James's uncle chose that moment to step into the center of the room.
He had stayed back during the confrontation, letting it run, and he came forward now with his expression arranged into something that looked like a father's disappointment for the benefit of every important guest watching.
"This is not what tonight was meant to be," he said while his voice carried the practiced regret of a man who had decided in advance exactly how concerned he wanted to appear. He turned toward Cormac with a slow shake of his head. "You have embarrassed this family in front of our guests. This was a celebration, and you turned it into a spectacle."
