Page 79 of Isabelle and the Beast

He’s still for a moment, then he meets my gaze. “Yes. That’s what I had with your mom.”

“I wish you would have talked about her more.”

He puts his hand on mine and squeezes it. “I should have. She was an incredible woman.”

I hesitate a moment, then decide if he’s being vulnerable, this is my chance to ask him. “I found some baby pictures in the garage. Did she…call me Belle?”

At that, his eyes well with tears. “She did.”

My heart warms, even though I had already figured it out. But hearing it confirmed from my dad makes it feel real. My mom was a real person. She loved me, and even though she’s gone, I can still carry this piece of her with me.

With Adam.

Dad suddenly pulls his hand back. He’s done with reminiscing, but that’s okay. This has been more than I ever expected from him. “So. Adam. And you.”

I press my lips together. “And…you’re okay with that? Even though you know who he is?”

He chuckles. “I know Adam’s reputation, but I also knowAdam. There has been a lot of hurt. He’s been wronged many times in the past…and in the present. But if he has someone by his side to support him, I think he’ll come out okay.”

“If he doesn’t get this movie though…”

Dad grimaces. “This might be the end of his career. I’m not sure where he’d go from here.”

I nod. “That’s what he’s worried about.”

Dad’s phone buzzes on the counter, interrupting our conversation. “Sorry, I have to check if it’s someone for work.”

I wave him off. “I know.” I’ve known my entire life thatDad’s work came first. It’s what makes this conversation so extraordinary.

Dad gets up and checks his phone at the kitchen counter. I take a sip of my coffee, patiently waiting, and then he groans. “Oh, no.”

“What is it?”

“Tristan just released a statement.”

“What?” I stand and join him at the counter, and Dad clicks on a video link.

“Hello, everyone.” The voice and image of Tristan Jackson, Golden Boy of Hollywood, sitting on his couch appears on Dad’s screen. My skin crawls at the sound of his voice, especially now that I’ve talked to him personally. He looks perfect: his blond hair is styled to perfection, his baby-blue eyes shine at the camera, and his tanned skin and white teeth make him look like he’s about to be in a toothpaste commercial. “I’ve unfortunately seen the allegations against me and wanted to take a minute to address them.” He pauses and shakes his head. “I’m so ashamed. Not because they’re true, but because of the way I have unintentionally misled these women.” He leans toward the camera, his expression so genuine. “You see, I’ve always tried to befriend those in need. I have a soft spot in my heart for those who are not as well-off as myself.” He sits back and shrugs, self-deprecating. “I thought my intentions were clear to these women, but I’ve only desired to make their lives better. If my actions were misconstrued as romantic, I sincerely apologize. It pains me to think that they have been hurt by my kindness.” He closes his eyes, almost like he’s fighting tears, but then he looks back at the camera with a soft smile. “I appreciate your time in listening to this message. Thank you for being willing to hear the truth.”

Then the video ends.

Dad and I are silent, processing what just happened.

“Well, there’s a reason why he’s a good actor,” Dad finally says.

“You’ve got to be flipping kidding me,” I mutter. “This is ridiculous! He’s lying!”

“Oh, I know. But it’s so easy for men to manipulate the public perception, even when you have multiple women coming forward.”

“But there’s seven women in the article!” I exclaim.

My dad just scrolls down the comments and shows me the dozens that are already rolling in.

I knew you were innocent, Tristan!

The truth always comes out.

Even if he was a womanizer, I’d still want him.

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