Dinner passed in a blur. Caleb never let go of my hand. Carol downed wine and pretended everything was fine.

Then came the toasts.

Carol stood, champagne flute in hand. “Family is everything. And tonight, I’m proud of how we’ve presented ourselves with dignity, grace, and pride.”

My jaw clenched. “She really said that,” I whispered.

Caleb squeezed my hand, then stood.

“I wasn’t going to say anything tonight,” he began, “but after hearing my mother talk about ‘family pride,’ I think it’s time for honesty.”

The room went still.