Animal Whisperer: Take Back My Life and Love Chapter 341: The Hidden Agenda

"My resume is flawless, and I refuse to let it be stained by a sinking ship!"

A cold, mocking smile touched Nancy’s lips. "Empty promises, Jane?"

Nancy turned to face the rest of the group. Her voice was clear, ringing through the silent laboratory. "Jane, two months ago, a partner tried to steal your lead authorship on a major paper. Who was it that stayed up all night contacting journal editors and international societies to protect your credit? Who gathered the evidence that ensured you kept your reputation intact?"

The room fell into a heavy, suffocating stillness.

"I told you then that in this lab, every person’s hard work is respected," Nancy said, her eyes scanning every face in the room. "I am saying the same thing to all of you now. Ask yourselves. Since the day this project started, which of my promises have I failed to keep?"

The question forced the team to look at the facts. They began to mentally tally the reality of working under Nancy. The salaries and benefits were paid in full and on time, far exceeding anything the industry offered. She had vowed to kill off seniority-based politics, and several young researchers had already been promoted based purely on their results. She had guaranteed that resources would follow the research. Whenever the project needed high-end equipment or rare reagents, she found a way to get them. The atmosphere of fairness was undeniable. No one’s work was stolen, and every contribution was credited.

Every single point stood in direct opposition to Jane’s claim that the project was a failure. In the silence, the balance of loyalty began to shift.

Jane realized she was losing the room. She shot a sharp look toward two researchers in the crowd. A man and a woman immediately stepped forward to back her up.

"The past doesn't pay the bills," the man challenged. "The project is clearly in trouble right now. Who can guarantee we won't be out on the street tomorrow?"

The woman joined in with a sneer. "Exactly. Those past benefits were just breadcrumbs. What good are they if the lab shuts down next week?"

Nancy watched the three of them coldly. She noted the way they had formed a coordinated faction. In a research environment, cliques were poison. They killed efficiency and replaced science with toxic politics. Before Nancy could even address their performance, they had exposed their hand.

"Nancy," Jane said, sensing a final opening. "If the project is short on cash, I can help with the funding. I know several investors looking to move into biotech. I can get them to inject enough capital to keep us moving without breaking a sweat."

The offer caused a murmur to ripple through the room. "Jane, you actually have those kinds of connections?" someone asked.

"Of course," the male researcher chimed in. "Jane studied overseas. She knows people with real weight."

Nancy remained unmoved. "And when exactly did you start shopping my project around to these investors, Jane?"

She snapped her folder shut. "I made it clear during the hiring process that Peacemaker would not accept outside financing. I don't need you to find investors. Your job is to focus on the research and nothing else."

Jane flinched at the directness but quickly pivoted to a look of offended righteousness. "I’m trying to save this project, and you’re questioning my motives? Look at the situation. Why are you being so stubborn?"

A younger researcher finally spoke up. "Jane, that’s not fair. Nancy refused outside investment to keep the research independent. She wanted to make sure we kept the rights to what we build."

"What good is independence if we can't afford to keep the lights on?" Jane cut him off. Her voice rose to a screech. "I have the connections to bring in money right now. Give me two weeks. Just two weeks, and I can secure ten million in cash flow for this lab."

The number sent a shockwave through the room. Everyone knew that while many big firms looked successful, very few could move ten million in liquid cash on a moment's notice.

Nancy narrowed her eyes, her long fingers idly spinning a pen. "Ten million."

"That's right!" Jane lifted her chin, her face full of pride. "Who else in this room has that kind of reach?"

She shifted her tone, her eyes gleaming with calculation. "Of course, I’m not doing this for free. After all the legwork I've put in, I expect a corresponding return."

Nancy’s expression darkened as the reality of the play became crystal clear. This was the goal all along.

Seeing Nancy’s silence, Jane assumed she was finally considering the deal. She took a step forward, lowering her voice but unable to hide her ambition. "Nancy, that ten million isn't a gift. The investors have two conditions."