Page 39 of Isabelle and the Beast

Dad heaves a sigh. “He’s losing one sponsor after another. He doesn’t have any other opportunities coming up. If he doesn’t land a job soon, I worry that he’ll be out of the scene altogether.”

My eyebrows rise in surprise. “I didn’t know.”

“He really pulled a stunt on the red carpet last fall. I don’t even know why he punched Tristan.”

The words on the computer screen flash in front of my vision again.

Tristan Jackson

Lily Stone

Non-disclosure

Slander

Assault

I’m almost positive his attack on Tristan has something todo with Lily. Nothing sets Adam into protective mode like his little sister. But it’s clear that he doesn’t want any of it to be public, so I stay quiet.

Dad continues. “Well, talk to Adam and let me know if you can do the interview tomorrow morning. I’ll send all the details to you.”

“Thanks, Dad. I appreciate you working hard for me.”

“You’re welcome,” he says, his voice softer. He’s back to Dad-mode now. “Are you sure that you’re okay?”

“I promise. I’ve made friends with some of the staff here. Brigette is the sweetest. Did you meet her when you were here?”

“I think so,” he says. “I stayed in some princess-flower room.”

I laugh. “I think that’s the same room I’m staying in. I love it.”

“Good. I’m glad you’re all right.” He pauses. “I love you, Isabelle. Let me know if you need anything.”

“I will. Love you, too.”

We hang up, and I feel like I just got out of a huge hug. I didn’t realize how much I missed my dad.

I sit at the vanity and check my messages. My hunch was correct. I did get fired from the Cheesecake Factory. I can shrug that one off, though. Then I text Jen and let her know I’m safe. Out of the corner of my eye, I notice a little ripple in my curtain.

“Brigette?” I ask.

Nothing. My heart beats a little faster. Who is in this room with me?

“Lionel? Adam?” I can hear my voice shake.

Then I hear a little giggle, and I see tiny toes peeking out from the bottom of the curtain. A smile spreads across my face.

“Hulk?” I ask.

Theo rips the curtain aside, his cheeky face grinning widely at me. “You found me!”

“Is this your secret hiding spot?”

He nods proudly.

I fix him with a serious look. “Were you listening to my phone conversation?”

He looks a little sheepish. “I did. Was that your daddy?”

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