CHAPTER 19

The party had drifted into the music room. Theo searched the crowd that had already broken into the usual groups and cliques. The older generation was on one side of the room while the younger relatives were sitting together and checking their phones.

Servants in black jackets and white gloves were serving champagne and dessert on silver platters. He noticed Galàtheia was at the grand piano playing traditional Christmas carols.

But where was she? Dea was nowhere to be found. Theo tapped Dillon on the shoulder.

“Have you seen Dea?”

“Hmm? Aundrea? No…”

Dillon lifted his head and looked around the room as if he was just now noticing his daughter’s absence.

“But maybe she’s somewhere around here. Probably resting in another room…” Dillon said, preoccupied, as he motioned for one of the waiters.

“No, she’s not.”

He had already checked the other room.

“I saw her step outside but she hasn’t come back.”

“Oh, she’s fine,” Dillon studied the desse