The Fake Heiress and Her Purrfect Partner novel Chapter 36

**Dreams Rise Again by Braxton**

**Chapter 36**

Charles and Claire stood frozen in disbelief, their expressions mirroring the shock that rippled through the gathering. Guests exchanged bewildered glances, each person grappling with the unexpected turn of events.

It slowly dawned on everyone present that Nina hadn’t been expelled from the gathering by Quentin; rather, the two had simply failed to come to an agreement.

As the guests’ eyes drifted to Shadow, who remained steadfastly by Nina’s side, the realization struck like a bolt of lightning. Despite not having forged a pact with Quentin, Nina had undeniably captured Shadow’s affection.

Nina’s gaze was locked on Quentin, her heart pounding in her chest. She had never anticipated that he would intervene on her behalf. It was a gesture that left her both grateful and bewildered.

What troubled her even more was the apparent coldness he exhibited toward Samuel, treating him as though they were mere acquaintances rather than the friends they had once been.

From that moment forward, the staff began to treat Nina with a level of respect she had never experienced before. Their attentive service transformed her meal into a surprisingly enjoyable experience, and no one dared to interrupt her peace again.

As she savored the last bites of her meal, a sense of urgency washed over her. She wanted nothing more than to escape the confines of Pinchill Manor.

In an attempt to make amends for the earlier commotion, Jason, ever the gentleman, offered to drive her home himself.

Nina quickly shook her head in protest. “With your driving skills, I’d probably end up losing every bit of this exquisite meal,” she replied, a teasing smile creeping onto her lips.

At the front gate of Pinehill Manor, she tilted her head slightly, locking eyes with him. “When Samuel lost his temper just now, you were the one who urged Quentin to step in for me, weren’t you? Thank you.”

Jason shook his head, a look of surprise crossing his face. “I was just as taken aback as you were that he actually did. But afterward, I started to piece together why.”

Curiosity piqued, Nina leaned in closer. “So, why did he help me?”

Jason’s trademark grin faded, replaced by a more serious demeanor. “It’s likely because he saw a reflection of himself in you.”

Nina blinked, her confusion evident. “What do you mean?”

“Quentin has two half-brothers,” Jason explained, his voice low and measured. “Like Claire, they excel at putting on a façade. They’re always the favorites of Quentin’s father and grandfather.”

He let out a heavy sigh. “But they’re even worse than Claire. When Quentin was working as a field doctor overseas, they went so far as to hire mercenaries to eliminate him.”

Nina’s heart raced at the thought. She couldn’t fathom the kind of strength it must have taken for Quentin to endure such treachery.

“But he survived,” Jason said, a bitter smile tugging at his lips. “And now, no one dares to cross him.”

As she absorbed this information, Nina felt a subtle shift within her. Perhaps Quentin wasn’t as cruel as she had initially believed.

Just then, the vehicle arranged by the butler arrived—an expansive luxury van that promised comfort and ease.

Nina climbed in, and the van glided down the mountain with a smoothness that was almost soothing.

However, the tranquility was short-lived. Before the driver could venture far, a sudden splatter of white bird droppings hit the windshield with a splat.

“Ugh, these birds! Can’t they find somewhere else to do their business?” the driver muttered, irritation evident in his tone.

With the glass smeared and visibility compromised, it was no longer safe to continue driving. Reluctantly, the driver pulled over to the side of the road.

Turning to Nina with an apologetic expression, he said, “Ms. Summer, would you mind waiting inside for just a moment? I need to clean the windshield.”

Nina nodded, her understanding clear. “It’s perfectly fine. I’m not in a rush. Go ahead.”

She rolled down the window, inhaling the crisp, pine-scented air that surrounded the mountain.

At that moment, two small sparrows fluttered down to the roadside, their wings beating anxiously as they chirped to one another.

“My wings feel so heavy, like they’re soaked with water,” one of the sparrows lamented.

“A big storm is approaching fast. We need to find shelter,” the other warned, urgency lacing its tone.

Birds had a remarkable ability to sense the subtle shifts in the atmosphere—the dampness, the pressure—long before the weather turned.

“What if the ground at the base of the mountain turns to mud? What if the rain triggers a landslide?” the first sparrow fretted.

“But where can we even go? We don’t know where our mother flew off to,” the second replied, anxiety creeping into its voice.

Birds, with the sensors in their claws, could even sense tremors hours before humans became aware.

Nina’s chest tightened with unease as the implications sank in.

By that point, the driver had finished wiping down the windshield and climbed back into the vehicle. The sparrows and squirrels hastily scrambled back into their carrier, seeking refuge.

“Apologies for the delay, Ms. Summer,” the driver said, reaching for the ignition.

“Wait,” Nina interrupted, her tone urgent. “A storm is approaching, and with it, a heightened risk of a landslide. It’s not safe to head down now. We should return to Pinehill Manor.”

“What?” The driver blinked in disbelief, glancing at the clear sky overhead. Not a single cloud marred the blue expanse. “But the forecast indicates it will be sunny today and tomorrow…”

“It’s going to rain,” Nina insisted, her voice firm and unwavering.

Forecasts often covered broad areas, but on a mountain, the weather could shift in mere minutes. The instincts of the animals that resided here were far more trustworthy.

“For safety’s sake, once you drop me off, don’t attempt to drive down either,” Nina added, her concern mounting. “Wait until the storm passes.”

The driver nodded politely, though it was clear he remained skeptical of her warnings.

Still, Nina’s anxiety wouldn’t dissipate. Even if they remained stationary, other vehicles might still descend. If something were to happen, lives could be at stake.

“By the way, do you have a warning triangle in the car?” she asked, her brow furrowed with concern. “If you do, please place it on the road. It’s too dangerous to allow anyone to drive down right now.”

The driver complied, pulling the car over and parking it sideways across the road. He retrieved a warning sign and set it up to block the way, not wanting to risk crossing Quentin’s guest.

Nina picked up the carrier, her heart racing. Pinehill Manor was only half a mile away; she could easily walk back.

Just as she was about to step out, several cars came rolling up from the direction of Pinehill Manor.

The lead vehicle was a custom Rolls-Royce, a sight that signaled the presence of someone significant.

The driver stiffened at the sight. “That’s Mr. Samuel Hayes’s car.”