The Fake Heiress and Her Purrfect Partner novel Chapter 97

**Dreams Rise Again by Braxton 97**
**Chapter 97**

The atmosphere in the conference room shifted dramatically, a heavy silence enveloping the space as every pair of eyes turned expectantly toward Gordon. The air was thick with anticipation, and the tension was almost palpable.

Nina blinked, her curiosity igniting like a spark. “A bigger plan?” she inquired, her voice a mixture of intrigue and wonder.

“Precisely,” Gordon responded, his calm demeanor contrasting the charged atmosphere, as he gently tapped the Cockatiel on the head, a small gesture that seemed to ground him. “We cannot continue to treat these heroes as if they are merely temporary workers, compensated only for the tasks they complete. They deserve a framework, a set of rules that endure.”

He shifted his gaze toward Nina, his tone softening as he sought her input. “Nina, what are your thoughts? Should we create a pathway for them to advance, similar to our own merit-based system?”

Nina’s mind raced, utterly flabbergasted, her jaw nearly dropping to the floor. “Promotion? For Tabby King and Mr. Crow? Seriously, how would that even function?”

The very idea seemed ludicrous to her; she couldn’t picture the effortlessly cool Tabby Cat leading a meeting, nor could she envision Mr. Crow, the self-proclaimed show-off, delivering a grandiose speech.

Gordon chuckled at the bewilderment etched on her face. “Not that kind of promotion,” he clarified, his voice steady and reassuring. “It’s about putting in the effort, earning your rewards, and once you’ve accumulated enough merit, you simply move up—it’s as straightforward as that.”

He began to outline his ambitious vision with enthusiasm. “For instance, if they assist us in solving a case, they would be recognized as the department’s Bravery Hero for that achievement, receiving a cash bonus along with a special award certificate.”

He paused for effect, letting the implications of his words sink in. “And after they’ve contributed to three cases, or made a significant impact on a major case, they could be elevated to the status of Special Honorary Junior Detective—complete with monthly stipends, gourmet meals, and regular health check-ups.”

Nina’s eyes widened in disbelief, her breath hitching in her throat. This was far beyond anything she had ever envisioned. Unable to contain her enthusiasm, she blurted out, “Special Honorary Junior Detective? And… what comes after that?” Her heart raced with excitement.

Gordon met her gaze with a knowing look, then dropped the real bombshell. “If they accumulate enough merit—let’s say, solve five major cases, or provide ten crucial leads…”

He paused, emphasizing each word with deliberate clarity. “Then we could even contemplate designating them as Official Animal Detective Experts.”

“Official status?” Nina felt her heart leap in her chest. “You mean… like, an actual government position?” The thought of such a title being applied to animals was mind-blowing. ‘Is it possible that our furry friends could actually secure a comfortable job with the state?’ she mused, her mind racing with possibilities.

“Exactly,” Gordon affirmed with a nod, his eyes gleaming with excitement. “They would be placed on a special track, with all expenses covered by government funding.”

He continued to elaborate, painting a vivid picture of the future. “They would enjoy premium food, their own accommodations, and first-class healthcare—all the way until retirement. Their names and photographs would be officially archived in the police partnership records.”

Nina stood there, utterly speechless, her mind grappling with the enormity of what Gordon was proposing.

But Gordon wasn’t finished yet. A grin spread across his face as he raised the stakes even higher. “And if your zoo’s case-solving success rate exceeds seventy percent…”

He surveyed the room, his gaze sweeping across the captivated faces as he unveiled the ultimate vision. “We could even get the facility officially recognized as a National Rare Animal Behavior Research and Investigation Base, complete with a top-notch veterinary team on-site, and we would upgrade every facet of your operation.”

He glanced back at Nina, who seemed frozen in disbelief, and added with a playful grin, “We can’t keep expecting them to cover their own costs, can we? Our animal detectives deserve career aspirations and a sense of security. They serve the country, and in turn, the country should take care of them.”

In that moment, Nina could almost visualize a golden pathway unfurling beneath her and her animal companions, shimmering with potential and leading them toward a future overflowing with opportunities.

Meanwhile, Alex sat in the corner, his ears ringing. He could only see Gordon’s lips moving, but each word felt like a toxic dart piercing through the haze of his thoughts. The impact of every statement hit him like a slap, jarring him from his own swirling emotions.

He recalled how he had sacrificed a five-million-dollar painting just to secure a lead from that elusive collector. A metallic taste surged up his throat, but he forced himself to regain his composure, steeling his nerves.

Nina, striving to keep her excitement in check, crouched low and succinctly relayed Gordon’s ambitious plan to her animal friends.

As soon as she finished, the room erupted into a cacophony of enthusiastic chatter. Mr. Crow was the first to flutter over, his beady black eyes practically sparkling with excitement. “Bonus! Can we get paid in gold coins? I want to count them myself!”

Mr. Crow was already envisioning a mountain of gold, dreaming of the countless hiding spots he could create, for crows were notorious for stashing their treasures.

Coco paused in his relentless gnawing on a pinecone, absentmindedly adjusting imaginary glasses on his nose, striking a pose as if he were an esteemed scholar. “Expert? You mean like those super-famous brainiacs on TV news?” He was already daydreaming about donning a snazzy bowtie.

Chubby peeked out from a mound of pinecone shells, his eyes wide with astonishment as he zeroed in on the most enticing detail. “So no matter how much I eat, or what fancy brand of chow I want, the government will cover the costs?”

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