The Fake Heiress and Her Purrfect Partner novel Chapter 30

Chapter 30

In the past, Nina had poured every ounce of energy into her work at Summer Veterinary Group, tirelessly dedicating herself only to end up as just an attending veterinarian. She had never imagined that Claire would return and be instantly appointed director, bypassing all the hard work Nina had put in.

Nina simply gave a knowing smirk, deliberately ignoring Charles as he tried to get her attention.

Turning her gaze toward Quentin, she said politely but firmly, “Mr. Hayes, thank you again for your help last time. Since time is valuable, let’s proceed with Shadow’s examination.”

Charles was livid at being dismissed so casually. “Nina, are you deaf or just pretending? Didn’t you hear me? I’m not taking you back. Just leave, now!”

Jason’s usual playful smile vanished as he stepped forward to intervene. “Mr. Summer, Nina was invited by the Sinclair family specifically to examine Quentin’s dog. She is our honored guest today. I suggest you show some respect.”

The mere mention of the Sinclair family caused Charles to freeze in place, stunned. The Sinclairs were a century-old dynasty, their wealth and influence far surpassing that of the Summers.

Charles sneered at Nina, bitterness dripping from his voice. “Well, well, look at you—managing to cozy up to the Sinclairs.”

Jason shot back sharply, his tone icy. “She didn’t cozy up to anyone. I—Jason Sinclair—asked for her help. Understand that?”

His words sent a wave of surprise rippling through the crowd, followed by a hum of curiosity.

Everyone knew Jason’s standards were nearly impossible to meet. No one could fathom what Nina possessed that even Jason had to seek her out.

Jason quickly defended Nina. “I saw it with my own eyes—it was Nina who calmed Shadow down.”

He then turned to Charles with a pointed accusation. “Mr. Summer, your daughter stole Nina’s credit and pretended to be innocent. With that kind of talent, she should be on stage, not stuck in a vet clinic. You’d better take your daughter home and teach her some manners before she embarrasses herself any further.”

Claire’s face drained of color. “That’s not true,” she insisted stubbornly.

“Mr. Sinclair, how can you twist the facts just to support Nina?” Claire challenged, unwilling to back down.

Though cautious about offending the powerful Sinclairs, Charles still felt compelled to defend Claire. “Mr. Sinclair, everyone here witnessed what really happened.”

If Claire could treat Shadow successfully, the Summers could naturally strengthen their ties with the Hayes family—and perhaps even replace Nina with Claire as the arranged match for the Hayes family.

Emboldened by this thought, Charles pressed on. “It was Claire who suggested changing the music. That’s why Shadow stopped reacting to Nina.”

The guests nodded in agreement, murmuring amongst themselves. “Exactly, Claire was the one who saved her. Nina’s not only ungrateful—she’s trying to steal the credit.”

Quentin, who had been silent until now, suddenly let out a cold, humorless laugh. The entire hall fell into a tense silence.

“Quite the spectacle today,” he said, running his fingers thoughtfully over Shadow’s chin. “Shadow, tell me—was it Nina or Claire who calmed you just now?”

Shadow glanced first at Nina, then at Claire.

Seated in her wheelchair, Claire smiled confidently and extended her hand. “Shadow, don’t be afraid. We’re not on a battlefield anymore. It’s safe here—no airstrikes.”

She echoed Nina’s earlier words exactly.

At the mention of “battlefield” and “airstrikes,” Quentin’s eyes lifted to meet Claire’s. He had never shared any details about those two years he spent as a field doctor with anyone.

Shadow’s nose twitched. Slowly, the dog approached Claire, sniffed her hand carefully, then circled around her, wagging its tail.

Quentin allowed himself a faint smile. A flicker of cold menace flashed in his eyes, but he kept silent.

As Shadow continued to circle Claire, the guests exchanged looks of quiet certainty—it was clear the dog favored her, that it felt a connection.

They whispered among themselves.

“What did I say? It was Claire who healed the dog.”

“Nina’s shameless. Claire saved her, and now she’s trying to take the credit.”

Quentin met her gaze and lifted his chin slightly, silently encouraging her to continue.

For some reason, when their eyes locked, Nina felt a spark of unspoken understanding. She was certain Quentin had already sensed something was off about Claire.

Addressing the guests, Nina explained, “When a trained dog circles a stranger, it’s not a friendly gesture—it’s a way to prevent a suspect from escaping.”

Her words sent a fresh wave of shock through the crowd.

“I just smelled it. There’s a scent of endorphins on Claire’s hands,” Nina added.

Her eyes, wide and bright like a startled deer’s, fixed on Claire as if seeing right through her. “Endorphins can make animals feel pleasure and excitement. It almost makes them addicted.”

“What nonsense are you spouting?” Charles jabbed a finger at Nina, shouting, “Do you really think your nose works like a dog’s?”

Nina’s eyes sparkled with mischievous confidence. “If you don’t believe me, let’s put it to the test.”

“It’s not just dogs—other animals would also be drawn to her scent.”

With that, she strode quickly toward the entrance of the hall. “Pinehill Manor is surrounded by woods. There should be plenty of small animals around here.”

Raising her voice toward the trees, she called out, “Squirrels, bring your friends and come on over!”

Charles snorted derisively. “What, you think you have superpowers? That animals actually obey your commands?”

But before his words even finished fading, a squirrel scampered down from a pine tree near the door. Then another, and another.

“Here we come!” Nearly a dozen squirrels marched into the hall like tiny guests arriving at a party.

Leading the charge, Coco and Chubby leapt straight onto Claire’s wheelchair, as if claiming their place beside her.