The Fake Heiress and Her Purrfect Partner novel Chapter 172

Chapter 172

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Chapter 172

Charles spoke in an apologetic tone, “Joanna, I let my guard down. That girl’s ability to talk with animals is freakish. I really screwed up big time.”

The woman on the other end of the call sounded cold and superior. “You think a mere girl can shake the entire Summer Group?”

Charles instinctively bent forward, his voice fawning, “You’re absolutely right, Joanna. Only you can handle this mess.”

He dropped his voice, a glint of malice in his eyes. “Tomorrow’s the Forest Isle Zoo’s open house. There’ll be crowds- perfect chance to send her a ‘gift’ she won’t forget.”

“We’ll talk when I get to Jelasburg.” The woman’s voice turned icy, absolutely brooking no argument. “Not a single stupid move out of you until then. Keep quiet and stay put.”

Charles pressed, his voice low and urgent, “Forest Isle Zoo’s open house is the best shot we’ve got! With all those people crowding in, it wouldn’t take much to cause a scene.”

The woman’s tone went ice-cold. “I’ve got it handled. It’s not your place to tell me how to run things.”

She spoke slowly, every word cutting and chill. “The more you stir, the more you slip up.

“And don’t forget-the traces from your ‘duties’ are still hanging around. You haven’t cleaned up after yourself.”

Charles’s breath caught, his knuckles turning pale as he gripped his phone.

The woman seemed satisfied with his silence, her voice easing just a touch-but the sense that she ran this show was crystal clear. “Everything is going to happen on my terms.

“Focus on your own duties. Given where you stand, you’re in no place to meddle or comment on my strategy. Got it?”

Charles answered with utmost respect, “Yes,” before heading back to the car, his face tight with tension.

Inside the car, Susan and Claire immediately shot him curious looks.

Susan couldn’t help but ask, “Who was that on the phone? You look like you just got some bad news.”

Charles gritted out, “Joanna Summer.”

Claire’s eyes lit up. “Aunt Joanna? Did she call to help us with the vaccine breach penalty?”

The Summer family in Jelasburg was just a branch-the real seat of power was the main house back in the capital, and Joanna was Charles’s full-blooded older sister.

The Summer family always raised their heirs like rivals fighting in a pit-only the ruthless and strong clawed their way to the top.

Charles couldn’t hold a candle to Joanna when it came to business.

After losing out in the family feud, he headed to Jelasburg and went all in on the pet business, where he managed to make a

name for himself.

Joanna, the one who came out on top, stayed at the family’s headquarters in Juniper and was now being cultivated as the

chosen successor.

“Whether Joanna will help us out, that’s still up in the air,” Charles said, pausing to think.

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Chapter 172

After a moment, he shared some big news. “But next month, there’s an International Horse Expo in Jelasburg.

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“Joanna’s bringing a team of experts all the way from Juniper to check on Mr. Karim’s prized Akhal-Teke, which has been under the weather.”

“Mr. Karim?” Susan’s eyes lit up. “Those Sahan investors are swimming in cash! If we can cure his horse, our money troubles will be history!”

Claire’s excitement bubbled over, her voice brightening. “And Mr. Karim does business with all our overseas vaccine distributors.

“If we impress him, the distributors might drop the lawsuit just for his sake.”

Charles finally cracked a real smile. “That’s right.

“Once the news about our new vaccine gets out, and with that premium dog food project we’re launching alongside the national agricultural base, we should be able to turn things around for the Summer Group.

Susan’s expression relaxed with relief as she patted Claire’s hand warmly. “Claire, you’re amazing. Even those professors at the agricultural base couldn’t say no when they heard your plan.”

Charles, for once looking proud, fixed his eyes on his daughter with sincere hope. “When Joanna brings her expert team to check on Mr. Karim’s Akhal-Teke, you’d better make sure you show them what you can do.”

Claire lowered her gaze, flashing a modest but confident smile. Her reply was gentle but carried a steady determination. “Don’t worry, Mom and Dad-I’ll be ready. After all, this is all for the Summer family.”

Though Claire wore that sweet, obedient look, there was no hiding the spark in her eyes-she was dead set on winning this.

*****

The next morning dawned bright and cheerful-gentle rays slipped through a veil of thin clouds, a soft breeze in the air. It was the kind of weather that made one want to head out and enjoy the world.

Forest Isle Zoo was already alive with excitement before sunrise, everything looking fresh and bustling with energy.

Colorful animal standees and bobbing balloons made the whole park feel like a playground, while staff members in mascot costumes scrambled to finish their last-minute touches.

Nina was there, too, carefully helping the team adjust every detail of their mascot outfits.

Not far off, the Squirrel Bros were going all in on their signature paw dance, moving with the dedication of seasoned performers.

Tabby King was busy grooming himself in front of a reflective window, making sure every whisker was in place.

And Pearlie, the ultimate clingy cat, was winding around Nina’s feet, purring and rubbing against her for attention.

Just then, Quentin showed up right on time, leading the regal-looking Shadow-both of them radiating pure power and authority.

Pearlie, who’d been all snuggles and sweetness just seconds ago, froze in place. A moment later, he had silently slipped behind a nearby display, only those big, round eyes poking out anxiously as he watched.

‘Oh no, the debt collector’s here!’ Pearlie fretted, fur on end.

Quentin showed up in a look you’d almost never catch him sporting-a sleek black turtleneck that hugged his chest perfectly, every curve and line carved out like he’d stepped from a sculpture, matched with pressed dress pants.

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Chapter 172

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