The Royals of Malibu - S3 E5 - "Promposal"

Episode Date: April 28, 2025

Ella heads down the PCH for lunch with Steve and Dinah, intent on finding the missing link behind Brooke’s death. But, to her surprise, she’s met with a more vulnerable version of Steve and Dinah. However, things take a turn when Steve learns of Reed and Ella’s relationship.  • Follow [The Royals of Malibu on Patreon TODAY for upcoming scripts for purchase, and much more] (https://www.patreon.com/TheRoyalsofMalibu) • Follow [The Royals of Malibu on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/theroyalsofmalibu/) • Follow [The Royals of Malibu on TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@theroyalsofmalibu) • Explore more: [emeraldaudio.com](https://emeraldaudio.net/) The Royals of Malibu is a production of Emerald Audio, an imprint of Diversion, in association with Pod People. Featuring the voices of: Alyssa McKay as ELLA SINCLAIR, Chris Cafero as REED ROYAL, Nick Cafero as EASTON ROYAL, Armen Taylor as CALLUM ROYAL, Franchesca Agramonte as VALERIE GONZALEZ, Hannah Montoya as SAVANNAH GONZALEZ, Maura Vincent as DINAH / HEADMASTER BERRINGER, Stephanie Sherry as LUCY and MARGARET SINCLAIR, Jillian Kinsey as NOVA / DETECTIVE SCHMIDT / DAY PLAYER, and Daniel Lench as STEVE / DAY PLAYER. Directed by Ashton Carter, Written by Keyanna Khatiblou, Produced by Emma DeMuth, Production Management by Ashton Carter, Production Assistance by Hannah Rae Leach, Story Development by Emma DeMuth, Editorial Direction by Scott Waxman, Casting by Lindsey Ploussard, Sound Editing, Sound Design, and Engineering by Carter Woghan and Morgane Fouse, Dialogue Editing by Carter Woghan and Adam Raymonda, Theme Music by Maty Noyes, Consulting Producers: Chris Cafero and Nick Cafero, Executive Producers: Rachael King, Alyssa McKay, and Scott Waxman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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We worked our asses off to win the state championship. College scouts were all over us, then Reed had to go and kill somebody. I am warning you. No, no, no, no. You should be glad your mom isn't allowed to see you now. Ah! Reed! I can't believe you would risk your entire future over some petty insults.

I don't care about anything, Dad. Maybe I deserve everything that's happening to me. Maybe I should be found guilty. Someone came by the other day asking about you. He said he worked for the LA Times. What? Some journalist is writing a story about Reed? Hey, Steve. Sorry, I haven't been calling you back.

Do you think I can come over sometime? I want to hang out with you and Dinah. And I'm taking it ["Bestie Valse," by The Bachelorette plays on radio.] Call from Bestie Valse. Girl, you better not be going where I think you're going. Steve invited me to brunch at the haunted penthouse. This is the best lead I have. Dinah will either have her own idea of who the killer is or she's the person who killed Brooke.

You think she might be the killer and you're still driving to her house right now? Look, I'm gonna play nice with Dinah so she'll let her guard down. Then I'll start asking her about Brooke to see if she cracks under the pressure. I have a bad feeling about this, Ella. Why are you always running into the burning building?

Trust issues, codependency, save your complex? You know, memorizing a bunch of mental health buzzwords doesn't mean you're actually mentally healthy. It just means your algorithm is very dramatic. I know, I know, bad joke. But hey, I just pulled into the car elevator at the penthouse, so the call's gonna drop.

God, I've never been in one of these before. I made it. Val? Are you still there? Guess I'm on my own. Nice, Sarah, nice. The last time I visited the penthouse, it was spooky, dusty, dark, but Steve's energy has totally transformed the place.

The windows are open, the California sunshine streaming in, and Steve looks thrilled to see me, almost nervous. He sweeps me into his game room and sets up a game of pool, which definitely feels like a dad type of activity. Unbelievable! You're a natural, Ellen, what a shot. The striped ones are easier to hit.

At first, I was faking my good attitude to get Steve to lower his guard, but now that we're having fun together, I'm starting to understand why everyone loves him. He's charming, funny, friendly. He tells embarrassing stories about his younger days. And that's when the woman said, that's not my father, that's my husband. No.

Yes. Then the conversation got more serious. Calum and I hated each other when we first met. What? Oh, yeah. I thought he was a rich asshole. He thought I was a rich asshole. He thought I was an ignorant sleaze.

Well, what happened? Long story short, we were on the ship. There was a fire in the compartment where we were working. Smoke got so thick I couldn't see a foot in front of me. I ran to put on an emergency air breathing mask, an EAB, but I trip over something, nearly fall flat on my face. It's Callum, out cold.

He must have knocked his head on something because there's a gash on his forehead. Now remember, I hate this guy guy but he's my shipmate so I put my EAB on him hold my breath and run to grab a fresh mask from the locker you saved his life that's how he puts it shipmates look out for each other that's what I think now years later he's like my brother. It makes sense why you two are so close. A near-death experience will bond people, for sure.

Yeah. Yeah. I haven't always been the best man, but from that day on, Callum saw me as the greatest guy on Earth. I can do no wrong in his eyes. Hmm. Hmm. Hey, I-I-I in his eyes. Hmm. Hmm. Hey, I bet the food's ready. Wanna go see if the chef's gone?

Yeah. Yeah, for sure. So does that mean I won my first game of pool? Are you kidding me? You demolished me in pool. You swept the floor with it. I'll be right back. I walk through the penthouse and head towards the kitchen. My eyes are drawn to the gorgeous view of the Pacific Ocean and that's when I see... her. A familiar blonde blowout is standing across the massive living room staring out at the ocean

Brooke? I just make connection like I'm Odin. I be turn up, I be show them. I be burn up, yeah let's go then. Got tunes in my Mac, let me load them. You don't know the answer, if it's a no then. I got problems, gotta solve them. They keep talking, I don't know them. I don't need that, I don't owe them. I just make connection like I'm Odin. I be turn up, I be show them. I be burn up, yeah let's go then.

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But one night at a pool party, everything changed. I wake up in a world called Estinasia, an empire on the brink of collapse. Turns out, I look exactly like a missing military general. Posing as the general is my only shot at surviving. Oh, and there's a seriously complicated interdimensional crush involved too. I never wanted to be a hero, but now I'm stuck in a fight to save the empire,

solve family secrets, survive assassins, and face terrifying beasts. Listen to the infinite worlds of Ella-Jane on Spotify, Apple, Amazon Music or any major streaming platform. Spiraling down How could this be happening? Am I hallucinating or... Is there a chance that this could actually be Brooke Davidson? No, wait. That's not possible. Then the woman turns. Hello, darling. Oh my God, Dinah, I thought you were from behind.

You look just like, uh... Like Brooke. I introduced her to my stylist ages ago. The darling girl was using box-dye when I met her. Can you imagine? Sorry, that just, um, scared me. The darling girl was using box-dye when I met her. Can you imagine? Sorry, that just, um, scared me. I guess I'm not seeing ghosts after all.

Just evil stepmothers. Oh no! Don't say that! You're... you're not... You don't have to pretend to like me just because I'm married to your father. I know why you're here, Ella. Yeah, I'm here to follow up on all your blackmail. Were you still trying to steal my trust or... Very witty. Just kidding.

Sorry for not saying hi earlier. Steve and I were playing pool in the... Don't worry, my dear. I knew you were here. I had security cameras installed all throughout the penthouse after I discovered Steve's... wandering eye. I can see and hear everything that happens in my home. Wow. That's gotta qualify you for something in the DSM. Is that some kind of social ground? Um... no. My two favorite ladies.

I hope you're getting along. That would be a first. But I did want to spend time with both of you now that we're all legally and genetically connected to each other. Well, that's a weird way of saying family. Family? Wow! Feels kind of soon to be throwing the word family around, doesn't it? Right.

I won't push my luck. Looks like the food is ready. Let's eat. Mimosa, how? I'm 17. Oh. Done. You two seem to be getting along.

You look super happy. Carefree. Couple's therapy works? Who knew? Our psychotherapist has been helping me release a lot of my resentment and anger. I'm happier than I've felt in decades. And the therapist has helped me figure out why I go searching for danger, you know? Why can't I ever be satisfied?

I guess a lot of that does relate back to my father. I'm so proud of you, Steve. I'm committed to being a better man. For both of you. Well, thanks. Steve and Dinah seem genuinely at peace. It makes me think of how much pain Callum is going through, and how worried I am about Reed. It's so fucking... unfair that Dinah gets to be happy while the royals and I suffer.

I came here to play nice with her, to convince her to let her guard down, but I can't take this. Yeah, I don't buy this. You don't buy what exactly? You two pretending to be a Norman Rockwell painting. I don't buy it. I'm sorry if we upset you. Stop being so nice to me! And stop being so mushy towards each other, it's making me want to vomit! I can take responsibility for whatever it is that's causing you to be so upset.

Stop it, darling. Let her say her piece. Steve faked his death. He literally lied to you about being dead. The last time I saw you, Dinah, you were trying to kick down the royal's front door because you blamed us for killing Brooke. Then you went to a few couples therapy sessions and now you're magically healed? You don't fool me, Dinah. You're in denial maybe, but you aren't healed. You can't be. I'm sorry, Ella. For what? For suing me?

For hiding my mother's letters from Steve? You both apparently forgive each other for everything, so what exactly do you want to apologize for? I'm sorry for lashing out at a child when I should have been angry at myself. The only reason you're pretending to be a better person is because you want a guy to like you. Do you realize how sad that is? Of course I want my marriage to mend, but Steve isn't the reason for my change of heart.

It's because of what I did to Brooke. Dinah, don't. What did you do to Brooke? Ella, please. I can forgive Steve's transgressions, but I will never forgive myself. Dina, I need you to be more specific. I was angry with her, you know. At first I thought her and I could work together against Callum.

That doctored video was one thing but a false pregnancy. She was going to ruin all of our plans with that preposterous lie. You knew about the fake pregnancy? I knew everything. When I found out Steve had left everything to you and his will, it felt as though he had chosen another woman over me again. I couldn't take it. And Brooke agreed to help me if I helped her,

but her lies got out of hand. She was going to ruin everything. Did you push her? Enough! She was going to ruin everything. Did you push her? Enough. Our therapist suggested I'd write letters of apology to the people I've hurt.

I wrote one for Steve and one for... for Brooke. And... for you, Ella. If you ever want to read it. No, thanks. I understand. I need a moment to read it. No thanks. I understand. I need a moment to collect myself.

Dinah. I don't understand why you stay with her. Dinah was different in the beginning of our marriage. And then I neglected her, I cheated on her, and it broke her. And now she's my responsibility to fix. That's insane. Every bad thing she does, I am responsible for.

Even murder? She didn't kill Brooke. Do you know what you sound like? You sound scared of her, Steve. My wife is not a killer, Ella. You don't know that. She left the party before Brooke was pushed off that roof. Anyway, the witness said a man pushed her, right?

Oh, come on. Dinah has generations of creepy old British money. She could have hired a hitman or something. A hitman? That's ridiculous. Steve, you came back from the dead, broke fake to pregnancy for like seven months, and Callum the billionaire bribed me into quitting my cam girl job less than a year ago. Nothing is ridiculous anymore.

Cam girl job? What do you mean cam girl? Oh, no one told you about that? Never mind. Dinah's a little rough around the edges. Yes, but when things are good with us, they're really good. That's... scary. You know, just because you're a big tough guy doesn't mean you can't be in a controlling and dangerous relationship. Please, Ella, I'm not a victim. I'm just not ready to give up on my marriage yet. Okay. Just be careful with her. I don't trust her. And I don't like the way she treats you.

Hmph. Are you worried? I thought you hated me. I'm complex. I understand a tiny bit of what Reed sees in you. Hmm. Reed this. Reed that. Do you have a crush on Callum's kid or something?

What? No. You mention Reed a lot. Yeah. A crush on Callum's kid or something? What? No! You mention Reed a lot. Yeah, Reed and I are just good friends. He's like a brother to me. Oh, that's a relief. I would not be cool with you shacking up with one of Callum's kids while living under the same roof. Now, if one of those boys starts flirting with you shacking up with one of Callum's kids while living under the same roof.

Now if one of those boys starts flirting with you or acting Randy, let me know and I will get you out of there. Did I just hear you say Randy? Don't make me feel old. Alexa, play music. ["Selena's Melting Down"] Oh, Selena, don't cry for me. Steve clearly doesn't want to talk about Dinah's meltdown, and I feel like I accomplished my mission

of getting dirt on Dinah. She admitted to feeling guilty about Brooke's death and the rocky friendship sounded like a motive to me. Could Dinah and Steve be the key to proving Reed's innocence? What else is this happy couple hiding? The jig is up now, so lay me down So when the world gets dark, know I've loved you from the start Listen to the words I sang to you From early morning workouts that need a boost, to late night drives that need vibes, a good playlist can help you make the most out of your everyday.

And when it comes to everyday spending, you can count on the PC Insider's World Elite MasterCard to help you earn the most PC optimum points everywhere you shop. With the best playlists, you never miss a good song. With this card, you never miss out on getting the most points on everyday purchases. The PC Insider's World Elite Master Mastercard. The card for living unlimited. Conditions apply to all benefits. Visit pcfinancial.ca for details. No, some wine. Yes get almost almost anything delivered with new breeds order now alcohol in select markets see after details I lose track of time and spend almost all day hanging out with Steve and his penthouse. Once I'm leaving, I tell myself that it was all a part of my strategy. I had to suck up to Steve so he'd feel comfortable

telling me all of Dinah's secrets. But the truth is, I had fun hanging out with him. And that fun makes me feel guilty, like I'm betraying Callum somehow by bonding with my biological father. Oh God, I haven't checked my phone in hours and Val has sent me like four texts. I send her a quick voicemail.

Hey Val, sorry, I wasn't looking at my phone. But I'm not dead. Dinah was a freak, per usual, but less aggressive, so she didn't claw my eyeballs out. I'm about to drive home, but I will call you later. And I'm sorry for scaring you. Not used to having to check in with people. Okay, love you. Am I a bad friend?

I need to remember to spend some quality time with Val. We're just spiraling down to low But we don't care, we like it there Yeah, we're just spiraling down Just spiraling down Hey, we're just spiraling down When I get back to the Royal House, it's empty. I can't find any of the boys, only a note scrawled in Reed's messy handwriting. Meet me on the beach. I slip through the garden gate and walk toward a bonfire on the royal's private beach.

I see a tall, broad-shouldered, familiar figure. It's Reed. When I get closer, I notice a bunch of tea lights in the sand, but my eyes are drawn to Reed Royal. The sun has begun to set and he's in a white linen shirt, smiling at me. He looks more at ease than I've seen him in weeks. He looks like my Reed. Hey Elle. You have a black eye.

Is that from Liam? Yeah, he got one good hit in. Oh, does it hurt? Nah. Plus black eyes make me look kind of badass, don't they? Reed, I don't like seeing you hurt. What are you doing out here anyway? Look, silly.

Reed places his strong hands on my waist and spins me around to face the tea lights in the sand. They spell out one word and a question mark. Prom. What? I totally forgot about prom. How could I forget? There's been a lot going on. You still want to go to prom? Even though everyone at the Cove is so awful. I want to see you wearing a beautiful dress. I want to slow dance with you in front of the whole school.

I want them to know that nothing can ever stop me from taking you out. You are way too good to me. No such thing. Did your lawyers tell you anything when you met with them today or... Ella, I'm meeting with them tomorrow. And... Yeah? I know you're worried about the trial, but...

it's important to me that you still get to experience normal life. And your junior prom is a huge part of that. I've never even thought about going to prom. Is that crazy? Well, think about it. You're supposed to answer my question, by the way. You haven't said yes. Oh, yes, Reed.

Yes, I would love to go to prom with you. Yeah? Mm-hmm. Kiss-hmm. Ha ha ha. Kiss me, Reed Royal. Reed kisses me, and I lock my arms tight around his neck. His hands fall to my hips, pulling me closer. In seconds, I'm pressing my body as close against Reed's as I can get.

I missed you. I was only gone one afternoon. That's too long. It sounds crazy, but he's right. A few hours apart and we're hungry for each other. My hands slide under his shirt and buttons come undone. Callum. He's in his study, working late.

Rafe kisses all the way down my body and then kneels in front of me. But he's too far away. I push him back into the sand. I straddle him, his tan, muscled torso between my legs. He grips my thighs and I can feel our body temperatures spiking. I need you. You have me, Ella. Get your hands off my daughter. Oh, shit. Steve. You two are friends, huh?

Yeah. Really good friends. Steve is marching across the beach, his jaw set. Behind him, Callum stumbles through the sand looking... crushed. I climb off of Reed and I feel my cheeks get hot. This can't be happening! Steve, please, it's not as scandalous as it seems. You knew about this, Callum?

I... Yes. Wow. Great parody. Callum is an amazing dad. You don't get to talk to him like that. So you've all been lying to me then? I'm sorry, Steve. No, don't apologize to him. This is none of his business. It's my body and I can do whatever I want with it. Yeah, of course. But Ella, no father wants their daughter getting involved with a guy like me. Ella, you're not staying at this house anymore.

You're moving in with me and Dinah tonight. Absolutely not. I'm not doing that. Steve, I should have been more upfront about their relationship. This is my fault. None of us have done anything wrong. I don't even know this guy. Callum, you've been irresponsible with your sons, and that's one thing.

But I need to start taking care of my own daughter. I understand that. Ella, I allowed you to continue staying with the Royals because you've clearly grown attached to them. I'm sorry, you allowed me? But I won't allow my underage daughter to live with her boyfriend, particularly when that boyfriend is on trial for murder. If you get wrapped up in Reed's legal troubles, I will never be able to forgive myself.

This is so unfair! Go! Pack a bag. I wait for Reed or Callum to stand up to Steve, but they don't. I see the guilt on their faces. So you both agree with him? Reed! It might be safer for you. More normal if you stayed with Uncle Steve for a while.

Okay. If you all want me to go, then I guess I'll go. Ella. Ella! I'm sorry! I walk through the sand back to the royal house, feeling numb and confused. Everyone agrees the best thing for me is to stay away from the Royals and to stay away from Reed. I can feel my heart breaking as I prepare to say goodbye to the only place that feels like home. I don't know what Steve has planned for me back at the penthouse. Tonight, I'll grieve. But tomorrow, I'll figure out a way to fight back. On the next episode of The Royals of Malibu.

I want to lay down some ground rules. Yes, I'll be nice to Dinah as long as she's nice to me. I mean things like curfews. You're giving me a curfew? Why did you bring all my stuff over to Steve's place? Because that's where you live? Uh oh, mom and dad are fighting. The Cove swim and water polo teams are both competing one-on-one with our sister school,

San Francisco Bay School. It's SoCal versus NorCal. So you're all going on this trip without me? Nova? Do you want to go to prom with Easton? I feel really sweaty. Ooh, she's melting down. Hi, Savannah.

Hi, Savannah's mean friends. I want to try out for the swim team again. The Royals of Malibu is a production of Emerald Audio, an imprint of diversion in partnership with Pod People. Starring Alyssa McKay as Ellison Clare, Chris Caffero as Reed Royal, Nick Caffero as Easton Royal, Armin Taylor as Callum Royal, Francesca Agrimonte as Valerie Gonzalez,

Hannah Montoya as Savannah Gonzalez, Daniel Lynch as Steve O'Halloran, Maura Vincent as D Steve O'Halloran. Maura Vincent as Dinah O'Halloran. Stephanie Sherry as Lucy. Gillian Kinsey as Nova and Detective Schmidt. Directed by Ashton Carter. Written by Kiana Kadiblo. Produced by Emma Dumuth.

Production management by Ashton Carter. Production Assistants by Hannah Rae Leach and Audrey Leach. Story Development by Emma Dummuth. Editorial Direction by Scott Waxman. Casting by Lindsay Plousard. Sound Editing, Sound Design, and Engineering by Morgan Foose and Carter Wogan. Dialogue Editing by Adam Rimanda and Carter Wogan. Dialogue Editing by Adam Rimanda

and Carter Wogan. Theme Music by Mattie Noyce. Consulting Producers Chris Caffero and Nick Caffero. Executive Producers Rachel King, Alyssa McKay and Scott Waxman. For more information visit DiversionAudio.com