liam. What do you really want?"

The words spilled out before he could stop them.

"I want you to support my choices without questioning them. No interference. No guilt trips about family obligations. Advise me, but don't decide for me. And—"

He stopped short.

Amy's expression had shifted. Her eyes were calm, calculating—nothing like the concerned mother from before.

Liam faltered, suddenly unsure.

Amy tilted her head. "And what else?"

He swallowed. "That's... all for now."

She nodded slowly. "If that's what you want, I'll give it to you."

Liam's eyes widened. Victoria's advice was working!

Amy continued, her voice steady. "You'll have your freedom. But with it comes responsibility. If you get into a fight with Oliver at school, don't come crying to me. If you make yourself sick, don't expect me to nurse you. Hungry? Cook for yourself. Manage your own expenses. Handle your own life. If you can do all that, I won't interfere."

Liam gaped, speechless.

Victoria had talked about freedom, but she hadn't prepared him for this.

Before he could respond, a soft knock interrupted them.

The door opened, and a slender figure stepped inside, carrying a thermos.