Downstairs, the atmosphere in the sitting room had only grown heavier since Santiago carried Daniella upstairs. The enormous living hall remained brightly lit despite the late hour. Rain tapped steadily against the tall windows, mingling with the low murmur of voices. Untouched cups of tea and coffee sat cooling on the center table.
Doña Catalina sat on one of the sofas, outwardly calm, though the slight tightness around her eyes betrayed her worry. Beside her, Don Alejandro's irritation sharpened with every minute of silence from the upper floor. Luciano leaned against an armchair, unusually quiet now that even his jokes had dried up.
Alejandro glanced toward the staircase again and exhaled. "Where is Thiago?"
No one answered. Everyone already understood the problem.
Gabriel folded his arms. "He disappeared the moment Santiago walked in carrying Daniella."
Luciano snorted. "Smartest decision he's made all month."
Emiliano adjusted his glasses. "That confirms he caused this."
