"Problem solved," Mr. Hale said after a beat, brushing imaginary dust off his hands and turning to face me, his expression suddenly dead serious, like I was about to sign some top-secret government contract or something. "Nobody hears of this. Understand?"
I blinked at him, a little caught off guard by the sudden intensity in his tone. “What, the squirrel incident?” I asked, fighting back the urge to smirk.
“Yes, the squirrel incident,” he replied, his eyes narrowing as if daring me to find this funny. “This does not leave this room. Ever.”
I bit my lip, nodding solemnly. “Got it. Your wild animal phobia is safe with me. Secret’s going to the grave.”
He exhaled sharply, looking relieved for a moment, but then my sarcastic grin gave me away.
“Isabella,” he warned, his voice carryi
