My mother, Susan, stepped forward, her face twisted in embarrassment. “I told you, Rebecca. This is what happens when you don’t discipline them. You’ve embarrassed us all.”

“You should have left her at home,” my father added, crossing his arms.

It felt like I was back in my childhood kitchen, being flayed alive for breathing too loud. But this time, they were targeting Lorie.

“She said she was sorry,” I said, my voice trembling with suppressed fury. “Let it go.”

“Sorry isn’t good enough!” Vanessa lunged closer, looming over Lorie. “You ruined my night! Do you have any idea who is here? Investors! Sponsors! And you break my centerpiece like a clumsy little idiot!”

Lorie sobbed into my waist. “I’m sorry, Auntie Vanessa. Please.”

Jordan, Vanessa’s business partner, pushed through the crowd. “Vanessa, stop. It’s just a lamp. We have insurance.”