She Was the Treasure All Along novel Chapter 628

To verify Hugo's theory, Nightingale dug deeper, compiling her findings and sending them to the encrypted chat.

"The land area is too restricted for mass migration," she explained. "I factored in natural mortality rates and predator-prey attrition. It doesn't even come close to explaining the sheer volume of missing animals."

Nightingale pulled up several newspaper clippings and promotional videos. "Look at these two. The year before last, their PR team heavily publicized the intake of a herd of twelve adult zebras and several foals. But in a documentary filmed on the reserve later that same year, less than half the herd remained. The exact same pattern happens with antelopes, wildebeests, and even non-aggressive predators."

Storm let out a low whistle over the comms. "Wow. So what? The animals learned how to turn invisible? Or does this conservancy have a black hole that just sucks them up?"

Loyce's eyes turned icy. "Is there a pattern to the disappearances? Do the numbers drop after specific dates?"

Nightingale instantly caught her drift. "I'm cross-referencing Corinne's team's travel logs and the schedules of known elite donors now. I'll need a minute, but... Boss, I'm willing to bet this place is an illegal, private hunting ground for the ultra-rich. And they're using the 'rescue sanctuary' label to source their prey."

"The black-market price for an adult male lion is astronomical," Hugo pointed out. "But if you 'rescue' it, you get it for free. That's a hell of a profit margin."

"Pure profit," Storm agreed. "They charge VIPs millions to hunt, and they get the inventory for zero dollars."

"Keep me posted," Loyce ordered.

Closing the dark web portal, she sat at her desk, letting the pieces click together in her mind before finally getting up to wash her face.

Dressed in a loose silk nightgown, she leaned back on the sofa. Feeling restless, she dialed Lucian's number, but it went to voicemail.

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