Page 54 of Isabelle and the Beast

I shake my head, eager to get started.

“All right, let me start recording.” She clicks on her mouse, and an alert appears that the meeting is being recorded. “So, Isabelle, let’s start with an easy one. What was it like growing up with sisters who are professional models?”

“Oh.” I wasn’t expecting to talk about my sisters right off the bat, but I guess it’s a basic question. And, thankfully, one I prepped with Adam. In truth, it wasn’t the best. It made my sisters shallow and self-absorbed, and I was just along for the ride. But in reply to Allegra, I say, “It was really exciting! I got a glimpse of life behind the cameras. And every time they were printed in a magazine or commercial, I was able to show it off to my friends at school.”

“That’s so cool. I bet you made a lot of friends that way.”

Yeah, fake friends. “Yep!”

“That’s great. Did your sisters have any pets growing up?”

What a weird question. “No, we didn’t have any pets. Catherine has really severe allergies, so even though she wanted a dog, she could never have one.”

“Oh, that’s interesting! I don’t think anyone has reported on her allergies before.”

Shoot. Was that supposed to be a family secret? No one ever mentioned it before.

Allegra continues. “Now, your sisters have said often they make sure to eat full, well-rounded meals, which is so admirable for models these days. Where did that influence come from?”

I blink a few times, unsure what these questions have to do with me and my acting. “I’m sorry, I must have missed something. What is the focus of this interview?”

She furrows her brow. “Your manager didn’t tell you?”

I shake my head, dread filling my stomach.

“It’s an article series about celebrities told by their closest family members. We’re getting the inside scoop from you on your sisters.”

Her words sink in, and I feel a sting behind my eyes.I will not cry. I will not cry.

This has nothing to do with me, or acting, or my own career.

It’s all about my sisters.

My heart hurts, but I can’t let her know. Even if this interview isn’t about me, I can do my best to present myself in a way I’ll be proud of. One day, when I’m an A-list actress and people search my name, I don’t want anything online that will embarrass me.

Maybe I can still spin it in a positive direction. I can throw in a few references to my own acting career, and then she’ll have to ask about it.

I nod, recalling the question she asked. “Well, I think my sisters’ respect for nutrition came from our mother. From what I’ve heard, she was an amazing cook and always kept my dad and sisters well-fed. I’m glad they have that reputation in the modeling community.”

“Do you go to a lot of their shows now?”

Bingo. Here’s my opportunity. “Unfortunately, no. I’ve been busy with my own pursuits lately, building up my own career as an actress. But I have some exciting projects on the horizon.”

“That’s nice.” Allegra doesn’t even bat an eyelash. “When’s the last time you saw your sisters?”

I press my lips together, trying to remember while swallowing down the disappointment that this article will not go in my favor. At all.

I’m about to open my mouth and answer when a pair of strong arms appear at my sides, hands resting on the table in front of me. Adam’s voice sounds above my head. “Isabelle doesn’t have much time to see her sisters because she’s preparing for a movie role with me.”

Allegra stares for a moment, and I can see the recognition wash over her face. “Is that…Adam Stone?”

I tilt my head up to look at him, wondering what in the world compelled him to do this.

Chapter

Twenty-Four

ADAM

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