The Fake Heiress and Her Purrfect Partner novel Chapter 76

**TITLE: Dreams Rise Again by Braxton**

**Chapter 76**

With unwavering assurance, the staff member addressed the gathering crowd, “You truly don’t have to worry about that at all. First and foremost, these animals are officially classified as case-related property, having already been seized by law.”

He continued, his voice steady and reassuring, “Secondly, under the Wildlife Protection Act and the Animal Health Act, any operator found guilty of mistreating animals forfeits their right to keep them permanently.”

“And lastly,” he added, a hint of pride in his tone, “once the verdict is delivered, the ownership of these animals will be legally transferred to you through the appropriate channels. We have everything organized to ensure that your interests are completely safeguarded.”

Another staff member chimed in, “In addition, we will provide you with official proof of receipt, and law enforcement will meticulously document every step of the process. Should anyone dare to harass you, you have every right to go directly to the police.”

The crowd of onlookers, fueled by a sense of righteous indignation, began to voice their support.

“Don’t worry, Ms. Summer! We’re all watching this closely. If Claire dares to show her face for the animals, we’ll expose all her secrets online!”

“Exactly! She had no qualms about making money while these innocent creatures suffered, and now she thinks she can just waltz back in and reclaim them?”

“Ms. Summer, just focus on taking care of them. If she pulls anything, the entire online community has your back!”

In the end, Nina made the heartwarming decision to adopt the little animals. The staff from the Forestry Department even went above and beyond, arranging a special vehicle to transport them safely.

As they arrived at the entrance of Forest Isle Zoo, a delightful sight greeted them. Alpacas, Capybaras, Lop Bunnies, and Mini Hedgehogs were all lined up in neat little rows, eagerly awaiting their new beginning.

Each of them trailed behind Nina in a perfectly organized line, resembling a group of well-behaved preschoolers, their curious eyes fixed on her as if she held the key to their new lives.

However, the moment they stepped into the zoo, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. The little ones, just liberated from their cramped crate, paused in astonishment, their wide eyes taking in the sprawling greenery that surrounded them.

Cole the Duck wasted no time, launching himself forward with a burst of energy, his little webbed feet pattering against the ground. “This is it, Duck Paradise, everyone!” he quacked excitedly.

The Lop Bunny executed a spectacular bunny-style power slide right onto the lush lawn. “This grass! This air! Only the fanciest VIP bunnies get to indulge in this kind of organic buffet. Fresh, natural grass is simply divine!”

The Little Alpaca, so taken aback by the beauty of their new home, barely registered its own drool. “Wait… Ms. Summer, did you just say this entire forest actually belongs to you?”

Even the usually composed Capybara lost its cool, exclaiming, “Ms. Summer, you must be swimming in riches!”

Nina, who had always been frugal and careful with her finances, felt a wave of warmth wash over her as she looked down at the furry crew, their sparkling eyes filled with admiration. In that moment, she realized she had become the embodiment of their dreams, the legendary benefactor they had only ever fantasized about.

Straightening her posture, Nina couldn’t help but put on a facade of nonchalance, clearing her throat as she tried to downplay the situation. “It’s not like I’m rolling in dough or anything. Just your average gal, you know?”

Mocha, the Platinum Fox, who had been draped around Nina’s neck like the softest scarf, seemed to sense her unease. With a burst of excitement, it nestled closer, its tail intertwining with Nina’s hair.

Its tiny furry head began showering Nina with affectionate smooches on her cheeks. “Oh my gosh, Foxie’s dream has come true! I’ve officially landed in a life of luxury!”

With Mocha’s warmth enveloping her neck, Nina felt as though she might actually overheat from all the furry affection. “Sweetheart, why don’t you hop down for a bit? It’s getting a little too warm for all this snuggling.”

She tilted her head to evade the onslaught of fox kisses. “Promise me you’ll wrap up tight again when winter rolls around, okay?”

Nina mused to herself, ‘Really, who wouldn’t dream of having their own living, self-heating fox scarf come winter? Talk about the ultimate cozy upgrade.’

Obediently, Mocha unwrapped herself from Nina and hopped down. “Hey, Ms. Summer, are there any other foxes living here in the zoo?”

Nina nodded, a smile brightening her face. “Yes, there are some Fennec Kits in the Desert Pavilion, but they’re still just little babies.”

Without missing a beat, Platinum Fox wrapped herself around Nina once more, her eyes sparkling with determination. “I’m coming, little ones!”

*****

After a busy, bustling day, Nina finally managed to settle all her newly freed furry friends into their cozy spots. Feeling a sense of accomplishment, she quickly messaged Amber, inviting her and Chris out for a celebratory dinner.

Amber’s response was almost instantaneous: [You’re basically my lifesaver! Are you kidding? This is no trouble at all. I’d even send my brother to your zoo to be your minion if you needed him.]

Nina couldn’t help but burst into laughter at that. [No need for that, but has everything that happened at Cuddle Critters Indoor Park caused any trouble for your brother?]

Chris had really stepped up to help during the ordeal, and she felt a twinge of concern that he might have landed himself in hot water because of it.

“Woodpeckers, Golden Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, and even all those raptors stormed into our café at the exact moment I was streaming live.”

Alex frowned, sharing the same suspicion about Nina. “Did you check the café’s security footage? Did the cameras catch anything involving Nina?”

Claire’s frustration mounted at the mention of the footage. “Yes, it did capture something, but…”

With a sense of urgency, she pulled up the security footage and showed it to Alex. On the screen, Mr. Crow was seen sneaking into the café, a black plastic bag draped over him.

Alex watched intently as the “black plastic bag” flew in through the window. The bag then started hopping and bouncing around the floor, causing chaos throughout Cuddle Critters Indoor Park. It was impossible to determine what kind of bird it was.

Even if they managed to identify it, there was no way to connect it back to Nina. “Seriously, how can a bird be this smart?” Claire seethed, her fingers curling into tight fists.

Claire squeezed her fists so hard that her knuckles turned white. “Alex, those little animals I poured my heart and soul into, the ones I raised when I first started out. Now, thanks to that awful staff and team completely screwing me over, they’re all being handed off to Nina.”

Her voice quivered with emotion, tears streaming down her cheeks. “I couldn’t even keep them safe.” Claire looked up at Alex, desperation in her gaze. “Was it me? Did I mess up somewhere? Is that why she wants nothing to do with me?”

Alex’s heart ached as he watched Claire crumble before him. “Claire, we don’t have any actual proof that Nina orchestrated all of this.”

He gently wiped away her tears, trying to offer comfort. “With the whole Internet against you right now, if you go after Nina, everyone will just see it as you getting her wrong.”

Claire’s tears clung to her lashes as she waited for Alex to say something harsh about Nina, to really put her in her place. But he left it hanging, allowing the silence to stretch.

‘No way, that can’t be right,’ Claire thought, frustration bubbling within her. When she was younger, if she ever told Simon that someone was bullying her, he would track them down and ensure they faced consequences.

‘And Alex is my real brother, with way more power. Shouldn’t he be even tougher than Simon? Is it because Alex still can’t bring himself to hurt Nina?’ Claire wondered.

Just as she was about to voice her thoughts, Alex’s phone rang. “Something happened? I’m on my way,” he replied, ending the call.

Turning to Claire, he said, “Claire, there’s been a body found by the river. I have to head over there right now. When I get back, I’ll bring you some of your favorite chocolate mousse,” he added, hoping to lift her spirits a little.

With that, Alex grabbed his coat and hurried out the door. After Simon and Nina had been gaining the upper hand in several cases, Alex was burning with determination to crack a major case and prove that he was every bit as capable.