Chapter 160
The rainforest in Asnaoya was known as a forbidden zone for humans. 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 pythons, 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.
Avery 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 me out for dinner." She had been waiting.
Louis remained silent. Avery 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. Moran told me not to tell you."
Avery 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. Moran 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."
Avery remained puzzled. "No matter how valuable that diamond is, he wouldn’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 Avery couldn’t see was that Louis had covered his face with his hand as he said this, clearly feeling guilty toward his boss.
Avery was speechless. She was a little touched, but at the same time, she felt Alexander was being foolish.
After waiting a while without hearing a response from her, Louis said softly, "Miss Carter, there’s no need to worry too much. Mr. Moran is not someone with bad luck. He will definitely make it out of the rainforest."