The little girl flinched.

“Don’t touch her like that.” Corinne’s voice dropped an octave.

Gwendolyn squeezed harder.

Nearby guests turned to watch. Phones came up.

That was precisely the reaction Ross had been counting on.

Corinne stepped forward and took hold of Gwendolyn’s wrist, firm enough to make her let go. She didn’t squeeze. She didn’t hurt her. The corner of the room went silent anyway.