The Fake Heiress and Her Purrfect Partner novel Chapter 33

**Dreams Rise Again by Braxton**
**Chapter 33**

Nina was overwhelmed by the unexpected kindness Shadow had shown her. It tugged at her heartstrings to think that such a loyal and loving dog belonged to someone as cruel as Quentin. She felt a deep sense of injustice for Shadow, whose spirit seemed so bright despite the shadow of its owner.

Quentin, noticing Shadow’s soft barks directed toward Nina, couldn’t help but react. He reached down and pinched the dog’s muzzle, a smirk playing on his lips. “You’re not allowed to whisper sweet nothings to her when I’m not looking,” he teased, his tone dripping with mock authority.

Nina, feeling a surge of protectiveness, grasped Shadow’s front paw and shot Quentin a fierce glare. “You can’t just pinch its mouth like that! It’s not your toy!” she exclaimed, her voice rising slightly in indignation.

Standing off to the side, Jason watched the exchange with wide eyes, his mind racing. It was an odd sight, seeing Quentin, the typically assertive and commanding businessman, squabbling like a child over a dog. The contrast was almost comical, yet it left Jason feeling uneasy.

Nina stood up, her dress rustling as she straightened it. “I refuse to accept your terms, Mr. Hayes. You’ll have to find someone else for your ridiculous demands,” she declared, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her.

Quentin remained unfazed, his expression as cold as the winter’s chill. “Suit yourself,” he replied, dismissing her with a wave of his hand, as if her departure meant nothing to him.

Panic surged through Jason. He hadn’t anticipated things would unravel so quickly. The thought of losing the car—and his share of the profits—sent a wave of dread through him. “Quentin,” he ventured cautiously, “I think Ms. Summer has a valid point. Why not consider moving the discussion to the zoo instead?”

Quentin shot him a glare that could freeze flames. “One more word from you, and you’re out too,” he warned, his voice low and menacing.

With a frustrated huff, Nina stormed out of Shadow’s villa, completely oblivious to the fact that the servants, the butler, and the guests were all watching her with keen interest, their eyes darting back and forth like spectators at a tennis match.

By the time she made her way back to the main hall, whispers had already begun to circulate that she had been unceremoniously kicked out by Quentin before she could even take a proper look at Shadow.

Inside the hall, guests were seated, and servers bustled about, bringing forth a dazzling array of dishes. The atmosphere was charged with excitement, the birthday celebration in full swing.

Nina glanced around, feeling adrift in a sea of unfamiliar faces, unsure of where to sit. Just then, she heard footsteps approaching her from behind.

Turning, she saw Jason walking toward her, a friendly smile on his face. “Ms. Summer, you can sit with me,” he offered, his tone warm and inviting.

A wave of relief washed over Nina. “I’m so glad to see you haven’t abandoned me,” she replied, grateful for his presence.

However, as Jason began to lead her toward the main table, a knot of anxiety tightened in her stomach. “You’re not putting me at the same table as Quentin and Samuel, are you?” she asked, her voice laced with concern.

Jason nodded, seemingly oblivious to her discomfort. “You’re an honored guest. Why not sit with them?” he said cheerfully.

Nina shook her head vigorously. “No way! Sitting with Quentin would infuriate me to the point where I wouldn’t be able to eat a single bite,” she protested. “And besides, I don’t know anyone else there!”

She loathed situations like this—being thrust into a gathering of strangers to celebrate the birthday of yet another stranger made her feel utterly mortified.

“Alright, alright,” Jason relented, sensing her distress. After all, she had once saved his life, and he felt a sense of loyalty towards her.

He quickly found a spot for Nina at the adjacent table, a safe distance from Quentin.

As soon as she took her seat, she noticed the people around her subtly shifting away, creating an uncomfortable bubble of space. The table buzzed with lively chatter, yet the conversation felt exclusionary, punctuated with snide remarks that stung like tiny daggers.

“I just don’t understand how someone can be so shameless,” one guest scoffed, her tone dripping with disdain.

“Her skills aren’t even impressive. She got kicked out but still clings on,” another chimed in, laughter bubbling up.

“I bet she’s trying to use this whole dog thing to worm her way closer to Mr. Hayes,” another voice added, laced with suspicion.

“Better keep your distance. I don’t want her holding a grudge. Last thing I need is to end up pushed down the stairs with a broken arm or leg,” a third warned, their voice filled with mock horror.

Nina chose to ignore their venomous comments, instead focusing on the menu in front of her. Her mouth watered at the thought of the meal to come. Even though the deal had crumbled, she still had to eat. She couldn’t let the day go to waste.

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