The Fake Heiress and Her Purrfect Partner novel Chapter 91

**TITLE: Dreams Rise Again by Braxton**

**Chapter 91**

Within the opulent confines of the Summer residence, a treasure trove of collectibles lay on display, each piece a testament to Charles’s thirty-year journey through the world of business. The vault brimmed with an astonishing array of artifacts, each telling a story of its own.

Alex adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses, their reflective surface catching the light as he glided his fingers over the smooth contours of antique porcelain vases. His gaze was drawn to a scroll tucked away, and without hesitation, he exclaimed, “Dad, what do you think of this painting?” With a swift motion, he seized the scroll and carefully nestled it into a gift box, his excitement palpable.

Charles inhaled sharply, his fingers trembling as they pressed against the box. “Alex, this is my favorite piece—a masterpiece! I spent nearly two million on it at last month’s auction, and I haven’t even had the chance to appreciate it yet!” His voice carried a blend of pride and regret, as if the painting had already begun to slip away from him.

In a bold move, Alex snatched the box from Charles’s grasp. “Dad, if Grace is truly going to provide us with the exact time and location of those tomb raiders’ antique deal, we owe her a monumental favor.” His expression was fierce, underscored by a sense of urgency.

Charles’s eyes fell upon the box, and a look of sorrow washed over his face. “This feels like too much for a simple thank-you gift,” he murmured, his heart heavy.

Alex’s frustration bubbled to the surface. “Dad, ever since Simon and Nina teamed up, those two troublemakers have been stealing my spotlight whenever I take on a case. It’s like I’m running in circles, unable to break free!” His voice rose in exasperation, the weight of competition pressing down on him.

“How am I supposed to maintain my reputation as a top criminal expert when they keep overshadowing me?” he lamented, his brow furrowing as he wrestled with his thoughts.

With a resigned sigh, Alex tried to reassure himself, “Sometimes you have to take risks if you want to catch the big wolf.” The determination in his voice was unmistakable, a flicker of ambition igniting within him.

Charles hesitated, uncertainty flickering across his features as Alex tightened his grip on his arm. “That so-called impostor we expelled from the Summer family is basking in all the glory, becoming the animal detective that everyone at the station clamors to work with.”

“If we allow them to continue strutting about like this, our family’s name will be nothing but a punchline!” Alex spat, his words sharp as a blade, laced with frustration.

With renewed fervor, Alex yanked the box back, a fire burning in his eyes, fueled by an almost manic ambition. “It’s just a painting! If I manage to crack this ancient tomb case, this will merely be a stepping stone for me!”

“When the time comes, my name will be immortalized in the museum’s hall of fame, right alongside those invaluable relics. Front-page headlines, documentaries—everyone will know that Alex was the one who safeguarded our nation’s treasures!” His pride surged, overflowing like a tidal wave.

Charles felt his resolve wane, his hand falling limp as Alex’s relentless ambition snuffed out his own fight. With a heavy heart, he murmured, “Go ahead and take it.”

In a voice roughened by weariness, he added, “It’s just a painting. I’ll be waiting for your good news.”

Without another word, Alex dashed out of the vault, clutching the precious gift box as if it were his ticket to glory. The roar of his engine shattered the silence enveloping the Summer residence, a sound filled with promise and determination.

Charles stood alone, staring at the empty space on the wall where the painting had once hung. His heart twisted painfully, a deep sense of loss washing over him. He inhaled deeply, pushing aside the sting of regret, yet a spark ignited in his eyes once more.

“It’s worth it! As long as Alex successfully handles this national treasure case and carves out a name for himself, the entire museum and cultural community will have to acknowledge the Summer family. That kind of prestige is priceless,” he thought, a flicker of hope igniting within him.

An hour later, outside the village where the tomb raiders had taken refuge, the police had gathered in force.

“Everyone’s here,” Simon announced, his fingers nervously fiddling with the radio clipped to Nina’s collar. The worry in his eyes was unmistakable. “Stay safe, okay? And promise me—if things get dicey, don’t put yourself in harm’s way,” he urged, his concern palpable.

Nina nodded, her expression earnest. “I will, Simon. You just focus on bringing them down!”

The officers surrounding them were all athletic, seasoned in their roles, while Nina remained a novice, her primary task to stay hidden and coordinate her little animal squad from a safe distance.

She had begun her training, spurred on by Quentin’s relentless encouragement, but in truth, she was still finding her footing, and the progress had been slow.

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