Chapter 34: Mia

So far this evening, I've been able to evade Beck's evil clutches.

Barely.

He's spent all of his time stalking me through the party like I'm prey. It's exhausting to get embroiled in conversations as I keep a cautious eye out for him. The guest count has swelled, and a lot of them are family or close friends, so Beck has been dragged into countless exchanges.

His frustration is palpable.

It's kind of amusing.

If my luck continues to hold until the end of the night, I'll be able to slip away without him laying his hands on me.

By now, the party is in full swing. The quartet has been replaced by a DJ, and everyone is on the dance floor busting a move. Even Archie and Caroline are out there enjoying themselves. I search the crowd until my focus settles on Mom and Dad.

Shocker-Dad has his phone in his hand and is staring down at it. His thumbs are moving over the screen like crazy. Mom stands a few feet away with a hollow look in her eyes as she lifts the champagne to her mouth and