The Fake Heiress and Her Purrfect Partner novel Chapter 10

Chapter 10

Alex’s eyes narrowed sharply as he fixed his gaze on Nina. “You really have some nerve, asking the Summer family for royalties,” he said, his voice dripping with disdain. “Need me to lend you two hundred thousand? Then you better apologize to Claire, admit you were wrong, and maybe, just maybe, we’ll consider letting you back into the family.”

Nina’s whole body trembled with anger. “No way!” she snapped defiantly. “I’ve said it a thousand times—I didn’t push Claire. Why won’t any of you believe me?”

She had poured her heart and soul into the Summer family business, developing countless products with dedication and care. Yet all she got in return was a fragile, failing body and endless accusations.

“Forget about borrowing money,” Alex barked, turning on his heel and storming off with his assistant trailing behind him.

Meanwhile, Forest Isle Zoo was sealed off completely. Over a hundred police officers scoured every corner of the grounds, searching for any clue. Nina and the other nine zoo employees were subjected to relentless questioning that stretched on for hours.

As night crept in, the atmosphere grew heavy with tension and exhaustion. Despite the exhaustive search, no leads surfaced—no sign of the killer, and not even a trace of the victim’s missing head.

Alex’s patience snapped. “The first forty-eight hours after a crime—that’s the critical window. Every hour that ticks by, our chances to crack this case plummet. We’re almost twenty hours in already. Last year, the killer got away, but this time, we’re not letting that happen again!”

The officers remained silent, their faces etched with fatigue and discouragement after a long day spent chasing shadows.

One officer cautiously suggested, “Professor Summer, what if we offer a reward? Get the whole city involved in finding Zoey’s head?”

Alex mulled it over briefly before nodding. “Alright. Draft the announcement immediately. I want it posted tonight.”

After hours of intense interrogation, Nina and the zoo staff were finally allowed to leave, their faces pale and drawn from stress and exhaustion.

As Alex prepared to depart, he cast a cold glance at Nina. “Forest Isle Zoo will remain closed tomorrow. That’s an order.”

Nina clenched her fists tightly, frustration and helplessness bubbling inside her. Whispers of resignation rippled through the remaining staff.

“Ms. Summer, I’m done. Keep this month’s paycheck,” one worker declared, slamming their ID card onto the table.

“Count me out too. This place is cursed! No visitors, the animals look sickly, and now a murder? There’s bad energy here, I’m telling you,” another grumbled.

One after another, the employees discarded their IDs and walked away, leaving behind only a lone, awkward young man.

Nina felt numb as she noticed the boy hadn’t left. She glanced down at his name tag: Liam Hayes. “So, you’re staying?” she asked quietly.

Liam scratched the back of his head, his eyes wide with a mixture of nervousness and hope. “Ms. Summer, I’m a senior at Jelasburg University, just here for an internship. I only need a signed certificate. I’m not expecting any pay.”

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