Isabella’s POV

The excited buzz in the room died down the moment I stepped inside. The reporters snapped to attention, and I kept my gaze trained directly ahead of me as I moved down the hall.

Camera flashes went off on either side of me like silent, continuous explosions. With each step that brought me closer to the podium, my apprehension mounted. I didn’t allow that to show, however. I kept my face still—unreadable. It was a skill I’d learned long ago, ...