Animal Whisperer: Take Back My Life and Love Chapter 343: The High Ground 1

The whole lab was on fire. Everyone was pulling double shifts, fueled by pure adrenaline. Then, the real news hit.

Because their data was bulletproof and Nancy had the backing of the police and the industry bureau, the vaccine project officially landed a National Key status. They were handed a massive, interest-free government loan.

That changed everything. From here on out, the government was the bank. No interest, no begging for crumbs. The team could finally stop looking at the price tags and just build the damn thing.

When the news broke, the lab went nuts. Nancy didn't waste a second. She called it right then and there, the whole crew was heading to Cloudcity Bistro, the priciest spot in Townsville, for a victory dinner.

…

Over at a cramped table in the same restaurant, Jane was miserable.

Since she’d jumped ship, she’d been stuck playing waitress for her new boss, trying to land some difficult investor. They had booked a table at one of the best spots in town, but the guy was already bitching because they weren't in a private suite.

"Mr. Adam, I’m so sorry. The suites are booked out months in advance..." Jane’s face was starting to cramp from the fake smile she’d been wearing all night.

The investor wasn't having it. He pointed down the hall toward a set of massive double doors. "That room is empty. Go tell them to put us in there."

Jane looked at the Grand Suite. It was a huge, high-end room, currently sitting empty. Her throat felt tight.

"Mr. Adam, that’s... it’s reserved. We tried to get them to move, but they wouldn't."

"If you can’t even handle a dinner table, why the hell should I give you any money?"

As the guy tore into them, Jane felt a familiar pit in her stomach. Back in Nancy’s lab, she never had to deal with this crap. She didn't have to kiss anyone's ass or play politics. She just did her work.

Right as she was about to snap, she heard the one voice she never wanted to hear again.

"The suite’s ready. This way, everyone!"

Jane’s head snapped around. Nancy was leading her whole team toward the Grand Suite, laughing and joking like they owned the place.

Nancy gave a casual wave to the staff. "Great job today! Order whatever you want—it’s on the bill. After we eat, let’s talk about that team trip. You guys earned a real vacation."

"You’re the best, Nancy!"

The team started cheering. You could see it on their faces. They actually felt like they mattered. Nancy led them into the suite, looking every bit the winner. Nobody even glanced at Jane, who was standing in the corner looking like she’d seen a ghost.

"Jane! What are you looking at?" Her new boss barked at her. He looked at the suite Nancy just walked into. "Wait, isn't that your old boss?"

He thought he was being clever. "Since you two are such good friends... why don't you go over there and ask her to switch rooms with us?"

Jane went totally white. She tried to find an excuse, but the investor cut her off.

"Don't you dare," he hissed, the arrogance gone from his voice. "Don't you even think about messing with that woman."

He leaned in, his voice low. "Nancy’s vaccine just got the National Key stamp. The government is backing her. You want to go in there and pick a fight over a room while she’s celebrating? That’s how you get blacklisted. I’m not touching her."

He looked at Jane and her boss like they were idiots. "Forget it. We’ll sit here. It’s just a meal."

Jane’s voice went high and shaky. "Nancy... got the National Key status?"

"It’s a done deal," the investor said. He wasn't acting tough anymore; he sounded jealous. "The official word comes out tonight. Nancy’s probably the youngest lead in history to get that grant. She’s going places."

He sighed. "Too bad she doesn't need our money anymore."

He looked at Jane, his eyes cold. "Wait a minute... I heard you were on her team. What happened? Were you not good enough? Did she fire you because you couldn't keep up?"