Everyone’s eyes are on me. I can’t tell them. Not yet. Not like this.

I take a deep breath. “Excuse me,” I say, my voice trembling slightly. “It’s my mother.

”Vladimir’s eyes narrow, but he doesn't stop me. He knows. He knows everything. I can feel it. He just gives me a little nod and a look that says, I will wait. I walk away from the table, my hand shaking as I answer the call.

“Isabella,” my mother’s voice rings out, so full of love and concern it brings tears to ...