The Fake Heiress and Her Purrfect Partner novel Chapter 75

**TITLE: Dreams Rise Again by Braxton**

**Chapter 75**

“Alright, I’ll be there in a moment.” Nina ended the call, her heart racing with urgency. The SWAT officers, overwhelmed by a swarm of small creatures, were reaching out for her assistance.

It didn’t surprise her in the least. Grant from the detective squad had been singing her praises, constantly promoting her zoo and sharing news about their animal rescue fundraisers. The SWAT team, operating directly under HQ, had undoubtedly heard all the buzz surrounding her work.

With purpose, Nina set the bag of snacks she had prepared down in front of Mr. Crow. She had brought an assortment of treats: the much-loved birdseed cookies that the little birds adored, and hearty meatballs for the raptors, including the majestic Golden Eagle and the swift Peregrine Falcon.

A smile lit up her face. “I’m off to rescue Little Alpaca. And remember, call your friends over to my zoo for a feast!”

Nina chuckled to herself, knowing full well that the raptors, typically aloof and indifferent to human presence, would only appear if it meant Mr. Crow would be there too.

Without wasting a moment, she dashed toward the SWAT station at Innovate Plaza, her medical kit swinging at her side like a pendulum. As she approached, the scene before her was pure pandemonium.

A Mocha Platinum Fox had leapt onto one of the officer’s shoulders, its fluffy tail coiling around his neck like an extravagant fur collar. Every so often, it would nuzzle its cold nose against the officer’s tense jawline, as if seeking comfort amidst the chaos.

Nearby, two Lop Bunnies were busy gnawing at the officer’s shoelaces, their tiny teeth making the most adorable sounds as they chewed. Meanwhile, Cole the Duck had already claimed one of the officer’s boots as his personal nest, fluffing his chest feathers to cover the entire foot like a cozy blanket.

Curious onlookers had gathered, their phones raised high, capturing every moment as if it were the highlight of their week.

“Can you believe how clever these animals are? They know just where to go when they need help!” one person exclaimed.

“Looks like they’re just after some affection from the police,” another replied, chuckling.

“Honestly, it’s more of a fuzzy takeover than a rescue! These adorable little troublemakers have the SWAT team completely outnumbered!” someone else chimed in, laughter ringing through the crowd.

“They’re too cute! Who could ever have the heart to hurt such precious little creatures?”

Amidst the chatter, someone spotted Nina, her medical kit in hand and her white coat making her stand out like a beacon of hope.

“Hey, look! The vet’s here!”

“Wait a second, isn’t that Ms. Summer from the zoo?” another voice called out.

Nina maneuvered her way through the crowd, offering a quick wave to the two SWAT officers who looked utterly overwhelmed.

With the fluffy fox treating him like a human jungle gym, Rowe appeared to be at his wit’s end. “Ms. Summer, thank goodness you’re here! Please, we need your help!”

With a swift motion, Nina lifted the Mocha Platinum Fox off Rowe’s shoulder. The little creature squirmed like a bolt of lightning, burrowing into her arms as if seeking refuge. It flipped its fluffy tail, creating a snug, furry collar around Nina’s neck.

Nina couldn’t help but think, ‘Seriously?’

Despite the fox’s fluffy appearance, she could tell it was surprisingly light, almost scrawny. Wrapped around her neck, it was hardly a burden at all.

As she inhaled, an unusual, artificial scent wafted toward her, making her realize that Claire must have used some kind of chemical to enhance the fox’s fur.

With the fox still nestled around her neck, Nina crouched down to assess the Little Alpaca lying on the ground. She carefully administered an injection of calcium gluconate, her fingers gentle as she stroked its head.

“Sir, this alpaca is suffering from chronic fluoride poisoning and chronic gastritis. It’s going to require long-term care and recovery. For now, I can only provide an antidote,” she explained, her voice steady yet filled with concern.

The two SWAT officers exchanged confused glances, their expressions mirroring their growing anxiety. They thought, ‘Long-term treatment? Who’s supposed to handle all of that?’

For the moment, they could only wait for someone from the Forestry Department to arrive. But in reality, those individuals primarily dealt with wild animal rescues.

The situation had erupted online, prompting not just the Forestry Department but also the Health and Fire Departments to get involved in the investigation.

It turned out many customers who had patronized Cuddle Critters Indoor Park had seen on livestreams that the drinks they had been served were made in filthy, unsanitary conditions.

As if that weren’t enough, news had broken that the establishment had failed a formaldehyde inspection. Furious customers began bombarding authorities with complaints, insisting on a thorough investigation.

Given the urgency of the matter, the two Forestry Department staff had even hitched a ride with the Health Department to expedite their arrival.

Upon their arrival and seeing the array of internet-famous pets, they exchanged concerned glances. They were accustomed to rescuing wild animals, treating them, and then releasing them back into their natural habitats. There was no way they could provide long-term care for these domesticated animals.

When they learned that Nina was not only a veterinarian but also the director of Forest Isle Zoo, the two staff members shared a quick, meaningful look.

One of them stepped forward and addressed Nina, “Ms. Summer, would you consider temporarily housing these runaway animals at your zoo?”

The other nodded emphatically. “Cuddle Critters Indoor Park has failed its health inspection, abused its animals, and caused a significant public outcry. It will not only be officially closed and sealed but their business license will also be revoked.”

Nina replied, “These animals need to be officially taken into custody while we determine the best course of action for them.”

The staff member sighed, looking troubled. “We really don’t have anywhere appropriate to keep these animals at the moment. Since your Forest Isle Zoo is fully licensed and equipped, we would like to ask if you could temporarily foster them.”

The other staff member interjected, “Don’t worry, we’ll ensure you won’t incur any additional costs. The Forestry Department will cover their care upfront. And when the court rules for compensation from Cuddle Critters Indoor Park, we’ll use that funding to reimburse any expenses you’ve incurred.”

Nina hesitated, forcing a troubled expression, but inside, she was elated. “It seems that’s the only option we have. There’s no way I’m letting these little ones end up on the streets.”

Concern flickered in her eyes. “Honestly, I’m worried that once I’ve nursed these animals back to health, the owner of Cuddle Critters Indoor Park might come back, just to take them away and sell them to another zoo for profit.”