During brunch, my mom looked at me and said, “We’re just being nice inviting you. Don’t fool yourself thinking you actually matter.” My uncle chuckled. My dad didn’t say a word. I took a sip of my coffee, gave a quick nod and left. Two weeks later, the cabin they all cherished was sold.

During Sunday brunch at my parents’ estate in Greenwich, my mother looked straight at me and said with a calm smile, “We invite you to be polite. Don’t fool yourself into thinking you really matter in this family’s decisions.” My…