Belle felt a bead of sweat form in her palm, startled by the little puppy heads peeking out.

The butler noticed her reaction and smiled reassuringly. “Don’t worry, Miss Summers. Our master trained them last night. They’re actually just being friendly; if they didn’t like you, you would’ve been scared off by now.”

Embarrassed, Belle explained, “I have some childhood trauma, so I’m afraid of all dogs.”

The butler nodded in ...