But it was entirely yours.”

Alden swallowed hard, his throat clicking. “You — you should have told us you knew Maren.”

“I knew Rear Admiral Rowe,” Liora corrected sharply. “What I didn’t know was that I was marrying into the family that abandoned her.”

Griffin stepped up beside his father, flushed. “This is a wedding reception! Show some respect!”

Liora met his glare without blinking. “I am.”

Calder stepped forward, shoulder to shoulder with his wife. “I invited Aunt Maren because I wanted her here,” he said, his voice ringing with new authority.