Page 16 of Isabelle and the Beast

Lionel eyes me cautiously.

“Go ahead, Lionel.”

He heaves a sigh. “I don’t believe anyone has chastised you so effectively since…well, since your mother passed.”

Talk about a dagger to the heart.

Lionel continues, undeterred. “Your mother knew exactly how to keep you in line, even as an adult. And you loved and respected her so much that you truly listened to her. But over the last five years, ever since she passed, no one has had the courage to…well, set you straight.” He pauses, assessing my expression. “I’ve said too much.” He stands, pushing his chair back. “I apologize for overstepping.”

“No. I asked for it.” Even though that’s the truth, I don’t stop him when he bows as a farewell and exits the room. I’m not ready for more truths from him.

Is he correct? Was my mother truly the last person who wouldcall me out?

After her death, nearly five years ago, I left everyone in our hometown of Silver Lake City and moved to Hollywood. My father was devastated. He had been training me to take over the family company, Stone Technology, the largest tech company in the world. But I didn’t care. Besides, my younger brother Henry was always the better fit. I wanted to leave, far away from anyone and anything that reminded me of mymother. That included my father and my three younger siblings.

Although now I look back and know I should have stayed. Lily was only fourteen. My father was grieving. But at the same time, so was I.

By some miracle, I quickly got my first role in a movie. Unlike Isabelle, who has been playing parts as an extra for years, I got my first leading role less than six months after arriving in Hollywood. Perhaps it was this quick ascension to fame, combined with the failed investment with Tristan, that made me the “Hollywood Hothead.” I was demanding on set, but no one told me otherwise. I was a star, and I could have whatever I wanted.

Look where it got me. Stuck in my castle with a scar and a malfunctioning eyeball.

For nearly my entire life, aside from my parents and siblings, all I’ve heard is, “Yes, Mr. Stone,” and “What can I do for you, Mr. Stone?” I’ve soaked it all in.

But I didn’t realize how much I missed the voice of someone putting me in my place until tonight.

Maybe Isabelle doesn’t want anything to do with me, but I need to see more of her.

Chapter

Eight

ISABELLE

It’s three a.m., and even though I’m snuggled under the covers in the most comfortable bed I’ve ever laid in, I haven’t slept a wink. And it’s not because I’m afraid.

Well, it’s not ONLY because I’m afraid.

I’ve always struggled with falling asleep, ever since I was a little girl. My dad did his best to comfort me, but he was so busy working and isn’t exactly what I’d call an emotional father. I especially feel this now, as he tries to juggle being both my father and manager. Most of the time, the manager side wins out. And my sisters…well, they considered me little more than a nuisance. So my dad’s solution to my sleep problem was simple: I had a tiny TV in my bedroom with a DVD player attached, and I’d watchThe Sound of MusicorSeven Brides for Seven Brothersand fall asleep to the music and dancing.

This has turned into a daily ritual—nay, a necessity. Now that technology has advanced, I don’t have to rely on carrying around DVD copies of my favorite movies. I can stream them all on my phone.

Except for when there’s no Internet.

Boo-hoo, first world problems, right? I know, I’mridiculously spoiled. But I haven’t had a night without my movies in years. The last time I tried to sleep without them was at a slumber party my sophomore year of high school. I ended up calling my sister Catherine to pick me up early.

It was a killer for my social life. I was already the weird girl who was super into classic movies and musicals, and after this embarrassing episode, only Jen wanted to be my friend. But hey, it turned out to be research for my future career.

Although, who knows how much of a career I have to look forward to, now that I refused to do this role with Adam.

Oh, my blood boils just thinking about him tonight. His self-righteous attitude got under my skin in the worst way. I wish he didn’t affect me so much, but I can’t move past it. The implication that I’m only going to be successful because of my father drives me nuts. I’ve been working my butt off, acting in ridiculous, tiny roles for years, and never taking advantage of my father’s reputation for a leg up.

And here was my opportunity. Finally. Sure, it wasn’t going to be a huge Hollywood blockbuster, but it was still going to be a leading role in an actual movie. Now, because of stupid Adam Stone, I’m losing my chance.

I tell myself it’s not the end of the world. There will be other movies. But producers talk, and if I say I won’t do this movie because of Adam, maybe I’LL get labeled as “difficult to work with.”

My career will be over even before it begins.

Ugh. If only I could just watchThe Sound of Musicand fall asleep to the captain singing “Edelweiss.”

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