Chapter 6: Chaos Unleashed

As soon as someone said that, others chimed in.

Laughter rippled through the room, some playful shoving between guests.

“Brooks is so lucky. Little Princess spoils him~”

Someone mimed a tiara, setting off another round of giggles.

“Brooks’s life is like a fairy tale, so happy it’s enviable.”

A guest whistled, “Guess it pays to date royalty in Chicago.”

“I’m so jealous of Brooks. When will I get a Little Princess girlfriend?”

They all stared at Brooks like he held the keys to the kingdom.

Alex Brooks looked a bit surprised, fiddled with his fingers, and lowered his head: “Aww, stop it, I’ll go take a look.”

He shuffled awkwardly, cheeks flushed, trying to keep his cool for the cameras.

The director suggested everyone go together.

The group practically stampeded to the front door, everyone talking over each other.

We all left the house and saw the staff holding an Alaskan Malamute on a leash.

The dog looked majestic—fur like fresh snow, bigger than any Malamute I’d seen at the park. The staff struggled to hold him back as the guests crowded around.

My phone buzzed with a Messenger message from Tessa.

I recognized her ringtone instantly—the one she set to annoy me. My hand tightened around the phone.

[Honey, Grandpa called a last-minute meeting. Take care of Little Monster for me, I’ll pick him up tonight.]

Of course. Something always came up at Lane Media. Her grandpa was the only person she’d bail for.

My eyelid twitched and I replied.

Furrowed brow, rapid thumbs.

[I’m recording a live show. Why did you send Little Monster here?]

[I know what you’re up to. Take him back, now.]

Tessa sent a photo: [I’m at the office.]

She looked bored, feet propped on a conference table, sipping on a venti iced coffee. Classic Tessa.

I locked my phone and took a deep breath.

My agent, Maya, groaned, rubbing her temples. “Next time your ex wants to steal something, can it be your Netflix password instead?”

How did she get to the office in just a few minutes?

She must’ve had her driver waiting at the curb—perks of being the Lane heiress.

Alex Brooks looked around. “Just the dog?”

His voice was a little higher than usual, eyes darting to the crew.

“President Lane said she had to go to the company, so she asked me to give the dog to his dad.”

The staff member smiled, already backing away before Little Monster could tug her across the lawn.

With that, the staff handed the leash to Alex Brooks.

The Alaskan’s fur was thick and glossy, rippling in the breeze. The guests couldn’t help but want to pet him.

One guest knelt down, scratching Little Monster behind the ears, getting a slobbery lick in return. Phones snapped photos, hashtags ready to go.

“Brooks, what’s the name of the dog you and Little Princess are raising?”

The speaker was Chris Young, a new artist at Lane Media, with a reputation as a clear-headed young actor.

Chris flashed a winning smile, always the crowd-pleaser.

Alex Brooks’s ears suddenly turned red. “This… how should I say it…”

He glanced at the dog, as if pleading for backup.