The Fake Heiress and Her Purrfect Partner novel Chapter 50

**Dreams Rise Again by Braxton**

**Chapter 50**

Milo sighed, his voice tinged with a hint of regret as he recounted his limited findings. “That’s all I managed to see. After that, I caught a whiff of a sweet milky scent, and before I knew it, my paws were already digging through the trash cans.” His ears drooped slightly, as if the memory weighed heavily on him.

Nina felt her heart plummet, the flicker of hope she had been nurturing extinguishing like a candle snuffed out by the wind. The trail had gone cold, slipping through her fingers like sand.

Tabby Cat, ever perceptive, noticed the shift in Nina’s demeanor. He could sense her frustration and the cloud of despair that loomed over her. “What’s there to be upset about?” he asked, his voice casual yet firm. “Just nab another mouse around here and ask. Easy. What does the guy you’re looking for even look like?” His tone was almost teasing, as if he were challenging her to take action.

Nina, her heart racing with urgency, quickly pulled up a photo of Evan on her phone, her fingers trembling slightly as she showed it to the cat.

Tabby Cat narrowed his golden eyes, scrutinizing the image with a seriousness that belied his playful nature. He studied the photograph intently, and after a long pause, declared, “Wait here.” With that, he turned on his heel and strutted away, tail held high, exuding an air of confidence that made Nina chuckle despite her anxiety.

As she watched the cat saunter off as if he owned the entire block, Nina couldn’t help but think, ‘Honestly, who’s the real pet here? It feels like I’m the one being tamed by this diva cat.’

In a moment of clarity, she quickly texted Shawn and Tony her location, hoping they would arrive soon.

Just ten minutes later, Tony approached, his gait full of swagger, a bag of fish swinging from his hand. “Ms. Summer, look what I got—fresh salmon,” he announced, a grin plastered on his face.

Nina’s eyes nearly bulged out of her head at the sight of the salmon, glistening under the streetlights. She grumbled inwardly, ‘Seriously? Even the cat gets a better meal than I do.’

“Thanks, Mr. Warren. How much did it cost? I’ll send you the money,” she replied, trying to mask her jealousy with a polite smile.

Tony waved his hand dismissively. “No need. Just make sure you find Evan. The team will cover whatever you need,” he reassured her, his tone serious yet encouraging.

At that moment, Tabby Cat reappeared, announcing his return with a commanding meow that sliced through the air like a knife. He swaggered back, tail high, as if he owned every step he took.

Nina rushed over, her hope rekindled. “Tabby Cat, any leads?” she asked, her voice laced with anticipation.

Tabby Cat replied, “Those guys in black shoved him into a big cargo box and hauled him off in a van. Follow me. I’ll take you to the spot where they stuffed him into the car.” There was a sense of urgency in his tone that made Nina’s heart race.

Her eyes sparkled with excitement. “Tabby Cat, you’re incredible,” she exclaimed, her admiration evident.

“Of course. I’m the king of these parts,” he replied, puffing out his chest with pride.

Smokey, who had been quietly observing, chimed in, “I can back that up. I hang out at the swimming base, and everyone’s heard of Tabby Cat around here.”

Tabby Cat basked in the praise, his mood lifting even higher. “Well, well, little mouse, you’re alright in my book. Next time we run into each other, I won’t eat you. Count yourself lucky. I grant you immunity.”

Nokey bowed deeply, his tiny frame quivering with gratitude. “Thank you, Tabby Cat,” he squeaked.

Nina couldn’t help but chuckle to herself, thinking, ‘Immunity from being eaten? What a wild concept.’

Tabby Cat led Nina to the northern exit of Willow Lane, his demeanor shifting to one of seriousness. “This is the place,” he said, gesturing with his paw.

Nina scanned the area, her gaze landing on a surveillance camera perched on a pole by the alley entrance. “Perfect. There’s a camera here,” she exclaimed, her pulse quickening as she quickly relayed the information to Shawn.

Shawn’s voice came through her phone, filled with determination. “I’ll get right on it. I’ll check with nearby businesses and the traffic team for any surveillance footage,” he assured her.

With a clear time and place established, Shawn soon pulled up camera footage capturing the van.

In the grainy surveillance footage, two muscle-bound guys dressed like movers heaved a large wooden box into the van, their movements quick and purposeful.

Tabby Cat swore up and down that Evan was stuffed inside that box, his confidence unwavering.

Shawn sneered, “Looks like they tried to pull a classic bait-and-switch.”

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