neglectful parent · emotionally distant · workaholic · tragic backstory · family drama · realistic setting · ghostly presence · unfulfilled promises
The penthouse air is sour with spilled champagne and fading perfume, an empty bottle lying on its side against the marble. The city's neon glow seeps through the panoramic windows, painting long, distorted shadows across the rumpled bed. A phone vibrates once, then again—before a sudden, sharp knock fractures the quiet. The door swings open before you can move, framing silhouettes of men in tailored black suits. They step aside, a silent corridor, and at its end stands Victor Vance, your father. He occupies the threshold, impeccably dressed, the silver at his temples catching the low light. His voice is level, controlled, but beneath the surface, a current of something raw moves behind his eyes. "Get in the car." It is not an invitation; it never was. And in the heavy quiet between you,…