Animal Whisperer: Take Back My Life and Love Chapter 330: The Jealous Investor

"Once you're home, make sure you keep practicing the basics," Perry reminded her firmly.

Nancy had changed into a set of streamlined training gear. As Perry was helping her adjust her pads, his phone rang. It was his father.

"Perry, a potential investor is coming by the base for a tour. Make sure you handle the reception personally and treat them right."

Perry sounded confused. "Dad, I thought you said you’d never take on investors? You wanted full control. What changed your mind?"

On the other end of the line, Brent let out an awkward cough and lowered his voice. "Look... the guy offered way too much to say no." He quickly regained his serious tone. "Anyway, he’s a big deal. Make sure you take care of him."

Standing nearby, Nancy caught the gist of the conversation. "Perry, if you have actual business to attend to, I can come back another day."

"Don't worry about it," Perry said, hanging up with a quick smile. "We'll see how it goes when they get here. We have front-desk staff to handle the initial reception." He added earnestly, "I promised your brother I’d get you started properly. I’m not backing out on that."

After touring the massive facility, Nancy was feeling motivated. If I keep this up, I might actually be able to hold my own on a mission. Her energy was at an all-time high.

"Then let’s get to work."

Meanwhile, the investor who had offered too much was already on his way.

Perry started with the absolute basics. He had only demonstrated two movements when a set of footsteps echoed from the entrance of the training area. What followed was the overly eager, almost sycophantic voice of the front-desk clerk.

"Mr. Goodman, I assure you, Glory Training Base is the top-tier facility in Townsville. Our founder is a retired senior officer, and most of our coaches are former SWAT or military police. Our professional standards are guaranteed."

Nancy’s head snapped toward the entrance at the mention of the name. She blinked in disbelief as Barry appeared at the door.

The first thing she noticed was his physique. He was wearing a perfectly tailored black turtleneck that emphasized his broad shoulders and lean waist. He looked focused and intense. Nancy wondered why he had bothered to change out of the suit he was wearing this morning.

When Barry’s gaze swept over the crowd and locked onto her, Nancy felt a sudden, sharp surge of guilt. She instinctively looked away.

Wait… Why do I feel guilty? I haven't done anything wrong.

The clerk, oblivious to the tension, continued introducing Perry. "Mr. Goodman, this is the owner’s son, Perry. He’s a combat instructor for the state's SWAT team. He helps out here when he’s off duty, though he doesn't usually take on students personally."

Perry stepped forward politely to shake Barry’s hand.

Barry’s eyes drifted toward Nancy, his voice steady but cold. "I thought you said he doesn't take on students."

Perry laughed and explained, "This is a friend I’m looking out for. I promised her a session, and I can't exactly flake on her. Mr. Goodman, why don't you let the staff take you on a tour? I’ll join you as soon as I finish the basics here."

Nancy noticed that after Perry used the phrase "a friend I’m looking out for," the look in Barry’s eyes darkened even further.

The clerk tried to smooth things over. "Mr. Goodman, let me show you the equipment area first."

"No need," Barry interrupted, his hand held up to stop him. His eyes remained fixed on the training floor. "Get me a chair. I’d like to stay here and see the quality of the instruction for myself."

A chair was brought out immediately. Barry sat down and crossed his legs. He sat there in total silence, watching Perry guide Nancy through the most basic combat stances. He didn't say a word, but his presence was suffocating.

He had spent the entire afternoon pouring over her abnormal lab results, not even stopping for a cup of tea. He’d ignored invitations to international medical forums just to focus on her health. And meanwhile, she had run off to a training base to spend time with another man.

Barry’s face remained a mask of indifference, but he watched every move they made. He noted every time Perry stepped too close to her.

He wanted to see exactly how hands-on this grappling lesson was going to get.

Nancy’s skin crawled under Barry’s gaze. She became so self-conscious that even the simplest movements turned stiff and awkward. Even the experienced Perry was starting to feel the pressure. The investor’s aura was unnerving.

When Jacob finally burst into the training base, this was the scene he found. Barry was sitting at the edge of the mat, staring intently at the two people in the center of the room.