Animal Whisperer: Take Back My Life and Love Chapter 291: The Golden Portfolio

Owen’s voice was quiet, but his words hit Nancy like a truck.

A hundred storefronts in prime city districts? And he called that a small gift? She gasped. It was enough to take her breath away.

Even by conservative estimates, a standard street-level shop in a first-tier city could pull in tens of thousands in monthly rent. For prime locations in core business districts, that figure could easily jump into the hundreds of thousands. With over a hundred properties, even if only half were occupied, the monthly cash flow would be in the millions. The annual revenue would be astronomical.

She stared at Owen, waiting for the punchline.

Owen’s eyes held a mix of grief and relief. "Thank you for showing me what my children really are. I spent my life providing for them, only for them to turn into vultures."

He saw her stunned expression and managed a weary smile. "To be fair, my kids already carved up most of the top-tier spots. These hundred or so are what’s left. The retail market is tough right now, and empty shops aren't always easy to fill. I’m too old to manage them anymore. They're yours to run, lease out, or sell."

His tone shifted, becoming more serious. "However, the unit in the Bellwood shopping center is the crown jewel. Keep a tight grip on that one. My children are still circling, looking for any scrap I have left."

Bellwood! Nancy knew the name. That was the most expensive real estate in the region.

"Take them," Owen said. "But I do have one condition."

He stroked Penny’s head and sighed. "If anything happens to me down the line, make sure Penny is looked after."

Nancy agreed immediately. "You survived this. You're going to be around for a long time."

"Thank you, Ms. Nancy," Owen said. "If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to call."

Noticing the exhaustion in his eyes, Nancy decided to let him rest. She gathered her things and prepared to leave. "I won't be shy. Get some sleep, and I hope for a fast recovery."

As she headed for the door, Penny nipped at her pant leg. The cat scurried off and returned a moment later, dragging one of his favorite jeweled collars in his mouth.

"I don't have money," Penny meowed. "But this is my favorite one. Take it. Thanks for saving my human."

Nancy’s heart melted. She took the collar and tucked it away safely. "I’ll come back and visit you soon, Penny. I promise."

Out in the hallway, Ben was busy on his phone. Seeing Nancy exit, he looked up. "Ms. Nancy, let me walk you out."

She saw how buried he was in his contact list and shook her head. "Don't worry about it. I know the way. You have enough to deal with."

Nancy set the cat carrier on the floor, waiting for the Tabby King to hop in. Instead, the cat’s nose twitched. He turned his head sharply toward the far end of the corridor.

Suddenly, he took off like a shot, a blur of striped fur disappearing around the corner.

"Hey!" Nancy yelled, grabbing the empty carrier and chasing after him. "Take it easy! This isn't our zoo. Don't go running off!"

She rounded the corner just in time to see the tail end of the Tabby King slipping into an elevator. The doors slid shut right in her face.

Nancy checked the floor indicator. The numbers were climbing.

"What is he doing?" she muttered. The Tabby King was usually the composed one. He must have picked up a specific scent.

She hammered the call button, but nothing happened. Then she noticed the card reader on the panel. This was a restricted executive elevator.

Nancy was about to turn toward the stairs when the elevator chimed and the doors slid open.

She froze.

Barry was standing inside, holding the Tabby King in his arms. Star was sitting at his feet, and Jorgan stood respectfully to the side.

Barry’s cold, sharp eyes were cast downward as his long fingers moved through the cat's fur. The contrast between his crisp black suit and the cat's coat looked like a professional portrait. The usually aloof Tabby King was purring, leaning into the man's touch.

Barry looked up and met Nancy's stunned gaze. He stepped forward and handed the cat back to her.

"He found me before you did," Barry said.