Chapter 3: The Queen Without a Crown
Chapter 3: The Queen Without a Crown
Celeste finally reached for the tiara.
"I'll take it off."
August stopped her gently.
"Please don't."
She looked confused.
"The clasp contains microscopic fibers from whoever handled it."
Her hand immediately dropped.
Julian closed his eyes.
Another mistake.
Another piece of evidence.
Madeline walked toward Celeste.
Neither woman raised her voice.
"I never hated you."
Celeste stared at her.
"I pitied you."
The younger woman frowned.
"You thought he loved you."
Tears slowly filled Celeste's eyes.
"He promised me everything."
Madeline nodded sadly.
"He promised me forever."
Silence.
Then Madeline looked toward Julian.
"He lies best when he believes someone needs him."
Celeste slowly removed the tiara.
Her hands shook.
She placed it inside the velvet evidence box August offered.
"I never knew it belonged to your family."
"I know."
Madeline believed her.
Because Celeste had been used just as surely as she had.
Only one person had orchestrated every betrayal.
May you like
Julian.
And now he stood completely alone.
