Animal Whisperer: Take Back My Life and Love Chapter 39: The Spoiled Master

"Jacob mentioned that your office is right near the sanctuary. It would be a perfect commute for you," Nancy argued.

Barry straightened his posture, his expression turning solemn. "I’m sorry."

"But I don't compromise for anyone."

Nancy bit her lip and looked at Star. She didn't want to leave the dog, but she refused to cave to Barry’s demands.

Star immediately gave his tail a supportive wag. "I'll support you, pretty lady! I mean, you're so awesome and there are so many other animals needing your help! Just refuse him all you want, I have my ways to make my owner give in to you!"

Hearing the dog’s support made Nancy’s heart swell with a mix of warmth and frustration.

Good dog! Bad human!

Seeing Star and Nancy whispering in barks and whimpers, Barry reached out and gently covered Star’s snout. "No talking behind my back."

Nancy grabbed Star’s front paw and glared at Barry. "Don't cover his mouth!"

Jacob stood to the side, eyes wide as he watched the two of them fight over a dog. Based on the dialogue, it sounded less like a high-stakes business negotiation and more like two toddlers arguing in a sandbox.

It was the first time he had ever seen the cold, ruthless "Yama" of the business world act so childishly.

Nancy stood up and smoothed out her skirt. "I decline your terms. You should find someone more 'qualified' for the job."

Barry didn't even lift an eyelid, his voice dropping to a freezing temperature. "Watch your step on the way out."

Jacob panicked. He hadn't expected the deal to collapse so spectacularly!

His supercar! His commission!

"Mr. Goodman," Jacob said cautiously, "I actually think she has a point. Why don't you just move into the sanctuary for a bit?"

Barry gave him a look that suggested Jacob was seconds away from an early grave. "Say one more word, and you can get out, too."

Nancy stormed out of the dog villa, oblivious to the fact that servants, the butler, and several "accidentally" passing guests were all watching the commotion.

By the time she returned to the grand ballroom, the news had already spread: Nancy had failed the consultation and had been kicked out by Barry.

The guests had taken their seats, and servers were beginning to bring out the courses as the preparations for Errol’s birthday celebration began in earnest.

Looking out at the sea of tables, Nancy realized she had no idea where she was supposed to sit.

Footsteps approached from behind. Nancy turned to see Jacob rushing up to her like a loyal sidekick. "You're at my table."

Nancy let out a sigh of relief. "At least you have a conscience. I thought you’d abandoned me."

However, as Jacob led her toward the head table, Nancy realized something was wrong.

"Wait, I’m not sitting with Barry and Errol, am I?"

Jacob nodded. "You're a guest of honor. Sitting at the head table is a huge mark of status."

"No way. I can't eat a single bite with Barry sitting there; I’ll just end up choking on my own anger."

Nancy shook her head vigorously. "Besides, I don't know anyone else there."

This was exactly the kind of social situation she dreaded—having to stand up for a group toast at the main table would be excruciating.

"Fine." Jacob didn't push her; in his eyes, his savior could do no wrong. He found her a seat at a neighboring table instead.

As soon as Nancy sat down, the people around her visibly shifted away. The guests at the table chatted amongst themselves, pointedly excluding her while tossing passive-aggressive barbs her way.

"I honestly don't know how some people can be so thick-skinned."

"Her skills were so poor she got kicked out, yet she’s still hanging around for the food."

"She’s probably just trying to use the 'doctor' excuse to sink her claws into Mr. Goodman."

"Stay away from her. You don't want to end up on her bad side, or you might find yourself 'accidentally' pushed down the stairs next."

Nancy ignored the whispers. She was staring at the menu, her mouth already watering. The deal might have fallen through, but she wasn't about to let a gourmet meal go to waste!

A server placed a platter of lobster sashimi in front of her. Nancy’s eyes lit up.

Suddenly, a hush fell over the room before a wave of hushed excitement took over. Barry had entered the hall, accompanied by a silver-haired man in a traditional Tang suit. They took their seats at the head table.

The older man carried an air of natural authority. This had to be the patriarch of the Goodman family and the guest of honor, Errol Goodman.

Star followed Barry out, sitting obediently at his feet. However, the dog’s damp eyes were fixed longingly on Nancy.

Barry followed Star’s gaze. While everyone else was looking at the head table, Nancy was staring at her plate of lobster with pure, unadulterated focus.

She ate quickly but with practiced elegance—a habit forced upon her by the high-pressure environment of the Summers household, where her schedule was so packed she usually only had ten minutes for a meal.

Barry ruffled Star’s ears. "I have no idea what you see in her."

At that moment, Chandler pushed Ginnie’s wheelchair back into the ballroom. Ginnie had changed into a soft lavender dress and looked perfectly put-together.

She greeted Errol with a sweet, filial smile. "Hello, Sir. I hope you liked the birthday gift I sent you?"

Errol clearly had a soft spot for Ginnie; a warm, grandfatherly smile spread across his face.