Animal Whisperer: Take Back My Life and Love Chapter 345: The Takeover Bid

The receptionist spoke in a soft, practiced tone. "Your bill has already been settled. This is your exclusive membership card. Please keep it safe."

Nancy took the heavy card. The cool, metallic texture of the gold inlay gave her pause. She blinked her blurry eyes and looked at the woman in confusion. "Wait. When did I pay? And when did I apply for a card?"

Nancy wondered if the drinks were making her hallucinate. She rubbed her temples, feeling the world tilt slightly. The fruit wine at the banquet had tasted sweet and harmless, but the kick was delayed and hit like a sledgehammer.

"Consider it a specialized perk from Goodman Corp for our Chief Animal Consultant," Barry’s voice drifted over from behind her, laced with a hint of amusement.

Nancy spun around, her eyes widening. "You own this place?"

With millions pouring into her accounts lately, Nancy felt a surge of liquid courage. She felt invincible. "The food is excellent!"

She reached out and gave Barry a firm, approving pat on the shoulder. Then, she dropped a bombshell.

"Barry, just you wait. Once my capital is a little more robust, I’m buying this restaurant from you!"

The receptionist nearby nearly dropped her pen. No one called the owner Barry, let alone threatened a hostile takeover of his flagship bistro.

Barry didn't snap. He simply shook his head with a touch of exasperation. "The restaurant isn't for sale."

His gaze lingered on her cheeks, which were flushed a soft, dusty pink. "How much did you have to drink? You’re talking nonsense."

Nancy wasn't about to back down. She extended a single, shaky finger and poked him in his solid chest. "Just a little!"

Barry gently caught her restless hand. "That’s enough. It’s time to go home."

Instead of complying, Nancy reached into her pocket with a flourish and pulled out the black bank card she had intended to use for the bill. With a sharp slap, she pressed it against Barry’s chest like a wealthy socialite tipping a high-end escort.

"I’m putting you on notice, Barry! One of these days, this restaurant is mine!"

Before Barry could react, Nancy’s eyes were snatched by a glittering gold Cat figurine sitting on the reception counter. It was covered in sparkling gemstones. Without a word, she scooped the round trinket into her arms.

"The money on this card is enough for this! I’m taking the trinket as a down payment. I’ll take the whole building later!"

Nancy leaned in close to Barry, lowering her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "The PIN for the card is…"

Her voice was cut off as Barry clamped a hand over her mouth, muffling her into a series of vague whimpers.

Barry gripped the figurine in one hand and steered the drunken Nancy toward the private elevator with the other. He needed to get her out of the lobby before she completely humiliated them both.

The receptionist stood frozen, her eyes darting between the empty spot on the counter and the elevator doors. She played the scene back in her head. Who was this girl? Slapping a bank card against Mr. Goodman's chest with that kind of swagger was a move straight out of a nightclub.

The elevator doors slid shut, sealing out the noise of the bistro. Nancy had already reclaimed the figurine, clutching the round trinket to her chest like a mother cat protecting a kitten. Her expression made it clear: no one was touching her treasure.

Barry looked at her swaying figure and frowned. He reached out. "Give me the trinket for a moment. You’re going to drop it on your foot."

"No!" Nancy spun away, shielding the cat. "This belongs to my restaurant now!"

After a significant amount of coaxing and a few empty promises, Barry finally managed to get her into the car. He shut the door and signaled the driver to move.

Her battery finally exhausted, Nancy grew quiet. she slumped into the seat, still hugging her spoils, looking as satisfied as a cat that had successfully raided a larder.

Barry let out a long breath and carefully tucked her bank card back into her bag. As his fingertips brushed the plastic, he couldn't help but give her forehead a light, playful flick.

"Your guard is way too low. You almost shouted your password in the middle of a crowded lobby."

Nancy looked up, her eyes damp and focused on him with sudden, startling intensity. "It doesn't matter if I tell you."

The statement caught Barry off guard. Whatever lecture he had planned died in his throat. In the silence of the car, the sound of his own heartbeat felt uncomfortably loud.

Nancy hugged the figurine tighter, her logic perfectly sound in her own head. "You wouldn't want my pocket change anyway."

Her eyes lit up with a sudden, mischievous pride. "Besides, if you actually tried to steal my money, I’d just hire the Goodman Corp legal team to sue you! It’s called... embezzlement! Not only would you have to pay me back double, but you’d go to jail. And once you’re locked up, I can buy your restaurant at a massive discount!"

Barry nearly laughed in spite of himself.