The Fake Heiress and Her Purrfect Partner novel Chapter 72

**Chapter 72**

Claire took a moment to weigh her options, the tension palpable as she steeled herself to speak. “The initial batch of cupcakes was produced in large quantities. That’s precisely why we opted to order them from a private bakery instead of making them ourselves in-house,” she explained, her voice steady despite the mounting pressure.

Chris, quick to challenge her, shot back, “Hold on a second! You just claimed they were carefully baked in your kitchen. So, are you saying you’re just a middleman in this whole process?”

Claire had anticipated this line of questioning and maintained her composure, her smile unwavering. “Mr. Chandler, surely you’re joking,” she replied, her tone calm and collected.

“We manage the exclusive recipes and the intricate design of the cakes, but the mass production is indeed outsourced. Even five-star restaurants collaborate with top suppliers,” she added, her confidence shining through.

The other guests, who had been simmering with anger, began to relent, their frustration slowly dissipating in the face of Claire’s dignified response.

However, the livestream audience was a different story altogether. They couldn’t hold back their reactions.

[So the two times I went there, I drank this dirty coffee? I think I might actually vomit.]

[Celebrity-exclusive custom cakes, and regular folks only get garbage coffee?]

[I can’t take this anymore. Can ordinary people not get any respect?]

[I was worried Claire would lose money, but now it seems she’s being so harsh to us.]

As the viewer count on the Cuddle Critters Indoor Park livestream continued to plummet, the official account’s follower tally steadily decreased as well.

Recognizing the growing peril, Claire quickly raised her voice, “Previously, we outsourced our kitchen operations to another team. I had no idea they would let it deteriorate this badly.”

“They misled me, and for that, I sincerely apologize. Recently, with my focus split between developing animal vaccines and managing the café, I admit I neglected proper oversight,” she confessed, her professional tone managing to stabilize some of the viewers, though many still bombarded the chat with questions and skepticism.

Just then, Chris interjected, “So, Ms. Summer, it was the outsourced team’s fault. I almost let you take the fall; my apologies for misunderstanding.”

Claire turned to him, surprise flickering across her face. The tension in her shoulders eased a fraction, and the wariness in her eyes softened.

She hadn’t expected this obstinate man to come to her defense at such a critical moment.

“Investors, please remain calm. Next, we will showcase the exciting performance segment of Cuddle Critters Indoor Park,” Claire announced, her voice regaining its confidence. “You’ll also have the chance to interact closely with the animals.”

At that moment, Claire’s assistant stepped forward, bringing out a Mocha Platinum Fox. The little creature, with its fluffy fur and perfectly timed bow in front of the camera, elicited a chorus of “so cute!” from the livestream audience.

The fox’s undeniable charm managed to halt the decline of viewers, stabilizing the audience numbers for the livestream.

Meanwhile, Chris sent a message to Nina. [Ms. Summer, the animal show is about to start. Wait for your signal.]

He was eager to witness the impending chaos as the animals made their escape.

Nina, positioned near Innovate Tower, received the signal and prepared to deploy Crow.

But just then, she spotted a familiar figure—Alex.

Her heart raced, and instinctively, she ducked out of sight. She watched as Alex stepped into the building’s elevator, her mind racing with thoughts.

Nina had been tracking Alex’s schedule for quite some time. Today, he was supposed to deliver an important lecture and attend two professional classes.

Alex had always been dedicated to his teaching responsibilities, never once missing a class for personal matters.

Yet, today was different; he had canceled everything just to be present at Claire’s event.

Nina gently tapped Crow’s head, lowering her voice to a whisper. “Mr. Crow, Alex is here.”

“Keep your helpers on high alert. Alex is skilled, so ensure none of them gets caught,” she instructed, her tone laced with urgency.

Pausing for a moment, she added anxiously, “You need to be especially careful.”

Crow cackled in response. [Nina, you underestimate me. Don’t worry. I promise no one will dare touch my helpers.]

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