Animal Whisperer: Take Back My Life and Love Chapter 424: A Challenge to the Rules

"After all, your success rate in solving cases currently stands at a perfect one hundred percent!"

The Chief Commander scanned the room before adding, "Of course, investigations into the other cases will proceed simultaneously. Everyone is encouraged to discuss any new leads or ideas at any time."

He then proceeded to announce the format for this year's Elite Competition.

Everything would be decided by a points system. Anyone who provided a key lead for a cold case would earn points. The value of these leads would be determined by a judging panel, and directly identifying a perpetrator would result in a massive point payout.

Teams could be formed freely with a maximum of five members. Collaboration between squads was permitted, and points for shared breakthroughs would be split equally.

Ultimately, the individual with the highest score and most significant contribution would be crowned the champion of the competition, winning a custom-tailored fast-track for promotion.

This announcement made many eyes in the room burn with ambition. Everyone knew that this title meant having one foot already through the door of future leadership.

The highest-scoring team would earn the title of National Cold Case Task Force Elite. Their successful cases would become classic models studied across the country, and each member’s home department would receive extra annual funding and equipment upgrades.

"The rewards are not reserved only for the first-place winner."

The Chief Commander’s gaze swept the hall. "All participating teams will receive rewards based on their points. This could include higher-level database access, prestigious training placements, or priority for handling future complex cases. As for every participant," he paused, his tone solemn.

"Your performance and points in this competition will be recorded in your personal files as a vital reference for future promotions and evaluations. Those who excel will receive priority nominations for internships or positions within national security departments or major special task forces."

As the words fell, the atmosphere in the room ignited. These were the brightest young minds in the police force, and every eye was lit with the fire of competition.

Just then, a strange male voice rang out with a clear, provocative edge.

"Sir, I have an objection to the competition format."

Every head in the room turned toward the source. Nancy followed suit and saw a young man standing at his seat. He had sharp, upturned eyes and a piercing gaze. The nameplate in front of him read Marcus Marbles.

Nancy knit her brows slightly. The name and that arrogant face looked familiar.

Searching her memory, she remembered. Years ago, while she was still with the Summers family, she had attended a dinner in Bellwood with Chandler and Jack. Sitting next to Jack that night had been this Marcus.

He was the second son of the wealthy Marbles family and the deputy leader of the Bellwood special task force. He and Jack were quite close.

Simon was also well acquainted with Marcus. They had been in the same graduating class at the National Police University. However, the name Simon had always loomed over Marcus, whether it was in theoretical exams, practical simulations, or the final comprehensive evaluation. Marcus had always been a top performer, but as long as Simon was there, he was forever second.

The Chief Commander remained unmoved. "What is your objection?"

"To maintain the absolute integrity of the competition, I must point out a potential risk."

Marcus’s gaze slowly swept across the room before settling on Simon.

"Miss Nancy is a source of special intelligence, while Officer Simon is a competitor. This complex relationship between a relative and an intelligence source creates room for institutional doubt. I am not questioning their integrity, but I suggest we eliminate any suspicion at the source so that the winner's victory is flawless."

Marcus spoke with an air of self-righteousness. "Therefore, I propose that Officer Simon withdraws from the points race and serves as a consultant instead. This would better reflect the public fairness of the competition."

The expressions of those in the room turned subtle. The words sounded grand, but upon closer inspection, something felt off.

In the front row, a young detective leaned toward his companion. "Listen to Marcus. Does he think that if he partnered with Nancy and used her animal intel, he could become the next star of the department?"

The person next to him scoffed. "Switching partners? Forget being a genius detective, it is a miracle he would have survived until today."

A female officer nearby also frowned. "Wasn't the partnership between the department's twin stars promoted as a classic example of success? Nancy provides special intelligence from animals while Simon handles the analysis, tracking, and arrests. It is professional synergy. How can that be reduced to unfairness?"

Another officer shook his head and asked bluntly, "By that logic, if a forensic expert's younger brother is here, is he banned from competing? Does a medical examiner's son have to recuse himself too?"