Chapter 36

**Celeste's POV**

The silence stretches for three heartbeats after Evangeline disappears through the French doors. Three perfect heartbeats where I can still taste victory on my tongue like expensive champagne.

Then the crowd explodes.

"Did you see her face?"

"Oh my God, Celeste, that was incredible!"

"I can't believe she actually fell for it!"

The laughter hits me like a wave, washing over my skin and soaking into my bones. This is what I ...