The Fake Heiress and Her Purrfect Partner novel Chapter 29

Chapter 29

Nina’s eyes darkened with a sudden chill. “Claire overheard what I said to the dog,” she revealed quietly but firmly. “It was my idea to have the band switch the song.”

Jason’s frustration boiled over. “That lying witch!” he spat. “I’m going to call her out right now.”

But Nina caught his arm, her grip firm yet cautious. “Everyone here is already against me. They only believe what they see with their own eyes. If you storm off now, they’ll just assume there’s something going on between us, and that’s why you’re defending me.”

Jason hesitated, the tension thick between them. Nina’s gaze softened as she bent down to stroke the dog’s fluffy tail. “Right now, the priority is to get this dog a proper checkup. Once that’s done, everyone will see who’s really the fraud, stealing ideas from others.”

The dog, as if sensing her unease, curled its soft tail gently around Nina’s wrist, offering a quiet comfort. “Ma’am, I’m waiting for my owner,” the dog seemed to say with its calm eyes. “He’s a highly skilled doctor. He’ll check if you’re hurt anywhere. Until then, I’m here to protect you. I can’t move without his orders.”

Nina blinked in surprise. “The dog’s owner is a doctor? Maybe a field medic?” Her curiosity was piqued just as a deep, commanding voice cut through the low murmur of the guests.

“Shadow, come here.”

Every head turned toward the entrance.

There stood a man, outlined by the soft glow of the hallway light behind him. Tall and imposing, he carried the unmistakable aura of a wolf king—strong, alert, and ready to strike at a moment’s notice. Even in his sharply tailored suit, his raw power and wildness couldn’t be concealed.

His face was a study in sharp angles—prominent cheekbones, a strong jawline, and eyes set deep beneath heavy brows.

Those eyes, which might have been charming in another man, instead held a cold, dangerous edge that sent a shiver through the crowd.

He moved forward with deliberate calm, broad shoulders stretching the fabric of his jacket into precise, angular lines. His narrow waist suggested strength compacted into a lethal form. Veins stood out on his forearms beneath his cufflinks—a subtle but unmistakable sign of restrained power and masculinity.

As he entered, the guests quickly swarmed around him, eager to make contact.

Nina’s heart skipped. She recognized him immediately—the man who had taken her to the hospital that day.

She glanced at Jason, eyes wide with surprise. “He’s the dog’s owner?”

Jason nodded. “Yeah. The dog’s name is Shadow.”

“Quentin Hayes, Shadow’s owner, was sent overseas as a war medic by his stepmother,” Jason explained. “Shadow was his loyal companion through those years on the front lines.”

“Quentin Hayes?” Nina was unfamiliar with the finer details of high society, rarely attending these elite gatherings with her parents.

Still, she knew the Hayes name—it was impossible not to. The Hayes Group was everywhere, a symbol of wealth and power as inevitable as the air they breathed.

The company had built its empire in pharmaceuticals, dominating headlines, business districts, and dinner conversations alike in just five short years.

Shadow’s tail wagged furiously as the dog guided Quentin straight to Nina.

Claire watched silently from a distance, her fingers tightening around the fabric of her skirt.

Quentin towered at around 6’3”, and Shadow was nearly as large. Together, they stood before Nina, radiating an overwhelming presence.

“It’s you?” Quentin narrowed his eyes as he looked down at Nina. She seemed fragile, like a delicate sprig of mint—her arms thin, her body so slight it looked as if she might collapse at any moment.

Quentin’s gaze hardened. He didn’t like weakness. “What’s wrong this time?” he asked bluntly.

A cold shiver ran down Nina’s spine. Quentin’s presence was intimidating, his ruthlessness and battle-honed wildness palpable. She swallowed nervously.

“I’m fine. It’s just—” she began, trying to explain.

Before she could finish, Claire’s father, Charles Summer, stepped forward with a smooth, flattering tone. “Mr. Hayes, she was knocked down by the out-of-control dog. My daughter Claire calmed the dog and saved her.”

Charles wheeled Claire’s chair closer to Quentin. “Mr. Hayes, I’m Charles Summer, chairman of Summer Veterinary Group. This is my daughter, Claire. She’s a senior veterinarian and is here today to treat your dog.”

Claire nodded politely at Quentin from her wheelchair, her smile composed and serene.

“Claire is only 22, but she’s already director of our main hospital,” Charles added, then shot a sharp glare at Nina. “Nina, what are you doing here? Haven’t you embarrassed yourself enough?”