Animal Whisperer: Take Back My Life and Love Chapter 290: The Woods Inheritance

Nancy blinked as the large, glowing sign of Goodman Corp Hospital loomed outside the car window.

"The Goodman Corp Hospital?"

She quickly realized it shouldn't be a surprise. Barry’s private medical empire spanned the entire country, with research centers even reaching overseas. Having a branch in Lindtsville was perfectly normal.

Ben nodded, his eyes filled with gratitude. "Goodman Corp is world-class for a reason. When Mr. Owen was poisoned, it triggered all his underlying health issues. It was incredibly grim."

His voice grew heavy. "We contacted several top specialists who had treated Mr. Owen before, and they all said there was little hope. But Goodman Corp took the case."

The butler let out a long breath of relief. "A top expert from the Goodman family personally led the surgical and internal medicine teams to draft a rescue plan. They literally pulled Mr. Owen back from the brink of death."

He sighed in genuine admiration. "In a crisis like that, I doubt anyone but Mr. Goodman himself could have stabilized the situation and turned the tide."

Nancy raised an eyebrow. Mr. Goodman? Did Barry come to Lindtsville, or was it a relative?

Once the car came to a halt, Nancy and Ben headed inside. The two cats were tucked into their travel crates as they rode the elevator up.

Inside the VIP suite, Owen was propped up against his pillows, an IV line running into the back of his hand. At sixty-seven, his hair had turned completely white.

Ben stepped forward and gently helped him sit up. "Mr. Owen, the detective who helped solve the case is here to see you. She brought Penny along."

Owen looked at Nancy, his voice weak but sincere. "Ms. Nancy, I owe you everything."

Nancy smiled and unlatched the carrier. "Penny did the heavy lifting. I was just the translator."

Penny darted out and leaped onto Owen’s lap, her paws kneading his legs as if checking he was still real.

"You're still here! Thank God! You scared me to death, I thought you were leaving me behind..." The cat looked up, her eyes glossy with unshed tears.

Owen used his free hand to stroke Penny’s fur. "I just came back from the dead," he remarked bitterly. "My children were nowhere to be found. The only one waiting for me in this room was a cat I’ve had for less than two years."

Nancy gave the Tabby King’s tail a gentle squeeze. "It’s alright. Cats are family too."

The Tabby King huffed, but his tail curled affectionately around Nancy’s wrist.

"You're right," Owen agreed, nodding firmly. "Penny is the only family who stays by my side every day."

Nancy hesitated for a moment before her expression turned serious. "Owen, I actually have some important news. You might want to brace yourself."

Owen straightened up. "Go ahead. I think I can handle anything at this point."

Nancy laid out exactly what his other three children had been up to. As she spoke, Owen’s face grew darker.

When she finished, he let out a cold snort. "I knew those three were rotten to the core."

Ben was fuming beside the bed. "Sir, you never lacked for anything when it came to them! Instead of being grateful, they stabbed you in the back!"

Owen waved a hand dismissively. "Enough. After going through this, I see things clearly now. Only Ben and Penny are truly loyal to me."

He turned to the butler. "Go handle it. I’m tired."

Ben bowed. "Understood. I'll have someone look into it immediately. Oh, and one more thing."

Owen gave the butler a meaningful look, and Ben nodded. He pulled a folder from the nightstand and handed it to Nancy.

"What’s this?"

Nancy flipped through the pages and saw they were property deeds for commercial storefronts.

Owen didn't have the energy for a long speech, so Ben spoke for him. "Ms. Nancy, Woods Corp owns prime commercial real estate in every major city. I’ll send you a file with all our locations. Pick whichever ones you like. Mr. Owen is giving them to you."

Nancy felt like she was dreaming. "Giving... giving me storefronts?"

Owen nodded. "Yes. I have over a hundred shops under my name. They're all yours."

He looked at her with a hint of melancholy. "It’s a small token of my thanks. I hope you don't find it too insulting."