Beast Tamer's Rebirth National Treasure Edition novel Chapter 168

Chapter 168

Chapter 168

Sierra’s mind was reeling.

Sarah’s words made her break out in a cold sweat.

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She’d always felt there was something off about this zoo, but last night, she just couldn’t put her finger on what it was.

She had considered asking the animals, but had no clue how to even begin.

Now that she thought about it, everything Sarah said had answered all her doubts.

The management at Harborty Zoo might be by the book, but the way they got their animals was shady.

If they wanted to import an animal like Sarah, it would cost at least 300 thousand dollars.

With so many animals at Harborty Zoo, there was no way they’d ever make their money back, no matter how much they charged for tickets.

So they bought poached animals for dirt cheap and shipped them in under the label of “rescue”. Even then, they were still cashing in on government subsidies, all while feeding the animals cheap pig feed to save money.

“Sarah, I understand now, but I don’t have any evidence yet. Let’s not make any sudden moves,” Sierra said quietly. “You said someone called to have the pig feed swapped out for real meals. Do you know who it was?”

“Richard Lane,” Sarah answered right away. “It was Richard Lane talking to another man, trying to cover up what’s really going on at the zoo!”

**

Sierra stepped out of the glass section and took a deep breath.

Sophie couldn’t understand what the animals were saying, but seeing Sierra’s face suddenly turn serious, even angry, she could tell something was definitely wrong at the zoo.

Sure enough, Sierra lowered her voice and said, “Let’s not tip them off. Act like you don’t know anything. I’ll fill you in when we get back tonight.”

The zoo staff had to know their feeding methods were off, so Sierra couldn’t let on that she’d noticed anything strange.

Sticking to the planned route, Sierra checked out the small animals in the other sections of the zoo.

With a breakthrough in hand, she found it much easier to ask questions and get answers from the animals.

And she stumbled upon a shocking secret.

Turned out, those animals that went viral online weren’t performing because they wanted to. The zoo had been losing money and cooked up a scheme.

They used harsh training methods to force a few animals in each area to do flashy tricks, all just to grab visitors’ attention. and get them to spend more.

The animals said, “The orangutans next door have it so rough. Whenever there are visitors, they have to stand up and do that begging-for-food act.

“The keepers say it makes people laugh and spend money, and that’s the only way the whole troop gets fruit and proper

meals.”

12:31 Sat, Jan 10

Chapter 168

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“The black bears aren’t any better off. The keepers are making them dance and jump through flaming hoops. They’re planning to start a circus show soon.”

“The red pandas at the hotel have it bad, too. They’re forced to put on a show or act cute just to get a single apple.”

By the time Sierra finished her rounds, her face looked really sullen.

She didn’t make it back to the hotel until the zoo was about to close.

The very first thing she did was get Mocha back with her.

But just as she got Mocha, Richard showed up.

Today, he was sporting another designer suit with a flashy logo, and when he saw Sierra, he strolled over with a cheerful smile.

“Ms. Sterling, how did your inspection go today?” Richard asked. Then he glanced at the red panda Sierra had with her and crouched down, giving it a gentle look.

He said, “This must be Mocha from the red panda section, right? I’ve heard it’s always causing trouble.”

With a smile, Richard added, “But you seem to really like Mocha. If you like it, I can arrange for it to be yours.”

Before Sierra could say a word, Mocha’s eyes sparkled with excitement.

“Wow! Can I really stay with Sierra? I want to! I want to! I really do!” Mocha said.

It thought, ‘From now on, I’ll be living the good life with Sierra. No more having to act cute for the guests just to get an apple.

‘Sierra is so nice. I’m sure I’ll never run out of big, juicy apples again!’

Mocha bounced up and down, its happiness written all over its face.

Mocha couldn’t stand Richard most days, but today he actually did something décent for once.

Mocha perked up, earnestly muttering, “Sierra, Sierra, can you really take me with you? I like you so much! I’ll just go tell my mom and then I’m all yours.

“I want to enjoy all the good stuff with you… Wait, no, I’d go through fire and water for you!

“I’ll always have your back, Sierra!”

Mocha was going all out, trying to prove just how loyal it was.

Sierra didn’t respond to Mocha.

Instead, she turned her gaze to Richard, who was sizing her up with a shrewd, calculating look.

Neither of them said a word, but their eyes locked in a silent battle.

Sierra broke into a smile and ruffled Mocha’s fur. “Actually, we hardly have any red pandas at our zoo. I’ve heard Harborty Zoo has the biggest collection in the country. If you’re willing to let me have one, I’d jump at the chance.”

Richard grinned. “Ms. Sterling, you’re young and already making waves. If you want a red panda, even just as a pet, I bet the authorities wouldn’t mind at all.”

“Mr. Lane!” Sierra’s expression shifted slightly.

END

12:31 Sat, Jan 10 JR G

Chapter 168

Richard blinked, confused about what he’d said wrong.

Before he could get a word out, Sierra shot back angrily, “What do you mean by that, Mr. Lane? Every animal at WonderWild Zoo is legit-no shady business with where they come from.

“If you want to give me a red panda, I’m all for it, but what’s the government got to do with it?”

Sierra’s eyes flashed dangerously, her tone sharp with anger and accusation.

But that was enough to put Richard’s mind at ease.

He’d heard that Sierra, despite her young age, had already been involved in several major animal cases. Her resume was impressive, and she’d made quite a name for herself in the industry in just one year.

When the official order came down so suddenly, he couldn’t help but wonder if the government had uncovered something and sent Sierra to handle it.

But after actually dealing with her, he realized Sierra was impulsive and hot-headed. Just a little probing and she’d fall apart.

He thought, ‘No way the higher-ups would send an idiot like her to investigate.

‘But Sophie…

Richard narrowed his eyes.

With Sierra causing all this commotion, he’d nearly overlooked the other woman right in front of him.

Compared to Sierra, Sophie looked way more experienced, and her credentials were seriously impressive. Maybe Sierra was just the decoy, and Sophie was the one he really needed to keep an eye on.

With that realization, Richard felt like he’d finally cracked the case. He gave a light chuckle. “Ms. Sterling, no need to get upset. I just misspoke earlier. You clearly have a soft spot for Mocha, so I thought I’d let you have it.”

Sierra kept up her angry front. “That’s barely an explanation, but for Mocha’s sake, I’ll let it go. My partner and I have more inspections tomorrow, so we’re going upstairs to rest.”

She turned to Sophie, her tone respectful. “Sophie, let’s head out.”

Sophie was sharp. She nodded, her face unreadable. “Mm.”

She gave Richard a brief nod and said coolly, “Mr. Lane, we’re heading up.”

Richard watched as Sophie kept her cool, not even flinching, and now he was absolutely sure his theory was right.

Sierra was just a smokescreen. Sophie was the real animal expert here.

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12:31 Sat, Jan 10