Animal Whisperer: Take Back My Life and Love Chapter 144: Double Rewards

Director Roberts didn't know the specifics of the history between Nancy and Brendan, but after hearing her words, it was clear the girl had endured quite a lot of hardship. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of sympathy for her.

His tone became even warmer and more resolute as he spoke. "I'll personally review the proposal for the special animal commission project that you and Captain Simmons submitted as soon as I get back tonight."

"First thing tomorrow morning, I’ll call a meeting with the relevant departments to push for its implementation as quickly as possible."

Nancy’s eyes lit up instantly, and a brilliant smile spread across her face. "That’s wonderful! Thank you so much, Director Roberts!"

"I should be the one thanking you," Roberts replied with a wave of his hand and a look of certainty. "By the way, there’s a specialized bonus for resolving this holdout situation. Brendan’s firm failed, but you succeeded. I’ll apply to my superiors to have that bonus paid out to you in full."

He paused for a moment, mentally calculating the figures. "The negotiations with that family had stalled at a three-million-dollar compensation package. Because of your discovery, that entire budget has essentially been saved. According to our reward standards for personnel who save significant public funds, I’ll apply for a special contribution bonus for you equal to ten percent of the saved amount."

Ten percent?

Three hundred thousand dollars?!

Nancy sucked in a sharp breath, unable to believe her ears. She had come here this afternoon simply to help resolve a demolition issue, only to stumble upon a homicide. And now, Director Roberts was telling her that the negotiation bonus alone was three hundred thousand?

Good heavens!

It felt as if a gold brick had fallen from the sky and landed perfectly in her lap. Between the credit for solving a murder and this massive demolition reward, she had essentially earned a double bonus in a single afternoon—while also significantly advancing the animal commission project. The sheer shock of the windfall made her feel dizzy, and her smile grew so wide it threatened to reach her ears.

Extricating remains from a concrete wall while keeping them intact was a delicate, time-consuming process. Nancy’s part was done, so she spent some time distributing all the cat food she had brought to the strays who had acted as lookouts around the site.

She crouched down and scratched the Tabby under the chin. "Your Majesty, what if... we move all these street brothers of yours to the zoo? They’d have a roof over their heads and never have to worry about food again."

The Tabby squinted his eyes in comfort but shook his head. No need. These guys are used to the wild. They have their own territories and their own ways of finding food. A cage couldn't hold their longing for freedom.

He flicked his tail, sounding like a wise old gang leader. Forced fruit isn't sweet, and a forced cat won't be happy. Their world isn't behind a fence.

Nancy felt a wave of affection and promised him immediately, "Alright! It’s a deal then. You stay in touch with them, and I’ll come by regularly to check on everyone. I’ll handle their checkups, deworming, and any medical needs. I won't miss a single one!"

The Tabby lifted his head in surprise, his pupils flickering. He let out a few loud mews as if issuing a royal decree. A moment later, over a dozen stray cats of various colors emerged from the shadows. They didn't approach, but sat quietly in a row as if forming a guard of honor to see her off.

Even more amusing was when several small cats stepped forward to leave "thank-you gifts" on the ground before Nancy—a stiff mouse and a cockroach that was still twitching. Nancy fought the urge to recoil, her lip twitching at the sight of this heavy-duty gratitude.

She spoke with the utmost sincerity and politeness. "Thank you! I... I really appreciate the gesture! But maybe you should keep those for your own midnight snacks!"

After saying goodbye to Simon, Nancy hummed a tune as she headed home with the Tabby and Snowball. At nine in the evening, she pulled her electric scooter into the Loren Zoo shed and let out a long sigh of relief after checking the time.

"Safe! I still have time!"

She dashed back to the staff dorms and quickly ordered a delivery of milk tea and fried chicken, specifically setting the drop-off location to the Reptile House. Tonight at ten was the final of the World Swimming Championships! She had promised the "Snake Coaches" that she would take them to watch their apprentices compete.

This year's championships were being held in Doransville, the capital of Camdovia. Since Camdovia was five hours behind Dracovia, it was currently mid-afternoon there—prime time for the broadcast. Tonight would be the ultimate test for the national swimming team after their special training with the animals. It was also the moment Nancy would see if her "bonus lottery ticket" would pay off!

She truly hoped the athletes would bring home a mountain of medals.