Chapter 7 - The Viral BacklashWhile Mila and Victor were sharing artisan dessert in the mansion's dining room, the internet outside was undergoing a total structural meltdown.
The original TikTok video of Brutus and Mila had hit 15 million views.
By 9:00 PM, internet sleuths had identified Victor Vance as the owner of the mysterious "Mafia Dog." Within an hour, financial blogs, lifestyle magazines, and morning talk shows were scrambling to cover the story.
“Tech Billionaire’s Rogue Dog Stages Intervention for Overworked Nurse”
“Is This the Rom-Com of 2026? Billionaire, Nurse, and a Beef-Stealing Cane Corso!”
Paparazzi had already started gathering outside the gates of the Vance estate, their long-lens cameras flashing through the iron bars like trapped lightning.
Back inside, Mila’s phone—which she had left on silent in her pocket—was vibrating with such relentless fury it felt like a trapped hornet. When she finally pulled it out during coffee, her jaw dropped.
"Victor..." Mila whispered, holding up her screen. "Look at this."
Her nursing home’s official Instagram account had posted a screenshot of her face from the viral video with the caption: "That’s our star nurse Mila Hayes! Stand your ground against the pot roast bandit! (Also, please come in for your scheduled shift tomorrow, we need you.)"
Even worse, her landlord had commented on a public news thread: “Tell your dog-thieving billionaire boyfriend that rent is still due on the first, but take your time on the late fee.”
Mila buried her face in her hands, groaning aloud. "I’m ruined. I’m a global meme. I’ll never be able to look a patient in the eye again."
Victor leaned forward, resting his chin on his intertwined fingers, his eyes sparkling with absolute delight. "Ruined? Miss Hayes, you are a national treasure. Do you know what happens when you become America's favorite hero?"
"What?" Mila muttered through her fingers.
"People start paying attention to the things that matter." Victor stood up and walked over to his sleek, minimalist desk, picking up a thick manila folder. He walked back and placed it gently beside Mila’s coffee cup.
Mila slowly lowered her hands. "What is this?"
"I own a medical foundation," Victor said softly, his voice steady and serious. "We fund nurse burnout prevention, student debt relief, and fair-wage advocacy. For months, my team has been looking for someone with your level of grit, resilience, and absolute refusal to be intimidated to spearhead our new community healthcare initiative."
May you like
Mila stared at the folder, then up at Victor. "You're offering me a job?"
"I’m offering you a partnership," Victor corrected, a slow smile spreading across his face. "Courtesy of Brutus, Esq., head of acquisitions."
