The Fake Heiress and Her Purrfect Partner novel Chapter 43

**TITLE: Dreams Rise Again by Braxton 43**

**CONTENT: Chapter 43**

Simon took a deep breath, his voice steady but laced with concern as he explained, “It’s just a scratch, really. I had a little accident on my bike. The station received an emergency call from Pinchill Manor—there’s been a murder.”

A wave of worry washed over him as he continued, “I remembered you mentioning that you were keeping an eye on the place, and with the rain trapping you up on the mountain, I couldn’t shake the feeling of dread about your safety.”

“I kept trying to reach you, but your number just wouldn’t connect. I was genuinely frightened that something might have happened to you,” he admitted, his brow furrowing at the thought.

Nina’s mind raced as she suddenly recalled the dead zone in that part of the forest where she had been. The thought of Simon’s worry tugged at her heartstrings.

Simon pressed on, “Alex turned down my request to tag along with him. He said the helicopter was already packed to the brim.”

“The mountain road was still closed to cars, so I had to borrow a motorcycle from a cop buddy down at the base of the hill and made my way up the mountain,” he said, the memory of the treacherous ride evident in his expression.

Nina winced internally, picturing the harrowing journey along those treacherous, winding paths. Her emotions churned in her chest, a mix of admiration and concern. “Simon, please don’t worry about me. I know how to take care of myself,” she reassured him, her voice steady.

He ruffled her hair affectionately, a smile breaking through his worry. “I believe you. You’ve cracked another case and made the collar,” he said, pride shining in his eyes.

Nina’s grin widened as she responded, “Looks like we’ll have our house and car before we know it!” The lightness of their banter felt like a balm amidst the tension surrounding them.

However, as Nina and Simon shared their lighthearted exchange, Quentin walked ahead, his demeanor starkly contrasting theirs. He appeared isolated, almost like a shadow in the vibrant atmosphere of their reunion.

A sudden realization struck Nina like a bolt of lightning—there was still one suspect unaccounted for. She quickened her pace, jogging a few steps forward to catch Quentin’s attention. “Mr. Hayes, I followed the suspect all the way to the pine woods on the east side of the fountain.”

“But instead of the bad guy, I ran into some creep in the woods who tried to mess with me,” she added, her voice firm but tinged with lingering irritation.

Simon’s expression darkened with concern. “Nina, you’re alright, right? He didn’t hurt you?” His protective instincts kicked in, and she could see the worry etched on his face.

Shaking her head, Nina replied confidently, “Not a chance. I had my animal buddies keeping watch—nothing gets past them.” The pride in her voice was unmistakable.

Turning back to Quentin, she continued, “After I dealt with that loser, I tied him to a tree for safekeeping. Can you send your guys to pick him up and hand him over to the cops for a little questioning?”

Quentin glanced at his bodyguards, and without a moment’s hesitation, two of them sprinted off toward the location she had indicated.

As they conversed, they arrived at the guest building of Pinehill Manor. Inside, Alex was already orchestrating a thorough search, leading a team of cops and bodyguards as they meticulously checked everyone present.

The lobby buzzed with tension, filled with guests and staff, all lined up and waiting anxiously for their turn. The air was thick with unease.

Alex adjusted his glasses, his voice cutting through the murmur with authority. “All men with a tall, slim build and wearing men’s size 8, step forward for questioning.”

Thomas sat rigidly in a chair, his eyes fixated on Alex as he sifted through the crowd, anxiety radiating from him. He thought, ‘At this rate, we might as well wait until the end of time before we ever find Cody.’

Samuel, sitting beside him, offered a supportive nod. “Hang in there, Thomas. Let the police do their job,” he reassured, trying to instill a sense of calm.

As Nina, Simon, and Quentin stepped through the doorway, the atmosphere in the room shifted dramatically. Every gaze snapped toward them, a collective stillness enveloping the space.

Alex’s expression turned icy the moment he spotted Simon, a flicker of disdain crossing his features. He grumbled inwardly, ‘Why is this annoying guy still showing up here?’

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