She Outshines Them All (Athena and Matthew) novel Chapter 173

Chapter 173
The rainforest in Asnaoya was known as a forbidden zone for himans.
It spanned a vast area with complex terrain, including forests, ponds, mountains, swamps, caves, canyons, cliffs, and more, making it easy to get lost.
The climate there was unpredictable, shifting suddenly from sunny and scorching to pitch-black skies with torrential rain. Daytime and nighttime felt like two entirely different worlds.
The rainforest was home to dangerous creatures, such as pythors, venomous snakes, gorillas, leopards, piranhas, and hippos. Even more frightening were the invisible threats, venomous insects, mosquitoes, ants, and methane gases.
It was a place even the locals feared to tread.
Athena couldn’t understand and said, “He’s always been so composed and must know how dangerous that rainforest is. I don’t believe he’d take such a huge risk just to hunt down the rebel leader.
He promised he’d return soon to take her out for dinner.
She had been waiting.
Louis remained silent.
Athena could faintly hear his irregular breathing and asked again, “Are you hiding something from me?”
After a few seconds, Louis sighed. “There is something, but Mr. Graham told me not to tell you.”
Athena sighed too. “He’s been missing for so long and could be in serious danger. What are you still hiding?”
“You have a point,” Louis said quietly. “Before Mr. Graham entered the rainforest, he called me. He told me that both sides had fought all night, and the entire office area was nearly leveled,
“The vault containing the uncut diamonds was also destroyed, and the rebel leader took one of the safes
“Inside that safe was an uncut diamond freshly unearthed, and he couldn’t let it fall into rebel hands.”
Athena remained puzzled. “No matter how valuable that diamond is, he won’t care about it. He doesn’t lack money. It’s unlikely he’d risk his life for just one diamond.”
After a brief hesitation, Louis said, “He mentioned that the diamond was a rare green one, as big as a fist, and he thought it would suit you. He wanted to bring it back to craft into a piece of jewelry for you.”
What Athena couldn’t see was that Louis had covered his face with his hand as he said this, clearly feeling guilty toward his
boss.
Athena was speechless.
She was a little touched, but at the same time, she felt Matthew was being foolish.
After waiting a while without hearing a response from her, Louis said sofily, “Miss Donovan, there’s no need to worry too much. Mr. Graham is not someone with bad luck. He will definitely make it out of the rainforest.”
Athena replied. “I understand. Let’s leave it at that. Inform me immediately if there’s any news,”
She hung up the phone.
Then, she dialed a secure line.
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At first, there was some static from the other side, but after a while, a cold voice responded, “Boss.”
Athena said. I’m heading to the rainforest near the Graham Group’s diamond mine in Asnaoya to look for Matthew, and I plan to wipe out the local rebels while I’m at it. I need you to gather elite personnel and equipment and meet me there as fast as possible. How soon can you get there?”
Hearing that she intended to personally enter one of the most dangerous on the other end remained completely calm. “Is this a covert operation?”
Athena replied. “Yes”
places to search for someone and fight, the person
After thinking for about ten seconds, the person said, “I’ll start gathering the team now. Considering it’s a covert mission and we need to travel in separate groups, the earliest we can arrive is tomorrow night local time.”
Athena responded, “Alright, whoever arrives first, make contact!
The person on the other end added, “I must remind you, the conditions in the rainforest are extremely complicated. Military compasses and satellite phones might not work properly. If you enter the rainforest, finding the target might not be
easy.
Athena replied. “I gave Matthew a backpack and a ‘Guardian’ device, both of which have chips installed with tracking and recording capabilities. Once I arrive, Ill be able to locate the chip’s position.”
The person said, “You’re indeed the boss. I’ll start preparing right away.”
“Thank you.” After hanging up. Athena sent a message in the university faculty group chat. [This is Athena. I have soine urgent work to handle. so I’ll need about a week off. Apologies for the inconvenience.]
A teacher in the group quickly responded: [Go ahead, take care of your work. Come back whenever you’re ready. No rush.]
Athena sent a smiling emoji. [Thank you.]
By then, the bus returning the freshmen from military training had pulled into the campus parking lot.
Athena put away her phone and got off the bus with her classmates.
Students from the other buses quickly gathered around her, greeting her enthusiastically. “Athena, you’re amazing! You ranked first in all subjects and are a sharpshooter. Even the instructor was impressed. We really admire you!”
Athena smiled. “Thank you. I just have good eyesight.”
The students all chimed in, “You’re so talented, no need to be so modest.
As they were chatting, a bright and lively voice called out loudly, Athena, you’re finally back. I’ve been waiting for afternoon.”
الد
Athena turned and saw a young man running toward her from the basketball court, holding a basketball in one hand and waving with the other, his smile bright and charming.
She smiled and waved back at him.
The ladies standing near her lit up when they saw the young man. “Wow, he’s so handsome.”
Alaric jogged up to Athena and looked her over, concern evident on his face. “You’ve been training for so long. Are you. Did you get hurt? Are you feeling unwell?”
tired?
Athena shook her head. “No, I’m fine.”
Alaric asked. “Are you thirsty?”
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Chapter 173
Athena nodded. “A little
Alaric glanced around. “Wait here, I’ll go get you some ice cream
He ran off to the campus shop, moving quickly.
The ladies asked Athena. “That guy is really handsome. Is he an old classmate or a friend of hers?”
Athena smiled, just about to respond when a few more basketball players ran over, surrounding her. “So, you’re Alaric’s friend? You really do look stunning. He wasn’t lying
“No wonder Alaric set your photo as his phone wallpaper, always boasting about how pretty you are
“Athena, we re Alaric’s teammates. How about adding us on iMessage?”
“Back off!” Alaric dashed over, pushing his teammates aside. He handed Athena the ice cream, saying, “She’s only mine. contacting her behind my back
He had no intention of telling anyone that Athena was actually his younger sister, lest they start having ideas about her.
Athena didn’t bother to explain, taking the ice cream from him. Thanks.”
Alaric asked. “Where are you headed now? Want to grab a bite together?”
Athena shook her head. “I have to go home
she needed to pack her bags, choose her gear, and arrange for a flight to Asnaoya as quickly as possible.
Alaric smiled. “Alright, we’ll head back together then”
The young men around them started jeering. “Where are you two going together? Your love nest?”
“Move along!” Alaric grabbed Athena’s hand. “We live in the same neighborhood, so of course we should head back together
Then, with his head held high, he strutted past everyone, one hand holding Athena’s and the other spinning a ball on his fingertips, looking proud.
As they walked past, envious glances followed them.
Some envied him, while some envied Athena.
“Hey, isn’t that guy the heartthrob from the University of Technology? Tons of girls like him, but he never dates anyone. Is that girl his girlfriend?”
They look like a perfect match. His fans are going to be devastated.”
“I know the girl. She’s our new campus belle, Athena. I didn’t know she already had a boyfriend”
“Im taking a picture of this and posting it on the campus forum.
Alaric, caught up in his excitement, only had eyes for Athena. He kept asking her questions, completely oblivious to everyone around them.
Athena also ignored the stares and whispers.
Neither of them noticed Joy, who had just finished military training too, step out from the field. When she saw them, she froze for a moment, her eyes resting on Alaric for a few seconds before she quickly turned around, crouched down, and pretended to tie her shoes.