The Fake Heiress and Her Purrfect Partner novel Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Nina cocked her head to the side, fluttering her lashes with a mischievous grin. “Well, isn’t this something,” she teased, holding the wanted poster right up in front of Alex’s face. “Looks like the blind squirrel finally found its acorn!”

With a dramatic flourish, she swung the door wide open and made an exaggerated, almost theatrical, “please” gesture. “Come on, Expert Crime Solver, time to head back to your golden nest!” she said, emphasizing “Expert Crime Solver” with a cheeky smirk.

Alex’s expression darkened instantly, and without a word, he stomped out of the room.

“Simon,” Nina called after him, her eyes sparkling with a flicker of hope. “Since you just scored that big win, do you think maybe you could finally transfer to the city station?”

Ever since she was little, Nina had loved tagging along with Alex—her handsome, top-of-the-class older brother. Yet, he was always distant and strict with her, never quite warm.

But after just one night with Simon, something felt different. There was a genuine warmth, a comforting big-brother vibe she hadn’t experienced before.

Simon hesitated for a moment, then shook his head slowly. “No chance. Not unless I keep solving case after case. Honestly, that’s just wishful thinking.”

A faint, bitter smile tugged at his lips. “I got lucky catching Felix this time. I doubt I’ll ever get a break like that again.” Working at a small-town police station was monotonous, with no real way to prove himself.

Frowning, Nina pulled up Simon’s profile on her phone. “Hey, is this really you?”

The screen displayed Simon’s impressive résumé—top graduate of the National Police Academy, national martial arts champion, a shelf full of awards. But after his graduation year, the record went dark.

Simon’s eyes flickered with surprise, then he gave a subtle nod.

Nina’s brow furrowed in genuine confusion. “Then why were you sent to some backwater police station?”

Simon offered a small, bittersweet smile and ruffled her hair gently. “Some things are adult problems, not meant for kids. Besides, it’s two in the morning. Time to get some sleep.”

Nina hesitated, wanting to press further, but fatigue from her lingering fever won out. She finally gave in and drifted off to sleep.

Lying in bed, she watched Simon’s silhouette quietly seated beside her. Clenching her hand into a soft fist, she thought, *With his talent, there’s no way the world will overlook him forever.*

*****

The next morning, Nina woke to find Simon already gone to work. On her nightstand lay a note, written in his bold, confident handwriting: *Breakfast’s on the table. Once I get paid, I’ll rent you a better place. —Simon.*

Beside the note was an envelope containing five hundred dollars.

Nina was surprised by his thoughtfulness—driving all that way just to bring her in on day one. “Sure, I can start today,” she replied, giving him her location.

Twenty minutes later, Tommy arrived. Along with a brand-new employee badge, he handed her an envelope. “Ms. Summer, you’re officially the director and manager of Forest Isle Zoo.”

For some reason, Nina felt like he was handing her something monumental. She was taken aback by his kindness, far exceeding any of the recruiters who’d turned her down.

The badge was ready in no time, and when she peeked inside the envelope, she nearly squealed—it contained two hundred dollars. She felt incredibly fortunate.

Tommy drove like a maniac, chatting nonstop. “Welcome aboard! Here’s all the paperwork—the files, the official stamp.”

Before she knew it, they arrived at Forest Isle Zoo. Tommy pressed a map into her hand. “I’ve got an emergency to handle, so you’re on your own for now. But with your badge, you have full access. From now on, you’re the director here.”

Nina stepped out, utterly bewildered.

Tommy’s car sped away like it was being chased by ghosts.

Something didn’t feel right. She pulled out her phone and Googled “Forest Isle Zoo.” The search results stopped her cold—it looked like a ghost town, barely hanging on and on the verge of shutting down.