Animal Whisperer: Take Back My Life and Love Chapter 421: An Empty Seat of Honor

"It does not matter," Devon replied. His tone was casual, yet it carried an underlying sense of absolute certainty. "My personal studio is already well-established. I am not lacking for resources in this country."

Ramsay still found it hard to believe. "But for an actor of your caliber to go to a startup, you would be carrying the entire company on your back. You would have to build it from the ground up by yourself!"

Devon let out a soft laugh, his resolve clear. "Exactly. That is my intention. Only by doing that can I truly repay the favor I owe her."

He paused, a rare spark of genuine interest in his voice. "Besides, don't you think the company's prospects are fascinating? Just imagine. My future colleagues might all be talented, furry little creatures. Think of how much fun that work environment would be. More importantly," he shifted his tone, his words laced with the insight of a veteran, "I rarely misjudge people. This Nancy has a unique vision and a luck that brings success to any production she touches. Who is to say that in the end, I won't be the one being carried to even greater heights by her?"

If he could lure a superstar like Devon into Nancy’s company, Ramsay was more than happy to help. "Fine! With a promise like that, I am heading straight to Nancy with a glowing recommendation!"

"It is a deal, then. No backing out!"

…

Meanwhile, Nancy was already in a car heading toward the convention center.

She had originally calculated that she had more than enough time, but she had not anticipated the consecutive traffic jams on the main arteries of the city. As the watch face ticked toward 3:20, she could not help but grow restless.

The guard in the passenger seat saw her distress and offered a steady word of comfort. "Don't worry, Nancy. You were delayed because you were solving a case, which is far more important than a meeting."

Nancy could only manage a bitter smile.

Simon had traveled with Captain Simmons from the State Department. As an official participating officer, he was swamped with duties and had been running non-stop since the moment the plane touched down. Nancy, however, was there as a third-party special guest, which meant her schedule was supposed to be relatively flexible.

Her original plan was simple. Visit the zoo in the morning, have a relaxing lunch, and then attend the meeting with time to spare.

How was I supposed to know a quick lunch would lead to a poisoning case?

It seemed like cases followed her wherever she went. She really was becoming the police world’s version of a bad luck magnet for criminals.

She checked the time again: 3:23 PM.

There was no way she would make it now. Even if a helicopter dropped from the sky this second, she would not reach the venue on time. She let out a long sigh, staring at the stagnant sea of cars outside the window. One thought dominated her mind. I wish I had wings so I could just fly there.

Seeing her anxiety, the guard turned back to report. "We have already informed the organizers of the elite training. They know you were delayed by a sudden investigation."

Nancy felt a slight weight lift from her chest, but she remained tense. "That is good to hear, but this is my first time attending such a high-profile conference. The people there are the true legends of the police force. If they think I am acting like a diva on my first day, the first impression will be ruined..."

She tried to comfort herself. It’s a massive meeting. They surely won't wait for just one person, right? My seat probably isn't that visible. I’ll just slip in through the back and no one will even notice...

…

At that same moment.

The inaugural session of the annual Police Elite Exchange Conference had officially commenced in Hall One of the National Police Headquarters.

The magnificent hall, capable of holding hundreds, was packed to capacity. Young talents from across the country sat in various police uniforms, their postures upright and their expressions solemn.

The giant clock at the front of the hall pointed precisely to 3:30 PM.

The participants had all arrived ahead of schedule for a meeting of this caliber. Now, every eye in the room was fixed on the front row of the speaker’s platform.

In the center of that row sat a prominent nameplate: Nancy Summers.

The seat reserved for the conference’s guest of honor was currently empty.

What truly sent a chill through the room was who that empty chair was placed between. To its left and right sat the core leadership of the National Headquarters, officers whose ranks and badge numbers commanded immediate, silent respect from everyone in the building.

An elder man sitting in the center, his hair tinged with white and his presence naturally commanding, frowned slightly as he looked at the empty seat. His voice was booming yet carried a note of concern.

"Where is Miss Nancy? Has she run into some trouble on the road?"

Another high-ranking official beside him nodded. "Indeed. Nancy is not the type to be late without reason. Perhaps a sudden emergency?"

As they spoke in hushed tones, the side door of the meeting room opened quietly. A secretary hurried to the side of the National Chief Commander, leaning down to whisper a few word