The Fake Heiress and Her Purrfect Partner novel Chapter 34

**TITLE: Dreams Rise Again by Braxton**

**Chapter 34**

Quentin pivoted slightly, his gaze landing on his assistant who stood dutifully behind him. “Please prepare a formal document to notify Nina Summer of the dissolution of our engagement,” he instructed, his voice steady but edged with a hint of finality.

Engagements, especially those tied to business, were laden with a web of contractual obligations. The act of severing such ties was not a mere matter of spoken words; it demanded a formal acknowledgment, a declaration that would resonate beyond the confines of this room.

Charles felt a rush of exhilaration coursing through him. He had harbored doubts that Quentin would so readily acquiesce to ending things with Nina, particularly since Shadow, the beloved dog, seemed to have a soft spot for her.

Yet, to his astonishment, the moment the topic was broached, Quentin’s response was immediate and unyielding.

Charles surmised that the source of Quentin’s sudden decisiveness stemmed from the exasperation Nina had caused him, particularly in her treatment of Shadow. It was as if her incessant antics had finally worn down Quentin’s patience, leading him to reject her outright.

Claire, on the other hand, struggled to contain her glee, her eyes greedily darting towards the ring that lay on the table, glinting in the light. She felt a surge of confidence that Quentin was now free to be her fiancé.

The health of Shadow, the dog, was of little concern to her at this point. She had no interest in who would shoulder the burden of responsibility; all she wanted was to claim her place beside Quentin.

Quentin’s quiet announcement about the engagement’s end echoed softly, yet it carried a weight that seemed to fill the entire hall. In an instant, the atmosphere shifted, and all eyes turned toward Nina, their expressions brightening with a palpable delight at her misfortune.

Bending down, Nina whispered conspiratorially into Shadow’s ear, “Shadow, when Claire is about to sit down, you do this…”

“Let’s treat her limp,” she added with a mischievous glint in her eye.

Curiously, Nina appeared unfazed by the news of the broken engagement, as if she were merely an observer in this unfolding drama, detached from any emotional involvement.

It was only then that Quentin noticed the absence of the fluffy dog that had been nestled by his side. Nina had cunningly whisked Shadow away, slipping out of sight without anyone catching on.

His grip on his utensils tightened, frustration boiling within him. How could one seemingly insignificant girl—someone without any real power or influence—cause him such vexation?

Samuel, spotting an empty chair next to Jason, motioned for Claire to join them. “Claire, come sit with us at this table,” he called out, his tone inviting.

“Make sure to chat with Quentin while you’re at it,” he added, a playful grin spreading across his face.

Jason glanced at the vacant seat beside him, then back at Claire. His demeanor shifted; he stood and approached her with newfound determination.

“Mr. Summer, allow me to assist Ms. Summer to her seat,” he said to Charles, his voice respectful.

Charles, taken aback by Jason’s sudden show of deference towards both him and Claire, felt a swell of pride. Perhaps Jason’s change of heart was due to the news of the engagement. With that thought, he relinquished his hold on Claire’s wheelchair.

“Mr. Sinclair, thank you,” he replied, a hint of gratitude in his voice.

Jason’s smile was bright, his blue eyes sparkling with a warmth that was hard to ignore. “It’s no trouble at all. I’m glad to help Ms. Summer,” he said cheerfully.

As Jason positioned himself behind Claire’s wheelchair, instead of steering her toward the empty seat beside him, he unexpectedly wheeled her into the wide aisle adjacent to the main table.

Then, he released the wheelchair.

In that very moment, Nina gently patted Shadow’s back. “Shadow, I’m counting on you,” she murmured, her voice low yet filled with anticipation.

Shadow barked a few times, his head drooping in defeat, before he trotted back to Nina’s side, resigning himself to her presence once more.

Quentin was left momentarily speechless, grappling with the absurdity of the situation.

As the chaos settled, and Shadow ceased his chase, Claire, utterly spent, collapsed onto the floor.

It was only when she became aware of the wide-eyed stares from everyone in the hall that the reality of her actions hit her like a wave.

Her expression twisted with a mix of panic and embarrassment. “No—” she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.

Nina turned to Charles, a sly smile playing on her lips. “Mr. Summer, don’t you think it’s time to thank Shadow for curing your daughter’s leg?”

Charles remained rooted in disbelief, his gaze fixated on Claire sprawled on the ground. “Claire, your leg—”

“I’ve told you all along that I never pushed Claire, but nobody believed me,” Nina said, stepping closer to Claire. “And it was all because you framed me.”

Jason, ever the opportunist, handed Nina a small hammer. Crouching down in front of Claire, she held it with a practiced ease.

With a swift motion, she tapped it against the cast encasing Claire’s right leg. The plaster cracked open instantly, splintering into pieces.

Nina peeled away the remnants of the broken cast, revealing Claire’s perfectly intact calf, a testament to the deception that had unfolded.

Nina grasped Claire’s ankle firmly, preventing her from hiding her leg, a triumphant glint in her eyes as she reveled in the moment.