Liam’s death is this novel’s inciting incident, so his story unfolds only in flashbacks. However, he looms large over the narrative, which is in many ways an account of his life. Liam is introduced through the framework of his career, being described as “a mostly anonymously wealthy man who never wanted to be the face of the brand” (27). He is quiet and unassuming, but he hides much of his past from everyone, including his children. He has an unhappy childhood and desperately wants to get out of Brooklyn after high school, despite being in love with his girlfriend Cory (who is later revealed to be Grace). He puts himself through college and rises to prominence in the world of property development early in his career. His hotel and resort empire become the most important part of his life, initially because material success allows him to escape Brooklyn, but eventually because he brings Grace on board with the company.

Liam is also characterized by his deep and lifelong passion for Grace. With both married to other people, work is the one area of their life that they can share. She refuses to marry him, but he remains devoted to her.