The Fake Heiress and Her Purrfect Partner novel Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Nina cocked her head to the side, fluttering her lashes with a mischievous grin. “Well, isn’t this something,” she teased, holding the wanted poster right up in front of Alex’s face. “Looks like the blind squirrel finally found its acorn!”

With a dramatic flourish, she swung the door wide open and made an exaggerated, almost theatrical, “please” gesture. “Come on, Expert Crime Solver, time to head back to your golden nest!” she said, emphasizing “Expert Crime Solver” with a cheeky smirk.

Alex’s expression darkened instantly, and without a word, he stomped out of the room.

“Simon,” Nina called after him, her eyes sparkling with a flicker of hope. “Since you just scored that big win, do you think maybe you could finally transfer to the city station?”

Ever since she was little, Nina had loved tagging along with Alex—her handsome, top-of-the-class older brother. Yet, he was always distant and strict with her, never quite warm.

But after just one night with Simon, something felt different. There was a genuine warmth, a comforting big-brother vibe she hadn’t experienced before.

Simon hesitated for a moment, then shook his head slowly. “No chance. Not unless I keep solving case after case. Honestly, that’s just wishful thinking.”

A faint, bitter smile tugged at his lips. “I got lucky catching Felix this time. I doubt I’ll ever get a break like that again.” Working at a small-town police station was monotonous, with no real way to prove himself.

Frowning, Nina pulled up Simon’s profile on her phone. “Hey, is this really you?”

The screen displayed Simon’s impressive résumé—top graduate of the National Police Academy, national martial arts champion, a shelf full of awards. But after his graduation year, the record went dark.

Simon’s eyes flickered with surprise, then he gave a subtle nod.

Nina’s brow furrowed in genuine confusion. “Then why were you sent to some backwater police station?”

Simon offered a small, bittersweet smile and ruffled her hair gently. “Some things are adult problems, not meant for kids. Besides, it’s two in the morning. Time to get some sleep.”

Nina hesitated, wanting to press further, but fatigue from her lingering fever won out. She finally gave in and drifted off to sleep.

Lying in bed, she watched Simon’s silhouette quietly seated beside her. Clenching her hand into a soft fist, she thought, *With his talent, there’s no way the world will overlook him forever.*

*****

The next morning, Nina woke to find Simon already gone to work. On her nightstand lay a note, written in his bold, confident handwriting: *Breakfast’s on the table. Once I get paid, I’ll rent you a better place. —Simon.*

Beside the note was an envelope containing five hundred dollars.

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