The Fake Heiress and Her Purrfect Partner novel Chapter 70

**TITLE: Dreams Rise Again by Braxton**
**Chapter 70**

Just as Claire felt herself teetering on the edge of a fall, a firm yet gentle grip encircled her waist, pulling her back from the brink. The man who had caught her was clad in a crisp white dress shirt paired with tailored black trousers, exuding an air of effortless elegance.

With gold-rimmed glasses perched on his nose, he looked at her with concern etched across his handsome features. His voice, deep and soothing, resonated in her ears like a calming melody. “Claire, are you okay?”

The man holding her was none other than Derek Swan, a strikingly attractive influencer known for his impressive seven million followers on social media. His posts, often showcasing his chiseled abs, luxurious cars, and a lifestyle that seemed to belong to the elite, had garnered him a legion of adoring fans.

The intoxicating blend of his good looks and affluence had many swooning, with countless admirers proclaiming Derek to be the real-life embodiment of a dashing noble heir.

Instantly, his mere presence sent the livestream’s viewership skyrocketing.

“Thank you,” Claire murmured, a blush creeping up her cheeks as she averted her gaze, feeling a mix of shyness and excitement. In a moment of spontaneity, she invited Derek to join her in feeding the adorable lop-eared rabbits nearby.

The chat erupted with enthusiasm.

[Wow, they’re perfect together.]
[Mr. Swan and Claire together—so easy on the eyes.]
[Absolutely a dream couple. I love it.]
[Mr. Swan’s a rich second-generation heir. Why not invest a few million in Claire’s Cuddle Critters Indoor Park? I need to see this power duo in action.]
[Refined, wealthy noble heir and a hardworking entrepreneur girl? They’re made for each other.]

From a distance, Chris observed the unfolding scene, his eyes narrowed as he squinted at Claire and Derek through the lens of his Bluetooth earpiece. He was engaged in a quiet voice chat with Nina, who was equally intrigued.

Being well-acquainted with the influencer circle, Chris recognized all the guests in attendance.

He couldn’t help but vent his frustrations. “Derek’s such an idiot. Claire only pretended to trip because he walked over. He might be a balding jerk, but when it comes to chasing after girls, he’s ready to throw money around.”

Nina, engrossed in the livestream, raised an eyebrow at Chris’s comment. “Balding jerk? What do you mean by that?”

Chris, his voice brimming with excitement, began to spill the tea. “Derek’s hair looks stylish, right? But that wig alone costs over a hundred thousand dollars! Fully handmade with real hair, no less. And let’s be real—he’s not that tall. I’m convinced he’s got multiple height lifts in those shoes.”

His eyes glimmered with mischief. “Derek knows how to invest, but his first big fortune? He swindled it from his first girlfriend. Poor girl worked herself to the bone, pinching pennies, even skipping coffee, and ended up with serious health issues from all that stress.”

Chris’s tone turned serious. “Cuddle Critters Indoor Park has a high return on investment. I know several guests here are considering putting in money. Derek won’t just casually drop a few hundred thousand on Claire, will he?”

Worry creased his brow. “Ms. Summer, you need to think of something; don’t let Claire profit from this.”

Nina’s mind raced, formulating a plan. “I’ve got it. Let’s get closer to Claire and Derek, find a good angle, and be ready to eavesdrop on some juicy gossip.”

Though Chris felt a bit bewildered, he nodded, curiosity ignited.

Meanwhile, two sparrows flitted toward the window of the Cuddle Critters Indoor Park, chirping excitedly before taking flight again.

Inside, a curious cockatiel tilted its head, observing Claire and Derek with keen interest.

After a delightful session of feeding the rabbits, Claire and Derek posed for a photo, cradling a small bunny between them. The sight of the striking couple sent the livestream audience into a frenzy, their numbers swelling by the second.

[Why watch a drama when you can watch Claire’s livestream?]
[They’re so sweet together.]
[Absolutely perfect for each other.]

Fans were utterly enamored when, suddenly, the cockatiel swooped into the camera frame, chirping melodiously.

[Wow, even the parrot is drawn to their love.]
[This little bird is singing the praises of love.]

[OMG, I’ve lost all interest in him instantly.]
[I was swooning over their love story, but it was all fake.]
[Seeing those two height inserts fly out—I can’t stop laughing.]

In that moment, the question of whether Derek was handsome or not became irrelevant; what truly mattered was his potential investment.

Now, after such a public spectacle, the chances of securing his financial backing seemed to have evaporated.

Derek, sprawled on the floor in utter humiliation, felt the chill on both his head and feet, the weight of the situation crashing down on him. He remembered that this was being broadcast live to the entire internet.

Completely crushed, he muttered, “Get away from me,” as he shoved Claire aside, hastily covering his face. He yanked his shoes back on and bolted out of Cuddle Critters Indoor Park, panic written all over him.

Claire felt a surge of urgency to chase after him, to salvage the situation, but he was already gone.

‘It’s over. I’ve officially pissed Derek off,’ she thought, her heart sinking.

Derek had invested in numerous influencer management companies. Offending him was akin to inciting the wrath of hundreds of influencers across the network.

Even a handful of complaints from each could spell disaster for Cuddle Critters Indoor Park’s online reputation.

Claire’s face paled, but she steeled herself to remain composed.

This was a live broadcast; no matter how frantic she felt inside, she couldn’t afford to lose her cool.

Taking a deep breath, she reassured herself, ‘It’s fine. Derek is gone, but there are still plenty of celebrity investors here.’

With a strained smile, she addressed the audience, “Earlier, there was a small incident on the livestream, but everything is under control. We’ve prepared a special animal-themed dessert and drink set for our guests. Our staff has already delivered them. Please enjoy.”