The Fake Heiress and Her Purrfect Partner novel Chapter 68

**Dreams Rise Again by Braxton**

**Chapter 68**

As soon as the sea bass made contact with the surface of the water, Big Chomp’s jaws opened with a speed that was almost beyond comprehension, revealing a mouth full of menacing, serrated teeth that gleamed like daggers.

A sharp crack reverberated through the room, slicing through the tension like a knife.

In an instant, the fish was severed in two, its insides and blood spraying into the air like a gruesome mist.

The spectators, caught in a moment of shock, instinctively touched their arms as goosebumps prickled across their skin. It was as if the very essence of fear had settled upon them.

Even after the gruesome feast, Big Chomp emitted a low, rumbling growl that resonated through the space, a sound that seemed to vibrate in the very bones of those who heard it.

The faces of the swimmers blanched, their color draining away as they instinctively retreated from the locker room, their minds racing with thoughts of survival.

Yet, amidst the chaos, Nina stood unfazed, her understanding of the growl deeper than that of her peers. To her, it was not merely a sound of satisfaction but a culinary critique. *[This fish barely compares to last week’s catch, subtracting half a point. Clearly overtrained—this meat is far too dry.]*

*Fresh enough, but regrettably not caught by my own hand during a live hunt. Presentation? Zero points. Just tossed it in like that? At the very least, some garnish would have been nice. Portion size? Poor. It doesn’t even fill the jaws. I suggest feeding a dozen next time.]*

Nina whispered to herself, a smirk creeping onto her face, “Big Chomp really is a foodie.”

Returning to the poolside, she cleared her throat, drawing the attention of her anxious colleagues. “Who’s next? Which coach do you want to challenge?”

A nervous silence fell over the group, eyes darting from one to another, each person weighing the risks.

After a tense moment, they resorted to drawing lots, each swimmer stepping forward one by one, resignation etched on their faces as they approached the pool.

The remainder of the day at the Swim Training Center was filled with an array of strange shrieks and cries, the atmosphere thick with anticipation and fear.

Tony, the coach, meticulously reviewed the swimmers’ performances after a full day of animal-assisted training, a satisfied grin spreading across his face.

Clearing his throat to command attention, he announced, “At this World Aquatics Championships, anyone who fails to perform at their best will be subjected to a personal, close-contact extra session with the Saltwater Croc.”

A collective shiver coursed through the group, a wave of dread washing over them. “Seriously?” one swimmer gasped, eyes wide with disbelief.

Having just fed Big Chomp two buckets of fish, Nina stepped confidently out of the locker room, her demeanor almost nonchalant. “I’ve already consulted Big Chomp. It doesn’t mind at all.”

The swimmers exchanged glances, their thoughts aligned, *We mind.*

After witnessing the Saltwater Croc devour its meal, their fear of the already terrifying Big Chomp only deepened, the image of the beast’s voracious appetite haunting their thoughts.

As the day drew to a close, the staff began loading the animal coaches into the transport vehicles, a routine that felt both mundane and surreal.

Tony approached Nina, handing her the wages she had earned that day. “Twenty-two snakes, one Big Chomp. The snake coaches’ pay totals 4,000 dollars. Big Chomp, as head coach and for overseeing Evan’s record-breaking performance, earns an additional 3,000 dollars.”

Without hesitation, Tony transferred the full 7,000 dollars to Nina, a gesture that made her heart race with excitement.

With a sense of accomplishment, Nina guided the little animals back to Forest Isle Zoo, her spirits lifted by the day’s success.

Later that evening, after a warm dinner, she returned to her dorm, indulging in a hot shower that washed away the fatigue of the day.

As the night deepened, Nina sat down to write her daily log for the park director when a familiar figure landed on her windowsill.

Crow puffed up its chest, exuding an air of arrogance, as if to say, *[Aren’t you going to welcome me?]*

Nina’s face broke into a bright smile. “Mr. Crow, thank you for stopping by.”

She presented her homemade bird treats, a gesture of goodwill.

“How was your reconnaissance at Cuddle Critters Indoor Park today?” she inquired, leaning forward with genuine curiosity.

Crow maintained its aloof demeanor, eating the treats with an air of elegance. There was no doubt—Nina’s cookies were a true delicacy in the avian world.

Seizing the opportunity, Crow took flight, swooping in and capturing a wealth of footage during the cleaner’s momentary lapse in attention.

Once back in her dorm, Nina connected the micro-camera’s memory card to her phone. As she reviewed the footage, a smirk played on her lips. “This just got interesting.”

With renewed determination, she grasped her pen and notebook firmly. “We need to plan the Saturday operation in more detail.”

Crow lifted its head with an air of arrogance. *[I’ve already arranged helpers for you—found some good ones.]*

Nina’s eyes widened in surprise. *Good helpers? Mr. Crow is even more capable than I imagined.*

Crow flicked its tail with satisfaction. *[You just focus on the rest; make sure you prepare plenty of bird cookies.]*

Nina nodded eagerly, her resolve firm. “No problem.”

*****

Saturday arrived in the blink of an eye.

That morning, the Summer residence buzzed with activity, a hive of excitement and preparation.

Makeup artists and photographers had arrived bright and early, their presence a testament to the significance of the day.

Claire sat before her vanity mirror, two makeup artists diligently working on her hair and makeup, while an assistant expertly steamed her outfit, ensuring every detail was perfect.

She leaned back comfortably in the plush chair, relishing the sensation of being the center of attention, a smile of satisfaction gracing her lips.

Nearby, her attendant, Yvonne, watched with a hint of envy. “Claire, did you hire a celebrity makeup artist today? This face looks familiar. Has she done makeup for a Best Actress?”

Claire’s smile widened, a glimmer of pride in her eyes. “Yeah. Honestly, not too expensive. After this meeting with the celebrity investors, I’ll make that money back in no time.”

Just then, the door swung open, and Alex walked in, a bouquet in hand, ready to make an impression.