Chapter 2

I kept my cool and replied, "Maybe they like me."

But inside, my mind was going wild.

I wanted to know how much the monthly pay was, whether they would provide room and board, what kind of benefits I would get, or if there was an annual bonus. Man, speaking animal was such a killer perk.

The butler soon walked over with the contract. The paper was luxurious, the writing sharp, and it carried a faint scent of wealth.

I glanced at it, and my heart slammed in my chest.

I counted the numbers in my heart. No mistake, that was 70 thousand dollars a month.

They offered meals and accommodation, a private suite, full reimbursement for pet expenses, paid annual leave, two free health checkups a year, plus extra medical insurance.

My hand was steady as ever as I signed my name, keeping my expression neutral.

But inside, my heart was about to burst with excitement.

I thought I'd hit the jackpot. I was rolling in it. Was this what they meant by "dying with no regrets"?

I should be grateful to the boss, the System, and my old manager, who only bugged me about those damn reports.

Trevor looked at me and said in a mild tone, "There was supposed to be a three-day trial period, but you can stay right now."

I gave a small nod. "Okay."

That night, I moved into the luxury suite.

It was more spacious and full of light than any apartment I'd rented. Not since my parents died had I ever had a real home like this.

There was a private bathroom, a jacuzzi, a smart toilet, and a massive floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the garden.

Fido sat at my door, clutching his favorite rubber ball, keeping a vigilant watch and refusing to budge.

Bobby hopped lightly onto my bed, curled up into a fluffy white ball, and purposely rested his tail right next to my hand.

Fido: [Sleep easy, Aimee. I'm on night duty. If any bad guys show up, I'll be the first to charge in. Nobody's tougher than me.]

Bobby: [Hmph, I'll allow you to sleep beside me, just this once. Don't fidget, or you'll have to answer to me if you wake me up.]

I gently petted the two warm, fluffy furballs, and my nose stung. I nearly burst into tears.

Those days of cramming into a tiny apartment and living off dried bread were finally behind me.

I could live like this forever.

The next morning, I bumped into Mandy as soon as I came downstairs.

She was holding a plate of brightly colored "imported snacks," sneaking over to Bobby's bowl, looking like she was about to poison him. And sure enough, she really was.

I shot a look her way, and my heart dropped.

I spotted a few grapes mixed in.

Every pet owner knew grapes were deadly for cats and dogs. They could cause sudden kidney failure. It was basic knowledge.

Before I could say a word, Bobby was already screaming in my mind.

Bobby: [That's toxic. It's poison. She's trying to kill me, that evil human. I've memorized her scent. Every time I see her, she's getting scratched.]

Fido's fur bristled as he jumped in front of Bobby, growling at Mandy, his back arched, ready to pounce.

Fido: [Bad lady, don't touch my buddy. Don't hurt Aimee's cat. I'll bite you. I mean it!]

I rushed over, grabbed the bowl, and dumped it straight into the trash without hesitation.

"Are you trying to kill them?" I said coldly.

Mandy's face went pale, but she forced herself to stay calm. "What are you talking about? These are imported treats. I had someone bring them all the way from overseas."

"Cats and dogs can't eat grapes. If you don't even know that, don't touch them," my voice was icy. "You did it on purpose."

Mandy's eyes were red with tears, her voice shaky. "I really didn't know. I wanted to make them happy. How could you accuse me like this?"

Her acting was almost Oscar-worthy.

It was too bad that she had no clue there were two eyewitnesses, a cat and a dog, plus me, as their interpreter.

Trevor happened to come down the stairs, dressed in a sharp suit, his hair still damp. He'd clearly just stepped out of the shower.

Fido immediately dashed over, latched onto Mandy's pant leg, and barked so loudly that it could've woken up the whole building.

Bobby leaped up and landed squarely on Trevor's shoulder, hissing at Mandy again and again, his tail puffed up like a squirrel, meowing nonstop, sounding both indignant and wronged.

Bobby: [She's evil. She tried to poison me. Trevor, kick her out. Or I'll go on a hunger strike.]

Fido: [Bad lady! Kick her out. I can't stand her. She smells funny. And yesterday, she badmouthed Aimee behind her back.]

I spoke in a steady, clear voice. "Mr. Wade, she gave them grapes."

Trevor's eyes went ice-cold in an instant.

Trevor was ruthless in business, but there was one line people couldn't cross: his pets.

Messing with Bobby or Fido was worse than messing with his money or power. That was something he'd never forgive.

He turned to Mandy, his voice cold as ice. "Who said you could touch my pets without asking?"