The Fake Heiress and Her Purrfect Partner novel Chapter 38

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**TITLE: Dreams Rise Again by Braxton**
**Chapter 38**

Quentin’s eyes fixated on the umbrella that Nina had just handed him, and for the first time, a flicker of something—was it warmth, curiosity, or perhaps a hint of vulnerability?—crossed the usually stoic facade of his gaze.

He followed her retreating figure, his thoughts a tangled web of emotions. The sun continued to shine with an almost mocking brightness, casting its light on the scene unfolding around them. With a deliberate motion, Quentin opened the large black umbrella, its fabric unfurling like a dark flower blooming against the backdrop of the vivid blue sky.

The onlookers gaped, their expressions a mix of confusion and disbelief. What kind of enchantment had Nina cast to prompt him to wield an umbrella on such a clear day?

After wrapping up his phone calls and confirming that all routes up and down the mountain were completely impassable, Quentin turned his back on the crowd and made his way toward Pinehill Manor.

At that moment, a sudden clap of thunder reverberated through the sky, a sound so startling it seemed to shake the very ground beneath them. In an instant, the sun was swallowed by ominous dark clouds, transforming the cheerful day into something foreboding.

Then, as if the heavens had opened their floodgates, rain cascaded down in torrents. The crowd, caught off guard, found themselves drenched within moments, water streaming down their faces and soaking their clothes. Shrieking in surprise, they scrambled back to the safety of their vehicles, desperate to escape the deluge.

Amidst the chaos, Samuel stood, utterly soaked, his gray hair slicked against his forehead. He watched Quentin’s silhouette fade into the curtain of rain, his hand trembling slightly around the handle of his cane.

“Come on, Samuel, let’s get you inside,” Anthony urged, his voice firm yet gentle. With a bit of coaxing, he helped Samuel back into the car, where the warmth and dryness awaited.

As the guests hurried into the grand hall of Pinehill Manor, they resembled drowned rats, dripping water and looking as if they had just emerged from a lake.

The women’s makeup, once meticulously applied, now resembled a chaotic palette of colors smeared across their faces. The elegant curls of the affluent ladies hung limply, weighed down by the rain, losing their former glamour.

Even Samuel, who had entered with a certain dignified air, appeared diminished, his vibrancy dulled as his driver assisted him inside.

In stark contrast, Nina sat comfortably wrapped in a blanket, curled up on the plush sofa by the window. She gazed serenely at the rain as it danced against the glass, a quiet smile playing on her lips.

Sipping her hot coffee, she delicately nibbled on a piece of cake, savoring the moment. Nearby, the butler had even prepared a cozy resting spot for the squirrels and sparrows—a small basket lined with a soft, fluffy blanket. The little creatures frolicked inside, their antics bringing a sense of joy to the otherwise chaotic atmosphere.

As the drenched guests rushed in, their faces flushed with embarrassment, they couldn’t help but steal glances at the tranquil Nina. The sight of her, with a squirrel perched on her shoulder nibbling a pine nut, only deepened their feelings of awkwardness.

“Is it possible that Nina can truly understand animals?” one guest whispered incredulously.

“Look at the rain! Driving on those mountain roads could be perilous,” another added, concern etched in their voice.

“Wait a moment. What about that landslide she mentioned earlier?” someone else interjected, their tone shifting to one of urgency.

Amidst the murmurs, Samuel’s secretary burst into the hall, breathless and wide-eyed.

“Mr. Hayes, there’s been a significant landslide on the mountain road,” he announced, his voice urgent. “The route down is entirely blocked. It seems that Mr. Zach Hayes’ contract won’t be signed today after all.”

Samuel’s complexion drained of color, and the lively chatter among the guests came to an abrupt halt. The hall fell into a heavy silence, the gravity of the news settling over them like a thick fog.

Everyone understood the dire implications of a massive landslide. At best, vehicles could be trapped, unable to move. At worst, those cars might be buried beneath tons of earth and rock, vanishing without a trace.

All eyes turned to Nina, the self-proclaimed “animal communicator.”

Gone were the expressions of derision and skepticism; now, their gazes were filled with astonishment, reverence, and even a flicker of fear.

If Nina hadn’t insisted on halting their journey, who knew what tragedy might have unfolded?

Meanwhile, Nina—the center of attention—merely shrugged off the news, her focus still on the plump little sparrows nestled in the flower basket, teasing them with gentle coos.

As the Hayes family staff began distributing towels and room cards to the soaked guests, the atmosphere shifted slightly. One by one, the guests collected their cards and retreated to their rooms, seeking refuge from the downpour.