The Fake Heiress and Her Purrfect Partner novel Chapter 86

**Dreams Rise Again by Braxton**

**Chapter 86**

From the moment Nina had put pen to paper on that contract with Quentin, her life had taken an unexpected turn. It was as if she had unwittingly signed up for a relentless boot camp. Quentin had transformed into a relentless overseer, scrutinizing every morsel she consumed and monitoring her exercise regimen with an intensity that felt suffocating.

The whole situation made Nina’s head spin. He was like a strict drill sergeant, always threatening to snatch away her bonuses if she so much as dared to take a break.

In a moment of defiance, Nina had decided to change his contact name on her phone to “Troublemaker Quentin.”

With a frown knitting her brows together, she pondered, ‘What now? Why is Quentin calling me at this hour?’ A wave of annoyance washed over her. ‘Is Shadow misbehaving again?’

She hurriedly picked up the phone, her heart racing slightly.

“Where are you?” Quentin’s voice came through, sounding unusually fatigued. “I brought Shadow to Forest Isle Zoo, and you’re nowhere in sight.”

Nina replied, “I’m at the Jelasburg Police Department Headquarters. Just wrapped up a case.”

Her concern bubbled over as she blurted out, “Is Shadow acting up?”

Quentin sighed, “It’s not that serious, but honestly, it’s quite draining.”

Nina’s mind flickered back to Jason’s words—if Shadow was restless, Quentin would be too, and that thought gnawed at her.

“Are you coming back today?” Quentin asked, a hint of urgency in his tone.

Nina yawned, her exhaustion creeping in. “I’m on my way.”

“Stay put. I’ll come pick you up.” Without waiting for her response, he disconnected the call.

Nina, still clutching her phone, turned to Simon, who was leaning against the wall, his expression a mix of concern and resignation. “You should really get some rest,” she advised him.

“Quentin said he’s coming to get me from Forest Isle Zoo,” she explained, trying to dismiss the worry that flickered across Simon’s face.

Simon narrowed his eyes, aware of the contract Nina had signed with Quentin. He wanted to caution her, to remind her to tread carefully, but he held his tongue, knowing it would only irritate her.

“Just let me know when you reach your dorm,” Simon said, his voice steady.

Nina nodded enthusiastically, a smile breaking through her fatigue. “Absolutely! You should take a quick nap, Simon!”

*****

Twenty minutes later, a sleek black Cullinan stood parked directly across from the imposing entrance of the Jelasburg Police Department Headquarters.

Quentin rolled down the window, his eyes scanning the empty steps with a hint of irritation.

‘Of course. She didn’t even bother to check my message,’ he thought, frustration bubbling beneath the surface.

On his phone screen, the message he had sent—[Come out three minutes early and wait for me]—sat there, unanswered.

With a grunt of annoyance, Quentin slammed the car door and strode towards the building, his long legs covering the distance quickly, each step radiating irritation.

As he entered the lobby, his gaze immediately fell upon Nina, curled up on a bench as if she owned the entire place—typical of her.

Her messy bun slumped against the backrest, her lashes fluttered softly as she slept, and Quentin couldn’t help but picture her as one of those little squirrels at the zoo, all snuggled up and enjoying a peaceful nap.

Only, unlike those squirrels with their fluffy tails, Nina had only herself to keep warm.

Bending down, Quentin pronounced her name slowly and deliberately, “Nina?”

He kept his voice low, almost a whisper, each syllable floating out softly, like a marshmallow melting in your mouth. He didn’t want to disrupt her dreams.

When Nina didn’t respond, Quentin frowned, a playful smirk crossing his lips. He reached out and poked the bun on her head gently. “Up you get. Time to go home and catch some proper sleep.”

Nina blinked awake, her eyes meeting Quentin’s intense gaze, and in that instant, her sleepiness vanished.

Quentin’s eyes flickered to the oversized backpack next to her, and he raised an eyebrow. “Is that yours?”

Still groggy, Nina nodded, a stray tuft of hair sticking out from her messy bun, giving her the appearance of a sleepy Night Heron.

“Let’s go.” Quentin grabbed the backpack with one hand, but the weight surprised him, causing his arm to jerk slightly.

A suspicious gurgling sound emanated from within as it shifted, and Quentin couldn’t help but marvel at how something so hefty could be carried around by someone as petite as Nina.

‘Seriously, how has she not collapsed under this weight?’ he mused silently, a mix of admiration and concern flooding through him.

Quentin swallowed hard but kept his thoughts to himself, turning to stride away with purpose.

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