#Chapter 42: Late Nights

Agnes Even by the time we returned to the hotel room later, I could still feel the buzz of adrenaline coursing through me. I had won. Somehow, I had won against Olivia in front of a crowd of onlookers. The thought left a strangely bittersweet taste in my mouth. Although it was mostly sweet, if I was being honest. The door clicked shut behind us, and Elijah’s voice broke the silence. “Well done,” he said as he loosened his tie. “You completely outplayed Olivia. Are you sure that was your first time?” I let out a small laugh, brushing off the compliment as I slipped off my shoes. “It was pure luck, honestly. I barely knew what I was doing.” Elijah crossed his arms, leaning against the wall with an expression that told me he wasn’t buying it. “Luck had nothing to do with it. You read her like a book.” I blinked at him, caught off guard by his words. He tilted his head slightly, studying me. “How did you know when she was bluffing? It didn’t seem l